[img_assist|nid=1512|title=Pictures of Warren Rudman with David Souter and Tom Rath|desc=|link=none|align=middle|width=420|height=315]MANCHESTER-Former New Hampshire Republican U.S. Sen. Warren Rudman was honored Tuesday night at an event sponsored by the group Americans for Campaign Reform.

Rudman was honored for his support of campaign reform legislation and service to New Hampshire.

Before the event, guests were treated to a reception that included pictures of Rudman with various friends. One picture included Rudman, former New Hampshire Attorney General Tom Rath and current Supreme Court Justice David Souter.

"That's a hideous shirt in that picture, but I still have that shirt and David still has that shirt, which might be worse," Rath told the group of 350 people.

Speakers included former U.S. Senator Howard Baker (R-Tenn.) and his wife former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker (R-Kansas). Former U.S. Sen. Gary Hart (D-Col.) called into the event.

Howard Baker began his speech by recounting the time he came to New Hampshire to visit Rudman in 1980. Baker returned to Washington D.C. and told colleagues that Rudman would win.

"I'm proud of what you've done for this country," Baker said.

"He's not a shrinking violet, he will let you know exactly where he stands, but he will respect every point of view," Nancy Kassebaum Baker said. "I value the friendship you gave me and the leadership you provided in the Senate."

"I think the people of New Hampshire must understand the contributions Warren Rudman has made to this country, in this time," Hart said.

Rudman ended the evening calling for campaign reform.

"What I have seen since 1981, I have come to the conclusion that money is corrupting politics. It's not the individuals that are corrupt, it's the system that is corrupt."

Rudman also said the system must be changed to deal with future problems like the environment, health care and the national debt.

"Until we change the system we will not be able to deal with these issue."

Rudman served in the U.S. Senate from 1980 to 1992.