NH SEN: Lamontagne Visited NRSC
Sources say that Ovide Lamontagne, a NH atty, visited the NRSC yesterday. Another sign, if one was needed, that the GOP bench in the Granite State isn't deep.
The meeting was at his request; NRSC staffers will sit down with any credible candidate who expresses an interest in running. Lamontagne ran unsuccessfully for GOV in '96 against Dem Jeanne Shaheen.
NH will likely have an open Senate seat in '10, as Sen. Judd Gregg has opted (at least for now) not to run again. Rep. Paul Hodes (D) has announced his campaign for the job. Who will step up for the GOP, however, remains a question. Ex-Rep. Charlie Bass (R), perhaps, who was defeated by Hodes in the Second CD?
NH has trended solidly Dem in recent years with the election of Shaheen to Senate and a Dem gov, John Lynch, whose approval ratings have helped him fend off credible challengers. The state House and Senate have also flipped in recent years, with the Dems in full control.
(JENNIFER SKALKA)