Supporters of Fred Thompson are seeking to raise $4.6 million to help launch the former senator and "Law & Order” star’s expected run for president in 2008.
A group called the First-Day Founders got the ball rolling when all 100 members each donated the primary maximum of $2,300 on June 1, the day Thompson’s exploratory committee filed with the Tennessee secretary of state, allowing the committee to begin fundraising.
If the First-Day Founders come through with their fundraising efforts, "Thompson presumably would start off with $4.6 million in ‘seed money,’” The Hill newspaper reported.
"Speculation has been rampant as of late that the former senator is all but in the race … and such aggressive fundraising efforts seem to support that notion.”
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Some analysts believe that Thompson will not announce his candidacy before the end of the second filing period because he might appear financially weak compared to candidates who have had more time to raise money, according to The Hill.
In addition to the First-Day Founders, several Web sites that were formed to urge a Thompson run have been raising money as well. GrassrootsVoter.com claims it has signed 17,000 volunteers from all 50 states, and www.Fred08.com is also asking for donations.