FDT - charged and ready

Ratchetin it up...

WASHINGTON - After disclosing Wednesday that he has lymphatic cancer, former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson, perhaps best known for his TV role as District Attorney Arthur Branch on NBC's "Law and Order," is accelerating his schedule of public appearances. Advisors say this reflects his growing seriousness about entering the race for the White House.

On Friday morning Thompson is scheduled to attend the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington. He will be there with his wife Jeri at the Washington Hilton's ballroom event. President Bush will be there to make remarks.

A Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll released Wednesday indicates Thompson, who has yet to announce his candidacy, has risen to #2, ahead of Arizona Senator John McCain.