Fred Thompson

William Rusher at Townhall.

In an interview Sunday with Fox News, TV and film actor and former Tennessee Republican Senator Fred Thompson is dwelling on a potential presidential run. Should he decide to run, it would be a major development in the race for the Republican nomination. Thompson brings a strong "true conservative" record to the table.

"First and foremost, he is a true-blue conservative, comfortable with all the positions on social issues (abortion, gay rights, gun control, etc.) that give Rudy Giuliani so much difficulty and that have inspired John McCain and Mitt Romney to "flip-flop" in recent years to curry favor with social conservatives. In the second place, he is (as his television career demonstrates) an immensely attractive personality at 64, with a rumpled and thoughtful charm. Thirdly, his service for eight years in the U.S. Senate (four times Barack Obama's current tenure) attests to his success as a political leader. And finally, he hails from a border state -- Tennessee -- with all that implies for electability in the South and elsewhere."

Thompson was the chair of the Senate Government Affaris Committee, was co-chief counsel on the Watergate hearings, and had an informal post in the Bush administration assisting the Supreme Court nominee (and eventually Chief Justice) John Roberts through their Senate hearings.

Personally, since Jeb won't run, Fred could very well be my guy, although Rudy is still a strong contender as well Duncan Hunter (maybe) and Sam Brownback on the Republican side. It's mighty early yet, and I have little to go on for any candidate as far as examining the issues and their positions goes so far, but I'm looking forward to the process of doing so over the next few months.