Proving to the world that he is not too lazy to withdraw from the race, Proving to the world that he is not too lazy to withdraw from the race, Fred Thompson dropped out of the Republican race today after falling from second place nationally when he announced his candidacy in September to fifth place. From his announcement to the press this afternoon:
Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States. I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort. Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people.
It's not quite clear where the about 7 percent of voters in Florida who have been backing him will go, but I talked to a McCain campaign leader in the state this afternoon who reported that Thompson's people have been volunteering to put their efforts behind him for the next week.
--Kate Sheppard
