The State of New Hampshire’s 2010 Political Chessboard

[babylonsister]

The State of New Hampshire’s 2010 Political Chessboard
By Rachel Kapochunas, CQ Staff


Though Republican Sen. Judd Gregg ’s rise to Commerce secretary ended Thursday, the political maneuvers that were set in motion by his nomination appear to be continuing in New Hampshire.

Gregg said Thursday he would not seek re-election in 2010, keeping a potentially open-seat race on the map for the coming election cycle.

When President Obama first chose Gregg to head the Commerce Department, he set in motion a domino effect of potential candidate moves in New Hampshire.

Democratic Gov. John Lynch planned to appoint Republican J. Bonnie Newman to succeed Gregg in the Senate, but she was not going to run for re-election in 2010, creating an open-seat race.

Candidates began angling for that race as well as down-ticket contests.

Democratic Rep. Paul W. Hodes already announced his intention to run.

“I want to continue my service to the people of New Hampshire and continue to stand up for middle-class families,” Hodes said in a statement.

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http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000003031133

[graywarrior]

1. Hodes would be a tough candidate to beat

He's also an amazing speaker.

[babylonsister]

2. That's great to hear. Thanks. nt