Fred Thompson to campaign Saturday in Lakeland

LAKELAND --- Former U.S. senator from Tennessee and now presidential candidate, Fred Thompson, is tentatively slated to be in Lakeland at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Lakeland Gun Show at the Lakeland Center.

He is expected to make a short speech at the entrance to the center and then will tour the show, meeting with those attending the event.

More . . . here.

Local Republicans giving early support to Thompson's candidacy include U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, state Sen. Paula Dockery and state Rep. Seth McKeel.

• Update, 9/16/2007: Gun show welcomes Thompson
• Multimedia: Pot-bellied men and big-butted women swoon

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Since Republican candidates routinely find Lakeland on their maps - McCain and Romney have already appeared, and Giuliani is expected in October - I have issued a standing invitation to every Democratic candidate in the race: please come to Lakeland.