Thompson Drops Out

By: Paul Lim
College Press Staff Writer

 

 

 

A candidate who came into the race with loads of momentum and hype then fizzled quickly as the pressure of the primaries went on.  Former Tennessee Senator and “Law & Order” actor Fred Thompson ended his bid for the Presidency after poor showings in the primaries.  He says, “I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort.”

Many say South Carolina was the last straw.

Jumping into an already crowded race, the last to announce his candidacy, and what has been called a “laid-back” campaign did not fare well for the 65-year-old Thompson.

Thompson started his campaign in early September with an announcement on “The Tonight Show”.

He had a strong following among conservatives who were unsure with the other candidates in the race.  He grew in viability as a candidate when other tough conservatives like Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) and Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) failed to gain any momentum.  Conservatives doubt former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee with his stand on illegal immigration and Arizona Senator John McCain has made many policy decisions that make other Republicans unsure about him.

Conservatives, like radio host and author Mark Levin, are hoping Conservatives move towards candidates like former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.  While they may not see Romney as the “most conservative”, Romney is still seen as one to uphold the values of the conservative voter.

In a race still without a stable front-runner, Thompson’s conservative following is definitely up for grabs.