Junior senator to make first Granite State trip
By SARAH LIEBOWITZ - Concord Monitor
Barack Obama - first-term U.S. senator from Illinois, Democratic fundraiser extraordinaire and best-selling author - is inching toward a 2008 presidential bid.
On Dec. 10, Obama will attend the New Hampshire Democratic Party's celebration of their Election Day sweep, which tipped the balance of power in the House, Senate and both congressional districts. The event will mark Obama's first trip to New Hampshire since he emerged as a potential presidential candidate, and it signals his growing commitment to a possible run, according to political analysts.
"He's dipping his toes into the political waters. And I expect he'll find it very comfortable," said Wayne Lesperance, an associate professor of political science at New England College in Henniker.
The announcement had many New Hampshire Democrats gasping with glee yesterday, eager to reflect on Obama's legislative experience (or lack thereof), his eloquence and his charisma. The national attention - which has included magazine photo spreads, and a visit with Oprah Winfrey - has generated excitement that's unrivaled in the early 2008 presidential campaign, some said. In the month since Obama said he was considering a run for president, the anticipation has reached a fever pitch.
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