Signs of the times

There was a story in local newspaper the other day. One of its reporters had captured a couple from Vermont as they canvassed their neighborhood last weekend in support of Governor Dean.

The couple indicated that this was the first time they had ever done anything like this before. When asked what they had learned from the experience, they indicated that they were really surprised on the true level of interest New Hampshire residents pay to the primary process. They had expected signs of support for the various candidates wherever they went and strong support for one candidate or another at this stage of the game.

What they found were people who either hadn't made a final decision yet -- or who weren't even interested enough in the process to take an active role.

I find that true as well. While political talk is the primary (pardon the pun) topic of discussion these days, many spend their time talking about their jobs, families, the rising prices at the grocery store, football and a myriad of other topics that in their minds are non-political in nature, but when you look deeper are often the very issues that form the core of this campaign season.

In a state where if you stand still long enough, you'll either be approached by a candidate, someone supporting them or a member of the press, the "outside" world - like this couple from Vermont - might find it surprising that everyone in New Hampshire doesn't have a political sign on their front lawn and a campaign button permanently attached to every piece of clothing.

The candidates have less than two weeks now to capture the attention of many Granite State voters.

The real excitment begins...