Rep. Zach Wamp said Monday that former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson is very likely to run for president.

The Third District congressman told the Chattanooga Pachyderm Club, "I had a follow-up conversation with Fred Thompson, and there is a real, real strong possibility that he will run."

He said Thompson "has to meet some obligations" with the "Law and Order" TV show and with broadcaster Paul Harvey.

He said Thompson has set aside April 18 and will meet with members of Congress. Rep. Wamp said he has already lined up over 40 members who are interested in the Thompson candidacy.

Rep. Wamp said, "These are from some key places like Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia and Kentucky."

Rep. Wamp said he and Rep. John Duncan will be co-chairmen of a committee designed to encourage Thompson to seek the Republican presidential nomination.

They will lead the "Draft Fred Thompson 2008" committee. The committee's goal is "to recruit and organize citizens from both the public and private sectors into a leadership group that will serve as a clearinghouse for Thompson supporters from across the country."

Rep. Wamp said, "It is becoming increasingly obvious that a growing number of Americans want Fred Thompson to join the 2008 presidential campaign.

"Sen. Thompson's ability to communicate an optimistic vision for America, coupled with his strong conservative credentials, makes him an ideal choice for thousands of our fellow citizens."

Rep. Duncan said he was "proud to lend my name and energy to this important draft effort."

He said, "I have known Fred Thompson for many years, and I believe he is an exceptional national leader who has the character and integrity to be an outstanding president."

A third congressman from Tennessee, freshman David Davis, has also agreed to become a member of the committee.

The co-chairmen said they believe that "scores of other prominent leaders from Tennessee and across the country will be joining the draft movement in the next several weeks."

Rep. Duncan said, "I believe that thousands of Americans from every walk of life will join this grass-roots effort. They will help us send a clear message to Sen. Thompson that he should take the next step and announce his candidacy."

Rep. Wamp said Thompson "personifies strength and trust. His charisma, eloquence, and exemplary public service have inspired Tennesseans and Americans alike. When I ask my conservative colleagues in Congress if Fred should run, it’s like setting off fireworks above the Capitol."

Rep. Wamp said, "America needs Fred Thompson to answer this call."

Dean Rice of Knoxville, a former aide to Thompson and now a government relations executive, is the treasurer of the Draft Fred Thompson 2008 committee.

He urged those interested in the campaign to visit the committee's website, www.fred08.com or e-mail runfred@fred08.com.

Rep. Wamp told the Pachyderm Club that a poll by conservative TV host Sean Hannity gave Fred Thompson 52 percent of the vote. He said it was "about twice what McCain received."

He said the Wall Street Journal, writer Bob Novak and others have been commenting on the possible Thompson candidacy.