2008 Presidential Candidate Profile

Senator Fred Thompson (TN)


 



 Noteworthy

Campaign Contributions: $12,828,111

Attorney He later served as co-chief counsel to the Senate Watergate Committee in its investigation of the Watergate scandal, (1973–1974). In 1977, Thompson took on a Tennessee Parole Board case that ultimately toppled Tennessee Governor Ray Blanton from power on charges of selling pardons.

Actor The 1977 Ray Blanton-Tennessee Parole Board scandal later became the subject of a 1983 book, Marie, by Peter Maas. Thompson was asked if he wanted to play himself in the movie.
In the final months of his U.S. Senate term in 2002 during Senate recesses, Thompson joined the cast of the long-running NBC television series Law & Order.

Clinton Impeachment Senator Thompson voted not to convict President Clinton on article 1, the perjury article, but voted "guilty" on article 2, the Obstruction of Justice article.

HIRED HAND....Fred Thompson, the conservative Great White Hope, is opposed to abortion. Completely opposed. Unrelentingly opposed. Unless someone pays him to lobby in favor of it, that is 7/6





 




Fred Thompson

Party:Republican

Residence: Lawrenceburg, Tenn.

Marital Status:Sarah Elizabeth Lindsey (Knestrick), 1959–1985; div.
Jeri Kehn, 2002–Present

Prev. Occupation: character actor, senator, lawyer, lobbyist, public speaker, radio personality

Prev. Political Exp.:U.S. Senator (TN)

Education:Memphis State University

Birthdate: August 19, 1942

Religion: Church of Christ

Term:1+ term; In 1994 Thompson was elected to finish the 2 remaining years of Al Gore's term.

First Elected:1994 - 2003

Percentage in Last Election:1996; 61%

Personal Net Worth:

 
 
Campaign Contributions
 

Top Industries

1

Retired

$946,296

2

Lawyers/Law Firms

$709,364

3

Real Estate

$493,600

4

Misc Business

$326,954

5

Securities & Investment

$300,375

6

Business Services

$248,879

7

Misc Finance

$188,680

8

Health Professionals

$174,675

9

General Contractors

$126,900

10

Oil & Gas

$112,650

11

Civil Servants/Public Officials

$105,650

12

Computers/Internet

$105,161

13

Commercial Banks

$94,625

14

Lobbyists

$90,000

15

Misc Manufacturing & Distributing

$82,550

16

Insurance

$80,700

17

Retail Sales

$79,850

18

TV/Movies/Music

$77,800

19

Automotive

$74,400

20

Building Materials & Equipment

$72,900

 
Endorsements
 
Louie Gohmert (R-TX)
Lee Terry (R-NE)
Roger Wicker (R-MS)

U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
Former U.S. Senator Al D’Amato (R-NY) (from Rudy's backyard)
Former U.S. Senator Bill Frist (R-TN)
Former U.S. Senator Howard Baker (R-TN)


U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-SC)
U.S. Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN)
U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer (R-IN)
U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA) (a former Democrat who switched parties to Republican)
U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL)
U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL)
U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) (Impressive Leader in the House)

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) (Great Leader and Former National Co-Chair for Romney)
U.S. Rep David Davis (R-TN)
U.S. Rep. John Duncan (R-TN)
U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN) (Leader of the FDT movement)

RNC Committeewoman Denise McNamara (TX)

Majority of the Missouri state legislature

Majority of the Tennessee state legislature
Significant number of the Texas state legislature
41 current North Dakota state legislators (including: State Treasurer Kelly Schmidt, Public Service Commissioners Tony Clark and Kevin Cramer and House Majority Leader Rick Berg of Fargo and 5 Senators
)
 
On The Issues
 
Issue Position
Abortion Thompson told FOX News Sunday in March 2007 that he is "pro-life," and that he believes Roe v. Wade was based on "bad law and bad medical science" that could be remedied through the appointment of "good judges." While serving in the Senate he voted for the Partial-Birth Abortion Act of 2000.
Death Penalty Thompson has said that while "the use of DNA evidence to clear long-held prisoners from murder charges proves that we need to be more careful about handing out death sentences," scientific studies have shown "that the death penalty deters murders." Thompson voted for a 1996 bill to limit death penalty appeals. In a 1994 political questionnaire, Thompson indicated support for "impos[ing] the death penalty for certain federal crimes, including civil rights murders, rape and child molestation murders, death resulting from drive-by shootings or carjacking, and murder of court officers or federal witnesses."
Immigration Thompson said there is "no good solution" to the problem of illegal immigration but that border enforcement must come before any other legislation.
While he was a member of the Senate, Thompson voted to allow more temporary immigrant workers and more highly skilled immigrants. He also voted to limit welfare benefits for legal immigrants.

