WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Rudy Giuliani has tapped a veteran New Hampshire Republican to chair his presidential exploratory committee in the Granite State, two days after the former New York City mayor made a visit there and raised expectations he would jump into the presidential race shortly.

Wayne Semprini, the most recent past chair of the New Hampshire GOP, will lead Giuliani's organization efforts in the crucial early-voting state, Giuliani announced Monday.

"Mayor Giuliani is the experienced leader the Republican Party and our country needs to move forward," Semprini said in a statement. "His message of hope and optimism and record of results resonates with Republicans across New Hampshire."

Giuliani has also hired Semprini's son Jeff as a regional field director.

While slower than other potential presidential candidates to develop a campaign organization, Giuliani sounded like a presidential candidate as he courted New Hampshire Republicans Saturday.

"I think leadership is about vision and performance -- who has the vision and who can perform," Giuliani said at the New Hampshire GOP convention. "You should measure by the things I have done."