Politics

Protecting New Hampshire from a broad-based sales or income tax has been a major issue in New Hampshire elections for decades – at least according to political scientist Dean Spiliotes.

"It goes back to the 1970s when Governor Meldrim Thomson pledged to veto any sales or income tax."

And this year’s races for Governor, and even Congress have been no different. 

But for all the talk around the income tax this season, the proposed constitutional amendment banning a personal income tax hasn’t gotten much attention.

Why?

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President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney both plan to be in the Granite State in the days leading up to the election.

Democrat Maggie Hassan has raised more money than her Republican rival to succeed retiring New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch.

The Balsams resort is temporarily closed but next Tuesday residents of Dixville Notch still plan on being the first voters in the nation.

NHPR’s Chris Jensen reports.

Just at midnight, while sensible people are sleeping, folks from Dixville Notch will be voting.

But for the first time since 1960 they won’t be at the Balsams resort.

It’s closed for a renovation.

Instead they will gather at a nearby ski lodge, says Scott Tranchemontagne, a spokesman for the resort.

The election is less than a week away.  And some worry that the majority of eligible voters ages 18 to 29 aren’t bothering to register or vote.  In fact, over the last few decades, the enthusiasm among college voters seems to be slipping.

Candidate campaigning wasn’t the only political activity thrown for a loop by Hurricane Sandy, pollsters also had to take a break in New Hampshire and elsewhere.

Speaking on NHPR’s the Exchange, Editor-in-Chief of Gallup Frank Newport said they put their national tracking poll on hold because too many people on the East Coast wouldn’t be picking up their phones.

In Coos District 3, Berlin, three Democrat incumbents - Gary Coulombe, Robert Theberge and Yvonne Thomas - are facing Republican Eric Catman. Three seats are available.

Voter ID: Voted against requiring voter identification. NHPR story.

In Coos District 3, Berlin, three Democrat incumbents - Gary Coulombe, Robert Theberge and Yvonne Thomas - are facing Republican Eric Catman. Three seats are available.

Here is how Theberge voted on some issues:

Voter ID: Voted against requiring voter identification. NHPR story.

Gregory Sorg is an incumbent Republican from Easton. He’s being challenged by Democrat Sue Ford, also of Easton.

Here is how Sorg voted on some issues.

Voter ID: Voted in favor of requiring voter identification. NHPR story.