2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Thompson Announces Tennessee Leadership Team

Thompson Announces Tennessee Leadership Team
Distinguished Tennessee Republicans Working for Thompson Campaign

McLean, VA -Senator Fred Thompson announced his extensive Tennessee political leadership team today.  Senator Howard Baker will serve as the honorary chairman of the Tennessee delegation, joined by 13 honorary co-chairs and 61 honorary state chairs, reflecting the depth of support for Senator Thompson in Tennessee. This leadership team includes two former United States Senate majority leaders, current and former members of Congress, former governors, and every Republican member of the Tennessee state legislature.

"I am grateful for the wide support I'm receiving from my home state of Tennessee," said Senator Fred Thompson. "This group of old friends, former colleagues, and distinguished Tennesseans will provide invaluable support for my bid for the presidency."

Sen. Howard H. Baker, a longtime political mentor of Sen. Thompson, brings a lifetime of distinguished public service as the honorary chairman of the Tennessee leadership team. His long career as a public servant began in 1966, when Baker became the first Republican popularly elected to the U.S. Senate from Tennessee.  In addition to gaining national recognition as vice-chairman of the Senate Watergate Committee in 1973, Baker served two terms as Senate Minority Leader and concluded his Senate career in 1985 after two terms as Majority Leader.

There are 13 honorary co-chairs for the Tennessee leadership, an illustrious list of senators, governors, congressmen, and a lieutenant governor. They are Senators Lamar Alexander, Bob Corker, and Bill Frist; Congressmen Marsha Blackburn, David Davis, Jimmy Duncan, Zach Wamp, Van Hilleary, Bill Jenkins, and Ed Bryant, Governors Don Sundquist and Winfield Dunn, and Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey.

Senator Lamar Alexander , a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the third ranking Republican on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and member of the Senate Rules Committee.

Thompson to Begin TV Ad Campaign in Iowa, Nationally

Thompson to Begin TV Ad Campaign in Iowa, Nationally
Thompson: 'Our Rights Come From God, Not From Government'

McLean, VA -- Touting his 100 percent pro-life voting record and reminding voters that "our rights come from God and not from government," Senator Fred Thompson launched a pair of television ads set to begin airing on Wednesday statewide in Iowa and nationally on Fox News.  The 30- and 60-second spots are set in a diner, featuring the Senator sitting at a counter discussing his consistent conservative values.

"In eight years in the United States Senate, I fought for tax cuts, and for conservative judges," says Senator Thompson in the spot. "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."

The spots, both named "Consistent Conservative," can be viewed at https://www.fred08.com

In recent weeks, Sen. Thompson has aggressively campaigned in the early states, and will spend multiple days in New Hampshire, South Carolina and Iowa in the first half of this month. He has also recently campaigned in the early-voting state of Nevada. 

Below are the transcripts of both advertisements.

Consistent Conservative (60 seconds)

I'm Fred Thompson and I approve this message.

I've been a conservative my whole 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.  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 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.

Consistent Conservative (30 seconds)

I've been a conservative my whole life.

I grew up in a little hometown just like this.

I learned a long time ago that we're a country where, if you play by the rules, you've got a fair chance to live the American dream.

Common sense conservative principles. If we stick to those basic principles, we'll win next November and the United States of America will be better for it.

I'm Fred Thompson and I approve this message.

Thompson Campaign Announces Veterans for Fred Thompson Leadership

Thompson Campaign Announces Veterans for Fred Thompson Leadership

Mclean, VA - Today on the steps of the State House in Columbia, SC, surrounded by numerous veterans, Senator Fred Thompson was joined by Major General James Livingston and Lieutenant Colonel Joe Repya to launch Veterans for Fred Thompson.

Major General James Livingston, a 33 year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, will serve as the National Co-Chair of Veterans for Fred Thompson.

“I am proud to support Senator Fred Thompson,” said Major General James Livingston. “He will bring to the White House a long record of support for our armed forces and veterans, coupled with a commitment to improving the effectiveness and accountability of the federal government.  This is critical if we are to rebuild the level of trust and confidence that our military personnel and their families have in the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.”

