Fred Thompson: Criminal Intent

How has Fred Thompson, with deliberate intent, broken the law regarding campaign financing? Let me count the ways.

1. He has raised over $5,000 (claims $3.4 million in contributions).
   
2. He has authorized campaign activities in excess of $5,000 ($625,000 in expenditures which include $168,940 for internet services, $21,142 for media, and $88,789 to rent facilities).
3. He has made or authorized statements that refer to him as a candidate (hell, he made a campaign trip to Iowa last week).
4. He has conducted activities over a protracted period of time (this dance has been going on since June 1)

Any one of these acts signals the end of a "testing the waters" phase and the beginning of an official campaign with all of the attendant reporting requirements. The law. The complaint filed with the FEC. Fred Thompson has demonstrated that he is the natural successor to George Bush. There is no law Thompson doesn't hold in contempt and no law he isn't willing to ignore. He is fully prepared to become the nation's Criminal-in-Chief.