New Hampshire United States Senate election, 2008

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The New Hampshire Senate election will take place on November 4th, 2008. John E. Sununu, son of John H. Sununu is the incumbent.

[edit] Summary

New Hampshire was once considered a bastion of conservatism. Following the 2006 election, however, most statewide offices are held by Democrats: Representatives Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes, Governor John Lynch, and the majority of both legislative chambers which had not occurred since 1911.^[1] Also, though the state voted for then-Gov. George W. Bush in 2000, Sen. John Kerry narrowly won the state over Bush in 2004. Additionally, Bush's 2000 victory in New Hampshire (a victory which proved crucial), was due to a number of voters opting for further-left candidate Ralph Nader over Al Gore.

Popular Gov. John Lynch has announced he will not seek the seat. Former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen was the Democratic nominee for the race in 2002. A New Hampshire Democratic source said they would be surprised if Shaheen left her post at Harvard to run.^[2]

Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand has announced his candidacy for the seat, and may also prove formidable. Other possible challengers include state Senator Sylvia Larsen, President of the New Hampshire Senate, and state Senator Peter Burling.^{[citation needed]} Senator McCain has mentioned Sununu as a possible running mate for the 2008 presidential election. McCain has also mentioned Lindsey Graham and John Thune as possible running mates.^[3] Sununu has insisted his neutrality in the New Hampshire primary.^[2]

Whether or not Sununu runs as Vice President, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chair Charles Schumer has identified New Hampshire as a target in 2008.^[4] Sununu's approval rating is currently 47%.^[5] Additionally, political analyst Chuck Todd has said Sununu is one of the most endangered incumbents.^[6]