Thompson candidacy gets S.C. boost

A group of S.C. lawmakers have joined the charge to get former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson into the 2008  presidential race. "We want to be that extra encouragement that Sen. Thompson needs to announce his candidacy," said Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Berkeley, who led a morning press conference at the State House. Because South Carolina is expected to host the  first-in-the-South Republican presidential primary tentatively scheduled for early February, Grooms said it is important that Thompson hears he has support here.

Discussion of a possible Thompson candidacy has continued to persist in political circles, despite an already-crowded field of at least 10 challengers.

Similar calls for Thompson' s entrance into the race have gone forward from state legislators in Georgia and Texas recently, Grooms noted.

"There are many folks in the state, including myself, who feel something is lacking in the other candidates," Grooms said.

There is a national "draft Thompson" movement afoot, though Wednesday's announcement is unaffiliated. The Associated Press reported today Thompson will establish an official organization next week to weigh a White House bid.

Third District U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, R-S.C., also attended the announcement.

"For me, he fits," Barrett said.  Barrett said Thompson, who until recently starred on the hit television series, "Law and Order," shares more of his "conservative and social values" than other announced candidates in the '08 race.

Comments

[Palmetto Patriot]

Another Hollywood actor in politics? No thanks! He's just not strong enough nor dependable enough - especially on the Latin-American invasion commonly called "immigration." Ron Paul or Tancredo would be far better for the South and the rest of America.