Thompson Catching Up to Rudy

Fred Thompson still hasn't formally entered the '08 race but his poll numbers are quickly catching up to Rudy Giuliani:

WASHINGTON — Republicans antsy for a conservative standard-bearer in the presidential race have begun to rally behind Fred Thompson, propelling the former Tennessee senator to within hailing distance of the lead for the party's nomination, a new Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll has found.

Former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani holds first place in the survey, with support from 27% of the Republicans and independents who said they plan to vote in the party's 2008 primaries.

But Thompson, an actor who played a prosecutor on NBC's "Law & Order," runs just behind, with 21%. Indications are he will join the race within the next month.

The two other major GOP contenders, Sen. John McCain of Arizona and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, fall well short of the leaders and are in a battle for third place. McCain was backed by 12% of those polled, Romney by 10%. The rest of the crowded field is mired in single digits.

Assuming that Thompson continues to do well once exposed to the bright lights of daily campaign activity, McCain and Romney will soon be in single digits. I expect that Rudy will continue to be a strong candidate, but with an acceptable conservative alternative, he'll have a tough time staying in front of Thompson. I expect most of McCain and Romney's support will go to Thompson and that should push him comfortably ahead.