Many observers point to the last half-dozen years as the key turning point for New Hampshire politics. Undoubtedly very significant events have occurred. But we may fairly ask whether we're at the beginning of a realignment in the Granite State, or closer to the conclusion, when we take a look back at all that's occurred in the last several decades.

Consider, for example, how much the state grew during the 1960s and 1970s. Here are the highlights:

High-growth counties, 1960-80

• Rockingham, 76 % (increase in presidential votes cast)
• Carroll, 58 %

In terms of votes cast, the entire state grew 30 percent.

Low-growth counties, 1960-80

• Grafton, 22 %
• Strafford, 17 %
• Sullivan, 4 %
• Coos, - 20 % (yes, that's a minus-20)