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John Lynch: So let’s get this straight: his likely Republican opponent gets in one night and the next day he gets another flood where he competently plays the hero. The luck of this guy…
John H. Sununu: Unlike his previous three predecessors he actually got a credible Republican candidate for governor against Lynch. Sununu’s constant prediction that Republicans will run the table is unlikely, but suddenly it is not crazy talk. Sununu and a good Republican year are to thank for that.
Jeb Bradley: Bradley is more powerful now than he ever was as a Congressman. Amazing how that turns out, but not as amazing as the fact he’ll be chairing John Stephen’s campaign for governor.
Jim Forsythe: There isn’t a Republican or Democrat in the state who has a seriously good handle on what will happen with Forsythe’s Republican primary against George Hurt in Senate District 4, but he had a good showing for his kick-off Thursday. Among those attending were Bradley, Senate Minority Leader Peter Bragdon, Andy Sanborn, and Dave Boutin and former nominee Greg Knytych.
Lou D’Allesandro and gambling advocates: With Lynch cutting state spending and repealing the LLC tax we are beginning to see where this is all headed. Has Lynch changed his mind?
Kevin Landrigan: Kevin got the big scoop on the potential LLC tax repeal while legislature was on vacation. Maybe it was a trial ballon or maybe it is actually happening, but unlike some reporters who sit around and expect people to call them Landrigan actually went out and did real reporting.
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Marjorie Smith: No one is surprised that D’Allesandro remained out of the loop on the whole repeal of the LLC tax discussion, but sidelining Smith is a whole different ballgame. When will State House Democrats wake up and realize that there is no point in protecting Lynch when he is not going to protect you? Maybe for some selected Democrats in the past he did, but not this year.
Jack Kimball and Karen Testerman: The John Stephen announcement that he is running for governor pretty much sealed the fate for these two Republicans who were running their own gubernatorial campaigns. But look at the bright side: both became more relevant than they were a year ago and they should seriously consider capitalizing on what they gained by running for the State Senate against Mandy Merrill and Matt Houde, respectively.
Thaddeus McCotter: He wondered aimlessly around New Hampshire last weekend and it is clear that no one cared. Who knows who invited him, but if he were “testing the waters” someone should actually show him what water looks like. Contrast his trip with the excitement around Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan this weekend who has said repeatedly he won’t want to run.
Sean Mahoney: Waiting to jump into these races might have been the only play in his mind, but the Stephen announcement this week has made a clear political path tougher to see. He’ll now have to carve a tough path — not an impossible path — in the First District.
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