Thompson Considering Presidential Run

Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson is considering seeking the 2008 Republican presidential nomination.

On Fox News Sunday, Thompson was asked about a possible presidential campaign:

WALLACE: Question: Are you considering running for president in 2008?
THOMPSON: I’m giving some thought to it. Going to leave the door open.

According to the Associated Press, on the issues Thompson:

• Is "pro-life," and believes federal judges should overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade abortion rights decision as "bad law and bad medical science."


• Opposes gay marriage, but would let states decide whether to allow civil unions. "Marriage is between a man and a woman, and I don't believe judges ought to come along and change that."


• Opposes gun control, and praised last week's 2-1 federal appeals decision overturning a long-standing handgun ban. "The court basically said the Constitution means what it says, and I agree with that."


• Supports President Bush's decision to increase troops in Iraq. "Wars are full of mistakes. You rectify things. I think we're doing that now," he said. "Why would we not take any chance, even though there's certainly no guarantees, to not be run out of that place? I mean, we've got to take that opportunity and give it a chance to work."


• Would pardon former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby's conviction for perjury and obstruction of justice now, rather than waiting until all his appeals are exhausted. Mr. Thompson is a fundraiser for Mr. Libby's defense.

Thompson's positions appeal to conservatives, but do we need another senator in the race?