BEDFORD – Hinting strongly at a presidential run, Fred Thompson last night urged Republicans to lead the country by returning to their founding principles and renewing their commitment to small government, individual freedom and free trade.

Hundreds of potential supporters and dozens of journalists flocked to a Republican state Senate fundraiser at the Wayfarer Convention Center to learn more about a man most recognizable for his role as District Attorney Arthur Branch on NBC's "Law & Order" and his appearances in more than 18 films over the past two decades.

But aside from his acting career, Thompson also has a long resume of political service, including eight years as a U.S. senator from Tennessee, where his defense of limited government and the division of power between the state and national levels put him on the losing side of a few 99-1 votes.

Thompson said he asked two questions of any bill that came up for a vote.

Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., speaks at a fund-raiser to benefit the Senate Republican Victory PAC last night at the Bedford Wayfarer Convention Center. (THOMAS ROY)

"Number one, should the government be doing this and number two, if it should, at what level should the government be doing it?" Thompson said.

The Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, he said, were sometimes forgotten but still very relevant to today.

Republicans, he said, must also tap into the wisdom of the ages, which teaches that there is such a thing as human nature, which is subject to error but also is capable of aspiring to and achieving great things.

All these principles, Thompson said, are designed to ensure the freedom and independence of citizens. "Incidentally, freedom and independence are the first words I think of when I think of New Hampshire," Thompson said.

A month after the formation of his Presidential exploratory committee, Thompson has been on a tour of the country, testing the waters before making a final decision, according to Robert Traynham, a spokesman.

Last night marked his first visit to New Hampshire as a potential Presidential candidate, and Thompson gave every indication short of an official announcement that he intended to run.

"I don't have any big announcements to make tonight, but I plan on seeing a whole lot more of you, how 'bout that?" Thompson said.

His brief appearance was praised by a number of Republican Party members who said afterward that Thompson had the makings of a great communicator.

"He's my guy," said state Rep. Connie Soucy, a Republican from Manchester. "He's our next Reagan. I want him to be tough. I want him to be able to say 'no.'"

Ray Chadwick, vice president of the Bedford Republican Committee, on the other hand, said he was not ready to support any one candidate but was enthused Thompson might enter the race, giving Republicans a wide selection of Presidential hopefuls.

"People are desperate for something new," said Matt St. John, a student at St. Anselm College. "Right now, he is the Barack Obama of our side."