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Posted: January 22, 2008 4:57 PM
Thompson Ends Role as Presidential Candidate
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Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson dropped out of the presidential race Tuesday, ending his run for the White House after poor finishes in early primary and caucus states.

“Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States,” the politician and actor said in a brief statement e-mailed to supporters. “I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort. Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people.”

After months of rumors, Thompson announced his candidacy in September during an appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, but well after nearly every other Republican candidate. He ran on the platform of true conservatism, often harking back to the days of Ronald Reagan’s presidency.

And though Thompson generated much excitement and high expectations among Republicans, politics-watchers and fans of Law & Order, he and his message failed to resonate among voters.

Indeed, Thompson’s best showings in the race were third-place finishes in Iowa and South Carolina. (He finished second in the less-competitive Wyoming.) And it was his disappointing showing in South Carolina that sealed his fate.

Thompson spent a great amount of time and staked a great deal on his campaign in South Carolina, with his campaign going as far as saying it was all in for the contest.

But Thompson finished a distant third, behind Arizona Sen. John McCain and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, respectively, all but ending his run and bringing to mind the lyrics of a certain song.

As for Thompson’s next political move, he has not endorsed any other candidate though many expect him to throw his support behind McCain. And as for Thompson’s next acting move, “Law & Order” is in reruns because of the ongoing writers’ strike.