GOP

On Tuesday, we discussed the conventional wisdom that U.S. Sen. John McCain's longtime relationship with New Hampshire voters would aid him in carrying the state in the November general election for the White House. We also noted that New Hampshire Republicans might be especially reliant on the McCain brand, given their declining fortunes during the past six years. 

If the "McCain mystique" is having real effects among New Hampshire voters, then we would expect McCain's performance in New Hampshire polling to be stronger (relative to nationwide performance), compared to a generic Republican. 

Is there a silver lining to losing six seats and the majority in the state Senate? New Hampshire Republicans hope so. It's true that they have to defend fewer seats, which might leave more money to spend on offense. It's also arguable that after the shellacking they took in 2006, only the strongest GOP senators remain.

And finally, it's true that the more seats you have to defend, the more likely it is that the ball may take some unexpected bounces. All this gives the Republicans some hope if (and it's a big if) the electoral winds stop blowing in their faces this fall.