I can vouch for Thompson. In fact, I can say he was the only prominent Republican in TN who was remotely concerned about keeping our GOP numbers, and was successful in keeping both our Senate seats in the GOP column (even last year, at a time that he really didn’t have to do a thing for us. There was nothing in it for him). Contrast that with his former seatmate, Bill Frist, who was AWOL in leadership and was nowhere to be seen during the campaign season.
The sole worry about Thompson tends to stem from the CFR days. What that had to do with was his being a ceaseless fighter against corruption and corrupt politicians. He sincerely believed removing the influence of money in campaigns was the way to go about it. I personally disagreed with the ultimate bill, but I understood the intent. If Thompson had intended to inflict harm on the party, the effects would’ve already been felt. I’ve seen a lot of piss-poor GOP leaders in my state that were content to let things slide (Howard Baker, Lamar! Alexander, Don Sundquist, Frist), but he was the only one who actively and aggressively stepped up when no one else would. One of the reasons why I can support the man in good conscience.
I would say that is my main concern, not only one. I believe he continues to remain a member of that group. I've not heard or seen him say it's because he wants to 'keep tabs' on the enemies. He's never come out and said anything against their agenda. Additionally, when questioned about the North American Union, he feigns ignorance. I find that unbelievable. First of all, it is the CFR which is pushing for it. Secondly, there has long been discussions on this politically, in various forms. Thirdly, there is currently a House bill, sponsored by Virgil Goode, (H.C.R. 487):
"designed to express 'the sense of Congress that the United States should not engage in the construction of a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Superhighway System or enter into a North American Union (NAU) with Mexico and Canada.'"I also saw Thompson questioned on this very matter by a woman, who was shortly thereafter, removed from his presence during a press conference (it was outside, I believe). I find it odd that his feigned ignorance while his feathers seemed more than ruffled at the question being asked and then the woman being forcefully removed. This strikes me as Thompson knowing much more than he is admitting. And this leaves me to believe that his CFR days are not a thing of the past (especially seeing as how he is still a member), or that his membership had anything to do with a pro-American concern.
I find the CFR to be antithetical to all things American and, if I were a candidate, I would never join anything that resembled such an organization to begin with.
Based on these things, I must respectfully disagree with your conclusions. I am, however, glad we agree on the other matters, and look forward to further input you may have concerning those things. I believe your heart is in the right place, though we disagree on a particular issue, it appears.