Joe Foster

DENVER-- State Sen. Joe Foster (D-Nashua) told PolitickerNH.com that a resolution passed this past weekend will not affect the New Hampshire primary.

Foster served on the Democratic National Committee's rules committee which passed a resolution that will examine the Democratic primary process.

Here's a review of the state Senate playing field as we begin the summer.

The races are divided into five categories: Strong Democratic, Lean Democratic, Toss-up, Lean Republican and Strong Republican.

Let's start with the Democrats:

Gov. John Lynch (D-Hopkinton), Senate President Sylvia Larsen (D-Concord) and House Speaker Terie Norelli (D-Portsmouth) will call for a special session tomorrow to deal with the budget deficit.

Lynch will ask the Executive Council to approve the special session that will take place after the House and Senate hold their regular sessions.

Nashua Republicans will have Dennis Hogan taking a second shot at Senate District 13 this fall. Earlier today Sen. Majority Leader Joe Foster announced he would not be seeking reelection and the Democrats announced state Representative Bette Lasky would be their nominee.

Republicans are excited about the prospects of Hogan. Hogan is a trial lawyer and school board member serving since 2006. One republican consultant thought Hogan was the most qualified candidate the GOP could hope for saying he’s been on the ballot before, he’s articulate and can raise money.

In a shocker, the state Majority Leader Joe Foster (D-Nashua) announced moments ago he is not running for re-election. This leaves both Nashua senate seats open.

"It has been a great honor and privilege to serve the people of New Hampshire in the State Senate for the past 6 years and the last two years as Senate Majority Leader," Foster said in a statement. "I hope through my efforts along with those of my colleagues I have made New Hampshire just a little bit better because to me that is what public service is all about."

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has ruled that it is unconstitutional to allow 17-year olds to vote in primaries.

The Court issued the ruling after the House of Representatives asked the court for an opinion on Senate Bill 436, which would have allowed 17-year olds, who turn 18 before the general election, to vote in primaries.

In an eleven-page ruling, the Court cited a 1976 Constitutional amendment that lowered the voting age to 18 to rule that the bill would violate Part 1, Article 2 of the state constitution.