Thompson Leads In GOP Poll

Thompson Leads In GOP Poll

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Former Republican Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson leads Republican presidential candidates, according to a Rasmussen poll released Tuesday.

In the poll of likely republican primary voters, Thompson had a one percentage point lead over Rudolph Giuliani, former New York mayor.

Thompson, who is an actor, has not formally declared his candidacy.

"We have just formed a testing the waters committee that allows us to raise a little money," Thompson said during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.

Later, he met with former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The media calls it the oldest political trick in the book.

"When you want to burnish up your international credentials, you get on a plane, cross the pond," said CNN correspondent Richard Quest.

All of this from a man, who still has not announced he's running. Friends of Fred Thompson established Web site where supporters can learn about Thompson and donate money.

"Friends, your encouragement has me thinking we can change Washington and help America meet the challenges of today and tomorrow," according to a message posted on the Web site signed by Thompson. "We're entering a new phase of this process and we aren't going to do things the same old way.

Now, I need your support to keep us moving forward."

"It's almost like he is setting himself up to enter," said one visitor to the Web site. "I would like that very much so."

One thing's obvious: Years of Thompson being seen on television have paid off.

When average residents in Nashville were shown pictures of Republican presidential candidates and Thompson, several people were unable to identify all the candidates. But many recognized Thompson's picture.

It seems Thompson has that recognition factor over some Republican contenders. Experts believe that's why he's done so well in the polls.

"Unfortunately, we tend to vote for folks that we see, whether we know what they believe or what they vote for," said Linda Miller of Nashville.

It seems people remember the face, but the trick now is remembering him at the polls.

Thompson is expected to announce a presidential run in July.

Thompson was leading by a wide margin in a NewsChannel 5 Web Poll among Republican contenders. By Wednesday evening, Thompson had an 83 percent of the vote. Rudy Giuliani had 9.8 percent while candidates Mitt Romney and John McCain had 3.1 percent and 4.1 percent respectively.

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