New Hampshire: U.s. Senate

The U.S. Senate has taken 59 roll call votes so far this session. Starting a week ago, with vote #33, AWOL Judd has refused to vote. That is: he has played hooky on 45% of the Senate business so far this year.

On an "end the filibuster" vote, like yesterday, that isn't really true, though. His "Not Voting" has exactly the same effect as a NO vote in opposition to the President's program.

He's drawing a paycheck. But he isn't representing New Hampshire.

It's official - the top priority in this appointment is making sure Judd Gregg has his cake and eats it too:
"I have had conversations with Senator Gregg, the White House and U.S. Senate leadership. Senator Gregg has said he would not resign his seat in the U.S. Senate if it changed the balance in the Senate. Based on my discussions, it is clear the White House and Senate leadership understand this as well.

"It is important that President Obama be able to select the advisors he feels are necessary to help him address the challenges facing our nation.

"If President Obama does nominate Senator Gregg to serve as Commerce Secretary, I will name a replacement who will put the people of New Hampshire first and represent New Hampshire effectively in the U.

BEDFORD--U.S. Sen. John Sununu (R-Waterville Valley) has conceded the Senate race to his opponent former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D-Madbury).

"Really there's nothing more exciting than laying out your case and letting the voters speak," Sununu told supporters. "Tonight unfortunately the voters spoke, and we didn't have enough votes. The fact remains it's a privilege to participate in the democratic process."

Sununu's defeat marks the first time he has ever lost an election in the Granite State.

A lot has changed since Jeanne Shaheen (D-Madbury) and John Sununu (R-Waterville Valley) first ran against one another for the U.S. Senate seat in 2002.

Sununu is now the incumbent Republican Senator, while Shaheen comes to the race having spent the last couple of years working at Harvard and chairing John Kerry's presidential campaign.

In 2002, the day before Election Day, a UNH poll had Sununu with a one percent lead over Shaheen. Now that same poll shows Shaheen with a six-point lead over Sununu.