RALEIGH -- A Republican presidential candidate made a stop in the Triangle on Friday, hoping to secure support from across the state.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani spoke at the Conservative Leadership Conference trying to convince conservative North Carolinians that he's the man for the job.

Hundreds filled the room at the Sheraton in downtown Raleigh for Giuliani.

"We give people more responsibility; we give people more freedom," Giuliani said.

Giuliani laid out his main policy points.

"Cutting crime, making our cities and country safe... being on the offensive against terrorism," added Giuliani.

He also touched on health care, finance and an issue that has the interest of many in the region – support for more charter schools and increasing parent choice in education.

"Then you would all of a sudden see what you want to see happen with the schools, happen like that," said Giuliani.

While Giuliani was well-received, the presidential election is still more than a year away, and that gives voters a lot of time to decide.

"Mayor Giuliani had a compelling speech. I think the issues he articulated today are what the country needs to hear, but whether I'm ready to commit or not, I'm not sure," said Jason Walls, who attended the luncheon.

"If I was voting today, I'd vote for him, but I still want to see what some of the others have to say," said Robb Crosswhite.

Peace College Professor David McLennan says Giuliani is faced with the task of convincing North Carolinians that he's conservative enough. Giuliani undertook that task on Friday.

He also talked about his views on social issues like abortion and gay rights – views that make some conservatives squirm.

"Like he said there at the end, you don't agree with him on every issue, but you’ve got to decide what's most important, and terrorism is right there on the top," said Norma Crosswhite.

Many agree North Carolina is an important state to secure, but it's still early in the game.

"This is sort of a snapshot right now in April 2007, and a snapshot in October may be completely different," explained McLennan.