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Republicans set for latest debate Thompson joins White House race
(about 3 hours later)
The Republican contenders for the 2008 White House race are preparing to take part in the latest televised debate, in New Hampshire, a key US election state. Veteran Hollywood actor and ex-US Senator Fred Thompson has declared he will seek the Republican nomination for the 2008 presidential election.
The Iraq war and immigration are likely to be among the issues raised. "I'm running for president of the United States," he said in a taped appearance on a popular chat show, to be aired later on Wednesday.
Soon after the debate, ex-senator and former actor Fred Thompson is expected to make his long-expected entry into the presidential race. He joins eight declared Republican candidates, led by frontrunners Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney.
His team will show a TV advert during urging viewers to watch him announce his candidacy online. The eight are due to take part in a 90-minute televised debate shortly.
He will also appear on Jay Leno's Tonight Show. The debate on the Fox News network comes as campaigning for the November 2008 election is expected to gather pace in the coming months.
All eight declared candidates, among them frontrunners Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney, are due to take part in the 90-minute debate, to be broadcast on the Fox News network at 2100 ET.
Poll leader
The debate comes as campaigning for the November 2008 election is expected to gather pace in the coming months.
The primary season, in which the parties in each state nominate their chosen candidate to run for president, will get under way in January.The primary season, in which the parties in each state nominate their chosen candidate to run for president, will get under way in January.
Mr Romney, former governor of Massachusetts, is likely to want to build on his win in the Iowa straw poll in August, an indicator of strength in a crucial primary state.Mr Romney, former governor of Massachusetts, is likely to want to build on his win in the Iowa straw poll in August, an indicator of strength in a crucial primary state.
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who like Arizona senator John McCain chose not to take part in the straw poll, continues to lead national polls.Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who like Arizona senator John McCain chose not to take part in the straw poll, continues to lead national polls.
Mr McCain was an early frontrunner, but his campaign faltered over the summer after disappointing fundraising figures and a shake-up of his operation.Mr McCain was an early frontrunner, but his campaign faltered over the summer after disappointing fundraising figures and a shake-up of his operation.
He is likely to play a more prominent role in the days to come with the release of a progress report on the Bush administration's "surge" strategy in Iraq, which he has backed.
Mike Huckabee, former Arkansas governor, may be hoping to capitalise on a good showing in Iowa to pick up support.
The other Republican candidates taking part will be Senator Sam Brownback and Representatives Duncan Hunter, Ron Paul and Tom Tancredo.
Mr Thompson, who first hinted at a run several months ago but has been "testing the waters" since, has not been able to participate in any of the televised debates.
He has been consistently polling among the top tier candidates.