Maryland for Fred Thompson

1 Day until the New Hampshire Primary
12 Days until the South Carolina Primary
22 Days until the Florida Primary
29 Days until Super Tuesday

• Wall Street Journal:
  

  Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson portrayed himself as a conservative steeped in realistic expectations, dismissing the running debate over who is the best agent of change. “Change has been a part of every election since the dawn of elections, if you weren’t an incumbent,” he said.

  Mr. Thompson discounted Mr. Huckabee’s proposal to replace the federal income tax with a national sales tax, saying it could lead to constitutional complications down the road. Mr. Thompson touted his own plan that would simplify the existing tax code. “We ought to move toward a flatter tax, that’s why I proposed a move in the right direction toward reform, something that could actually get passed, unlike a lot of things we wish would happen but never will,” he said.

• Carrie Lukas:
  

  Governor Romney’s disappointing second place finish in Iowa opened the door for others to become the conservative standard bearer. He showed respectable resilience in the second New Hampshire debate, but if he loses both Iowa and New Hampshire one of his most appealing attributes — his supposed electability — will dissipate. Senator McCain may have helped his chances in winning New Hampshire during the final two debates but, by bashing pharmaceutical companies and defending amnesty proposals, reminded many conservatives why they were reluctant to support him in the first place. As a result, many conservatives may take another look at Senator Thompson, who did well in the recent debates. His consistent conservative record and policy seriousness may come to overshadow his alleged lackadaisical style. If Thompson breaks out in South Carolina, this race could have a new frontrunner.

• Lifenews.com:
  

  National Right to Life is putting its money where its mouth is for Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson in South Carolina. The pro-life group has mailed a postcard touting Thompson’s record to thousands of residents in the third primary battleground state and one where Thompson needs a strong showing.

  The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) endorsed Thompson back in November saying he has a strong pro-life voting record and stance on both abortion and bioethics issues.

  The mailing, sent by the group’s political action committee, features a picture of an infant baby and says, “This little guy wants you to vote for Fred Thompson in the Republican primary” — which takes place in the state on January 19

• Jon Roth, GOP Bloggers:
  

  While few candidates embrace the Reagan model (Fred Thompson comes closest), a Huckabee candidacy would do the greatest damage. Many would say this about Giuliani, who has difficulty with the social conservative wing. But Huckabee has problems with 2 of the 3 wings (economic and foreign policy) and he has been far from friendly toward them.