Fred Thompson Biography
Summary
"Fred Dalton Thompson" (born "Freddie Dalton Thompson"on August 19 1942) is an American politician, lawyer, lobbyist and character actor. He represented Tennessee as a Republican in the U.S. Senate from 1994 through 2002 and is a candidate for the 2008 Republican nomination for President of the United States.
Thompson served as chairman of the International Security Advisory Board at the United States Department of State, is a member of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and is a Visiting Fellow with the American Enterprise Institute, specializing in national security and intelligence.He resides in McLean, Virginia, near Washington, D.C.As an actor, Thompson has performed in film and on television. He has frequently portrayed governmental figures.In the final months of his U.S. Senate term in 2002, Thompson joined the cast of the long-running NBC television series "Law & Order", playing New York City District Attorney Arthur Branch, until he asked to be released from his contract in May 2007. The network granted his request.He attended public school in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, graduating from Lawrence County High School. Thereafter, he worked days in the local post office and nights at a bicycle assembly plant.He later transferred to Memphis State University, now the University of Memphis, where he earned a double-major in philosophy and political science in 1964, as well as scholarships to both Tulane and Vanderbilt law schools.He worked as an assistant U.S. attorney from 1969 to 1972,successfully prosecuting bank robberies and other cases.He also accepted appointments as Special Counsel to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (1980-1981), Special Counsel to the Senate Intelligence Committee (1982), and Member of the Appellate Court Nominating Commission for the State of Tennessee (1985-1987).Thompson is sometimes credited for supplying Republican Senator Howard Baker's famous question, 'What did the President know, and when did he know it?'This question is said to have helped frame the hearings in a way that eventually led to the downfall of President Richard Nixon.The Senator, who had brought Thompson in as his chief counsel, remarked 'I had high regard for him as a lawyer and as a friend.'Even though the committee already knew the answer, Thompson asked about listening devices in the White House at a public committee hearing to former White House aide Alexander Butterfield, thereby revealing the existence of tape recordings of conversations within the White House.National Public Radio later called that session and the discovery of the Watergate tapes 'a turning point in the investigation.'Thompson later wrote a Watergate memoir entitled "At That Point in Time: The Inside Story of the Senate Watergate Committee".In his book, Thompson acknowledged he provided information to Nixon's lawyer, Fred Buzhardt, even though he lacked authority to act for the committee. Thompson 'believed it would be in everyone's interest if the White House realized, before making any public statements, the probable position of both the majority and the minority of the Watergate committee' regarding the Watergate tapes.===Corruption case against Tennessee governor===
In 1977, Thompson represented Marie Ragghianti, a former Tennessee Parole Board chair, who had been fired for refusing to release felons after they had bribed aides to Democratic Governor Ray Blanton in order to obtain clemency.With Thompson's assistance, Ragghianti filed a wrongful termination suit against Blanton's office. During the trial, Thompson helped to expose the cash-for-clemency scheme that eventually led to Blanton's removal from the Governor's office.Thompson received one thousand six hundred dollars for communicating with some congressional staffers on this issue.Billing records show that Thompson was paid for about twenty hours of work in 1991 and 1992 on behalf of the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, a family planning group trying to ease a George H. W. Bush administration regulation on abortion counseling in federally-funded clinics.Thompson has earned about one million dollars from his lobbying efforts. Except for the year 1981, his lobbying never amounted to more than a third of his income.According to the "Commercial Appeal" newspaper:After leaving the Senate in 2003, Thompson's only lobbying work was for the London-based reinsurance company Equitas Ltd. He was paid $760,000 between 2004 and 2006 in order to help prevent passage of legislation that Equitas said unfairly singled them out for unfavorable treatment regarding asbestos claims.Thompson spokesman Mark Corrallo said that Thompson was proud to have been a lobbyist and believed in Equitas' cause.Two sons of Thompson followed their father into the lobbying business once he was elected senator,but generally avoided clients where a possible conflict-of-interest might appear.==Character actor==
Marie Ragghianti's case became the subject of a book, "Marie", written by Peter Maas and published in 1983. The film rights were purchased by director Roger Donaldson, who, after traveling to Nashville to speak with the people involved with the original case, asked Thompson if he wanted to play himself. The resulting film, "Marie", was Thompson's first acting role and was released in 1985. Roger Donaldson then cast Thompson in the part of CIA Director in the 1987 film "No Way Out".Thompson would go on to appear in many films and television shows. A 1994 "New York Times" profile wrote 'When Hollywood directors need someone who can personify governmental power, they often turn to Thompson.'In the final months of his U.S. Senate term in 2002, Thompson joined the cast of the long-running NBC television series "Law & Order", playing District Attorney Arthur Branch for the next five years. Thompson began filming during the August 2002 Senate recess.He has also made occasional appearances in the same role on other TV shows, such as "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit", "Law & Order: Criminal Intent", and the pilot episode of "Conviction". On May 30 2007, he asked to be released from the role, potentially in preparation for a presidential bid.==Senate (1994-2003)==
