Bob Odell

Here's a review of the state Senate playing field as we begin the summer.

The races are divided into five categories: Strong Democratic, Lean Democratic, Toss-up, Lean Republican and Strong Republican.

Let's start with the Democrats:

State Sen. Bob Odell (R-Lempster) with Secretary of State Bill Gardner.: Photo Credit: PolitickerNH.com

CONCORD-State Sen. Bob Odell (R-Lempster) filed for re-election with the Secretary of State.

"This formalizes the decision and it's forward from here," Odell said.

State Sen. Bob Odell (R-Lempster) has decided to run for re-election to the state senate.

"While there has been progress, there's still more to be done," Odell said in a statement. "I will continue to work to bring affordable healthcare to every New Hampshire citizen; promote a strong business environment; to continue the preservation of our environment to ensure New Hampshire resources for generations to come; and in these tough economic times I will work diligently to make sure that every dollar is accounted for."

Paul Hodes wants to go back to Washington for a second term, Bob Clegg wants the chance to replace him. Find out why this week they are both winners in this weeks Winners & Losers.

State Rep. James Phinizy (D-Acworth) has decided to challenge current state Sen. Bob Odell (R-Lempster), The Nashua Telegraph is reporting.

Phinizy is the current chairman of the House Environment and Agriculture Committee and signed a letter urging House Democrats to oppose the constitutional education amendment.

State Sen. Bob Clegg (R-Hudson) has been endorsed by 60 current and former state legislators.

The legislators will form Clegg's "Legislative Leadership Team," for his congressional candidacy.

The list includes state Senators and state representatives, some of which are not even in Clegg's Congressional district.

State Sen. Bob Odell (R-Lempster) has decided to run State Sen. Bob Odellfor another term in November.

"I am going to run for re-election," Odell said.

The chairman of the Sullivan County Democrats questioned his own party's ability to defeat Republican State Senator Bob Odell (R-Lempster) this fall.

The chair, John Cloutier, who is also a state representative, has been talked about as a candidate himself.

When asked if he planned to personally challenge Odell, Cloutier said in an e-mail, "Frankly, I haven't given much thought to running for the District #8 State Senate seat against Bob Odell.