WHITHER THOMPSON?

Published reports that Fred Thompson soon will withdraw from the Republican presidential contest and endorse Sen. John McCain have been traced in part to Mitt Romney's campaign, trying to stir up strife between McCain and Thompson.

There is no question, however, that McCain strategists would welcome Thompson's endorsement if and when he drops out. It could help McCain in the Jan. 19 South Carolina primary.

A footnote: Out of money, the Thompson campaign took a unique approach to the Iowa Caucuses Thursday with a "blast" e-mail to the candidate's contributors: "Get out your Christmas card list, your PDA (personal digital assistant), your Rolodex -- any list you might have of families in Iowa. If you don't know anyone in Iowa, you can visit our Website and make calls today on Fred's behalf." Thompson finished third in Iowa, slightly ahead of McCain but far behind Mike Huckabee and Romney.

CAN RUDY LAST?

With Rudy Giuliani finishing a poor fifth in Iowa and figuring to be no better than third in New Hampshire, his campaign is telling Republicans to be patient and wait for the former mayor of New York to win in California, New York and New Jersey on Feb. 5.

Those three states will send 326 delegates to the Republican conventions, compared to 232 delegates from all the states voting prior to Feb. 5. Thus, Giuliani could get back in the race by grabbing a big share of the California-New York-New Jersey jackpot.

The question is whether Giuliani will be viable on Feb. 5 if he fails to win a primary before then. His best chance for an early win will be in Florida on Jan. 29.