Marriage Thompson said he believes Americans should be "a tolerant people" but added that he opposes "special rights" for anyone. He said that "Marriage is between a man and a woman, and I don't believe judges ought to come along and change that." Thompson also said, however, that states should have "great leeway" in deciding whether to allow civil unions between gay partners.
Stem Cell Research Thompson told the National Right to Life Conference in June 2007 that he supports adult stem-cell research, but not "stem-cell research where embryos of unborn children are destroyed."
Iraq

Thompson said in March 2007 that he would do "essentially what the president's doing" on Iraq, though he noted that mistakes have to be "rectified." He said he has "faith" in General David Petraeus' leadership. Thompson warned, then Iraq will become a "haven for terrorists" and the resulting instability could lead Sunni countries to develop nuclear weapons as a counterweight to Iran's nuclear program.

(pewforum.org)

 
Related Articles
 

A call to end illegals' refuges Fred Thompson yesterday became the first major presidential candidate to embrace attrition. WashTimes 10/24

Fred Thompson's Role of a Lifetime Chicago Tribune 10/23

Thompson fares poorly in 'values' straw poll The Hill 10/22

'Values Voters' Flock to Thompson David Paul Kuhn, The Politico 10/20

Thompson Says He, Not Giuliani, Is a True Conservative NY Times 10/16

The Conservative Case For Fred Thompson In 2008 John Hawkins, Townhall 10/12

Tiptoeing on the Third Rail Fred Thompson at least acknowledges Social Security reality. Washington Post 10/12

What is the Point of Fred Thompson? Gail Collins, New York Times 10/11

Michigan Debate: Thompson Wins, Matthews Loses 10/10

No Doubt Thompson Is In The First Tier Byron York, National Review 10/10

Bar Low For Thompson As Debate LoomsThe Politico 10/9

Thompson Turns to Taxes Amy Schatz, Wall Street Journal 10/8

Thompson Campaign Raises $12.7 Million in Funds CNSNews 10/8

He Can Act, But Can Thompson Debate?New York Times 10/8

Thompson defends marriage stand Courier, 10/3

Fred Thompson: No More Mr. Nice Guy Roger Simon, Politico 10/2

Why Fred Thompson Will Win Peter Mulhern, American Thinker 10/1

Thompson launches low-key pitch to evangelicals 9/30

Evangelical Leader Counters Dobson; Supports Thompson 9/24

Thompson Stumbles, Gains Ground 9/24

Fred Thompson on the Issues 9/24

Thompson's Campaign Plagued by Errors 9/23

Thompson Shrugs Off Dobson Criticism 9/21

Thompson: Candidate's harsh reviews clash with polls 9/21

Dobson on Thompson: 'Not for me, my brothers' 9/20

Fred Thompson is Clearly in Over His Head 9/19

FRED THOMPSON APPEARS TO HAVE NO OPINION ON TERRI SCHIAVO EUTHANASIA CASE 9/17

Is a Fred Thompson Campaign Necessary? 9/13

Thompson Piles on Southern Charm 9/12

The Thompson Bounce Thompson’s gains since announcing have come primarily among conservatives likely to vote in a Republican Primary. 9/10

Fred Thompson: Rudy Giuliani's Pro-Abortion, Republican Views Don't Mix 9/10

Thompson's Slow-Pitch Softball 9/10

Thompson's Delay Was No Mistake 9/7

Thompson Enters Race From Tonight Show Couch 9/6

The Ticket A Giuliani-Thompson ticket would be an excellent thing. 9/6

Thompson Focuses on Conservative Image 9/6

It's Showtime for Fred Thompson 9/5

Thompson Soft on Illegals in Senate Votes

The Long Hello Finally, the Thompson campaign achieves liftoff. 9/4

How Thompson's Delay Helped Romney 9/4

Thompson Plans to Crash This Party 9/2

The Fred Factor 9/2

After Months of Flirting, Thompson Is Almost In 8/31

Thompson Struggles as Launch Looms 8/28

Fred Thompson's Revealing Backstory 8/23

Thompson vs. Giuliani On Gun Control 8/22

Thompson to “Go Bold” In Coming Campaign 8/21

Blogger files FEC complaint against Thompson 8/21

Fred Thompson's rope-a-dope 8/20

Thompson: I Don't Think I'm Late To The Race 8/16

Thompson's Campaign Undeclared, Not Invisible 8/15

Is the Good Ship Fred Righting Its Course? 8/14

Thompson wife Jeri caught between two stereotypes 8/9

Fred Thompson: Criticism of My Wife Should be Directed at Me 8/7

The Myth of Fred Thompson & Watergate

Jeri Thompson is No Trophy Wife 8/2

It’s Competence, Stupid! Look who is giving to Fred Thompson. 8/1

Fred Thompson, Neocon 7/30

Fred Thompson Nears Entry Into GOP Prez Race, Pro-Life Sen. Heads Bid 7/27

In Online Writings, Thompson Flashes His Conservative Credentials 7/27

Is Fred Thompson the GOP's Savior? 7/26

Thompson gains among social conservatives 7/25

Has the Religious Right Found Its Man in Thompson? 7/20

Romney, Thompson Fight For GOP's Values Banner New evidence of Thompson's abortion rights work complicates his bid and improves Romney's chances with religious conservatives. 7/20

