Fred Thompson Watch

"Seven weeks ago, I would have put it very low," Senator Bob Corker, Republican of Tennessee, said of the odds of a Thompson bid. "Four weeks ago, when I talked on the phone to both he and his wife, I would have put it at 50-50.

"Last Wednesday, I talked to them both again on the phone, and I have to tell you I think he is very interested. I think he is at the 75- to 80-percent level at this point. I really do."