Betsi DeVries

MANCHESTER--The three Democratic candidates vying for the state senate in Manchester all used a familiar Barack Obama chant to close their speeches before 1,000 supporters.

Incumbent state Sens. Lou D'Allesandro (D-Manchester) and Betsi DeVries (D-Manchester) joined Bob Backus (D-Manchester) in addressing a crowd assembled to hear President Bill Clinton speak at a "Unite for Change" rally.

DENVER-Manchester Democratic Chairman Chris Pappas thinks Queen City Democrats are poised to gain seats in the house and senate.

Pappas said he is confident that state Sen. Betsi DeVries (D-Manchester) will win re-election and Bob Backus (D-Manchester) will defeat state Sen. Ted Gatsas (D-Manchester).

State senate candidate Doug Kruse (R-Manchester): Photo credit: PolitickerNH.comState senate candidate Doug Kruse (R-Manchester) launched with his campaign Wednesday with the theme that "it's time to choose Kruse."

Kruse, an employee of Spectrum Marketing, is running against state Sen. Betsi DeVries (D-Manchester) for the district 18 seat.

The Manchester school board member said he is running to lower government spending in Concord.

Manchester school board member Doug Kruse (R-Manchester) has announced the co-chairs of his state Senate campaign.

Mayor Frank Guinta (R-Manchester), Executive Councilor Ray Wieczorek (R-Manchester) and at-large school board member Debra Gagnon-Langton (D-Manchester) will help lead Kruse's campaign.

State Senate candidate Doug Kruse (R-Manchester) will officially launch his campaign on August 6th with a fundraiser.

The kick-off event and fundraiser with take place at Manchester's The Belmont Hall & Restaurant on Grove Street.

MANCHESTER- Manchester Democrats honored state Sen. Lou D'Allesandro (D-Manchester) at their annual Flag Day fundraiser.

Gov. John Lynch (D-Hopkington) told a story that he was at Fenway Park for New Hampshire Day and a guy came up to him and said he knew D'Allesandro.

State Sen. Betsi DeVries (D-Manchester) has announced that she will run for re-election.

"I am extremely proud of the work the State Senate has been doing on behalf of New Hampshire's working men and women since last year," DeVries said in a statement. " From raising the minimum wage for the first time in ten years to expanding access to health care for an additional 100,000 children, our Democratic majority has made positive changes in the lives of Granite State citizens."

Over the last three election cycles, senate district 18 has been decided on average of less than 900 votes.  In 2006, a landslide year for Democrats, Betsi DeVries beat Andy Martell by 1500 votes, which is the largest margin of victory in the last 6 years.  This year no Republican has stepped up to the plate to challenge the freshman senator, but two candidates are considering it.

Manchester Ward 8 school board member Doug Kruse is one candidate considering the race.  Doug has been rumored for many offices in the past few years, but to date has stuck with his duties as a school board member.  The other is businessman and political consultant Mike Biundo.