Is 'Law And Order' Still Hiring?

The candidates for the GOP presidential nomination are peeling away ever faster as it becomes clear that they're not getting the delegates. The latest loss? Fred Thompson.

Technically the number four hopeful with eight delegates, coming out of South Carolina it was obvious that he was fourth in a three-man race (or maybe fifth, if Rudy Giuliani can get off blocks in Florida.) In a brief statement (see below the fold for the text) issued in McLean, VA, he said thanks and bye, and joined other also-rans Duncan Hunter and Tom Tancredo. An unassuming end for the presidential aspirations of a man that Richard Nixon called "dumb as hell."

So does this open the field up for Alan Keyes, or what?

"Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States. I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort. Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people."