From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Carly Zakin
*** You Just Knew This Was Coming: When it was first reported that Fred Thompson might have lobbied for a pro-choice group, his camp first said Thompson had no recollection that he ever did such a thing. Then Thompson made some non-denial denials that reminded us of the old SNL "Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer" character. And now, voila, there's an article about records confirming that that Thompson DID lobby for the group. In fact, he apparently spoke to a representative of the abortion rights group 22 times. But he wasn't able to recall the lobbying effort when this was first reported? Thompson is lucky that some in the GOP base are so hungry for a candidate who at least looks like a conservative -- even if his record indicates otherwise.

Video: NBC's Chuck Todd offers his first read on potential Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson pushing back an official campaign announcement

*** A Missed Opportunity? Nearly 50 days have passed since Thompson first formed his "testing the waters" committee. And while the few events he's had since then -- including yesterday's fundraiser in Baton Rouge, LA -- have garnered attention, are we the only ones who sense that enthusiasm for his candidacy has waned? To build anticipation, music concerts typically wait as long as possible before bringing the main attraction to the stage. And when Thompson finally announces, it will be a big deal. But by waiting now as late as September to make his official plunge into the presidential waters, has he missed an opportunity to demonstrate to Republican voters (including the bigwigs) that he's their guy? He certainly is putting more pressure on himself to perform once he actually gets in. There will be no time to get the kinks out.

*** Bill's Excellent Adventure On Iraq:

Somewhat overshadowed yesterday by the new Edwards TV ad (featuring wife Elizabeth) and even the new Clinton DVD (talking to Iowa voters about the war) was Richardson's new ad his campaign is airing in Iowa. "We have to end the war now," he says in it. "We need to get all of our troops out of Iraq. George Bush won't do that, but I will." While we and others have focused plenty on Clinton's evolution on the war, few have traced how Richardson -- who once said Iraq had WMD and called the country a bigger threat than North Korea -- has become anti-war candidate. As the critical profile of him in last month's New Republic suggested, Richardson has never had a fixed foreign policy ideology, despite his vast experience in foreign affairs. Richardson is making progress because the spotlight isn't on him. But should he continue to make gains, can he withstand increased scrutiny on some of his position evolutions? (See: Press, Meet The)

*** Didn't We See This In "Brewster's Millions"? Tired of picking between the lesser of two evils at the ballot box? Well, perhaps not anymore. There's a proposal in Massachusetts that would make "None of the Above; For a New Election" an option in every state and local race. Per the Boston Globe, "In a state where 70 percent of candidates ran unopposed last year, the bill would let voters try to force competition by calling for a new election."

*** On The Trail: Brownback is in Iowa, where he throws out the first pitch at an Iowa Cubs game; Edwards -- a day removed from concluding his poverty tour -- travels to Iowa, while wife Elizabeth raises money at a brewery in Oklahoma City; Giuliani continues to stump in Iowa, where he gives a policy address on energy and ethanol; Obama has an ice cream social in New Hampshire; Richardson campaigns in Iowa; and Romney hosts a picnic and a town hall in South Carolina.
 
Countdown to the Ames Straw Poll: 23 days
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Countdown to LA GOV election: 93 days
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Countdown to LA GOV run-off (if necessary): 121 days
Countdown to Iowa: 178 days
Countdown to Tsunami Tuesday: 200 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 474 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 551 days