Thompson ready to test ‘08 waters at state GOP gala

Charles Dunn of Regent University in Virginia Beach, said breaking into the Republican presidential primary field would be a “tall order” for Mr. Thompson, but he would likely do well in Virginia.

“He will appeal to the Southern Republican,” Mr. Dunn said. “He will appeal to evangelical Christians, and he will appeal to social conservatives. Those three groups pretty much dominate Republican Party politics in this state.”

Still, Mr. Thompson will need to tell people where he stands on other issues — including campaign-finance reform — and assure Virginia conservatives that he is more committed to tenets of limited government than the other top-tier Republican contenders are.

“I’m not sure that reading from a Hollywood script is the way to motivate conservatives,” Mr. Lingamfelter said. Conservatives are “looking for somebody who reflects Reagan values but also has the leaderships skills and commitment to conservative principles needed to actually lead the country.”