I’m sorry to be the one to have to break the news. Well, no, that’s not true. Heh.

The Bolton endorsement and the Fred endorsement on the same day? SECOND LOOK AT POSSIBLY NOT STAYING HOME!

While campaigning in Wichita, this afternoon with KS senator and former presidential candidate Sam Brownback, John McCain announced that he had recently received the support of another former candidate.

“I also spoke again yesterday to my friend Fred Thompson who assured me he is ready to do whatever it takes to help me win the election in November,” McCain said. “I’m very proud to have the friendship and support of Fred Thompson as well.”

The campaign would not confirm whether Thompson officially endorsed McCain or not, and sources close to Thompson did not immediately return phone inquiries. Thompson did serve as a national co-chair of McCain’s 2000 presidential campaign but has not announced formal support since he dropped out of the race last month.

Why no formal endorsement yet? Is Fred picking his spot? Or is it that he simply can’t rouse himself? “Yeah, I’ll just call John. Let him tell them.” Not that Maverick needs either him or JB (yet): The first poll in Virginia since October is finally out. 63 delegates at stake, winner take all — say goodnight, Huck. In fact, it’s actually a re-poll taken after Mitt dropped out; compare the earlier results with him still in the race and you’ll see that McCain actually gains more from his departure than Huckabee does.

Exit question: When does Dobson form his exploratory committee?

Update: The moment of truth is at hand.

“This is no longer about past preferences or differences. It is about what is best for our country and for me that means that Republican should close ranks behind John McCain,” Thompson said in a statement reported by the Associated Press.