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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

(Newser) – 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.

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... (Associated Press)

Former Senator and yet to announce Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson shakes hands with fairgoers at the Minnesota State Fair Monday, Aug. 27, 2007 in Falcon Heights, Minn. (AP Photo/Jim... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful, former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson R-Tenn., holds a baby pig at the Iowa State Fair Friday, Aug. 17, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) (Associated Press)

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Nearly Official: Thompson Set for GOP Run

Tennessee Republican will launch campaign officially on Sept. 6

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

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Fred Thompson • campaign finance

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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Sheldon Adelson is fine with Mitt Romney as nominee: Wall Street Journal

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That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

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Fundraisers emboldened by Obama's endorsement

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Dahlia Lithwick says court is ill-equipped to deal with comedy

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Newser By Users

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