Mr Thompson goes to Washington

and

Woos smitten Congressmen

WASHINGTON - The welcome for Fred Thompson wasn't just warm, it was effusive.
The former Tennessee senator and actor is still weighing whether to run for the GOP presidential nomination but House Republicans who met with him Wednesday gushed over the prospects of Thompson candidacy.

They called him presidential, a leader, a proven conservative, an exciting prospect and "a breath of fresh air."

"I wanted to come over and see some of my old friends and make some new friends and tell them what was on my mind and listen and to see what was on their minds," Thompson said in a brief statement to reporters camped outside the Capitol Hill Club.

Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (news, bio, voting record), R-Ga., said: "there was a breath of fresh air in the room today," while Rep. Steve Buyer (news, bio, voting record), R-Ind., added: "he spoke as though he was a president." Rep. David Davis (news, bio, voting record), R-Tenn., said people are looking for a candidate with a proven conservative voting record and "Fred Thompson's the man."

Even those congressmen who wouldn't yet commit offered praise.

"Very impressive," said Rep. Adam Putnam (news, bio, voting record), R-Fla. "He has the charisma and the fortitude to lead our nation at what is a very difficult time." And Rep. Walter Jones (news, bio, voting record), R-N.C., called Thompson a straight shooter, and said: "I'm looking for somebody that can excite America again

UPDATE: Cong. Zach Wamp, "not if, but when"