Two campaigns for U.S. Senate
In 1994, Thompson was elected to finish the remaining two years of Al Gore's unexpired U.S. Senate term. During the 1994 campaign, Thompson's opponent was longtime Nashville Congressman Jim Cooper. Thompson campaigned in a red pickup truck, and Cooper charged Thompson 'is a lobbyist and actor who talks about lower taxes, talks about change, while he drives a rented stage prop.'In a good year for Republican candidates,Thompson defeated Cooper in a landslide upset victory, overcoming Cooper's early 20 percent margin in the polls to defeat Cooper by an even greater margin.On the same night Thompson was elected to fill Gore's unexpired term, political newcomer Bill Frist, a Nashville heart surgeon, defeated three-term incumbent Democrat Jim Sasser, the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, for Tennessee's other U.S. Senate seat, which was up for a full six-year term. The twin victories by Thompson and Frist gave Republicans control of both of Tennessee's Senate seats for the first time since Sasser ousted incumbent Bill Brock in 1976.
In 1996, Thompson was re-elected (for the term ending January 3, 2003) with 61 percent of the vote, defeating Democratic attorney Houston Gordon of Covington, Tennessee, even as Bill Clinton narrowly carried the state by less than three percentage points on his way to re-election.The GOP continues to hold the seat, as it was won by former Tennessee Governor and Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander in 2002.
Electoral historySenate career
In 1996, Thompson was a member of the Committee on Governmental Affairs when the committee investigated the alleged Chinese attempts to influence American politics. Thompson says he was 'largely stymied' during these investigations by witnesses declining to testify; claiming the right not to incriminate themselves or by simply leaving the country.Thompson explained, 'Our work was affected tremendously by the fact that Congress is a much more partisan institution than it used to be.'Thompson became committee chairman in 1997 but was reduced to ranking minority member when the Democrats took control of the Senate in 2001.Thompson served on the Finance Committee (dealing with health care, trade, Social Security, and taxation) the Intelligence Committee, and the National Security Working Group.Thompson's work included investigation of the 'Umm Hajul controversy' which involved the death of Tennessean Lance Fielder during the Gulf War. During his term he supported campaign finance reform, opposed proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and promoted government efficiency and accountability.Both McCain and Thompson were contenders to be George W. Bush's running mate in 2000.Thompson was not a candidate for re-election in 2002. He had publicly stated his unwillingness to have the Senate become a long-term career. Although he announced in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks his intention to seek re-election ('Now is not the time for me to leave,' said Thompson at the time), upon further reflection he decided against it.===Ratings===
Thompson has an 86.1 percent lifetime (1995-2002) American Conservative Union vote rating, compared to 89.3 for Bill Frist and 82.3 for John McCain.Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) characterized her colleague this way: 'I believe that Fred is a fearless senator. By that I mean he was never afraid to cast a vote or take a stand, regardless of the political consequences.'Thompson was 'on the short end of a couple of 99-1 votes,' voting against those who wanted to federalize matters that he believed were properly left to state and local officials.Critics say that few of his proposals became law, and point to a 1998 quote: 'I don't like spending 14- and 16-hour days voting on 'sense of the Senate' resolutions on irrelevant matters. There are some important things we really need to get on with-and on a daily basis, it's very frustrating.' Defenders say he spent more time in preparation than other Senators. Paul Noe, a former staffer, told the "New York Times," 'On the lazy charge, I have to chuckle because I was there sometimes until 1 in the morning working with the man.'== Post-Senate activities ==
Political work
In March 2003, Thompson was featured in a commercial by the conservative non-profit group Citizens United that advocated the invasion of Iraq, stating: 'When people ask what has Saddam done to us, I ask, what had the 9/11 hijackers done to us -- before 9/11.'Thompson did voice-over work at the 2004 Republican National Convention.While narrating a video for that convention, Thompson observed: 'History throws you what it throws you, and you never know what's coming.'After the retirement of Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor in 2005, Bush appointed him to an informal position to help guide the nomination of John Roberts through the United States Senate confirmation process.Roberts was subsequently confirmed as Chief Justice.
