Please send your view of the first-in-the-nation primary in 2024. Send your name, where you live and contact information to nancywestnews@gmail.com

By JOHN RANTA

This is my 6th presidential primary in NH (I moved up here in 2003 from Massachusetts). This primary season seems a lot quieter. I’m a liberal, and I live just outside Peterborough, one of the more liberal parts of NH. Nobody’s coming here this year. In past primaries, there have been weekends where I saw 3-4 candidates at events – at Toadstool bookstore, the Peterborough Town Hall, Harlows Pub, house parties or the local high schools. This year is different, for two reasons (I think). There are no Democratic candidates (Dean whats-is-name doesn’t count) out to court the blue voters in Peterborough. And the Republicans seem to avoid us, probably seeking out the redder sections of NH. Not that I mind.

I miss the opportunities of the past where I could see Kucinich, Hillary (and Bill), Obama, McCain, Wesley Clark, John Edwards, Buttigieg, Swalwell, Gabbard, et al, right here in our little town (up close and personal as they say). Given the changes Democrats are pushing for the order of primaries, those opportunities may be in the past. I will miss it. I’m a political junkie, and I’ve put a lot of hours in listening to primary candidates. I value the opportunity to participate in the FITN. This year, I’ll be writing in Biden (and counting ballots at the polls Tuesday night), but it’s not the same.

I’m glad I had the chance to participate, it felt important.

John Ranta
Hancock, NH