Today in the U.S. Senate race

Editors note: This is a daily summary of news about the U.S. Senate race between U.S. Sen. John Sununu (R-Waterville Valley) and former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D-Madbury).

Today in the U.S. Senate race Shaheen delivered a speech before small businesses owners and Sununu commented on President Bush's decision to repeal an executive order banning offshore drilling.

In Manchester Shaheen said small businesses are facing challenges from rising cost of energy prices and health care. While the New Hampshire Democrat's coordinated campaign had a conference call with state Sen. Martha Fuller Clark (D-Portsmouth) and state Sen. Peter Burling (D-Cornish) to criticize Sununu's health care proposal for small businesses

Sununu called Bush's decision on offshore oil drilling a "good first step towards lowering energy prices and reducing our dependence on foreign sources of oil."

The New Hampshire Republicans issued a fact check on the radio ad being aired by the People for American Way. While, the group says that Sununu has voted "in lockstep" with judicial appointment presented by Bush.

On the legislative side of things, Sununu's office announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee approved $200,000 for the Manchester Community Health Center.

Finally, Shaheen's finance director reminded supporters to sign-up for the Bonnie Raitt concert.