Iris Estabrook

Here's a review of the state Senate playing field as we begin the summer.

The races are divided into five categories: Strong Democratic, Lean Democratic, Toss-up, Lean Republican and Strong Republican.

Let's start with the Democrats:

The current PolitickerNH.com online poll asks which state Senate candidate is most likely to be unopposed this year. Right now Amanda “Mandy” Merrill is in second place with 18% of the vote. If Dover sources are correct you can scratch Merrill off that list.

Inside Edge has confirmed with a Dover source that former Dover Mayor Alex Nossiff is getting really close to throwing his hat into the ring for the senate seat being vacated by Iris Estabrook. Nossiff will more than likely make an official announcement in the next week, but is really close to jumping in.

Amanda "Mandy" Merrill (D-Durham) has officially declared that she is running for the state Senate.

Merrill is running for the seat being abandoned by state Sen. Iris Estabrook (D-Durham).

"I believe my experience has prepared me for the challenges of being a state Senator," Merrill said in a statement. "As a House member I found great satisfaction in collaborating with lawmakers of all political stripes to pass legislation on education policy, energy and air quality, land conservation, solid waste, and ethics guidelines. I look forward to working with legislative colleagues and Governor John Lynch to address the economic, educational, and environmental issues that affect the lives of the people of District 21."

Amanda "Mandy" Merrill has decided to run for the state Senate, three sources tell PolitickerNH.com.

Merrill will be running for the office being vacated by state Sen. Iris Estabrook (D-Durham). Estabrook will support Merrill's candidacy.

State Sen. Iris Estabrook (D-Durham)State Sen. Iris Estabrook (D-Durham) has decided not to run for a fourth term.

"I no longer feel I can commit the level of time and energy I believe is necessary to fill this leadership role," Estabrook said in a press release.  "It has been an honor to have served in the New Hampshire Legislature and an experience that will stay with me throughout my life."

State Sen. David Gottesman (D-Nashua)State Sen. David Gottesman (D-Nashua) announced today that he will not seek reelection in November.

"I am announcing today that I will not be seeking reelection to the New Hampshire Senate," Gottesman said in a press release. "I have tried to be a voice for my constituents from Nashua, Hollis, Brookline and Mason, as well as for citizens from around the state of New Hampshire. I am very appreciative of having had the opportunity to serve them, but the time has come for me to step aside to allow someone else to come forward with new ideas to confront the challenges that still face the state. I want to thank all who have supported me in my campaigns for Senate and those who have stood by me without whom I would not have accomplished the work we have done."

Yesterday we took a look at some Republicans who may run for Senate District 21 if Iris Estabrook decides not to seek another term as state Senator.  Today I will take a look at the leading and likely Democrats. While this seat is considered to be one of the most Democratic leaning seats in the state, it is the primary that could be very interesting.  read more »