Thompson Might Call It Quits

Expected to drop out without a strong showing in Iowa

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 3, 2008 3:21 AM CST

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Thompson Might Call It Quits — Republican Presidential hopeful, former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson gestures during a campaign stop at the Mason City Elks Club in Mason City, Iowa, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008. Democratic and Republican candidates are going all out Wednesday to encourage supporters to vote for them in the close Iowa... (Associated Press)

Insiders say GOP presidential hopeful Fred Thompson will probably drop out of the race if he doesn't do well in Iowa, Politico reports. The former senator and "Law & Order" actor's candidacy generated a lot of excitement in its early days but never gained much traction nationwide.

Thompson himself has been telling reporters he's aiming for second place in Iowa, but polls put him a distant third behind Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee, and his campaign is said to be broke. Thompson is widely expected to give his endorsement to John McCain if he drops out, although Thompson's advisers have made it clear that no deal has been cut. (More Fred Thompson stories.)

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