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The Republican National Committee rules committee has voted to grant New Hampshire an exception that would allow the Granite State to hold the first-in-the nation primary in 2012.

The resolution still faces hurdles over the week. Tomorrow the RNC itself will vote on the resolution, then on Friday the convention rules committee will vote and on Monday the entire convention will vote on the exception.

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.

Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta has decided not to run for governor, PolitickerNH.com has confirmed.

The news was first reported by The Union Leader.

"Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta has decided not to run for governor, believing that his duties as the city's chief executive should be his top priority," the article states.

New Hampshire Republican Chairman Fergus Cullen said Guinta has a "bright political future."

"Frank has a bright political future, but let's not forget the bright political present," Cullen said.

"He's doing a good job at controlling spending," he added. "He has a formidable challenge in running the city of Manchester."

Manchester Democratic Chairman Chris Pappas applauded the step, but said Guinta needs to focus on the city.

The New Hampshire Republicans have lost their press secretary.

Barney Keller, who had been serving has press secretary since December, left to take a job with the Massachusetts Republican Party.

Mike Hamilton has been hired has the new Executive Director for the New Hampshire Republican party.  read more »

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Jay Buckey's Statement on Withdrawing from the Senate Race

Statement of Jeanne Shaheen on Jay Buckey's Decision to Withdraw from Senate Race

The AP is reporting that California U.S. Representative Tom Lantos passed this morning.

Lantos, 80, is the father of New Hampshire Democrat Katrina Swett.