As in Iowa, there is a lot of traffic by presidential prospects as they seek to connect with activists and potential supporters.  This activity starts several years in advance of the primary.  From after the 2004 election to the end of 2006, major Republican prospects made 59 visits totaling 76 days and major Democratic prospects made 61 visits totaling 94 days.  By mid-August 2010 nine potential GOP candidates had made 20 visits totalling 26 days. 

In the 2010 mid-term elections, Republicans have competitive primaries for governor, U.S. Senate and both U.S. House seats and have hopes of making gains in both chambers of the General Court (Senate 14D-10R and House 222D-176R-2v).  Republican presidential prospects have general steered clear of weighing in on the competitive primaries, instead choosing to raise money for the state party or local party committees.  Sarah Palin did endorse former Attorney General Kelly Ayotte for the U.S. Senate primary in July, but there were many reports afterwards that the endorsement actually cost Ayotte support.  

The Campaign Heats Up
With 10 counties and a population of 1.3 million, New Hampshire is a bit easier to travel around in than Iowa, although getting up to Coos County in the far north requires a bit of a trek.  As in Iowa, candidates must put in time speaking to groups in living rooms and small businesses around the state.  Their campaigns work to build a team of committed county chairs and precinct captains and obtain endorsements from state and local officials.  Campaign headquarters open in Concord or Manchester.  At some point the ad campaign gears up.  Debates provide an opportunity for the candidates' supporters to engage in sign wars.  In the fall the leaves turn, and the candidates continue to visit.  Adding further color to the race are lesser known candidates, for it is relatively easy to get on the New Hampshire presidential primary ballot.  During the last campaign, the three-week filing period ran from late Oct. to early Nov. 2007.  Forty-four candidates filed for president (26 in person, 1 via representative and the rest by mail), although two were disqualified; three candidates also filed for vice president (>).  Most of the major candidates made the visit to the Secretary of State's office in the Capitol, where surrounded by reporters, the sat at the historic maple desk from 1819 and put their name to paper.  In the winter the snow falls, and still the candidates continue their visits.  After the Caucus Night celebrations in Iowa, the remaining candidates head immediately to New Hampshire for a final week of campaigning. Elm Street in Manchester becomes a bit of a zoo, crowded with supporters of the candidates, representatives of various interest groups trying to get their messages out, and media.