New Hampshire Republicans are reacting to the news that Joel Maiola is leaving his position with Senator Judd Gregg.

Maiola announced today that he starting a consulting company called Granite Edge.

Republicans agree that Maiola has left a lasting impact on Granite State politics.

"Sen. Gregg has been one of the most successful politicians in the state and I expect that will continue to be the case in the future.  Joel has been a part of that team and I wish him the best," said Sean Mahoney, National Republican Committeeman.

Jim Merrill, former State Director for Mitt Romney said that "Joel is a good friend of mine and he's been a big player in New Hampshire politics for almost a quarter-of-a-century. In those years he has done a great deal for the New Hampshire Republican Party. I wish him well."

Gregg endorsed Romney in the New Hampshire primary.

"Joel is someone who is very respected and he's very good at his job," said New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman Fergus Cullen.

Republicans also say Maiola's new consulting company will quickly rise to the top of New Hampshire political companies.

 "This man will be able to write his own ticket and I'm going to bet that ticket won't be in the coach section," said Dover Republican activist Matt Mayberry.

State Representative Fran Wendelboe concurred adding "He worked hard for the Senator and I am sure he has a black book to die for."

Merrill, who recently started the group Devine Strategies, said he is not worried about the competition.

"I think there is a big market for people like us, besides what we're doing with Devine Strategies is different than what others do."

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