PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — Illinois Sen. Barack Obama drew large crowds curious about his presidential prospects during his first trip to the pivotal campaign state of New Hampshire while he decides whether to enter the Democratic race.

Several hundred New Hampshire voters turned out to hear Obama speak at a signing for his best’selling book, “Audacity of Hope,” where he didn’t mention the presidential race but spoke about a new political spirit to unite Americans and solve their problems.

New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary is over a year away and Obama hasn’t even said whether or not he will join the Democratic field vying for the nomination. But he’s already igniting excitement with his exploratory trip.

After the book signing, the senator was headed to speak at a $25-per-person fundraiser for the state Democratic Party in Manchester. All 1,500 tickets quickly sold out and 150 members of the media signed up to cover the event.

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