Statement from Sen. Fred Thompson
McLean, VA - Senator Fred Thompson today issued the following statement about his campaign for President:
"Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States.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. Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people."
Thompson Campaign Announces New South Carolina Ad
Sixty-Second Spot to Run as Virtual Roadblock During Evening News on Thursday
McLean, VA - Citing his "100 percent pro-life voting record" and "common sense conservative principles," the Thompson for President campaign unveiled its latest 60-second television commercial that will air between 6:25 and 6:30 p.m. on Thursday evening across nearly every major broadcast channel and market in South Carolina.
The spot, titled "Consistent Conservative," highlights the Senator's consistent conservative values. This is the fourth advertisement that the Thompson campaign has aired in South Carolina.
Below is the text of the ad:
Fred Thompson: I'm Fred Thompson and I approve this message.
I've been a conservative all my life.
I grew up in a little hometown just like this.
Started the first Young Republican Club in Lawerenceburg, Tennessee.
In eight years in the United States Senate, I fought for tax cuts, and for conservative judges.
And I'm proud to have had a 100 percent pro-life voting record.
Common sense conservative principles. Free people and free markets and a government that doesn't tax and regulate us to death, but defends us and protects our borders.
In a country where, if you play by the rules, you've got a fair chance to live the American dream.
My friends, we must remember that our basic rights come from God and not from government.
And if we stick to our basic conservative principles, we will win next November and the United States of America will be better for it.
Announcer: Strength, Conviction, Honesty. Fred Thompson, President.
Statement from Thompson for President Campaign Manager Bill Lacy on Michigan Primary Results
McLean, VA - Thompson for President Campaign Manager Bill Lacy released the following statement on the results of the Michigan Primary:
"Tonight's results in Michigan make two things clear: First, the Republican campaign for President remains wide-open. Our party faithful are still looking for someone who meets all the qualifications they seek: A true consistent conservative with the experience to keep the country safe. Second, Mike Huckabee's campaign to be John McCain's Vice President has hit a snag. He has gone from the mid-thirties in Iowa to 11% in New Hampshire and now about 15% in Michigan.
"On higher taxes and looser immigration, Huckabee has been done his best these past few weeks to mimic McCain. But this is nothing new. In fact, while John McCai n was leading the Senate charge to grant amnesty for illegal immigrants, Mike Huckabee was one of the loudest cheerleaders. And at the same time McCain was voting against the Bush tax cuts, Huckabee was in Arkansas increasing taxes some 21 times.
"As for Mitt Romney, he has been all over the map on virtually every issue important to conservative voters.
"As the contest moves to South Carolina, look for Romney, McCain and Huckabee to face serious questions about their commitment to consistent conservative principles. Their records are in stark contrast to Fred Thompson, who remains the one true steadfast conservative in this race.
"The bottom line is that tonight is a whole new ball game and tomorrow morning begins a brand new campaign where Republicans are looking for the clear conservative choice."
Thompson Launches New South Carolina TV Ad, "Always"
Thompson: "Friends, we're in a fight for our conservative values."
McLean, VA - Senator Fred Thompson today launched a new 30-second television ad, titled "Always," which will begin airing Tuesday statewide in South Carolina.
"Fred Thompson is building momentum heading into the South Carolina primary, and this new TV ad will ensure that voters across the Palmetto state know that Fred is the only consistent conservative in the race," said Campaign Manager Bill Lacy.
Below is a transcript of the new advertisement.
"Always" (30 seconds)
Friends, we're in a fight for our conservative values.
I'm a conservative. Always have been. Always will be.
I'll fight against amnesty and benefits for illegals.
I'll work to keep your taxes low and keep a prosperous economy.
I'm 100% pro-life, that's why South Carolina Citizens for Life endorsed me.
And you can trust me to protect our security against Islamic radicals.
I'm Fred Thompson and I approved this message because with your help, we can win this fight.
I'd appreciate your vote Saturday.
They Said It Part II: "Winner: Thompson"
Fox News' Frank Luntz: "Clearly it was Fred Thompson who won the debate."
"Winner: Thompson. This performance was so commanding, I wanted his last answer to echo back to the lights in the back of the auditorium, blow out all the lamps and spotlights, for the theme to 'the Natural' to play, and for him to trot around the stage in slow motion while sparks showered down in the background." (National Review, 1/10)
"Thompson slams Hucakbee" (Charleston Post and Courier Blog)
"Tonight, Fred Reminded Me of Roy Hobbs" (National Review, 1/10)
"Fred Thompson was funny, biting and energetic. Easily, his smoothest performance.."(NBC, 1/10)
"[T]hey saw a strong presence, from a candidate in control of his facts." (ABC, 1/10)
"I'm guessing...his style played VERY well with South Carolina Republicans." (NBC, 1/10)
"In this debate, Thompson brought the conservative challenge to Huckabee. To the extent that Huckabee was the leader going in; Thompson gained at his expense." (Columbia, SC's TheState.com Blog)
"Fred Thompson turned in another strong debate performance, and Frank Luntz's focus group confirms it." (ABC, 1/10)
"This was Fred Thompson's second strong debate in a row" (Atlantic, 1/10)
"For once I'm in total agreement with Frank Luntz's focus group - they loved Fred." (National Review, 1/10)"
They Said It: "Thompson Rocks Tonight"
It wasn't just the media who had great things to say about Sen. Fred Thompson's debate performance. On FOX News, Frank Luntz's focus group had Sen. Thompson overwhelmingly winning the debate.
