NBC`s 'Law & Order' says adios to Fred Thompson

The spirit of "Saint Ronnie" is beckoning actor Fred Thompson. The actor is giving up his post as D.A. on NBC`s 'Law & Order' to pursue presidential dreams. Former Senator Fred Thompson in Washington, April 13, 2007. The former Tennessee senator, Watergate counsel and star of films like 'The Hunt for Red October,' has been exploring a potential 2008 Republican presidential run and is expected to make his decision known soon. REUTERS/Larry Downing

Former Senator Fred Thompson in Washington, April 13, 2007. The former Tennessee senator, Watergate counsel and star of films like 'The Hunt for Red October,' has been exploring a potential 2008 Republican presidential run and is expected to make his decision known soon. REUTERS/Larry DowningThompson, a former Republican senator from Tennessee who played coy with the idea of running for president but has yet to formally announce his candidacy, played District Attorney Arthur Branch on the long-running crime drama for the past five seasons."I've spoken to Fred today, and although he told me he has not made a firm decision about his political future, he felt that given the creative and scheduling constraints of the upcoming season, he asked to be released from his responsibilities to the show," said creator/executive producer Dick Wolf Wednesday. "I will sincerely miss working with him on a regular basis, and I obviously wish him the best of luck with whatever the future holds."The statement came hours after news reports indicated that Thompson will form a presidential committee this week.Casting rumors spawned by the "breakdowns" distributed to agents and managers claim a D.A. and two detectives are to be added next season. There are two police detectives on the series, Jesse Martin and Milena Govich. Sources indicated that Govich allegedly would not be coming back, while Martin may return for another season.