Former Sen. Fred Thompson Reveals He Has Cancer

Former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) announced today that he was diagnosed with cancer more than two years ago but the disease is currently in remission.

“I have had no illness from it, or even any symptoms,” Thompson told Fox News. “My life expectancy should not be affected.”

Thompson said the lymphoma, which he described as “indolent”–meaning it typically responds well to treatment–was found during a physical exam two and a half years ago and is currently in remission. If the cancer re-emerged at some point, Thompson told Fox, “it is very treatable with drugs if treatment is needed in the future — and with no debilitating side effects.”

Given that the cancer is in remission, it’s not a huge issue. However, the announcement itself does shed light, perhaps, on Thompson’s feelings toward running. That he would come out with something like this suggests to me he is serious about getting into this race. A republican strategist mentioned in the article seems to agree:

One Republican strategist who was granted anonymity to speak candidly about the announcement said that Thompson’s decision to publicly acknowledge his past cancer diagnosis was a sign he was serious about a presidential bid.

“I think it means he’s running,” the source said. “You wouldn’t put this out there unless you had decided to get in.”

Here’s hoping.

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