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MANCHESTER U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., opened his latest visit to New Hampshire with a stop at Dyn headquarters Friday for a question-and-answer session with employees covering topics such as reducing government, fighting terrorism and of course, technology.

While Paul told about two dozen workers at the Internet performance company that hes still exploring a presidential run, he said to expect an official announcement within a couple of weeks.

Well go about trying to decide who will lead the country as we go forward. I plan on being part of that debate. I havent exactly defined how Im going to be part of that debate yet, but its coming soon, Paul said.

With another swing scheduled for the Granite State next month and members of a New Hampshire staff in place, Paul appeared intent on getting acquainted with voters in the first-in-the-nation primary state. I think if we get involved, New Hampshire is very fertile ground. New Hampshire is the Live Free or Die state and also has a big liberty movement up here the people who are sort of part of the leave me alone coalition, Paul said as he wrapped up brief one-on-one sessions with reporters. I think theyre looking for a Republican who would defend the right to privacy, but whos also fiscally conservative and would balance the budget, lower their tax burden and keep the government out of their business.

Paul also mentioned former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, a possible opponent in the general election should he get the GOP nomination. Paul accused Clinton of not providing adequate defense to the U.S. consulate in Benghazi before it was attacked in 2012. The topic has resurfaced lately as a congressional committee seeks emails from a personal account Clinton has acknowledged using during her tenure as Secretary of State.

Paul also went beyond Benghazi by demanding Clinton return donations from some foreign governments, including several in the Middle East, made to the Clinton family foundation. When Hillary Clinton claims she will support womens rights, ask her why she accepted millions of dollars from countries that wage the war on women, Paul said in remarks prepared for a speech later Friday in the keynote speech to the Carroll County Lincoln Day Dinner in North Conway. She should return every dime to countries that abuse the rights of women.

Paul addressed fighting terrorism more than once in his remarks and answers during the session at Dyn. He considers national defense to be a necessary part of government as well as an example of overspending.

Every time you add a new government agency, you add layer upon layer of bureaucracy. This happens in all government even in what I think are vital parts of government. I think national defense is a vital part of the federal government but national defense is bloated as well, he said. When I say I want to look at all the programs of government, I truly do.

Paul also made several references to technology, a timely topic considering his audience at Dyn, saying people in the industry focus on fixing problems rather than discussing them at length.

What I like about being around the tech community is theyre not waiting for government to solve a problem, he said. I think there are answers to a lot of things if were not going to commit ourselves or define ourselves to thinking that government has all of the answers.

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Paul says he is exploring options, could decide soon