CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -About 300 people turned out Saturday for a conference of the libertarian Free State Project, drawn to hear speakers like ABC 20/20 anchor John Stossel and New Hampshire Union Leader publisher Joseph McQuaid.

McQuaid told the crowd that one positive thing former Gov. Craig Benson did during his single term was to welcome the Free State Project to New Hampshire.

Sunday, presidential hopeful and U.S. Rep Ron Paul, R-Texas was to address the gathering.

The Free State Project made news in 2003 by choosing New Hampshire as the place to move 20,000 liberty-loving individuals to create a so-called “free state” emphasizing small government and personal freedom.

Only a few hundred members have made the move to New Hampshire since then and Free Staters scaled back the 20,000 goal. Project leaders say they’re making progress in other areas, pointing out one Free Stater won a seat in the Legislature and others hold local positions.