Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Win a trip to Portugal with your gift today!

John DiStaso, 'dean' of NH political reporters, dies at 68

New Hampshire journalist John DiStaso, at the left here with a recorder in his hand, as Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders files for the New Hampshire presidential primary. Allegra Boverman photo / NHPR
New Hampshire journalist John DiStaso, pictured at the left here with a recorder in his hand, when Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders filed for the New Hampshire presidential primary in 2016. Allegra Boverman photo / NHPR

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — John DiStaso, a veteran political reporter in New Hampshire who covered 11 first-in-the-nation presidential primaries, interviewing countless candidates and providing analysis on campaigns and elections has died after suffering a prolonged illness.

He was 68.

DiStaso spent the last seven years as a political reporter for WMUR-TV. He was known for doggedly pursuing stories and asking tough questions on the campaign trail.

He was nicknamed the "dean" of the New Hampshire political press corps. He died Thursday.

For many years, he was senior political reporter at the New Hampshire Union Leader, where his longtime column broke news on campaigns, in addition to public policy issues.

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.