Until July 2007, Thompson was Chair of the International Security Advisory Board, a bipartisan advisory panel that reports to the Secretary of State and focuses on emerging strategic threats.In that capacity, he advised the State Department about all aspects of arms control, disarmament, international security, and related aspects of public diplomacy.===Legal defense for Lewis Libby===
In 2006, he served on the advisory board of the legal defense fund for I. Lewis 'Scooter' Libby, Jr, who was indicted and later convicted of lying to federal investigators during their investigation of the Plame affair.Thompson, who had never met Libby before volunteering for the advisory board, said he was convinced Libby was innocent.Thompson hosted a fundraiser for the Libby defense fund at his home in McLean, Virginia.After Bush commuted Libby's sentence,Thompson released a statement: 'I am very happy for Scooter Libby. I know that this is a great relief to him, his wife and children. This will allow a good American, who has done a lot for his country, to resume his life.'===Radio analyst===
In 2006, he signed on with ABC News Radio to serve as senior analyst and vacation replacement for Paul Harvey.He used that platform to spell out his positions on a number of political issues. A July 3, 2007 update to Thompson's ABC News Radio home page referred to him as a 'former ABC News Radio contributor,' indicating that Thompson has been released from his contract with the broadcaster.==Campaign for United States President, 2008 election==
On March 11 2007, Thompson appeared on "Fox News Sunday" to discuss the possibility of a 2008 candidacy for president. At the end of March, Thompson asked to be released from his television contract, potentially in preparation for a presidential bid.Thompson formed a presidential exploratory committee regarding his possible 2008 campaign for president on June 1, 2007,but unlike most candidate exploratory groups, Thompson's exploratory committee organized as a 527 group.For the next three months, Thompson continued to be mentioned as a potential candidate, but never officially declared his candidacy. On June 12, Thompson told Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show" that while he did not crave the Presidency itself, but there were things he would like to do that he could only do by holding that office.A "New York Times" article cited Thompson's aides as saying on July 18 that he planned to enter the race just after Labor Day (the first Monday in September), followed by a national announcement tour.On September 5, 2007, Thompson made his candidacy official, announcing on The Tonight Show that 'I'm running for president of the United States' and running an ad during a Republican Presidential candidates debate on Fox News.In both cases he pointed people to his campaign website to watch a 15-minute video detailing his platform. His campaign entrance has been described as 'lackluster'and 'awkward'despite high expectations in anticipation of his joining the race.In recent nationwide polling, Thompson's support in the Republican primary election has been sliding since his announcement with him placing either third or fourth, and he does not have a lead in any of the early primary, and leads in very few Super Tuesday States.==Political positions==
Thompson has said that federalism is his 'lodestar,' providing 'a basis for a proper analysis of most issues: 'Is this something government should be doing? If so, at what level of government?"Thompson states 'Roe v. Wade was bad law and bad medical science,' and that judges shouldn't be determining social policy.He has stated the government should not criminally prosecute women who undergo early term abortions.Thompson does not support a federal ban on gay marriage, but would support a constitutional amendment to keep one state's recognition of such marriages from imposing gay marriage on all states.Thompson is skeptical human efforts cause global warming and has pointed to parallel warming on several planets such as Mars.He says citizens are entitled to keep and bear arms if they do not have criminal records;he initially supported McCain-Feingold campaign finance legislation but now says certain parts should be repealed.Thompson says U.S. borders need to be secured before considering comprehensive immigration reform,but supports a path to citizenship, saying 'You're going to have to, in some way, work out a deal where they can have some aspirations of citizenship, but not make it so easy that it's unfair to the people waiting in line and abiding by the law.?Thompson supported the U.S. 2003 invasion of Iraq
and is opposed to withdrawing troops,but believes 'mistakes have been made' since the invasion.==Personal life==
Marriages & children
In September 1959, at the age of 17, Thompson married Sarah Elizabeth Lindsey.Their son, Freddie Dalton 'Tony' Thompson Jr.Another son and a daughter were born soon thereafter. While Thompson was attending law school, both he and his wife worked to pay for his education and support their three children.as well as five grandchildren. Thompson's daughter Elizabeth 'Betsy' Thompson Panici died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs on January 30, 2002.Prior to his second marriage, Thompson had been romantically linked to country singer Lorrie Morgan, Republican fundraiser Georgette Mosbacher and columnist Margaret Carlson.In July 1996, Thompson began dating Jeri Kehn (b. 1966) and the two married almost six years later on June 29 2002.When Thompson was asked in a December 2007 Associated Press survey of the candidates to name his favorite possession, he humorously replied 'trophy wife.'The couple have two children, a daughter (b. 2003) and a son (b. 2006).===Cancer===
Thompson has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), a form of cancer. 'I have had no illness from it, or even any symptoms. My life expectancy should not be affected. I am in remission, and it is very treatable with drugs if treatment is needed in the future - and with no debilitating side effects,' Thompson said.Like many patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Thompson received treatment with Rituxan.Thompson's cancer, though currently incurable, is reportedly indolent, the lowest of three grades of NHL.Two other potential Republican presidential nominees have also had cancer: John McCain and Rudy Giuliani.
