New Hampshire Today, Aug. 17

In New Hampshire today Republicans are gearing up for what is expected to be a busy weekend of politics and picnics.

Today, though, Rudy Giuliani will have a full day of events including a business tour in Merrimack and a stop by a French-Canadian diner on Manchester's West Side.

Yesterday both Giuliani and Mitt Romney were in New Hampshire where the the campaigns and press tried to eek out another round of "Giuliani and Romney spar over immigration" stories, but neither candidate really had more to say.

Nevertheless, the Nashua Telegraph picks up on the debate yesterday.

Comparing two visits the Union Leader gives this headline "Rough Day for Rudy". According to the Union Leader it was a rough day because of one question about his family that Giuliani answered in a calm way and that no one after the event, except the press, was talking about.

The Globe and the Associated Press also have brief write ups about the question.

The Concord Monitor also compared both visits and said they were an "odd couple".
The Globe takes a look at Romney delicate call for change while he tries to keep his appeal among the base who still support President Bush.

Freshman Congressman Paul Hodes, who recently endorsed Barack Obama, is headed to Iraq with 17 other members of Congress, the Union Leader says.

Over the weekend there are expected trips from Republican presidential candidates Mike Huckabee, Tom Tancredo and Ron Paul. It is a big weekend where the historically important Stafford County and Hillsborough County picnics take place.

Vulnerable freshman Senator John E. Sununu, who is up for re-election next year, is making the rounds at all these party gatherings. The Portsmouth Herald reports on his recent stop in New Castle.

Calendar

Today:
- 9:15am, Rudy Giuliani, business tour, Merrimack
- 11:30am, Giuliani, diner stop, Manchester
- 12:30pm, Giuliani, visits campaign office, Manchester
- 2pm, Giuliani, visits country store, New Boston
- 3:30pm, Giuliani, diner stop, Peterborough
- 4:45pm, Giuliani, diner stop, Milford
- 6pm, Mike Huckabee, spaghetti dinner, Manchester
- 7pm, Tom Tancredo, house party, Concord