Lieutenant Colonel Joe Repya will serve as National Executive Director for Veterans for Fred Thompson.  Lieutenant Colonel Repya served 28 years in the United States Army from 1969-1998.  He was a combat infantry officer in Vietnam from 1970-1971 as well as a combat helicopter pilot in Desert Storm between 1990-1991.  Immediately following September 11, 2001, Lieutenant Colonel Repya was one of 12,000 retired US Army veterans to volunteer for retiree recall and he was one of 350 who were recalled to active duty for Operation Iraqi Freedom.  At 58 years old, he returned to active duty in 2004 with the 101st Airborne Division.  Lieutenant Colonel Repya served as Minnesota Co-Chair and National Spokesperson for Veterans for Bush-Cheney 2004.

"If I have learned anything in my military and civilian life, it is that a good indication of someone's future performance is their past performance,” said Lieutenant Colonel Repya.  “There is only one Republican Presidential Candidate that has been constantly true to the principles of strong national defense, pro-life, pro traditional marriages, pro second amendment, smaller government and strong immigration reform. So it is a personal honor to join the team that will elect the 44th President of the United States, Fred Thompson."

“I am so honored to have the support of Major General Livingston and Lieutenant Colonel Repya,” said Senator Fred Thompson.  “These individuals have dedicated their lives to defending America and fighting for freedom throughout the world, and I am pleased to have their support.  I want to thank all of the veterans joining this coalition for their remarkable service to this great nation.  I am committed to ensuring that all of our nation’s veterans receive the very best, because their sacrifice demands no less.”

Veterans For Fred Thompson Coalition includes:

National Steering Committee

General Carl Stiner , Co-Chair
Major General James Livingston , Medal Honor Recipient, Co-Chair
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Repya , Executive Director
Lieutenant General James Terry Scott
Brigadier General John C. "Doc" Bahnsen
Captain John Dowd
Captain James H. Warner               

Iowa

Tech Sergeant Royd Chambers (State Representative), Chairman

Fred Thompson Iowa Reagan Day Dinner Photo

Fred Thompson Announces Congressional Leadership Team

Fred Thompson Announces Congressional Leadership Team
High Ranking Republican Congressional Leaders Working for Thompson Campaign

McLean, VA - Today Senator Fred Thompson announced his Congressional Leadership team:  Senator Lamar Alexander, Senator Bob Corker, Congressman Zach Wamp, and Congressman Adam Putnam will serve as Fred Thompson's liaisons on Capitol Hill.

Senator Lamar Alexander will serve as the Congressional Liaison for the Fred Thompson Campaign.  Elected to the Senate in 2002, Senator Alexander has served previously as the Governor of Tennessee from 1979-1987, President of the University of Tennessee from 1988-1991, as well as Secretary of Education from 1991-1993 under President George H.W. Bush.  He currently serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, is the third ranking Republican on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and is a member of the Senate Rules Committee and the Environment and Public Works Committee.

"Fred Thompson is a great friend whose record reflects consistent commitments to conservative principles," said Senator Alexander. "He is the right man to lead this nation and I look forward to spreading his message as his Congressional Liaison."

Tennessee Senator Bob Corker will serve the Thompson campaign as the Senate Liaison.

"Fred Thompson is a thoughtful conservative, a great communicator and has an independent nature which will allow him to make good decisions on behalf of our country," said Senator Corker. "Fred is my friend and I'm proud to be supporting him."

Congressman Zach Wamp of Tennessee will serve as Co-House Liaison for the Thompson campaign.

"Fred Thompson is the most presidential of any candidate from either party," said Congressman Wamp.  "As a consistent conservative, Fred is strong, resolute and prepared to lead America through the challenging days ahead."

Joining Congressman Wamp as Co-House Liaison is Congressman Adam Putnam of Florida. 

"Senator Thompson has the qualities necessary to lead this nation in the face of growing global challenges," said Congressman Putnam. "I look forward to helping spread our shared conservative values and I am honored to serve as his Co-House Liaison."

"I thank my good friends for their leadership in Congress and I am honored and very pleased to have them serve as Congressional Liaisons for my campaign," said Senator Fred Thompson.  "I have seen the strong leadership of Congressman Wamp and Congressman Putnam in Congress, and I have watched Senator Alexander and Senator Corker serve as great ambassadors for the people of my home state.  These leaders share in my commitment to small town values and conservative principles, and I look forward to working closely with them in the months ahead to spread our consistent conservative message."

