Press Release

Thompson’s Strength Shows Itself on Eve of Second Candidate Debate
May 15th, 2007

(Knoxville, TN) – On the eve of the second Republican presidential primary debate, the Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee announced four more Members of the U.S. House of Representatives have joined the Committee’s Leadership Team. The Members include Gresham Barrett of South Carolina, Steve Boyer of Indiana , Jeff Miller of Florida and Don Manzullo of Illinois .

In another indication of Thompson’s rising support among key-state Republicans, Thompson ranked third behind McCain and Guiliani in the latest South Carolina Republican presidential poll conducted by Ayers McHenry & Associates.

“This is an exciting day for the Draft Committee. As many political insiders will be focusing on tonight’s debate, more and more voters are focusing on Fred Thompson,” said Committee Co-Chair, Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr.

“I am also extremely glad to welcome four more of my colleagues to our Leadership Team,” Duncan added. “These Congressmen represent a significant step forward for our effort. Each brings a tremendous reputation and a wealth of experience and Senator Thompson will be well served by their support.”

Commenting on Thompson, Rep. Barrett said, “Middle America can relate to Senator Thompson's common sense values. He is a statesman and a leader who appeals to a cross-section of American voters and I am excited about the prospects of his candidacy."

Rep. Steve Boyer, Ranking Member on the Veterans Affairs Committee, added, “Senator Thompson has the record, the integrity and the focus to lead this nation forward. He’s a true American statesman and we’re ready to get in the trenches for his campaign.”

Rep. Jeff Miller echoed this support saying, “Fred Thompson is exactly what this country needs right now. He would bring a conservative voice and a proven track record of leadership to this race and to the White House.”

Rep. Manzullo, former Chair of the House Small Business Committee and co-chair of the House Manufacturing Caucus added, “He (Thompson) understands the need to encourage strong economic growth through common sense policies. Whether you are a small business owner, or work on the front lines of the factory floor, your choice for president should be Fred Thompson.”

In welcoming these new members, Committee Co-Chair Rep. Zach Wamp said, “These are fine members of Congress who have always exemplified the values of the people they represent. By joining the rest of us in calling for Fred Thompson to run for pres we can rest assured these great leaders bring with them even more grassroots support, from across the Midwest and Southeast.”

The Ayers McHenry & Associates poll conducted May 5 – 8 showed Thompson with 6 percent support, double that of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney’s 8 percent. Senator John McCain ranked first with 25 percent and former New York Mayor Giuliani showed 20 percent support.

The Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee serves to promote the potential candidacy of former Senator Fred Thompson. For more information about the Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee’s effort, visit http://www.fred08.com/.