Some Republicans are getting excited about the possibility of former Governor John H. Sununu taking over the reigns of the Republican State Committee. One prominent consultant said he thought it was a sign the party was serious about its rebuilding effort. The movement has now hit the interent as a "Gov. John H. Sununu for NH Republican Chair" group has formed on Facebook.

This is a special edition post Republican leadership Winners & Losers.

Paul Hodes is becoming a real player in Washington. It has been a long time since NH has had a Congressman with the influence he is quickly developing. And while Hodes leads this week's winners list, we welcome back Gary "Jailhouse Rock" Dodds back to the losers list.

The Republican team this year consisted of what many called the "J-Team" with Jeb Bradley, John Sununu, Jennifer Horn, John McCain and Joe Kenney. If things play out as many expect right now the "J-Team" part II could be back in 2010. With Judd Gregg up for re-election, John Sununu as a gubernatorial possiblity, Jennifer Horn taking another shot at CD-2 and John Stephen not having to get through Jeb Bradley a thrid time, the top of the ticket could resemble 2008.

Looking at the list of potential State Republican chairmen, does this make Jay Flanders the front runner?

With so many changes in the state senate this week's Winner's & Losers is dominated by state senators.

According to a senate insiders, the call for change that lead to Peter Bragdon overthrowing Ted Gatsas for Minority Leader was overwhelming. The Republican Senators wanted change after the election results from last week still had them trailing the Democrats. Senators were not happy with the Senate PAC under Gatsas and the lack of a focused effort in the elections.  They believe had there been even the slightest political plan, the would have  won Paul Laflamme and possibly even Andy Sanborn making it a 12-12 Senate.

This week a special post-election expanded Winners & Losers.

A reliable source said former Mitt Romney campaign manager Jim Merrill has received a few calls urging him to run for Republican Party State Chairman. My source also says if current chair Fergus Cullen decides not to seek another term Merrill will consider it, but until Cullen makes his decision Merrill will not give it much thought. 

Here is a list of potential candidates if Cullen steps aside

Tom Eaton
Jay Flanders
Will Infantine
Wayne MacDonald
Jim Merrill    
Steve Stepanek
Fran Wendelboe

The 2008 elections are over and now we can start talking about candidates for the 2010 campaigns. Here is  list of some possible candidates for Governor, both congressional seats and U.S. Senate. Have other names that should be included, we would love to hear from you.

The NH Republican Committee is filing a lawsuit against Bill Gardner because appointed GOP polling officials are being kept away from new registration tables as far as 40' away.