Fred Thompson Adds to New Hampshire Organization

Fred Thompson Adds to New Hampshire Organization
Former Executive Director of the New Hampshire Republican Party Joins Thompson Campaign

McLean, VA - Fred Thompson's Presidential campaign announced today that Charlie Arlinghaus will be joining the campaign's New Hampshire operation as Senior Advisor. 

"Senator Fred Thompson has the conservative values and principled leadership that we need in the White House," said Charlie Arlinghaus.  "He will fight to protect our free markets, keep our taxes low and provide for the safety of this nation in the face of growing global threats.  Fred Thompson's message of smaller government and more personal freedoms is directly in line with the voters of the Granite State.  I am honored to join his organization and look forward to spreading his message throughout New Hampshire."

"Charlie Arlinghaus is one of the brightest and most experienced political minds I've ever known," said Randy Enwright, National Political Director.  "His experience and knowledge of New Hampshire specific issues will be a great asset to our organization in the 'first in the nation' state.  We are very pleased to have him join our team."

They Said It: "Helped Themselves a Lot Tonight: Fred Thompson"

They Said It: "Helped Themselves a Lot Tonight: Fred Thompson"

"Helped Themselves a Lot Tonight: Fred Thompson"

-          National Review

"We had been waiting for any speech, any debate appearance, any event with Thompson to be a 'wow, that was fantastic.' Well, tonight was that moment we've been waiting for."

-          National Review

"Fred Thompson delivers the first blow..."

-          ABC News Political Radar

"Fred going on offense."

-          Politico

"Thompson revved up."

-          Time

"Kudos to Fred Thompson for coming out swinging tonight."

-          Townhall

"He [Fred] ought to get serious points for guts."

-          National Review

"'If a man can do all that and be lazy, I recommend it to everybody,' Thompson said to loud applause. Nice comeback."

-          Politico

"That was a really, really strong response from Thompson" [Reference to final question]

-          NBC

"Fred Thompson did quite well. Once again, he ended strong."

-          Townhall

"Thompson's ability to slug it out with Giuliani, coupled with overall improvement in the quality of his answers, makes him one of tonight's winners."

-          Powerline

"But if this debate is remembered at all, it will probably be because Fred Thompson, arguably a sleeping giant, seemed to wake up."

-          Powerline

STATEMENT FROM THOMPSON CAMPAIGN MANAGER BILL LACY ON FOX DEBATE

STATEMENT FROM THOMPSON CAMPAIGN MANAGER BILL LACY ON FOX DEBATE

"Fred Thompson set the agenda for tonight's debate which largely focused on the question of who is the authentic conservative in the race. Fred delivered a strong and Presidential performance. He started fast and never slowed down. Fred made a very strong case that he is the authentic conservative in this race, establishing that his credentials go all the way back to his reading of Barry Goldwater's The Conscience of a Conservative. He also pointed out on a number of occasions where his opponents records fall short.

"Fred was strong in his insistence that the Democrats want to lead the country in the wrong direction and strong in demanding first principles for the GOP. His answer on social security was courageous, showing strong leadership.

"As voters get to know the records and philosophical background of all the candidates they will know Fred is their best choice. Tonight's debate went a long way to getting this across."

Senator Inhofe and Congressman Sullivan Endorse Fred Thompson for President

Senator Inhofe and Congressman Sullivan Endorse Fred Thompson for President
Endorsements from Leaders of Key February 5th State Another Sign of Thompson's Growing Momentum

McLean, VA - In another sign of Thompson's growing momentum, Senator Jim Inhofe and Congressman John Sullivan of Oklahoma today endorsed Fred Thompson for President of the United States.   These endorsements today further strengthen the campaign's organization and standing in Oklahoma, a key early primary state on February 5th.

Fred Thompson stated:  "I am so honored that my good friend Jim Inhofe is joining my team.  We worked closely together in the United States Senate fighting for conservative principles such as lower taxes, smaller government, and a strong military.  With his help, we will take our conservative message and agenda all the way from the campaign trail to the White House.

