Thompson manager: we are 'definitely' running

On a conference call with supporters, Fred Thompson's campaign manager Bill Lacey said Thompson will file papers to officially enter the presidential race Sept. 6.

"Fred is definitely is going to make the race," Lacey told members of the national finance team. "We are in this race to win."

Lacey said Thompson will file papers with the Federal Election Committee on Sept. 6. On the same day he will formally announce his campaign on a webcast. After that he is expected to visit Iowa Sept. 7, New Hampshire on Sept. 8-9, and South Carolina after that.

There will also be events Sept. 13-15 in Florida and Tennessee, Lacey said.

Thompson's national finance chair Phil Martin said the campaign has raised over $6 million already, but that "September needs to be a big month" in raising campaign funds.