The Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee announced that 54 of 81 Texas State House Republicans and several Republican Texas State senators "have joined the growing effort to encourage former United States Senator Fred Thompson to seek the presidency."
Texas Land Commissioner and Draft Committee leadership team member Jerry Patterson said he has spoken with each Legislator and "found an increasingly strong desire to see Thompson become a candidate."
Officials said a new independent poll conducted by Baselice & Associates in Texas shows Thompson tied for second place statewide with 19 percent of the vote. Sen. John McCain also showed 19 percent and New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani led with 24 percent. Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney held eight percent.
“These poll numbers reflect the enthusiasm I’m seeing in the Legislature and around the state. In Texas, the momentum in the race for president is clearly with Fred Thompson. If he enters this campaign, we can put him in the lead within 30 days,” said Patterson
State Representative Robert Talton who serves from Harris County, Texas said, “People recognize Thompson’s leadership, his integrity and his remarkable ability to touch Americans from all walks of life. We need him in this race and we need him in the White House.”
The Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee’s leadership team includes Texas Rail Road Commissioner Victor Carrillo and Republican National Committeewoman Denise McNamara from Texas.