Former Tennesse Sen. Republican Fred Thompson, who said he regretted his “yes” vote on the No Child Left Behind act, has called it quits today. The “Law & Order” television star championed school choice, but never got truly engaged in any debates over education.

Among the folks sure to be disappointed by his departure from the 2008 campaign: Republican social studies teachers, who in a mock primary, picked Thompson as their favorite to square off against the Democratic teachers’ choice, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York.