N.H. seen tilting toward Democrats

[babylonsister]

N.H. seen tilting toward Democrats
Newcomers boost party's prospects in GOP territory
By Susan Milligan
Globe Staff / November 23, 2007

HENNIKER, N.H. - The dramatic Democratic sweep of major races in the Granite State in the 2006 election appears to be developing into a long-term trend as newcomers attracted to New Hampshire's high-tech jobs and affordable housing transform the state toward reliably Democratic turf.

Undeclared voters are moving leftward in their voting patterns, and a plurality of New Hampshire voters now identify themselves as Democrats, regardless of their actual party affiliations, according to data collected by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center. Democratic presidential candidates are drawing larger, more enthusiastic crowds as both parties campaign for the state's first-in-the-nation primary, to be held Jan. 8.

Pollsters say Democrats may also take a US Senate seat next year, which would leave just one Republican in New Hampshire's congressional delegation.

Republicans attribute their massive losses in the state in 2006 to voter discontent with President Bush and the war in Iraq, and pollsters say those elements indeed contributed to a lower turnout by GOP voters and protest votes for the Democrats.

But changes in the population of New Hampshire, driven largely by changes in the economy, are making it much more hospitable to Democrats and contributing to an overall trend favoring the party throughout the Northeast.

Forget the national caricature of New Hampshire residents - the 10th-generation folks who just want to be left alone and untaxed in their remote cabins, who can spot an outsider at 20 paces.

Granite Staters themselves are increasingly likely to be from out of state. New Hampshire natives who left the state after college are coming back, eager to raise families in a state with low taxes and more affordable housing, and retirees are moving to take advantage of the lifestyle as well. They are better educated, and their higher-paying jobs are driving up average wealth in New Hampshire.

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http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/11/23/nh_seen_tilting_toward_democrats/?page=1

[TheCowsCameHome]

1. Plus loads of Massachusetts residents have moved to NH

The southern tier of NH is full of ex-MA people. And they've made a difference in who wins what.

[zanne]

2. It's not only ex-MA people.

NH people can think for themselves, and THEY turned NH Blue!