Stephen Hayes of The Weekly Standard, journalism’s go-to guy for all things Fred!, flatly declares, “Fred Thompson is running for the Republican presidential nomination.” In case you’re keeping score at home or want to begin making your financial plans now, Fred will commence accepting contributions on June 4.

As an avowed Romney supporter, I acknowledge that while this makes Mitt’s road a tougher one, it is great news for our party and for our country. The stronger our field, the more likely we are to produce a battle hardened candidate who can prevail against the Democratic nominee.

Besides, I think the immediate loser from Fred’s entry is Tommy Thompson. I’m convinced that whatever support Tommy has received in the polls to date has been a direct result of people confusing him with that other Thompson that they’ve heard so many good things about. Fred’s entry might drive Tommy below Ron Paul.

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