Thompson Out, Thompson Not Yet In

Tommy Thompson has abandoned his quest for the White House:

Former Gov. Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin, who said he would drop out of the Republican race for president if he didn't come in first or second in Saturday's Ames Straw Poll, finished sixth of 11 candidates. And minutes ago he made it official.

The 65-year-old former secretary of Health and Human Services said he was officially dropping out of the race. "I respect the decision of the voters," he said. Despite visiting all 99 Iowa counties, his campaign never got much traction, though he did push his colleagues to talk more about health care.

He never had a chance. The other Thompson, Fred, is reportedly going to enter the race September 5th. I think he'll do better than his namesake.