Thompson’s Turn Millions of Americans have changed their minds about abortion over the same years in which Fred Thompson appears to have changed his. He should not hesitate to represent these voters. 7/19

Records Show Ex-Senator’s (Thompson) Work for Family Planning Unit 7/19

Fred Thompson Casts Enormous Shadow in GOP 7/19

Fred Thompson Backs Off Abortion Lobbying Denial 7/13

Fred Thompson Endures His First Round Of Negative Press — How Will He Respond? 7/9

Thompson faces questions on abortion 7/9

Thompson says no recollection of lobbying to ease abortion rules 7/6

Thompson Hit Piece Disguised as Bio On Bloomberg’s “News” Service 7/6

Analysis: Thompson Lacking SubstanceAnalysis: With Substance Lacking, Fred Thompson's Strength Is His Style 7/5

Should Conservatives Look at Thompson’s Record or His Rhetoric? 6/28

Thompson's Backers Check His `Fire in the Belly' for 2008 Race 6/28

Fred Thompson Defends His Lobbying Past 6/27

All Agog Over Thompson The former senator and veteran actor faces his audition for the role of a lifetime 6/26

DNC Tears Into Fred Thompson Democratic strategists say Thompson's populist style and show-biz allure could prove extremely appealing in a general election at a time when voters are so down on Washington. 6/26

Tommy Thompson: Iraq War Partially Insane 6/20

Fred Thompson leads 2008 Republicans in poll 6/19

A Perfect 'Tenn.' Candidate? Gore and Thompson are the prime-time non-candidates of the hour, inspiring endless speculation about what would happen if these two sons of Tennessee jump in. 6/17

Who's a Thompson Voter? 6/13

Fred Thompson Advisor Says He's Pro-Life on Abortion Despite Old Survey 6/12

Rasmussen poll: Fred Thompson now tied with Giuliani at top of GOP ... 6/12

Is Fred Thompson All Charm, No Substance? 6/11

The Zero-to-60 Thompson Run 6/11

Fred Thompson Plans To Enter Presidential Race Over July 4th Weekend 5/30

Thompson Preaches GOP Values 5/25

Former Senator Fred Thompson Showing Signs of White House Candidacy 5/23

Fred Thompson: The Man Who Wasn't There 5/18

Christian Conservatives Pledge Support For Thompson 5/14

Waiting In The Wings: Fred Thompson The "Law And Order" Star And Ex-Senator Could Give GOP Presidential Hopefuls A Tough Fight 5/12

A Murmur for Fred Thompson 5/9

Fred Thompson '94 Survey: Abortions Should Be Legal In All Circumstances, As Long As..

Can Fred Thompson rescue Republicans in 2008? 5/6

Thompson and His Ideas Are Now Online

Will Fred Thompson's racist role have political repercussions? 5/4

Thompson Could Be Victim of "Equal-Time" Provisions 5/4

Thompson Rehearsing for Prime Time 5/1

Fred Thompson: Sticks & Stones 4/30

Is Fred Thompson Coming to GOP's Rescue? 4/30

Fred Thompson is the New Ronald Reagan

Thompson To Offer Daily Commentary On Internet Radio 4/25

Tommy Thompson's Gamble 4/22

Thompson’s Tort Trouble 4/20

From the Courthouse to the White House Fred Thompson auditions for the leading role. 4/19

Frankly, Fred Thompson fits Reagan mold

Run, Fred, Run Cal Thomas 4/17

Thompson Says His Cancer Is "No Big Deal" 4/12

Fred Thompson In Remission For Lymphoma 4/11

The Great Conservative Hope For '08
National Review Online: Those Looking For A "True Conservative" May Find One In Fred Thompson 4/11

For Fred Thompson, Delay Is Costly 4/9

Fred Thompson Gears Up 4/6

Fred Thompson Bid Would Fill GOP's Pro-Gun Gap 4/5

The Mysterious Appeal Of Fred Thompson 4/4

Thompson Is for Real 4/2

An Apology Of Sorts From Dobson To Thompson 3/30

A 'Law & Order' Presidential Candidate? 3/29

Dobson Snubs Thompson, Praises Gingrich 3/29

Thompson and Gore Thompson at 12% which came from Giuliani 3/28

Fred Thompson: Man About Town 3/28

CQPolitics Examines Thompson’s ‘Key Votes’ in Senate 3/27

Draft Fred Thompson' gaining steam 3/27

Polls: Thompson Cuts Giuliani Lead, Romney Drops; Hillary Lacks Support

Fred Thompson: A Presidential Primer 3/22

GOP stage set for Thompson 3/21

Thompson Could Fill the Missing Slot 3/19

Fred Thompson: Power of the President Strength is necessary. 3/14

Thompson Would Improve the Race 3/13

Actor Fred Thompson Considers 2008 Run 3/12

Fred Thompson Exploring Seriously a Bid for President 3/9