[MBB1984]

Yes, and that is my biggest problem with him. If he is wrong on affirmative action he doesn't really get the conservative agenda of equal treatment for all and special rights for none.

[dirtboy]

Yes, and that is my biggest problem with him. If he is wrong on affirmative action he doesn't really get the conservative agenda of equal treatment for all and special rights for none.

I can find three votes by Fred regarding affirmative action, and it's a mixed bag:

http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Fred_Thompson.htm

Voted NO on setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities & women. (Mar 1998)
Voted NO on ending special funding for minority & women-owned business. (Oct 1997)
Voted NO on banning affirmative action hiring with federal funds. (Jul 1995)

On the other hand, he has resisted the efforts to make gays a special protected class:

Voted NO on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002)
Voted NO on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation. (Sep 1996)

I'd say Fred's a wash here.