Thompson On Schiavo

A counter-Christianist blast, reflecting his own family's painful choice to end the life of his own daughter, Elizabeth "Betsy" Thompson:

"I had to make those decisions with the rest of my family," Thompson said. "And I will assure you one thing: no matter which decision you make, you will never know whether or not you made exactly the right decision."

GOP hopeful Thompson said that "making this into a political football is something that I don't welcome, and this will probably be the last time I ever address it. It should be decided by the family. The federal government -- and the state government too, except for the court system -- should stay out of these matters, as far as I'm concerned."

For all his weaknesses as a candidate, Thompson has one attribute now rare among Republicans: a lack of zeal.