Grover Norquist and John StephenMANCHESTER- Joined by Grover Norquist, former Health and Human Services Secretary John Stephen (R-Manchester) signed the Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

"The tax cuts of the past decade are absolutely critical to the long-term success of our economy and our growth. To get rid of them would send a clear message that we're not committed to keeping our economy strong, whether in the short-run or the long-run" Stephen told the crowd assembled at Brady-Sullivan's offices in the Jefferson Mill.

Stephen added that the government does not have a revenue shortage.

"We consistently don't have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem," he said.

State Rep. Martha McLeod (D-Franconia) is running for the state senate.

McLeod will be facing current state Sen. John Gallus (R-Berlin) for the District 1 seat.

Barack Obama and Paul HodesCongressman Paul Hodes (D-Concord), a Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) supporter, has stepped-into the debate over whether or not Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-New York) should drop-out of the presidential contest.

Hodes said Obama will be the Democratic presidential nominee but did not call for Clinton to withdraw.

Barack Obama's campaign will launch a voter registration drive tomorrow in Nashua.

The event is part of a national effort titled Vote for Change.

Ashley Maagero has been tapped to be John McCain's New Hampshire state director.

During the primary Maagero was a regional field coordinator for Merrimack and Strafford counties.

Maagero previously worked in Massachusetts politics and her hire was first reported by the site "Red Mass Group."

Republican presidential candidate John McCain (R-Ariz.) made a toast to the people of New Hampshire at Time's annual gala honoring "the most influential people in the world."

"I'm informed that it is the custom to toast someone who has influenced our lives. In that case, please raise your glass to the discernment and probity of the people of New Hampshire," McCain told the audience.

And don't forget to vote in this week's Cartoon Caption Contest. Voting ends TODAY at noon!

State Sen. Bob Clegg (R-Hudson) has announced that he has been endorsed by former governor Walter Peterson, Rockingham County Attorney Jim Reams and Merrimack County Commissioner J.D. Colcord.

"Bob Clegg is the kind of dedicated and diligent public servant who will work effectively in the US Congress," Peterson said in a press release.

John Stephen with Wayne Semprini

Congressional candidate John Stephen (R-Manchester) has announced his campaign chairman and co-chairs.

Former state Sen. Chuck Morse (R-Salem) will serve as Stephen's campaign chairman while former U.S. Rep. Chuck Douglas, state Sen. Jack Barnes (R-Raymond) former Executive Councilor Ruth Griffin, former GOP state Chairman Wayne Semprini, Dick Flynn and state Reps. Peter Batula (R-Merrimack) and Carolyn Brown (R-North Conway) will serve as campaign co-chairs.

Former governor Jeanne Shaheen (D-Madbury) has launched a new website for U.S. Senate campaign.

The website is: http://www.jeanneshaheen.org/