Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate for Congress (NY-23), today received the endorsement of former United States Senator Fred Thompson. In his letter of endorsement Thompson, a Republican and a nationally recognized leader of the conservative movement, called on like-minded Americans to “Stand with me and support Doug Hoffman, a true conservative for Congress.”

Thompson, whose varied career has included stints as Assistant U.S. Attorney, Minority Counsel on the Senate Watergate committee, lawyer, author, Presidential candidate, and radio talk show host, is best known to many Americans as an actor who has appeared in such blockbuster movies as the Hunt for Red October, Die Hard II and the Emmy Award winning TV series Law & Order.

In his endorsement letter, which is being distributed nationally, Thompson wrote: “If ever there was an opportunity to send a message to Washington, to the Obama Administration and to the politicians who have made careers of ignoring the will of the people they represent. Running, as the Conservative Party candidate, in New York’s 23^rd Congressional District, Doug Hoffman is doing just that.”

Doug Hoffman said: “I am honored to receive the endorsement of Senator Fred Thompson. Throughout his career he has exemplified what public service should be all about. He has stood tall for the conservative principles that this nation needs and that the voters of the 23^rd Congressional District believe in. He has fought to shrink the deficit, to battle the endless cycle of increased spending and increased taxes that is breaking the backs of average Americans and to make sure that our military has the resources needed to fight terrorism and to protect our nation. When I’m elected to Congress I will fight for these conservative principles and the many others I share with Fred Thompson.”

Doug Hoffman’s campaign for Congress has quickly become a focus of the conservative movement. This “off year” special election is viewed by many as a referendum on the first year of the Obama Administration and a battle for the “hearts and soul” of the Republican Party. Supporters from the district, New York State and the nation have been contributing and volunteering by visiting www.doughoffmanforcongress.com .