Convicted former drug dealer Philip J. Martin has resigned from his position as a fundraiser for Fred Thompson's campaign, after reports surfaced of his 1979 guilty plea for selling marijuana, and 1983 no-contest plea for trafficking in cocaine. Martin was put on probation both times.

"I have decided to resign my position as chair of 'First Day Founders' of 'The Friends of Fred Thompson,'" Martin said in a statement. "The focus of this campaign should be on Fred Thompson's positions on the issues and his outstanding leadership ability, not on mistakes I made some 24 years ago. I deeply regret any embarrassment this has caused."