INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis is an important stop this weekend for many frontrunners for the 2008 presidential nomination.

The Midwest Republican Leadership Conference continued Saturday with former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson addressing the crowd.

---

Capitol WatchBlog: Presidential Candidates in Indy

---

Thompson, who has not officially entered the race, is supported by many rank-and-file Republicans, who are holding out hope that he will run.

Democrats are taking Thompson seriously, 6News' Norman Cox reported. The Democratic National Committee ripped him on Saturday, citing a lackluster first trip to Iowa, a poorly organized campaign and lack of fundraising.

Thompson told reporters that he has done as well in his first few months as other Republican hopefuls.

"They changed the rules of the game in politics this year. I wasn't in the room when the rules were made, so I'm not announcing as soon as they announce," Thompson said. "I don't feel compelled to raise $100 million this year, which they said was (needed) to run for president."

Thompson said he expects to officially announce his candidacy in either September or October.