Former Senator Fred Thompson has made the decision that many were expecting following his third place showing in Saturday’s South Carolina primary.
“Today, I have withdrawn my candidacy for president of the United States. I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort,” the former Tennessee senator said.
Thompson is the second Republican to leave the race since voting actually began in early January. On Saturday, Congressman Duncan Hunter also abandoned his long-shot campaign.
It’s been rumored that Thompson would likely endorse his old friend John McCain, but no announcement is being made at this time. It is possible that the McCain campaign would want to use that endorsement prior to January 29th’s Florida primary, but there could also be reason to wait. Thompson’s endorsement in early February could be a crucial last-minute momentum boost for McCain heading into the Super Tuesday primaries.
Thompson’s exit from the race will free up those who have endorsed him to now back other candidates. As an example, former New York Senator and Thompson-supporter Al D’Amato threw his backing behind John McCain today.
January 23rd, 2008 at 12:45 am
WND is now forced to push for either Huckabee or Ron Paul.
I guess that proves that they are merely influenced, rather than completely owned, by the Council.
I think Thompson made himself pretty clear about Gov. Huckabee.
January 24th, 2008 at 6:50 am
The only thing clear was that Governor Huckabee was the man to beat, so rehearsal for the acting career of his life! And hey, it worked Thompson did a good job in that debate. Thompson should endorse Governor Huckabee. They share common views.