This former Tennessee senator better known to many Americans as an actor (notably on TV’s “Law and Order”) gambled that he could wait until September to officially enter the 2008 presidential contest and galvanize support from the conservative Republican constituency that did not see a champion in the rest of the GOP field. Thompson has, indeed, joined the front-runners as he seeks the mantle of the “true” conservative in the contest, with tough statements on issues such as defense, foreign policy, immigration and abortion. But his performances in debates and on the stump have been inconsistent, and he has yet to overtake the front-runners in national polls.
Brief Biography
- Residence:McLean, Va.
- Born:August 19, 1942; Sheffield, Ala.
- Religion:Church of Christ
- Family:Wife, Jeri Thompson; five children (one deceased)
- Education:Memphis State U., B.S. 1964 (philosophy & political science) ; Vanderbilt U., J.D. 1967
- Military service:None
- Career:Lawyer; actor; congressional aide
- Political Highlights:Assistant U.S. attorney, 1969-72; U.S. Senate, 1994-2003; sought Republican nomination for president, 2008
Useful Links
Fundraising as of April 30, 2008
| Receipts to date: | $24,102,901.00 |
| Individual Contributions: | $23,616,890.00 |
| Disbursements to date: | $23,723,346.00 |
| Cash-on-hand: | $379,554.00 |
| Debts: | $107,904.00 |
