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I love his Federalism talk, but is it for real or just opportunist like Romney gets accused of? Ann Coulter might be a bomb-thrower, but she does have a good point that for a Senator from Tennessee, we could have expected a lot more conservative leadership if he actually were conservative. That is, it's not like some conservatism would have gotten him in hot water with voters from that state.

And I don't know details, but here's one group's opinion on his immigration record (click image to go to the page)...

Wow now you're moving to graphics, neato. We can argue about what number or type of visas should be issued but the fact remains that Thompson has been right on the issue of illegal immigration(which didn't really come up much during his tenure). Sadly, because the man term limited himself to two terms he never really was in "leadership". His record stands up well to any other candidate that is running, with any significant support. What don't you like about Federalism? Do you really want DC setting the agenda for everything you do? It was a mainstay of Reagan's domestic policy. It is also much of the reason Thompson voted against popular measures that would have usurped States' authority. That pesky 10th Amendment again!

Roy Beck of Numbers USA on Fred's immigration plan:

When Fred Thompson came out with a detailed immigration policy this fall, I knew it was very good but was too busy leading the fight against amnesties in the Senate to give thorough attention.

Reading Thompson’s full proposed immigration policy this afternoon, I am blown away by its depth, its breadth and at how it would so fundamentally change Americans’ future for the better.

It's true that Numbers USA has been critical of Thompson in the past (mostly over LEGAL immigration issues, as they want a reduction in immigration overall), however Mr. Beck went further in his analysis:

As a Senator from Tennessee in the 1990s, Thompson had a mixed record on immigration. I've studied that record and believe it reflects the problem that we saw even in some of this year's Senate heroes who also were mediocre in the 1990s -- most of them just weren't paying much attention to this issue in the 1990s (just like a lot of you have only become active on this during the last couple of years).

NumbersUSA always gives ample credit to politicians who turn from bad or mediocre records and decide to become our champions. But less-than-stellar past records require us to look for signs of sincerity and assurance that they will follow through on their promises.

With Thompson, we will be watching closely for these signs. One strong point for him is that he finished his Senate career with an A-minus performance in 01/02 term after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. And since coming out with his official stance, he has not been equivocating when asked about immigration in media appearances or in strong immigration ads.