Maggie Hassan

Just before Arizona U.S. Sen. John McCain visits Nashua tomorrow, the New Hampshire Democratic Party released a statement this afternoon attacking the presumptive Republican presidential nominee's record on renewable energy.

In the statement, state Democrats suggest that a McCain presidency would be like re-electing President George W. Bush for a third term, and warn that GOP's nominee would not promote renewable energy initiatives.

State Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter) has announced that she will run for another term.

"I am so fortunate to have had the honor of serving the people of District 23 in the state Senate.  We made great progress this legislative session, especially in the areas of education, economic development, energy conservation, and access to affordable heath care and housing," Hassan said in a statement. "I am particularly proud to have had a role in passing the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or "RGGI", so that New Hampshire will join with nine other states to begin a comprehensive approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and slow climate change.  I am also pleased that we were able to pass the Health First legislation which will  reduce insurance costs for small businesses."

Former State House Speaker Doug Scamman said that while many fellow Republicans want him to run for the state Senate, he will not be a candidate.

"There are a lot of people out there telling me I should run, but I tell them I am not. Then they go ahead and say that I am considering it and hope that I change my mind. But I am not running for the state Senate," said Scamman in an interview.

Former Republican House Speaker Doug Scamman is talking to some prominent Republican leaders about the possibility of making a run for state Senate against Maggie Hassan Senate District 23. Scamman is seen by many as the strongest candidate the Republicans could recruit in 23 to run against Hassan in a presidential year.

Hassan is considered by many Democratic insiders as a top recruit to fill the Governor’s office once John Lynch decides he has had enough. Republicans think Scamman would be the one candidate with the experience, money and name ID to try and derail those plans.

CONCORD -- Former state Sen. Russell Prescott (R-Kingston) will take a second shot at Executive Council this year, but he still remains unsure as to whether he will face a primary.