Thompson makes foray into New Hampshire

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Former Senator and Hollywood star Fred Thompson was greeted by 25 conservative activists and legislators at a private airport in Manchester this morning as he arrived for his first visit to New Hampshire as a potential presidential candidate.

Earlier in the month, Thompson filed papers to form a presidential exploratory committee, and he could become an official candidate as early as next week.

In his first interview in the state, Thompson told the Globe he was using his day in New Hampshire to continue to explore a presidential run.

"Still testing the waters and not making any announcements here today," said Thompson. "I just want to get reacquainted with some old friends here and meet some new ones."

One of those new friends he is hoping to make is state Representative Andrew Renzullo, a Hudson Republican.

"Republicans are aching for a real conservative to get in this race," said Renzullo.

Thompson traveled to the Granite State to appear at a fundraiser later today at the Wayfarer in Bedford for the New Hampshire state Senate Republican Political Action Committee. Senate Minority Leader Ted Gatsas arranged for Thompson to attend; a private reception with Thompson costs $500 per ticket and the general reception is $50 a person.