Brian Lawson

HANOVER- On night when many college students would be out partying, fifty-five New Hampshire College Republicans gathered to hear speeches from four Congressional candidates. 

The College Republicans were attending their fifth statewide convention.

The Republicans heard from State Sen. Bob Clegg (R-Hudson), Grant Bosse (R-Hillsboro), John Stephen (R-Manchester) and former Congressman Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro).  New Hampshire Republican Chairman Fergus Cullen and Matt Bartlett, a field organizer from the ONE campaign, also spoke to the group.

Second Congressional candidate Grant Bosse (R-Hillsboro) has pledged not to seek any earmarks if he is elected to Congress.

"Congress is addicted to earmarks, and the only way to kick the habit is to go cold turkey," Bosse said in a statement.

The group FreedomWorks wants all federal candidates to sign a similar pledge.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has decided to postpone imposing Real ID requirements on New Hampshire citizens.

DHS announced that the government would give New Hampshire until December 31, 2009 to meet the Real ID requirements. The extension means that Granite State residents can continue to use their drivers' licenses for federal purposes.

"I am pleased that the federal government has recognized that the citizens of New Hampshire should not be singled out, and that it will not impose Real ID requirements here beginning in May," Gov. Lynch said in a statement.

The New Hampshire Republican Party's leadership has endorsed U.S. Sen. John McCain.

"With Senator McCain clinching the nomination, I am pleased to announce that National Committeewoman Phyllis Woods, National Committeeman Sean Mahoney, and I heartily endorse Senator McCain," Republican state Chairman Fergus Cullen announced in a statement.