Fred responds to the abortion lobby question

Fred responds via Powerline blog regarding the latest accusations of his work with abortion advocates.

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Thompson a surprise opener at Hannity concert

Here's the rundown from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thompson a surprise opener at Hannity concert | ajc.com

Fred speaks to Georgia supporters

Fred spoke to both the chamber of commerce and at a Sean Hannity rally last night. An aide this morning is alluding to an August announcement.

"People say, 'You're already doing these things. You clearly are planning on running. Why don't you go ahead and announce it?'" Thompson said. "There's a little more to it than that. I'm going to ask you to be patient with me for a while."

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Context on the LA Times article

Redstate.com gives some backstory on the players in the LA Times article from yesterday. This is a hit job, no question. Abortion is THE issue that will carry the day with conservative voters, and they know that.

In the story that the L.A. Times will report out within the next 24 to 48 hours, the paper will claim that Thompson was "hired" by the National Family Planning and Reproductive Rights Association, whose director, Judith DeSarno, was acquainted with a then-partner at Arent Fox, former Congressman Michael Barnes. In fact, DeSarno worked as a senior aide to Barnes during his time in Congress. According to Arent Fox insiders, Barnes, who now directs the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, and DeSarno are both well-known left-wing activists. Most recently, both were active against the nominations of John Roberts and Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court. Thompson was an adviser to Roberts, and served as his Senate "sherpa" during the confirmation process.

Michael Barnes is a former Democratic congressman who was so left wing, Maryland voters rejected him in the Democratic Senate primary against Barbara Mikulski. DeSarno worked for him in Congress. They are both connected to Arent Fox, which is now a Democrat leaning lobbying firm filled up with Clintonistas.

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Fred speaks to Young Republicans in Florida

Fred spoke to Young Republicans in Hollywood, Florida. It was a short speech, but he spoke of America not apologizing for being who we are and the need for strong leadership in today's world. Mary Matalin introduced him and is clearly in his camp when he runs. I wonder what role she might play in a campaign.

Thompson and Clinton tied in latest Rasmussen poll

The latest Rasmussen Reports poll has both coming in at 45%. When they compare this survey against surveys done in early June, Hillary has lost 5 points against Thompson and Romney, after leading both of them by 3 points in May.

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Louisiana in FDT's sights

From bayoubuzz.com:

Shifting gears, former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, who is expected to announce soon that he's running for president, will be in Baton Rouge on July 18 for a fundraiser. The event will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. Admission is $2,300 per person which is the maximum contribution allowed per election. Thompson, a Republican from Tennessee, served in the Senate from 1995 to 2003 and is quickly gaining on the Republican presidential front-runners, especially in Louisiana.

It will be interesting to see how many conservatives peal off of Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney who appear to be leading the Louisiana pack and who received the early jump in the campaign.