From UnionLeader.com:

Several Republicans are already rumored to be interested in the seat, among them New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte, who has refused to comment on published reports that she is being encouraged to run by party leaders; BAE Systems executive Rich Ashooh; former Gov. Steve Merrill; former congressman Charles Bass; and Nashua businessman Fred Tausch, who has been gaining name recognition through ads for his STEWARD political action group. Manchester lawyer Ovide Lamontagne told independent political reporter James Pindell yesterday that he was “more likely than not” to run.

While itching to sign up supporters, such candidates constantly had to fend off questions about Sununu, said David Carney, a Republican strategist who has worked with Sununu but is not associated with any 2010 campaign. Yesterday’s announcement puts those questions to rest.

“It’s a liberating thing for most people contemplating running,” Carney said. “This had to happen so people could go beyond their circle of family and friends.”

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