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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



Could Republicans find a savior in N.H.?

Posted: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 5:07 PM by Chuck Todd

From NBC's Chuck Todd
Slowly but surely, Republicans in Washington are getting ever more optimistic about their chances of at least holding their own in the Senate in 2010 (which in this case is defined by not falling below 40 seats). Four months ago, things looked truly bleak, thanks mostly to the senate retirement situation the GOP was facing in four states: Florida, Missouri, New Hampshire and Ohio.  But now, Florida looks very good for them (assuming Charlie Crist doesn't get too bruised up in the primary); Ohio isn't bad (though I think Rob Portman is a tougher sell than some Republicans; still GOP is benefitting more from Dem primary mess in the Buckeye state); Missouri is a pure toss-up (Roy Blunt seems to be showing some strength again in the primary); and then there's New Hampshire...

Video: June 11: Political analyst Mike Murphy and Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post discuss the daunting task of rebuilding the GOP.

For months, I've been hearing, "oh, don't worry about New Hampshire, we'll convince Judd Gregg to run again." But Gregg's had plenty of time to lay the groundwork for re-announcing and he's passed up every chance. Gregg seems more like a retiree than some Republicans think. So what is plan B for the GOP in the Granite State? I'm hearing that efforts to recruit appointed state Atty Gen. Kelly Ayotte may just come to fruition.  In New Hampshire, the governor has the power to appoint the state A.G.  Ayotte was first appointed to the post by ex-Republican Gov. Craig Benson, then re-appointed by Democratic Gov. John Lynch. And it's these bipartisan credentials that have had some Republicans in New Hampshire salivating over the prospect of her candidacy. She's never run for office before but her profile might be about as good as the GOP can do in New England. Short of Gregg, Ayotte might be the best candidate the GOP can find as she doesn't come from the current elective wing of the GOP who all seem to have the smell of defeat on them. Ayotte would give the GOP a fresh face to rally around in 2010 and put the very popular Dem Gov. Lynch in somewhat of a tough spot as he'll have to likely campaign against the woman he appointed his Attorney General.

Still a long way to go but if Ayotte's a go (look for a possible July announcement), don't assume New Hampshire is a slam dunk pickup for the Democrats.

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No way Missouri is a toss up.  Robin Carnahan has done EXCELLENT work here and has a popular legacy.  Blunt is NO match statewide.  Read it and weep, Repubers.
This is good news. Also, the new poll showing that more Americans call themselves conservative than liberal, the skyrocketing ratings at FOX NEWS, the Va. governors race, the fact that Obama is proving that he lied to his base about a large number of things to get elected...Things are definitely looking up for us repugnant one/rethugliklans...or whatever unimaginitive slur you people are calling us this week.
Can Chuck Todd become even more disappointing.

What happen to him; he just seem bitter
President Bush/VP Cheney were re-elected in 2004. They shouldn't have been. There is a large majority of people in this country who have a short attention span. They like people to think for them. The GOP is going after President Obama over the most ridiculous of things. They don't have any answers, they don't have any suggestions. They don't challenge themselves. They don't learn from history. They're just attempting to shift the blame for the last miserable 8 years.

Yet they still feel they can "lead" this country. By doing what? Using their old standby - hate, lies, fear & war mongering. John McCain has no business being interviewed about President Obama's reaction to events taking place in Iran.

These people in the GOP have no credibility when it comes to foreign policy. Why is Senator McCain considered an "expert"? He's not an expert on anything.

President Obama was the smartest candidate by far last year. Everything we're hearing out of the GOP is nothing but a lot of whining every single time the president opens his mouth. He's wrong on this, he's wrong on that. Give me a break.

He's working his backside off. Which is more than I can say for the GOP. I can't believe we pay them. If Senator McCain is so concerned about Iran, why doesn't he give the president a call, instead of going in front of the cameras to complain? How disingenuous can you be Senator McCain?

If I were President Obama, I'd tell them all where to go. This isn't child's play here. There is serious stuff that's transpiring in Iran and Israel and North Korea.

Which isn't surprising. We've just gone through 8 years of the worst foreign policy this country has ever encountered - by the GOP.
Gee, Chuck, I'm overcome that you think that the GOP has a chance at survival.  Are you sure Obama will ever call on you again?

On a serious note, the 2010 elections are going to make Clinton's first 'off year' look like a Democrat cakewalk.  The polls tell the story:  people like Obama, but hate his policies.  Do you think he's going to stop spending any time soon?  I wish he would, along with most of the rest of this country, but he is like a kid in a candy store.

I'm waiting for the media to do its job and ask the hard questions about his policies and his blunders.  Firing an IG for looking into his buddy's mishandling of federal monies would be a nice place to start.  After all, we are still regaled with stories of the 8 attorneys fired from DOJ-despite the fact that they were political hires, and Clinton fired ALL of the political hires.

It was, after all, Senator Obama who introduced the bill to force the Executive branch to clear any firings of Inspectors General with congress.  You can't miss it-it's one of the only pieces of legislation with his name on it in his short senate tenure.

A nice long story on the pros and CONS of the health care proposals would be nice, too.  As well as a balanced report on global warming-a majority no longer believe it is man-made.  You can pooh-pooh that, but the fact remains that many scientists share tht view.  It could lead into an in depth report on the costs of cap and trade-rather than letting those of us who post here do the job, read the CBO report, and put out a balanced report on it.

Withholding information, and presenting only information that is flattering to the current occupant of the White House is unprofessional, at best, and dangerous for our country at worst.

We'll see how the republicans feel in 16 months when the economy is improving dramtically and they are perceived by many as stepping on the airhose of progress.
Thank you Governor Lynch for reappointing Ayotte to the second most visible political job in the state. Without your appointment, she probably would not be mentioned as a candidate for the US Senate!
As long as he doesn't have to face a bruising primary, I think Hodes will win the Senate seat in NH.
Paul Hodes for Senate 2010!!!
REPUBLICANS ARE RIGHT WHERE THEY NEED TO BE --- WITH THE MAJORITY WHO WILL SOON REALIZE THAT OBAMA IS THE SOCIALIST OR FASCIST EVERYONE WAS AFRAID OF ACCUSING HIM OF BEING.

Conservatives” Are Single-Largest Ideological Group.

PRINCETON, NJ -- Thus far in 2009, 40% of Americans interviewed in national Gallup Poll surveys describe their political views as conservative, 35% as moderate, and 21% as liberal. This represents a slight increase for conservatism in the U.S. since 2008, returning it to a level last seen in 2004. The 21% calling themselves liberal is in line with findings throughout this decade, but is up from the 1990s.

THE DEMOGRAPHICS ARE WITH THE REPUBLICANS!
The GOP's sad, old story with nothing but negative ads will not be enough to defeat even less than great Democrats. Like many, I was a Republican that departed due to totalitarian ideas, loudness without good ideas, and idiots like Delay, Cheney, & Limbaugh. They have received what they deserve....no respect.
Judd Gregg..........is his own man.  He may not march in line the way the Right Wing of the Republican party would want.  Plus.....there are some shady land deals....that could cause Gregg a few problems.


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