Last week, former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson (R) dropped by for a student and faculty forum to discuss his thoughts on running the country.

"It was a good experience to hear from a presidential candidate," said Janelle Oesterreich, a first year law student.,”

Marquette University Law School may have hosted its first 2008 presidential campaign stop Thursday.

Last week, former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson (R) dropped by for a student and faculty forum to discuss his thoughts on running the country.

"It was a good experience to hear from a presidential candidate," said Janelle Oesterreich, a first year law student.

Faculty agreed.

"I think it's a wonderful opportunity to meet the people who write our laws, enforce them and shape our public policy," said Michael Gousha, distinguished fellow in law.

Joseph Kearney, dean of the law school echoed, Gousha's thought.

"Students will be better lawyers to the extent that they have heard politicians and other policy makers describe . the difficult and awkward and incredibly important process of formulating public policy," Kearney said.

Thompson has formed an exploratory committee, but has not officially declared his candidacy for president. However, Thompson said, in his mind, he's running.

"I've got an Iowa strategy," Thompson said. "And it's important for people to understand that I've got to win Iowa in order to win the nomination."

Thompson discussed topics such as problems in the Middle East and health care, and fielded questions from an audience of around 150 people.

Thompson also outlined what he called a "well-defined plan" for Iraq that involves dividing oil revenue among the national government, local government and the citizens of Iraq.

Thompson said his plan would bring integrity to the Iraqi government, expand oil production in the country and provide a steady stream of income for every man, woman and child.

"I really believe we tried to do the war on the cheap," Thompson said. "I'd say we're bordering on civil war."

Much of Thompson's speech centered on a policy of medical diplomacy. Thompson, former Secretary of Health and Human Services, said that if elected he would use medical aid to better America's image abroad.

"It's the opportunity to change the attitudes and break down the wall of hatred," Thompson said. "We could really do a tremendous job of changing the attitudes towards America."

When asked about other ways to repair America's image, Thompson cited solving conflicts in the Middle East and having diplomatic talks with countries in the area.

"We've really got to fix the Israeli situation in order to solve the Middle East problem," Thompson said.

Besides concern over world health, Thompson said he's also worried about U.S. health care.

"In our health care system, 93 percent of $2 trillion goes to people after they get sick. Less than seven percent keeps you well in the first place," he said. "I think it's stupid. I'd like to change it and put more emphasis on keeping people well."

Thompson said he wants the system to manage common health issues such as diabetes, obesity, smoking-related and chronic illnesses.

Thompson also briefly addressed his thoughts on immigration and abortion, but simply said that he does not favor amnesty for undocumented immigrants and reiterated his anti-abortion stance.

Thompson ended the forum talking about his re-entry into public life.

"I love people," Thompson said. "I never want to leave somebody without shaking their hand and saying 'I want you to support me.'

Thompson's words of advice for the law students in attendance were to "run for something."

"Everybody should run and if you don't want to run, at least get behind some candidate" he said. "Get involved in getting somebody elected. I think everybody has a responsibility to their city, their county, their state, their country."

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