Former Senator John Sununu has decided (or has had decided for him by NH GOP chair John Sununu Sr.) that he won’t be running for New Hampshire’s other open Senate seat in 2010:
“It’s essential that the timing fit both personally and professionally.” He noted the technology firms where he has committed to work and the sacrifice a campaign would place on his family as reasons for not jumping back into politics.
Speculation will, once again, turn to appointed AG Kelly Ayotte, who Judd Gregg has been privately pushing for the job. In the meantime, the field has long been clear on the Democratic side for Rep. Paul Hodes. (H/t conspiracy.)
RaceTracker: NH-Sen
and is not an elected official. This is looking like its going to be easier and easier for Hodes.
I wonder how hard his arm is going to be twisted in the coming months to un-retire and run again.
Too bad life ain’t so sweet being in the minority with a 60 seat majority for the foreseeable future.
This may be a Senate takeover with little to no competition from the controlling party. If Hodes could put in a knockout fundraising quarter this could be sewn up (problem is he’s struggled to do that).
Make sure it’s not Katrina Swett.
Now that no one has to fear Papa Sununu anymore (the NHGOP chair), we should be seeing lots of news on the R side of this race.
Already Ovide LaMontagne has re-signaled his interest, and it’s unlikely astroturf self-funder Fred Tausch will not run now.
And Charlie Bass would not bow out of this for either of them (or Ayotte).
So it’s likely we could have a 3 or 4 way primary, involving 2 loser re-treads and 1 or 2 total unknowns.
Also, and interestingly: this news increases Bass’ chances of running, and therefore decreases his chances of running for his old seat in CD2 (the open one Hodes is vacating). That makes Jennifer Horn 2nd attempt there much more likely (though she will have to wade through a primary with a couple of minor figures).