Religion
Thompson is a member of the Churches of Christ, a non-denominational group of Christian churches. According to Thompson, his values come from 'sitting around the kitchen table' with his parents, and from the Church of Christ. While talking to reporters in South Carolina, Thompson said, 'I attend church when I'm in Tennessee. I'm living in McLean right now. I don't attend regularly when I'm up there.'He does not plan to speak about his religion during his campaign saying, 'Me getting up and talking about what a wonderful person I am and that sort of thing, I'm not comfortable with that, and I don't think it does me any good.'==Filmography==
Movies
"Marie" (1985)
"No Way Out" (1987)
"Feds" (1988)
"Fat Man and Little Boy" (1989)
"The Hunt for Red October" (1990)
"Days of Thunder" (1990)
"Die Hard 2: Die Harder" (1990)
"Flight of the Intruder" (1991) (uncredited)
"Class Action" (1991)
"Necessary Roughness" (1991)
"Curly Sue" (1991)
"Cape Fear" (1991)
"Aces: Iron Eagle III" (1992)
"Thunderheart" (1992)
"White Sands" (1992) (uncredited)
"Born Yesterday" (1993)
"In the Line of Fire" (1993)
"Barbarians at the Gate" (1993)
"Baby's Day Out" (1994)
"Celsius 41.11" (2004)
"Racing Stripes" (2005, voice)
"Last Best Chance" (2005)
"Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World" (2005)
"Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" (2007)
TV series
"Law & Order" (2002-2007)
"Law & Order: Trial by Jury" (2005-2006)
"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (11 episodes, 2003-2006)
"Law & Order: Criminal Intent" (2 episodes, 2005)
"Conviction" (1 episode, 2006)
"Sex and the City" (1 episode, 2000, as 'Politician on TV')
"Matlock" (1 episode in 1989 as 'Gordon Lewis' and 1 episode in 1993 as 'Prosecutor Mr. McGonigal')
"Roseanne" (1 episode, 1989, as 'Keith Faber')
"China Beach" (1 episode, 1989, as 'Lt. Col. Reinhardt')
"Wiseguy" (3 episodes, 1988, as 'Knox Pooley')
External links
(Fred08.com) , Friends of Fred Thompson, Inc. (official campaign site).
(The Fred Thompson Report) , ABC Radio Networks (official site).
(The Official YouTube Page for Fred Thompson) (official video site).
(The Official Flickr Page for Fred Thompson) (official photo site).
(The Fred Thompson Papers) , University of Tennessee (official archive).
(Federal Election Commission - Fred Dalton Thompson) campaign finance reports and data.
(Archive of United States Senator Fred Dalton Thompson Congressional Website) (From Internet Archive retrieved 03 January 2007)
(On the Issues - Fred Thompson) issue positions and quotes
* (2002 (Senator)) (2000 (Senator)) ((Senator)) (1996 (Senator)) (1994 (Member of Congress))
(Project Vote Smart - Fred Thompson)
("Washington Post" 'Congress Votes Database: Fred Thompson') voting record
(LA Times - Fred Thompson: The Early Years) photo gallery
(Lawrenceburgs.com - Fred Thompson) biography from hometown newspaper
(Nashville Post - The Fred Files) Lobbying disclosures, 1975-1994.
(New York Times - Fred D. Thompson) collection of news stories and commentary
Credit
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article about Fred Thompson.
