New Hampshire Today, July 9

In New Hampshire over the weekend, Ron Paul supporters were pleased with his win at a presidential straw poll taken during the Coalition of New Hampshire Taxpayers Annual luncheon in Hopkinton. Also over the weekend, Mike Huckabee treated crowds to tunes with his band, Capitol Offense. The band dedicated "Free Bird" to the residents of the Live Free or Die. The Union Leader was along for the tour here.

Joe Biden was at House Budget Chairwoman Marjorie Smith's Durham residence where he learned first hand that if Smith tells you to do something, you do it. Smith told him to focus his remarks on domestic policy only.

Hillary Clinton doesn't even have to visit the state to warrant stories about her. The Concord Monitor notes that for good or bad Clinton is framing the campaign. Foster's Daily Democrat says a "softer, friendlier" Hillary is emerging and accompanies that with a picture of her yelling.

The Globe's Brian Mooney profiles the man more important that all the candidates, short-sleeve-wearing and "America's best Democrat", New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner.

The Associated Press notes the economic impact of early presidential primary contests in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina but fails to note a recent study showing a NASCAR race weekend brings in more money than the four year long primary process.

Finishing up his vacation, John Edwards tells the Associated Press that campaign money isn't everything.

City elections in New Hampshire are beginning and presidential campaigns will figure out which candidates they will test their field data with. Nashua finished up their signing up period and the filing period starts today in Manchester with four expected to run for mayor.

Calendar:

Today:
- 9:35am, Rudy Giuliani, radio interview, WBZ-AM

Tomorrow:
- Rudy Giuliani, Concord
- Elizabeth Edwards, Bedford, Hopinton, Keene