Thompson Buys Ad Time — Right Before Debate He's Skipping
Now this is something. Fred Thompson is skipping this Wednesday's Republican debate on Fox News, and will declare his candidacy at 12:01 a.m. that same night. However, Thompson's campaign has bought a 30-second ad to air on Fox News, just as people are tuning in to watch debate. The ad will feature Thompson speaking into the camera about the announcement he will make later that night.

Larry Craig Makes It Official — He's Resigning
Senator Larry Craig (R-ID) announced his resignation this morning, effective September 30, in the wake of the scandal involving his conviction for disorderly conduct in an airport men's room. However, he is still insisting upon his innocence, and vowing to fight it in court, despite his August guilty plea.

Obama And Edwards Pledge To Shun Rogue Primary States
Barack Obama and John Edwards have joined Joe Biden, Chris Dodd and Bill Richardson in pledging to not campaign in states that violate the Democratic National Committee's official primary calendar. Assuming the pledge is honored, this would take them out of Florida and probably Michigan, for now. Both have put out statements praising the current system and primary calendar for nominating the presidential candidate, and promising to stand by it despite the current challenges.

Club For Growth Attacking Tom Davis
Senator John Warner (R-VA) only announced his retirement yesterday, but the right-wing Club For Growth is already attacking GOP Congressman Tom Davis, widely believed to be Warner's choice to succeed him. "Tom Davis has one of the most economically liberal records among Republicans in the House," said former Congressman Pat Toomey (R-PA), now president of the group. "Since Republican voters in Virginia are decidedly economic conservatives, it’s hard to see how Davis could win a statewide primary."

Hillary, Obama Both Respond To Iowa Gay Marriage Ruling
Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have given their responses, offering cautious support, to a ruling by a judge in Polk County, Iowa, invalidating the state's ban on gay marriage. "The states have always determined age of marriage, other conditions and over time we've gotten rid a lot of discrimination that used to exist in marriage laws. That's now happening," said Clinton. A spokesman for Obama said the candidate "believes these matters should be left to the states, which is why he opposes the Defense of Marriage Act." The ruling in Iowa has been stayed, pending appeal.

Louisiana Dems Hit Back At Tancredo
Louisiana officials have responded to Tom Tancredo's statement that it is "time the taxpayer gravy train left the New Orleans station." This may come as a shock, but they don't agree. "Congressman Tancredo’s foolish call to cut out the people of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast is as ignorant as it is shortsighted," said Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA), who recently hosted a summit in New Orleans, to which all the presidential candidates had been invited. "Had the Congressman accepted my invitation to visit the hurricane-affected area this week, he would have witnessed what many already know: while substantial progress has been made, there is a great deal of work left to be done."

Report: GOP Candidates Looking At Tommy Franks For VP
The Washington Times is reporting that three Republican candidates — though it is has been specified which three — are looking at the idea of having Retired General Tommy Franks run for vice president next year. Franks was one of the men who helped plan out the Iraq War, orchestrating a light campaign that initially conquered Iraq but then failed to win the peace. One can't help but suspect that Democrats would love to run against him.