Thompson finally takes the plunge

Finally, the Fredheads can breathe. After months of waiting, former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) will announce his entry into the presidential race next week.

Thompson is set to announce his candidacy by video on his website Sept. 6, and then head out on a five-day tour of early voting states.

{mosads}“I believe that there are millions of Americans who know that our security and prosperity are at risk if we don’t address the challenges of our time; the global threat of terrorism; taxes and spending that will bankrupt future generations, and a government that can’t seem to get the most basic responsibilities right for its citizens,” Thompson said in a statement Thursday.

He added: “The response that we’ve received makes me confident that we have an opportunity to change politics in Washington and across the country, and take on these challenges the way every generation of Americans has faced the challenges of their time — with unity, hard work and a belief that we will come out on the winning side.”

Thompson’s delayed entry, lower-than-expected June fundraising numbers and staff turnover have sparked a number of questions about his ability to capitalize on strong poll numbers.

“We enter this campaign in a strong position,” Bill Lacy, manager of Thompson’s exploratory committee, said. “Fred is consistently near the top in the polls, and conservatives across the country have put together the closest thing to a draft in recent presidential campaign history in an effort to bring about this day. The next few weeks will only serve to build upon those efforts, with house parties nationwide on the 6th, and visits to the early primary states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, quickly followed by stops in Florida and a homecoming in Lawrenceburg, Tenn., on the 15th.”

Thompson’s statement noted that the campaign will have 15 days from the time of the announcement to file formal paperwork with the Federal Election Commission.