"I am also honored to have the endorsement today of Rep. John Sullivan from Oklahoma's First Congressional District.  Like me, John has been a strong advocate for lower taxes and limited government, and I look forward to working closely with him in the coming months as we take our shared conservative principles directly to the American people."

Senator Jim Inhofe stated: "Even before he officially announced, I came out in support of Fred because of his tremendous experience, his leadership, and his proven record in support of conservative values.  As Americans get to know Fred over the next few months, they will quickly find a man committed to winning the War on Terror and ready to finally secure our borders.  They will find a man of experience who helped bring change to Congress as part of the 1994 conservative revolution.  And finally, they will find, as I have, a man of deep character and principle, ready to take on the tremendous challenges facing our country today."

Congressman John Sullivan stated: "I am proud to support Senator Thompson.  He is a backer of fiscally responsible spending, positive immigration reform and correcting our nation's broken health care system."

They Said It... Fred Thompson At Michigan GOP Debate

THEY SAID IT... Thompson steals the show

The reporters agree...armed with his consistently conservative record and problem solving vision for the future, Senator Thompson passes the test by standing out from the crowd and offering real solutions for real problems.

Passed the Test

"Fred Thompson is passing his first big test." ("Spotlight on Thompson in GOP debate," Political Intelligence, Boston Globe, 10/9/07).

"If this was a test, artificial as it may have been, Thompson passed it. He demonstrated that his campaign has density. He did not fall for any of the traps that the moderators laid for him." ("The Debate: Thompson Passes A Test; Giuliani and Romney Spar," The Atlantic, 10/9/07).

"In the rest of the debate, Thompson showed that he was comfortable and prepared, even for the silly attacks from other candidates." ("Fred Wins, Chris Loses," Captain's Quarters Blog, 10/9/07).

"Thompson's Prep Work is paying off. He clearly prepared for the debate and has enough facts and statistics to back up his answers." ("Thompson's Prep Work," The Atlantic, 10/9/07).

Stood Out From the Crowd

"He seemed to demonstrate all that homework paid off, using a lot of facts and figures when appropriate, able to handle questions on a range of subjects. His team feels more than satisfied. His competitors now, knowing Thompson is in second place, will continue to try to chip away at his ability to be a strong campaigner. There's much more to watch on this." (NBC Nightly News, 10/9/07).

"The candidate both are trying to outflank with the party's conservative base, Fred Thompson, likely quieted critics of his early campaign stumbles with a steady, sure-footed performance in his first presidential debate.....fluttered the hearts of Republicans who've been longing for a Southern conservative to rally behind." ("Rudy, Romney and Thompson spar in debate," Newsday, 10/9/07).

"And yet, Fred Thompson's plain spookiness on broad themes-- smaller government  state's rights-- do seem to be  resonating with voters.  In Iowa, home to the nation's  first caucus, he has moved into  second place and more than half  who support other republicans  say they might switch to  Fred Thompson if they knew him  better." (CBS Evening News, 10/9/07).

"Thompson's performance was measured and pretty strong...he proved that not only he belongs but he is a force that is not going away." ("The Republican Debate in Dearborn: Reaction," Christian Broadcasting Network, 10/9/07).

"And the Winner Is.....Fred Thompson." "Romney could have had a good line with that Law & Order joke. But Thompson proved he's not just some guy with a script. Romney looked like he is one." "Best Line, Hands Down, Fred Thompson's "and to think I thought I was going to be the best actor on the stage." (The Corner, National Review, 10/9/07).

Offered Real Solutions for Real Problems

"Take Social Security's long-term solvency, an issue on which moderator Maria Bartiromo said Thompson was one of the few candidates offering specific solutions. Thompson used the question to return to his larger theme for the debate -- things are OK now but we are walking a dangerous line for our future. "We are eating our seed corn, we are spending their money," Thompson said. "We're better than that."

("Thompson the Tone Setter", The Fix, Washington Post, 10/9/07).

"Fred Thompson has held his own and gave the best answer on war powers question."

(The Corner, National Review, 10/9/07).

"Thompson: for eclipsing (artificial) low expectations; for holding his own. For giving specifics about how he'd solve the long term solvency problems of Medicare and Social Security. He seemed to give the best answer in re: unions." ("The Debate: Thompson Passes A Test; Giuliani and Romney Spar," The Atlantic, 10/9/07).