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Thompson Might Call It Quits

Expected to drop out without a strong showing in Iowa

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 3, 2008 3:21 AM CST
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(Newser) – Insiders say GOP presidential hopeful Fred Thompson will probably drop out of the race if he doesn't do well in Iowa, Politico reports. The former senator and "Law & Order" actor's candidacy generated a lot of excitement in its early days but never gained much traction nationwide.

Thompson himself has been telling reporters he's aiming for second place in Iowa, but polls put him a distant third behind Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee, and his campaign is said to be broke. Thompson is widely expected to give his endorsement to John McCain if he drops out, although Thompson's advisers have made it clear that no deal has been cut.

Republican Presidential hopeful, former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson gestures during a campaign stop at the Mason City Elks Club in Mason City, Iowa, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008. Democratic and Republican candidates are going all out Wednesday to encourage supporters to vote for them in the close Iowa caucus Thursday. (AP...
Republican Presidential hopeful, former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson gestures during a campaign stop at the Mason City Elks Club in Mason City, Iowa, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008. Democratic and Republican...   (Associated Press)
Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson poses with Ellie Senne, left, and Charlie Mosher, right, during a tour of Allison, Iowa, Monday, Dec. 31, 2007. Thompson is expected to drop out of the running if he fails to do well in the state. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson poses with Ellie Senne, left, and Charlie Mosher, right, during a tour of Allison, Iowa, Monday, Dec. 31, 2007. Thompson is expected to drop out of the running if he...   (Associated Press)
Former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., left, who plays District Attorney Arthur Branch, actor Sam Waterson, right foreground, who plays Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy, and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, center, and other cast and crew members of the television series Law and Order, break in the filming in...
Former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., left, who plays District Attorney Arthur Branch, actor Sam Waterson, right foreground, who plays Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy, and New York City Mayor Michael...   (Associated Press)
Republican presidential hopeful and former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson campaigns at the Mason City Elks Club on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, in Mason City, Iowa. Democratic and Republican candidates are going all out Wednesday to encourage supporters to vote for them in the close Iowa caucus Thursday. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Republican presidential hopeful and former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson campaigns at the Mason City Elks Club on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, in Mason City, Iowa. Democratic and Republican candidates are...   (Associated Press)
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Thompson campaign fading
Wall Street Journal

Thompson's relaxed style may not be helping
St. Petersburg Times

 
Mitt Romney • John McCain • Fred Thompson • Mike Huckabee • Law and Order • Republican candidate • Iowa caucuses

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