Shaheen vs. Sununu, Round Two

An article in Roll Call this morning examines whether or not Granite State residents should feel like they're experiencing déjà vu with this year's senatorial race pitting U.S. Sen. John Sununu (R-Waterville Valley) against former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D-Madbury).

In 2002, the two candidates squared off in what was considered to be one of the most hotly contested races senate races in the country, with Sununu beating Shaheen by just 4 points.  But six years later, the results of the 2008 election may be entirely different.

In the article, Shaheen discussed how the changing political climate toward Democrats in the state could have a positive impact on her campaign.  The article also cited polls around the state that showed more people favoring Shaheen over Sununu.  In most cases she holds a double digit lead.

Yet Republicans pointed out that 2002 Shaheen consistently polled ahead of Sununu until the end of the contest, and expect a closer race as the general election day nears.  The state Republican Party Chairman Fergus Cullen noted that this year's set of GOP candidates will be stronger than in the past and election changes will help his party in November as well.