NH GOP chair 'disappointed' Thompson won't be in debate

New Hampshire Republican Chairman Fergus Cullen said he is "disappointed" that Fred Thompson will apparently not appear a party-sponsored debate next week.

Thompson's exploratory campaign told supporters today that they will file papers the day after a a Republican debate in New Hampshire that will be broadcast on Fox News Channel. They plan to visit the state next weekend.

"I think they are making a tactical mistake and a strategic mistake by not participating in the debate. I hope they change their mind and if they do we will rearrange the stage," Cullen said. "I am reminded of 1999 when Governor Bush skipped the Dartmouth debate in October. They sent some message about the imperial campaign. I think the Bush campaign would trace their unraveling in New Hampshire with their decision to blow off that debate."

He said that the campaign was invited two months ago to participate, but he has yet to hear a response at all from the campaign. He feels like Thompson timed his announcement in a way that means he doesn't have to participate.

"They are clearly trying to avoid this specific event," he said.