N.H. Primary 2012

While voters say economic issues are their top concern, abortion is also a high priority this year.  In a recent Gallup Poll, nearly two-thirds of voters said it’s an important factor in their decision. 

But when you have a pro-choice Republican running against a pro-choice Democrat, abortion doesn’t seem like an obvious lightning-rod issue. 

Protecting New Hampshire from a broad-based sales or income tax has been a major issue in New Hampshire elections for decades – at least according to political scientist Dean Spiliotes.

"It goes back to the 1970s when Governor Meldrim Thomson pledged to veto any sales or income tax."

And this year’s races for Governor, and even Congress have been no different. 

But for all the talk around the income tax this season, the proposed constitutional amendment banning a personal income tax hasn’t gotten much attention.

Why?

We’re talking this week with candidates in New Hampshire’s 2nd congressional district about their ideas on jobs and the economy. Today we hear from the Democratic candidate, Annie Kuster. She talks with All Things Considered host Brady Carlson.

Recently, the Williams Institute published the largest single study investigating the U.S. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer population. 

Are you better off now than you were four years ago? StateImpact New Hampshire looks at key economic indicators to understand how Granite Staters are doing.  And it's not the same for everyone. If you're a business consultant, construction worker, nurse or public servant -- come see how you fit into the puzzle, and share your thoughts -- at StateImpact New Hampshire.

This month we’ve been talking with New Hampshire candidates about the issues voters say is #1 for them this year – jobs and the economy. This week we’ll hear from each of the nominees in the 2nd Congressional District, and we’ll start with the Libertarian nominee, Hardy Macia. He talks with All Things Considered host Brady Carlson.

President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney both plan to be in the Granite State in the days leading up to the election.

Democrat Maggie Hassan has raised more money than her Republican rival to succeed retiring New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch.

Governor Mitt Romney’s connection to New Hampshire is well-documented.  He owns a house on Lake Winnipesaukee, which he visits regularly.  And the Mormon meetinghouse in Wolfeboro serves as his second spiritual home.  But what’s less understood by many outside Mormonism is what it’s like being a member of this religious minority in northern New England.  

In a recent story, I mentioned the Mormon Church’s stance on political neutrality.  It’s a complex issue, and not one that can be explained at-length in a radio feature.  For the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), this stance isn’t just to protect federal tax exemptions.  It has deep religious and cultural roots.  After a series of editorial discussions in the newsroom, we felt NHPR listeners might be interested in a more in-depth explanation.

Jobs and the economy continue to dominate on the campaign trail, from the national to the local level. But  government run health care programs like Medicaid and Medicare are also getting their fair share of attention. Major changes to both programs are potentially on the horizon.

With just over a week to go until the election, NHPR’s health reporter Todd Bookman has this overview of what’s at stake for Granite State voters. 

This week we’ve been talking about jobs and the economy with candidates in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District.

We wrap up the series with the Libertarian nominee, Seabrook selectman Brendan Kelly. He talks with All Things Considered host Brady Carlson.

This time around in the first congressional district the names are the same but the roles are flipped; Republican Frank Guinta, once the challenger, is now the incumbent. But that’s not the only way this year’s race is like a mirror image of last election.

When Congressman Frank Guinta goes out knocking on the doors of independents in Manchester – his political backyard – most everybody knows who he is.

Guinta: Good Morning!