New Hampshire Republicans hope that the 2008 election will erase any gains the Democrats made in 2006.

However, Republican primaries in the First and Second Congressional Districts could expose divisions that would undermine any attempt at unifying the party, Roll Call is reporting.

A potential problem is primary in the Second Congressional District.

State and national Republicans encouraged Jennifer Horn (R-Nashua) to run even though, State Sen. Bob Clegg (R-Hudson) was rumored to be interested in the race.

"It's no secret that we encouraged her to take a look at the race," New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman Fergus Cullen told Roll Call. "We did that at a time when there were no other announced candidates. The party is naturally part of the process, and we're excited that we have more than one quality candidate in the race."

However, State Rep. Fran Wendelboe (R-Hampton) questioned Cullen's motives.

"Bob Clegg had made it very clear that he was seriously considering the race, and Fergus was just discounting it like it didn't really exist," Wendelboe said. "I would have thought that had been the first phone call."