It claims to be energized

The Thompson campaign started with much hope and anticipation. Despite Fred Thompson's late entry into the presidential fray, many saw him as a candidate who would uphold a conservative platform for the Republican party. True, he holds a reasonably authentic conservative position, but many potential supporters are disappointed by the lack of energy and ambition shown by the campaign. They have taken a 'wait and see' attitude, thinking Thompson will fail in the primaries.

Here is the article from CQ.com entitled Some House Backers of Thompson are Starting to Lose the Faith

Several House Republicans who endorsed Fred Thompson for president now say that they are frustrated with what they view as an apathetic campaign, and at least one regrets having committed to the former Tennessee senator.

“I think he’s kind of done a belly flop,” said an estranged Thompson backer who indicated he will not pull his public support before the “Super Tuesday” primaries. “We’ll just wait till after Feb. 5 because I think he’s going to get beat.”

The disaffected members of team Thompson say he has failed to put to rest whispers that he is unwilling to campaign hard enough to win the presidency.

“He seems to be perpetuating it instead of defeating it,” another dissatisfied Thompson backer said. “I can’t see me bailing on him, but there’s some frustration.”

Political endorsements mean little in and of themselves. But actively engaged elected officials can use their own networks to help boost a presidential candidate’s chances in their district or state, according to political experts.

“It often times gives entrée to that person’s own fundraising network and to be able to tap into that person’s knowledge of how to win that particular geography,” said Susan A. MacManus, a political science professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

Some of Thompson’s endorsers say they aren’t lifting a finger.

“I’ve kind of pulled back. I’m not not supporting him, but I’m not doing anything,” said a third lawmaker.

What could be even more troubling for Thompson is what that lawmaker said GOP activists outside the capital Beltway are saying: “Now they’re calling me and saying ‘What’s he doing?’ It’s almost like he doesn’t want it.”

Despite the NRLC endorsement (which really should have gone to Huckabee) Fred Thompson is campaigning like a tired old man whose ambition has awakened too late. Potential supporters see this clearly and the poll numbers are showing it.