Fred Thompson isn't ready to hand over the Iowa caucus title to GOP rivals Mike Huckabee or Mitt Romney quite yet.

In the coming hours, Iowans will get off work, finish with dinner and attend their caucus site to cast their support for the candidate of their choice. With four months of Iowa campaigning under his belt, Thompson is hoping he'll be that candidate.

"Tonight we are going to decide who gets the wind to their back," Thompson told a crowd in excess of 200 people Thursday morning. "I would be less than honest with you if I didn't believe I was that man. With your help, I will be that man."

Thompson said the next leader must understand the difficulties around the world with radical Islamic terrorists.

"This is not the time for a president with training wheels for what is going on in the world," Thompson said. "I know tonight is about more than (candidates') plans. You are electing a leader."

Listen to IowaPolitics.com audio from the Thompson event

Thompson insiders said they are seeing a buzz surrounding the former senator and Republican presidential candidate. The Law and Order actor has been seeing a rise in the polls of late, and campaign insiders said Thursday morning they are noticing a shift in momentum to Thompson when they were phone-banking in recent days.

Despite entering the race in September, Thompson has hit Iowa hard in December, conducing a bus tour for much of the month -- visiting nearly 50 communities in the week leading up to the caucus.

"The crowds have been better and better, and enthusiasm building and building," Thompson said. "We are going to have a wonderful day and a wonderful night."

U.S. Rep. Steve King, who endorsed Thompson in December, attended this morning's event.

Watch King discussing Thompson and the caucuses:

Labels: Republicans