Fred's Getting Some Momentum

It looks like Sen. Fred Thompson is getting some momentum as of late, particularly in Iowa.

The former senator from Tennessee had a huge debate performance last Wednesday in an otherwise lackluster meeting of candidates, and just this week picked up the important endorsement from leading conservative Congressman Steve King of Iowa.

In the Des Moines Register debate in Iowa last Wednesday, Thompson came up with the highlight of the afternoon when he told the moderator off with the line, "I'm not doin' hand shows..today." The moderator, who it turns out is a registered Democrat, asked a question on climate change. Thompson wasn't willing to play the hand show game in another debate. When the moderator asked if that was a yes or no response to the question, Thompson in-turn asked, "You want to give me a minute to answer that?" When the moderator responded no, then Fred said, "Then I'm not going to answer that!"

That combined with his stated, strong positions on the issues, especially entitlements, led to a widely praised victory in the debate for Thompson. From talk radio to the blogosphere to the National Review, the buzz on the debate was positive for Fred, with many from those circles declaring him the winner of the debate.

King's endorsement was actively sought by Thompson and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. King is a nationally-known conservative leader who is outspoken on illegal immigration. His endorsement has the legs to maybe bring Fred serious momentum in this race, especially in Iowa.

Another big boon for Fred in recent weeks is the endorsement by the National Right to Life, the leading organization in opposition to abortion, embryonic stem cell research, and euthanasia.

Once again, there is a buzz in the blogosphere that Fred may be in for a rebound. I expect him to place second or third in Iowa, and from there it's anybody's guess.