The absentee ballot for the New York primary election arrived at my house last Monday, and I wanted to mail it from my house before I left. This meant that I had to choose my GOP nominee before I left Tuesday morning.

For the past few months, I've honestly had no idea who to support. I like Rudy Giuliani because of his great successes with crime and the economy and his tough stance on national security. Sure, he had some issues with social matters, but as long as he nominated conservative judges (which he has pledged to do) it really isn't a problem. He also seemed the most electable at the time (which is beginning to change, but we'll see on Super Tuesday...).

I also have little to complain about with Mitt Romney. He is appealing to Republicans. His flip-flops are over the course of years, as opposed to Kerry's which were over the course of minutes, indicating what could be honest changes of opinion (or catering to voters, of course). He has extensive private sector experience and did a decent job as MA governor.

Either of these I would support in a national race for president with little to complain about.

But in the South Carolina debate last week, Fred Thompson shined. The reason I haven't been an outspoken supporter for him is because he hasn't been an outspoken supporter for himself. He has shown little passion or interest throughout his campaign which has turned me and I think many potential voters. But at the debate, he was on fire. He was making jokes, calling out Mike Huckabee (see below), and proving that he truly believes in Reagan and all the great things he represents.

Do I honestly believe he will get nominated? Granted, his chances are slim if nonexistent. But a strong showing in any of the upcoming states could give him some airtime and publicity. And the message of Reagan has always won, if delivered correctly, in a national election. If this change of face is permanent and he can get some airtime, who knows what can happen in the fickle creature that is the GOP race.

So I checked the box for Fred, because it was the right decision that I hope many Republicans will make. If he doesn't get the nomination, that's all right. There are tolerable alternatives. But if there is a true conservative in the race, I cannot ignore him.