WASHINGTON — Not enough “star” power for Fred Thompson in a GOP presidential field that includes some of his friends? Whatever the case, the actor and former Tennessee senator is considering getting into the 2008 race.

Mr. Thompson, who plays district attorney Arthur Branch on NBC’s drama “Law & Order,” said yesterday, “I’m giving some thought to it, going to leave the door open” and decide in the coming months. “It’s not really a reflection on the current field at all,” he said.

“I’m just going to wait and see what happens,” Mr. Thompson added. “I wanted to see how my colleagues who are on the campaign trail do now, what they say, what they emphasize, what they’re addressing, and how successful they are in doing that, and whether or not they can carry the ball in next November.”

Mr. Thompson, 64, said he was pondering a run after a former Senate majority leader, Howard Baker, and other Tennessee Republicans began drumming up support for his possible GOP candidacy, citing his conservative credentials.

On the issues, Mr. Thompson said he:

• Is “pro-life” and believes federal judges should overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade abortion rights decision as “bad law and bad medical science.”

• Opposes gay marriage but would let states decide whether to allow civil unions. “Marriage is between a man and a woman, and I don’t believe judges ought to come along and change that.”

• Opposes gun control and praised last week’s 2–1 federal appeals decision overturning a long-standing handgun ban.

• Supports President Bush’s decision to increase troops in Iraq.
• Would pardon a former White House aide I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, after his conviction for perjury and obstruction of justice now, rather than waiting until all his appeals are exhausted. Mr. Thompson is a fundraiser for Libby’s defense.