Former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) is slated to formally launch his presidential bid Thursday, a long-anticipated move that’s been pushed back for weeks. [IMGCAP(1)]

The “Law & Order” star has been exploring a White House run for months and raised more than $3 million for the effort.

Also last week, Thompson hired Republican strategist Todd Harris to be his campaign communications director. Harris has previously worked for California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R). In 2000, he worked on the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). He is taking a leave from his position as a principal at Navigators, a government relations and public policy firm.

Even before the campaign’s official launch, which has been postponed several times, the Thompson team has been plagued by a high rate of staff turnover.

Linda Rozett and Burson Snyder left the Thompson press operation in August.

— Lauren W. Whittington