WASHINGTON — Republican Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee will not seek re-election, White House and Senate officials said today.
The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Thompson will serve out his term, which expires next January. One Republican Senate official said the lawyer and former actor was stepping down for personal reasons dealing with his family.
Thompson's daughter, Elizabeth, died Jan. 20 from a brain injury following a heart attack. She was 38.
Asked by a reporter today if he planned to seek re-election, Thompson replied: "I have nothing to say about that now." He indicated there would be a statement later.
Though Tennessee has sent increasing numbers of Republicans to Congress in recent years, Thompson's retirement could complicate the party's efforts to regain a Senate majority in the November elections.
Democrats control the chamber by a 50-49 margin; the 100th senator, James Jeffords of Vermont, is an independent who leans Democratic.
Republicans say there have been some discussions within the party with Lamar Alexander, a former governor, former education secretary and former presidential candidate, about whether he would be available to run for the seat if it came open. Filing remains open in Tennessee until April 4.
"Former Gov. Lamar Alexander is the Republican Party's strongest candidate to retain the seat," said Scott Reed, a Republican consultant.