The Thompson Factor

With the entrance of Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson in the GOP Presidential fray, we may get a glimpse of what it takes to be competitive after the early front runners are already entrenched. Rasmussen gives us some numbers:

Twenty-two percent (22%) of Americans say they will definitely vote for him if he’s on the ballot in 2008. Thirty percent (30%) will definitely vote against him. That net deficit of eight percentage points (22% for minus 30% against) is better than all other candidates in the race except for Barack Obama.

Still, the actor enters the race trailing the top three Democratic candidates by 3 to 10 points.

Against New York Senator Hillary Clinton, Thompson attracts 44% of the vote. That’s three less than Clinton’s 47% total.

Illinois Senator Barack Obama leads Thompson by seven points, 49% to 42%.

Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards has the biggest edge over Thompson, 47% to 37%.

These numbers show not how strong Thompson is already, but how vulnerable a Clinton nomination would be to the Democrats White House hopes. What is the most surprising to me, is the strong showing by Edwards in these head to heads.

No word on how Gov. Bill Richardson would match up. He is still flying below the radar. I have some xciting news regarding Gov Richardson and his upcoming visit to MN. You can be sure I will keep you posted.

Flash