Former US Senator Fred Thompson has made a long-delayed entry into the Republican presidential race.
Mr Thompson (65), a Hollywood actor best known for his role in Law and Order, unveiled his bid in a video on his website, www.Fred08.com, and in an appearance on NBC's The Tonight Showwith Jay Leno. He has played presidents three times in movies.
After "testing the waters" for six months and twice shaking up his staff, the Tennessean entered the campaign hoping to offer a fresh face in a Republican field that has failed to generate a lot of excitement.
Many Republicans believe he is entering the race too late to be able to win, but Mr Thompson said he doubted Americans will say: "That guy would make a very good president, but he didn't get in soon enough."
Mr Thompson also seemed to directly challenge the notion floated by some Republicans that he is lazy and lacks the drive to win in November 2008.
"I'm going to give this campaign all that I have to give, and I hope that you will join me," he said.
Instead of appearing at a Republican debate in New Hampshire last night, his campaign broadcast a Thompson ad during the event sponsored by the Fox News Channel. He was criticised by Republican rivals at the debate for not showing up.