WASHINGTON -- Actor and former senator Fred Thompson abandoned his presidential campaign yesterday, making an early exit from a race that he entered perhaps too late to gain traction in a crowded Republican field.
In a characteristically low-key manner, Thompson gave no news conference and stayed off television, preferring simply to e-mail a one-paragraph statement to reporters.
"Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States," Thompson said in the statement. "I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort."
Thompson's departure ended a campaign that might be best remembered for the candidate's ambling pace and a series of missed opportunities. With the Republican field splintered, Thompson had been urged to join the race last summer under the premise that the well-known actor-politician could unify social conservatives, economic conservatives and national security conservatives. But Thompson took his time, engaging in a long listening tour and months of planning. He didn't enter until early September.
"I wish we would have been in the race in June instead of September," said Rep. Zach Wamp, a fellow Tennessee Republican who backed Thompson's candidacy. "When he hit his stride in December in Iowa and in January in South Carolina, a lot of people were already committed."
Wamp said Thompson was hurt by the fact that "he's not a political animal." At the same time, Wamp said, Thompson had shown fire as the campaign went on, and he mentioned Thompson as a vice presidential candidate.
"I believe he would add a tremendous amount to the ticket," the congressman said. "He is a very consistent conservative. As a running mate for a McCain or a Romney, he would bring geographical balance. He's got presence. He's got stature."
Thompson has been widely expected to endorse Arizona Sen. John McCain, a longtime friend. But supporters said yesterday that Thompson had made no decision, and that an endorsement is not expected soon.
It was unclear what effect Thompson's departure would have on the race. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said yesterday that Thompson's presence in the race had cost Huckabee the votes of Christian conservatives in South Carolina's primary on Saturday, where Huckabee placed second, behind McCain.
