Thompson's Friends In Low Places

Fred Thompson campaign co-chairman is Philip Martin. Nothing unusual about that. Except for Martin's history as a drug smuggler.

Martin pleaded guilty to the sale of 11 pounds of marijuana in 1979, but the court withheld judgment pending completion of his probation. In 1983, he was charged with violating probation and multiple counts of bookmaking, cocaine trafficking and conspiracy. He pleaded no contest to the cocaine-trafficking and conspiracy charges, and was continued on probation, the newspaper said.

Thompson downplayed the past conviction. "Nobody’s made any accusations that he’s done anything illegal with regard to our campaign," said the Admiral. It's nice to know Thompson is setting a high ethically bar.

Hollywood Fred said he would not "throw my friend under the bus." He did leave open the possibility that Martin might leave the campaign. What Thompson is implying is he will ask Martin to throw himself under the bus. That makes things so less messy.