Thompson To Launch Bid Next Week

Former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee will make the long-awaited announcement of his Republican presidential bid using a Web cast next Thursday, ending his coyness about whether or not he would run. Mr. Thompson will then travel to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina -- key states in the nominating process -- before ending his launch in his hometown of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., on September 15, according to a statement provided on behalf of Randy Enwright, his national political director. Mr. Thompson told his supporters of his plans during a 4 p.m. conference call. The 65-year-old man is known more for his acting career, most recently as a star of the popular NBC series "Law & Order," than his eight-year stint as a senator and many more as a lobbyist and Washington, D.C., political operative.