"Fred was on a roll." (Politico.com, 01/10)
"Thompson Roars...Mr. Thompson comes in swiftly and sharply to this discussion and blasts Mr. Huckabee." (New York Times Blog, 01/10)
"Fred Thompson came to play tonight... he's scoring some points tonight." (ABCnews.com 01/10)
"Thompson took off after Huckabee." (USAtoday.com, 01/10)
"Mr. Thompson rocks tonight." (New York Times Blog, 01/10)
"Mr. Thompson is out-toughing his rivals tonight on illegal immigration." (New York Times Blog, 01/10)
"Fred drops a daisy cutter on Huck." (Politico.com, 01/10)
"He's laying the smack down, that's for sure. Fred is about South Carolina, and made it clear who his target is." (msnbc.msn.com, 01/10)
"Mr. Thompson draws the biggest applause of the night so far with his litany of accusations against Mr. Huckabee, including the charge that he is basically a Democrat." (New York Times Blog, 01/10)
"This is a fine, fine performance by Fred Thompson." (ABCnews.com 01/10)
"Thompson Goes After Huck...Thompson's offensive gets audience cheers." (TheAtlantic.com, 01/10)
"The guy is showing himself, of late, to be a fairly decent debater. This little rant against Huckabee was strong." (msnbc.msn.com, 01/10)
"Could that be the sound of Thompson bouncing?" (Slate.com, 01/10)
Statement by Communications Director Todd Harris
McLean, VA -Thompson for President Communications Director Todd Harris released the following statement on tonight's debate:
"There were two tiers of candidates in tonight's debate: Fred Thompson, and then everyone else. Fred came to win tonight and that is exactly what happened. No other candidate on that stage showed the same commitment to conservative values, grasp of foreign policy and national security, and the ability to talk straight and direct with the American people.
"Our campaign is 'all in' in the Palmetto State. Tonight's performance will go a long way to demonstrate that Fred Thompson is the only candidate they can trust to be a strong consistent conservative with the experience and judgment to lower taxes, keep the country safe, fight illegal immigration and secure our borders."
Statement from Communications Director Todd Harris
McLean, VA - Thompson Campaign Communications Director Todd Harris released the following statement on tonight's New Hampshire Primary results:
"Tonight's results, with no clear frontrunner, prove the GOP nomination is wide open. The next battlefield is South Carolina, where voters are far more conservative than in New Hampshire and deeply concerned about illegal immigration in America. Fred Thompson is uniquely positioned for victory in the Southern states. He is the only true conservative with a plan to end illegal immigration and protect our sovereignty."
THOMPSON CAMPAIGN MOVES TO SOUTH CAROLINA
With voting still underway in New Hampshire, Fred Thompson's campaign for President today announced decisive moves to win South Carolina's vital Republican Primary. Staff, resources and advertising will all be focused on playing to win in the Palmetto State.
"Our campaign has long viewed South Carolina as the decisive contest in the opening of the 2008 campaign. We fought hard to get there and we intend to win there," declared campaign manager Bill Lacy.
The campaign's new South Carolina focus includes the "Clear Conservative Choice" bus tour, a statewide media buy beginning Thursday, and deployment of additional staff and measures to free additional resources for the fight.
"This campaign is going to be a South Carolina campaign. Our local South Carolina team, headed by veteran strategist Dean Rice, will be calling the plays on the ground. Everything from our ads to our bus schedule is going to be driven by South Carolina," explained Lacy.
The campaign's headquarters staff is going above and beyond the call of duty to shift the focus to South Carolina, as well. National office staff will work for reduced pay through the South Carolina voting.
"We are happy to be hitting the trail in South Carolina before the competition. Fred is already in the state and already winning votes. Fred has enjoyed an enthusiastic response in South Carolina. We are confident the next ten days will lead to an even greater response," Lacy added.
What the Media is Saying About Fred Thompson's Debate Performance
"Fred Thompson was solid"
"Fred is solid. He just is....he has clearly given a great deal of thought to very big issues." (Mark Levin, 1/6)
"Fred's having a good night." (National Review Online, 1/6)
"Fred Thompson was solid" (National Review Online, 1/6)
"Fred is ever steady and ever conservative. It is hard to see why movement conservatives would not consider him seriously if Romney loses on Tuesday." (American Spectator, 1/6)
"On Social Security reform, Thompson sounds like a grown-up." (National Review Online, 1/6)
"Rudy is here...but he almost seems overshadowed by Fred (!) out of the gates." (Politico, 1/6)
"Fred Thompson talks as if he's polished off a tall glass of truth serum before he sat behind the desk tonight." (National Review Online, 1/6)
"...It appears that he just took Huckabee to school on the legal rules regarding captured al-Qaeda at Guantanamo Bay." (National Review Online, 1/6)
"It seems like between tonight and last night, Fred Thompson has found a style he's at home with, that works well for him..." (National Review Online, 1/6)
"Fred slides the knife in gently when he turns to Romney: 'Wasn't that Ted Kennedy at the bill signing for your health care plan?'" (National Review Online, 1/6)
"Then he explains to Huckabee that bringing Gitmo prisoners here would give them Habeus Corpus rights that they don't currently have. It's another Arthur Branch moment that works quite well for him." (National Review Online, 1/6)
"Thompson comes out and says the obvious - that all the talk of "change" is a reaction to Iowa, and that change is an inherent part of any election. 'I think what is more important is leadership.'" (National Review Online, 1/6)
"Fred knows how to do it. When he hits Romney on foreign policy, it doesn't sound snippy and bitter like McCain has done it this weekend." (National Review Online, 1/6)
"You've got to love his role as the grumpy conservative truth-squader for everyone. If only he could sit in on the Democratic debates too." (Rich Lowry, 1/6)
