COLUMBIA, South Carolina (CNN) -- New Hampshire State Republican Chairman Fergus Cullen said this was the overwhelming consensus of GOP activists from around the country the morning after the 2nd debate:

"It's time to vote somebody off the island."

Cullen said he personally finds that sentiment "a bit premature" and believes the lesser known candidates deserve a bit more time to see if they can break through. But he agrees that debates would be more interesting if there were fewer candidates on stage.

That, he says, isn't likely to happen until later this year, when an Iowa straw poll and fundraising pressures could drive a candidate or three from the race.

By then, though, there could be new entries. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is due in New Hampshire in the coming days and has yet to rule out running. Former Sen. Fred Thompson also is seriously considering jumping in.

Cullen says both would be strong candidates, but also suggests the idea that Republicans aren't happy with the current field is exaggerated.

"I bet this happened back in 1979 too with some people saying that Ronald Reagan fellow was probably past his best day," Cullen told CNN between meetings in Columbia. "I think it happens every election cycle and I think it is insulting to the current field."