Second biggest field, no date for N.H. primary

By James W. Pindell, Globe correspondent

CONCORD, N.H. -- Secretary of State William Gardner did not announce a date for New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation presidential primary, even after the candidate filing period closed today with the second largest field in history, 23 Democrats and 21 Republicans.

Gardner said his decision could come as early as next week and as late as Nov. 15, the day
after the deadline for Michigan Republican and Democratic Party leaders to decide whether to change the date of their primary from Jan. 15.

Most observers expect Gardner to set Jan. 8 for the primary -- five days after the Iowa caucuses -- but he would not say. He could pick another date if Michigan, the last state expected to make a move, moves up its primary further. Under New Hampshire law, the primary must be scheduled at least seven days before any similar contest.

"It's all about Michigan," Gardner said.