Nothing to see here, people. Move along.

This is just silly. It's supposed to intimate that Fred may have some sort of ethical problem for "endorsing" a company, whose principal had problems with the FTC more than a decade ago. Fred's connection to the company conists of a voiceover for a radio ad.

According to Thompson spokesman, Mark Corallo, ABC Radio hosts promote corporate sponsors, as part of their gig. "It's part of the contract," Corallo said. "You can't expect the individual on-air personality to do research on every company."

'Nuff said. But the LA Times manages to squeeze an entire article out of it. While it traces Maynard's history of regulatory problems, the only connection to Fred is the ad.

Title and teaser of the article?

An awkward ad by Fred Thompson
He promotes the firm of a man once accused of deceiving consumers.

And this passes as news, folks.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-lifelock9jun09,1,4822141.story?coll=la-headlines-business&ctrack=1&cset=true