Pindell Report: N.H. Senate race most competitive in nation

Most states would be content with the first-in-the-nation presidential primary. Yet, while New Hampshire does indeed have that it also has the most-competitive U.S. Senate race in the country, the fifth-most competitive congressional race, and is the third-most competitive presidential swing state in the country, according to a Politicker.com report out today.

The Pindell Report, named after Politicker.com Managing Editor James Pindell, aims to provide the country's most dynamic and richly reported ranking and analysis of U.S. Senate, U.S. House, gubernatorial and presidential swing states.

"New Hampshire is a state I have grown to love," said Pindell who has covered the state's politics for six years. "And being a political junkie there is a lot to love in the Granite State. It remains to be one of the country's most politically fascinating states."

The U.S. Senate race between incumbent Republican John E. Sununu and Jeanne Shaheen is the top Senate race in the country, according to Pindell.

"A month ago one could argue that races in Mississippi and Alaska were tighter, but as those races became less competitive New Hampshire got more competitive," Pindell said.

New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District is also home to the fifth most-competitive U.S. House race in the country. In that race, freshman Democrat Carol Shea-Porter will face either the former two-term congressman she beat, Jeb Bradley, or his primary opponent former state Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen.

"The general election puts this race as one of the most interesting to watch nationwide, but the fact that there is a competitive primary race only makes it more interesting," Pindell said.

The state, which was a presidential swing state in 2000 and 2004 is also expected to be heavily fought over again this year.

"New Hampshire is a state in search of its political identity. The once reliable Republican state has now voted for a Democrat for president three out of the last four times. In 2004, it was the only state to switch from red to blue," said Pindell. "If John McCain is to have any shot of winning the presidency he'll have to switch it back again."

COMPLETE DETAILS:

• Pindell Report: U.S. Senate
• Pindell Report: U.S. House
• Pindell Report: Governor
• Pindell Report: Presidential Swing States
• About the Pindell Report