Manchester school board member Doug Kruse (R-Manchester) has announced the co-chairs of his state Senate campaign.

Mayor Frank Guinta (R-Manchester), Executive Councilor Ray Wieczorek (R-Manchester) and at-large school board member Debra Gagnon-Langton (D-Manchester) will help lead Kruse's campaign.

Executive Councilor Ray Wieczorek (R-Manchester) will be holding a fundraiser on Thursday, May 22, 2008.

The fundraiser will take place at Manchester's The Yard restaurant and speakers include former Governor Craig Benson, Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta and Executive Councilor Ray Burton.

"In his three terms on the Executive Council Ray has served the constituents of this District well. Working to assure fair and open bidding, to maintain a close watch on State contracts, and to protect the taxpayer's interests has been the hallmark of his service. Now, more than ever, we need Ray's watchful eyes and ears working on our behalf," the fundraising appeal states.

The Union Leader is reporting that Lloyd Basinow, a Manchester political activist, died this morning.

During the 1980s, Basinow represented Ward 4 on the Board of Alderman.

Kate Whitman and Craig Annis met in New Hampshire during the 2002 campaignNew Jersey congressional candidate Kate Whitman only lived in New Hampshire for about eight months, but she met the love of her life there.

In 2002, the then-24-year-old Whitman – the daughter of former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman and scion of a political dynasty going back a century -- came to New Hampshire to cut her political teeth on the Republican primary campaign of Craig Benson.

“The primary was very, very contentious. It was very close,” said Whitman, who worked a spokesperson. “I was thrown into the fire, and I think that was a great way to learn.”

Craig Annis, then 27, was already a veteran political operative. The New Hampshire native served as Chief of Staff for former Manchester Mayor Ray Wieczorek, and at the time was working as chief-of-staff to state Sen. Ted Gatsas.

What better place for two young, politically active people to form a lasting romance than The Granite State?

Bob Bruce (D-Candia) is planning to challenge Republican Executive Councilor Ray Wieczorek (R-Manchester), in November.

"I am running because I believe that District 4 deserves a positive, efficient and proactive Executive Councilor representing them," Bruce said in a campaign statement.