Thompson Taps Lacy For Exploratory Panel

WASHINGTON — Fred Thompson yesterday tapped the man he credits with saving his 1994 Senate campaign to take over his likely presidential bid.

Bill Lacy, a former strategist for President Reagan, Bob Dole, and the Republican National Committee, will run day-to-day operations of Mr. Thompson's committee to "test the waters" for a presidential run.

"He turned around my campaign for Senate in 1994 and, as I move toward a decision on whether to run for president, I am confident he will take our operations to the next level," Mr. Thompson, the former Tennessee senator and "Law & Order" actor, said in a statement.