Thompson continues criticism

White House hopeful Fred Thompson is continuing his debate-night criticism of rival Mike Huckabee. In Surfside Beach today, Thompson called the primary contest a fight between the ideals of Ronald Reagan and populist appeals that blame others for problems. Huckabee's campaign dismissed the attacks as issued by a candidate who is on the ropes. Thompson is a former Tennessee senator and actor who's struggling to stay viable in the GOP contest and has declared that South Carolina is his "line in the sand." An early favorite when he entered the race, Thompson has since been overshadowed by Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor with wide appeal to Christian conservatives here, and John McCain, the Arizona senator who got a boost with his New Hampshire victory this week. South Carolina's Republican primary is January 19.

-Associated Press