Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

Since Thompson has already served as a Republican Senator (he was a Senator, right? Not a Representative?) I would think people would disregard the Hollywood stigma. I would think he would have more trouble overcoming the reputation that when he was a Senator he didn't do much of anything.

California was once staunchly Republican, as I'm sure you know. It went for the Republican candidate in 9 of the 10 elections between 1952 and 1988. The shift to the Dems didn't really hit until 1992. Reagan's success there wasn't unusual.

And if anything, I think working in Hollywood is helpful to a candidate- look at Gopher, Clint, Sonny Bono, Ah-nuld, etc. Name recognition is name recognition. I don't buy people turning away from someone because he's a TV or movie star- I think they're more likely to be star-struck and vote for the person. Not to mention the candidate comes with charisma and is camera-savvy.

I hope Fred Thompson doesn't run because I would feel for all the actors who get residuals from "L&O" reruns. It's likely the episodes he's in would all be pulled because it could be considered free advertising for Thompson!