Politics & Government

Romney Rallies North Andover Supporters for New Hampshire [Poll]

The former governor called on Merrimack Valley Republicans to help out north of the border.

The day has arrived for the New Hampshire presidential primary, the first primary of the year, and candidates are calling on supporters to help them in the Granite State.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the frontrunner in the primary, asked supporters in North Andover to head up to New Hampshire in the days leading up to the primary to help rally voters to his camp.

"We’ve been all notified by, actually just the Romney campaign, a little bit from Newt," said Selectman Rosemary Smedile, who heads the North Andover Republican Town Committee. "I personally have not received any requests from any other candidates."

Find out what's happening in North Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Smedile was unable to go to New Hampshire, because she has been helping her youngest son prepare for his trip to Haiti to help rebuild that nation's infrastructure.

"I have sent out several emails to rhe republicans giving them the rundown of events up in New Hampshire," Smedile said. "I know some have gone up. I myself have not yet, because I’ve been so busy. I might try to get up there tomorrow [Tuesday]."

Find out what's happening in North Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The New Hampshire primary has garnered national attention, especially after its frontrunner, Mitt Romney, won the Iowa caucus last week and the second place winner in Iowa, former Sen. Rick Santorum, gaining momentum among social conservatives. Recent polls have also shown a surge for former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman in New Hampshire.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich -- who was seen as a frontrunner just weeks ago -- has slipped dramatically in nationwide polls and in New Hamsphire polls, especially after coming in fourth place in Iowa.

In every New Hampshire poll, Romney enjoys a solid double-digit lead over all of his opponents.


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