Nearly Official: Thompson Set for GOP Run

Tennessee Republican will launch campaign officially on Sept. 6
By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 30, 2007 7:04 PM CDT
Nearly Official: Thompson Set for GOP Run
Republican presidential hopeful, former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson R-Tenn., speaks at the Iowa State Fair Friday, Aug. 17, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa. Thompson urged patience on Iraq and declared himself unabashedly opposed to abortion as the all-but-declared candidate behaved like one Friday. (AP Photo/M....   (Associated Press)

After months of speculation, Fred Thompson is finally set to join the crowded field of GOP presidential hopefuls, the Washington Post reports. Aides confirm that the former Tennessee senator and "Law & Order" actor will make his bid for the White House official Sept. 6 on his campaign website. A whirlwind tour of early primary states will follow the announcement.

The 65-year-old Thompson, who has proven popular in polls, has a right-leaning Senate voting record. His image as a mainstream conservative with Hollywood flair plays well among voters, but he has drawn criticism for taking too long to announce his long-anticipated run. Fundraising woes and frequent staffing changes have also fueled doubts about the Thompson campaign. (More Fred Thompson stories.)

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