Craig Benson

With all this talk of Steve Merrill, another former Governor is asking why not him? Republican Craig Benson, who was defeated in his first re-election bid by Governor John Lynch, is wondering why Republicans are not calling him and asking him to come back and take on Lynch.  read more »

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.

I have been hearing a lot lately how Republicans are going to take back New Hampshire this year because with John McCain at the top of the ticket the down ballot candidates will be boosted by his popularity amongst Independents.  read more »

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?