As expected, Republican Tennessee Congressman Jimmy Duncan has jumped ship from the Mitt Romney campaign and is now backing former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson for president - even though Thompson hasn't even said if he's going to run. Here's the press release...
Two prominent members of the Tennessee Congressional delegation today announced the formation of a committee designed to encourage former Senator Fred D. Thompson to seek the Republican presidential nomination.
Congressmen Zach Wamp and John J. Duncan, Jr. will serve as co-chairmen of the "Draft Fred Thompson 2008" committee. The committee's goal is to recruit and organize citizens from both the public and private sectors into a leadership group that will serve as a clearinghouse for Thompson supporters from across the country.
"It is becoming increasingly obvious that a growing number of Americans want Fred Thompson to join the 2008 presidential campaign," said Wamp. "Senator Thompson's ability to communicate an optimistic vision for America, coupled with his strong conservative credentials, makes him an ideal choice for thousands of our fellow citizens."
Duncan said he was "proud to lend my name and energy to this important draft effort."
"I have known Fred Thompson for many years," the Congressman continued, "and I believe he is an exceptional national leader who has the character and integrity to be an outstanding president."
A third Congressman from Tennessee, freshman David Davis, a well known conservative leader, has also agreed to become a member of the committee, according to Wamp and Duncan.
The co-chairmen said they believed that scores of other prominent leaders from Tennessee and across the country will be joining the draft movement in the next several weeks.
"I believe that thousands of Americans from every walk of life will join this grass-roots effort" Duncan said. "They will help us send a clear message to Senator Thompson that he should take the next step and announce his candidacy."
Wamp said Thompson "personifies strength and trust. His charisma, eloquence, and exemplary public service have inspired Tennesseans and Americans alike. When I ask my conservative colleagues in Congress if Fred should run, it’s like setting off fireworks above the Capitol."
"America needs Fred Thompson to answer this call," said Congressman Wamp.
Dean Rice of Knoxville, a former aide to Thompson and now a government relations executive, is the treasurer of the Draft Fred Thompson 2008 committee.
The Draft Fred Thompson 2008 committee's website is www.fred08.com.
Here's a question: If Thompson ultimately decides not to run, who will Rep. Duncan next endorse? And for how long?
Did you see this article. Some very interesting behind the scenes stuff going on with this move :-) He seems to have a good reason for jumping:
The Third District congressman told the Chattanooga Pachyderm Club, "I had a follow-up conversation with Fred Thompson, and there is a real, real strong possibility that he will run."
He said Thompson "has to meet some obligations" with the "Law and Order" TV show and with broadcaster Paul Harvey.
He said Thompson has set aside April 18 and will meet with members of Congress. Rep. Wamp said he has already lined up over 40 members who are interested in the Thompson candidacy.
Posted by: Michele | March 19, 2007 8:36 PM | Permalink to Comment