Naples, FL—

Carl Cameron was able to get the first live GOP reaction to Fred Thompson’s departure from the race today when Mitt Romney arrived at his afternoon event. Romney had some friendly things to say about his former rival:

“He made a real contribution. He was probably the only other one in the field that focused on pulling together the old Reagan coalition, if you will, the conservative coalition,” Romney continued, “His leaving is sad for those who were big fans of his, but it probably helps my effort in terms of bringing together those Reagan coalition individuals.”

Carl also asked Romney if Thompson would make his Vice-Presidential short list. Romney said that anyone who ran for the highest office in the land is “strong” and “should be considered, “He’s a terrific and highly capable guy and anyone would think that having Fred Thompson as Vice President would be a good thing.”

Hundreds of Romney supporters and curiosity seekers chanting, “Romney, Romney!” who could not get into the Naples Chamber of Commerce waited outside for a glimpse of the candidate. Romney jumped up on a silver Mustang convertible and greeted everyone with help from a megaphone. He got some laughs when he said he was expecting to get a group of 60. One man yelled out and the governor repeated, “Next time in the Naples stadium.”

Per Carl Cameron:”FOXNEWS has learned that Fred Thompson is returning to his home in McClean VA and plans to withdraw from the race. He has begun calling friends, family and supporters and telling them his campaign is over.”

Statement from Sen. Fred Thompson

McLean, VA -

Senator Fred Thompson today issued the following statement about his campaign for President:”Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States. I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort. Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people.”  

Columbia, SC — So is he or isn’t he? Fred Thompson delivered a somber speech tonight thanking his supporters and talking more about the past than the future, leading many observers to believe that his departure from the race is imminent. But he made no firm statement about his political future Saturday night.

“We will always be bound by a close bond because we have traveled a very special road together for a very special purpose. You know it has never been about me. It has never even been about you. It has been about our country,” he told the crowd in Columbia. “We are called upon from time to time to make our own sacrifices. We are called upon from time to time to make our own contribution. My friends that’s what you’ve done. That’s what you’re doing. And I am so proud to stand with you in that regard. And we will always stand strong together in that regard. We will always stand strong.”

After coming in a disappointing third in South Carolina, aides tell Fox that no final decision about the future of the campaign will be made Sunday or as late as Monday. Rich Galen, a senior Thompson adviser, said after the speech that he doesn’t even know what is next for the campaign. “We will know when we know. We don’t have the same deadlines that you guys in the media got,” Galen said.

(Note: Carl says supporters might have reason for hope!)

Thompson flew home Saturday night to his home in McLean, VA tonight and then heads to Tennessee Sunday to visit his elderly mother who is recovering from pneumonia in the hospital.

Aides were hopeful about a potential surprise showing early Saturday morning but by the time the party began just after 7pm, the balloon had burst. When Thompson supporter, Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-SC), took the stage early to rally the crowd, he received little response leading him to tell attendees, “come on…this is not at a funeral.”

Bluffton, SC –

Governor Romney lessened expectations in the Palmetto State today while campaigning here ahead of this Saturday’s first in the south primary. South Carolina has traditionally been the road to the White House for GOP contenders, but the former Massachusetts governor is only spending  a day and a half here before going to Nevada ahead of their caucuses, which are also on Saturday:

“There are 24 delegates in South Carolina and there are 34 delegates in Nevada, and my guess is that our time will be related to the fact that I’m fighting to get the nomination. I’m not looking for gold stars on my forehead like I was in first grade. I want delegates.”

Romney addressed 500 retirees here focusing on a “broken Washington.” But after the event, while talking to reporters he downplayed expectations saying this is McCain territory:

“I’m going to be campaigning hard here in South Carolina. I think Senator McCain has a very strong lead here. He’s the clear frontrunner. It would be an enormous surprise if we were able to win here,” Romney continued, “this is a state I’d expect Senator McCain has pretty well wrapped up, and so I’m going to spend time here to try and strengthen my position, but I’m also going to be spending time in Nevada and spending time in Florida and then we go on to 22 other states.”

Romney was buoyant after last night’s victory in his must-win state of Michigan:

“It’s good to have another win under my belt. We’ve won Wyoming, we’ve won Michigan. We’ve got more delegates than anybody else, more votes for president than any of the republicans running for president.”

(more…)

The Fred Thompson campaign has been repeatedly emailing supporters during the last week asking for cash to keep their new ad, “Substance,” on the air in Iowa. The lastest email asks for a mere $57,305….ouch.

EMAIL BELOW:

Dear #####,

I spoke with Fred this morning and informed him that we are placing the first part of our Iowa TV buy today.

But I also told him we are still about $57,305 short of our Red Truck Challenge goal.

That additional funding is critical so that we can make the rest of the buy.

Can you help us out?

(more…)

Click to listen to my report:

Congressman Steve King represents the 5th district of Iowa, the western third of the state. He is still in the middle of deciding who he will endorse, but we are now less than 3 weeks away from the Iowa caucuses.

He let me in on his endorsement decision making process giving me an exclusive look at who he is deciding between.

Click below to see the story that aired on Weekend Live today!

***UPDATE***

Congressman Steve King is going to announce his endorsement TOMORROW at 10AM eastern.

In the release King said, “ “The caucus process in Iowa is long and uniquely personal. Iowans have more access to the presidential candidates than anyone, myself included. We have closed the door and had intense discussions with nearly every candidate. I have a duty and an obligation to make my decision public about my choice for president.” King continued, “This decision is my personal conviction. No candidate, committee, or even my wife knows the conclusion I will announce.

***UPDATE***

Congressman King endorsed Fred Thompson this morning, even as Romney staffers waited to hear (in the room!) who King’s pick could be, thinking it was their guy. In response Thompson released this statement:

“Congressman King’s leadership in support of the sanctity of life and his efforts in the fight against illegal immigration have made him one of Iowa’s great Republican leaders. He’s a tireless fighter for the 5th district of Iowa and I’m honored by his support. I look forward to working with Congressman King over the next three weeks and into 2008 in support of the traditional conservative values he and I share.”

King said he would volunteer for any campaign he endorsed.

*** UPDATE***

Fred Thompson comments on Congressman King’s endorsement and the fact that members of the Romney campaign came to the endorsement thinking that King was going to endorse Governor Romney :

“I want to thank my friend Steve King for his endorsement today. It’s a very, very wonderful day for me because of Greg and Steve King. Steve King simply is a man of principle, somebody I’ve had a chance to talk with early on. I have adopted in my own plan several weeks ago on illegal immigration and what to do about it. Some ideas that Steve has had. He is a conscientious man and he goes with principle. Having someone like Steve step forward means an awful lot to me.

“I understand that today when he made his announcement, there were some other folks from another campaign standing around the wall waiting for their guy to be named. And he wasn’t. And they were kind of shocked that I got the endorsement and they didn’t. But I won’t rub it in. I’ll just say this. This ain’t the last surprise you’re going to get, folks.”