NEW! Quick Poll

Do you think Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton should run together?

Fred Thompson

Officially dropped out of the race: January 22, 2008

Where's he from? Fred Thompson was born in Sheffield, Alabama. He became the first in his family to go to college when he entered Florence State College (now the University of North Alabama). Following undergrad, Thompson earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School.

What's his political resume look like? Thompson, a jack of many trades, has been a politician, lawyer, lobbyist, actor, and radio personality. After law school, Thompson became a U.S. Assistant Attorney. He was then appointed to the minority counsel for the Watergate scandal hearings. Thompson was elected to the Senate to finish off Al Gore’s two remaining years in 1994 and was re-elected to the Senate in 1996 serving until 2003.

Did you know? Thompson began acting in the 1980s after starring in the film Marie, where he played himself as the attorney that filed a wrongful termination suit against a Tennessee governor's office. In 2002, he joined the Law & Order cast playing the part of D.A. Arthur Branch. He was released from the show in May 2007.

Hot issues? Thompson's campaign has emphasized federalism, the war in Iraq, and tax reform.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Senate Historical Office