Peter Burling

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:

CONCORD- During a committee of conference, the House and Senate election law committees failed to reach a consensus on the rotation of names on election ballots.

However, the committees agreed that candidates will be allowed to place their nicknames on ballots.

LEBANON -- Two New Hampshire delegates for John Edwards said this morning that when they go to the Democratic National Convention they will be voting for Barack Obama, PolitickerNH.com has learned.

State Sen. Peter Burling (D-Cornish) and Hanover activist Deborah Bacon-Nelson made the announcement this morning at Lebanon High School, where Bacon-Nelson is a teacher.

With his third-place finish in New Hampshire in January, Edwards secured four delegates in the Granite State. Nationwide he has 19 delegates.

State Sen. Iris Estabrook (D-Durham)State Sen. Iris Estabrook (D-Durham) has decided not to run for a fourth term.

"I no longer feel I can commit the level of time and energy I believe is necessary to fill this leadership role," Estabrook said in a press release.  "It has been an honor to have served in the New Hampshire Legislature and an experience that will stay with me throughout my life."

State Sen. David Gottesman (D-Nashua)State Sen. David Gottesman (D-Nashua) announced today that he will not seek reelection in November.

"I am announcing today that I will not be seeking reelection to the New Hampshire Senate," Gottesman said in a press release. "I have tried to be a voice for my constituents from Nashua, Hollis, Brookline and Mason, as well as for citizens from around the state of New Hampshire. I am very appreciative of having had the opportunity to serve them, but the time has come for me to step aside to allow someone else to come forward with new ideas to confront the challenges that still face the state. I want to thank all who have supported me in my campaigns for Senate and those who have stood by me without whom I would not have accomplished the work we have done."

When Space Shuttle Columbia Astronaut Jay Buckey decided to run for US Senate, his home town state Senator Peter Burling never jumped on board.  Burling went one step further and stated publicly there needed to be a draft Jeanne Shaheen movement. 

Democratic leaders at "Unity 08" press conferenceCONCORD- Despite the ongoing primary battle between Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, supporters from various Democratic presidential campaigns gathered today to launch “Unity 08,” a push to put a Democrat back in the White House.

The effort is aimed at highlighting John McCain's record.

Former Party Chairwoman Kathy Sullivan, State Rep. Terie Norelli and State Sen. Sylvia Larsen represented the Clinton campaign. Ned Helms and State Sen. Martha Fuller Clark represented the Obama camp and State Sen. Peter Burling represented the Edwards campaign. State Party Chairman Ray Buckley was also present.