Fred Thompson Helps Libby

In a move that suggests he's not worried that backing convicted perjurer Lewis "Scooter" Libby will hurt his presidential chances, former Sen. Fred Thompson is planning to host several fundraisers to help the former Cheney aide pay his legal fees.

In fact, allies of Thompson are trying to bring attention to the Law and Order actor/politician's move and call for a presidential pardon as a demonstration that he sticks with friends no matter what the political outcome.

"Give Fred props on the pardon advocacy," says one pal. "And he's raising money for the www.scooterlibby.com defense fund."

By Paul Bedard