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"Thompson railed in his southern drawl against "the pork-barrel spending and corruption" in Washington.

He mostly targeted the Democratic majority, but said some Republicans are also to blame. He said the party has been making compromises on issues like immigration and the Iraq war over fear of losing more seats in Congress.

"I think (the American people) want our leadership," Thompson said. "What should we do? Get our own house in order É We can't make decisions (that are) not in the best interests of our country."

He said America is beset by a variety of challenges, from government inefficiencies, to "entitlement programs (that are) bankrupting the next generation," to protecting citizens from terrorists.

"We're living in a nation beset by suicidal maniacs," Thompson said, launching into criticism of the immigration bill.

A strong supporter of the Iraq war, Thompson criticized Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for publicly stating the war has been lost -- "fine, fine message to those people giving their lives for us" -- and the Democrats for debating a timetable for "surrender.

"Al-Qaida have a 100-year plan," Thompson said. "We have a plan until the next election."

Thompson also reiterated his support for President Bush's tax cuts, which have particularly benefited many of the lower Fairfield County residents who sat in the audience last night."