Tennessee Congressman Zach Wamp is a close ally of Thompson and is pushing him to run.

NPR: Thompson, Potential GOP Force, in New Meetings

We just heard Zach Wamp, a conservative Republican from Tennessee, who changed his mind.

NPR: Why Did Lawmakers Shift On Bailout? Fear

Representative ZACH WAMP (Republican, Tennessee): He was called presidential, and he was.

NPR: Thompson, Potential GOP Force, in New Meetings

Representative ZACH WAMP (Republican, Tennessee): You know, I will defend until my death the ability of the Congress to direct the funding or to earmark projects.

NPR: Have Earmarks Really Earned Their Bad Rep?