Texas Congressional Race Focussing on Downing Street Memos

Ceder Creek Pilot (Texas)
Thompson gearing up for Congressional seat run

By John H. Cox

A retired U.S. Navy Commander and economic development executive acknowledged recently that his official announcement to seek the Democratic nomination is still forthcoming.

However, Charles Edward "Charlie" Thompson was ready to make his unofficial notice available to the public.

"Right now I'm in the midst of putting together a campaign team," the 61-year-old Athens resident said. "I do have a well-known Cedar Creek Lake Area resident as my campaign manager, Bill Hanstom. "When we get everything together, we hope to make our major official announcement."

However, until then, the U.S. Navy Flight Officer having more than 600 aircraft carrier landings directs those seeking his biographical overview to his www.charliethompson.org website. Thompson also suggests 5th District voters examine "The Downing Street Memos (a.k.a. 'The Smoking Gun Memo'; www.downingstreetmemo.com and www.afterdowningstreet.org) to understand his present concern about our nation's involvement in Iraq.

He believes his hands-on Middle East involvement, both military (Master Training Specialist; Technical Intelligence Expert) and in civilian international business development (Chrysler Technologies Middle East, Ryadh, Saudi Arabia) gives him insight to current problems. Executive economic and tourism development positions in Texas and Florida allow him to see Americans having varied perspectives on life. That combination of foreign and domestic awareness helps him understand the current mode within the U.S.

"I feel most Americans want to get out of Iraq," the Vietnam era pilot said. "But, with dignity."

However, current foreign difficulties are only symptomatic of today's problems on the Potomac, the Big Spring native contends.

"My goal, if elected to represent the 5th District, is to re-establish civility to government," the former Gun Barrel City Economic Development Corporation exec said.

"I say that to those on both extreme ends of the political spectrum," he said. "Government needs to operate in the 'Come let us reason together,' manner. Too many people, both Democrats and Republicans, are moving to the extreme left or right."

As a 5th Congressional Representative Thompson, like current second-term Republican incumbent Rep, Jeb Hensarling, will have to deal with a varied constituency of urban, suburban and rural community residents. From the steaming hot pavements of East Dallas to rustic farmlands, recreational waters and Pineywoods of East Texas, he will find varied modes, ideas and ideals of life.

"I think my background is varied enough to allow me to have empathy with all citizens of the 5th District," he said. "I know I will always make myself accessible to listen and respond whenever they speak or write."

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