thompsonFormer Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson, who burst on the scene last summer as a serious contender for the Republican presidential nomination, could drop out of the race within the next few days, according to a report in the online newsmagazine Politico.

Thompson initially appeared to be a frontrunner for the GOP endorsement, but has been criticized for lackluster fundraising and a somnolent presence on the campaign trail.The Politico report quoted a Thompson aide as saying, “Without a solid third-place finish [in Iowa], there’s no point in going on.”  Thompson is currently polling fourth in Iowa and fifth nationally, according to Pollster.com.

Thompson entered the race as the GOP searched for a candidate acceptable to all major constituencies within the party.  His departure could shake up the race, as his supporters choose between GOP frontrunners former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.  Thompson has been a favorite of anti-abortion forces, including the Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life and National Right to Life.