POLITICS: Chasing New Hampshire

Like some north-woods bear coming out of hibernation, the small and inconspicuous state of New Hampshire lumbers into national consciousness every four years. By holding the first presidential primary election, the Granite State profitably plays host to the stumping candidates, as well as to the legions of campaign workers and newsmen that accompany them. And being No. 1 is a source of considerable local pride, much like Mardi Gras or the Indianapolis 500. "I like the idea of our New Hampshire primary," says William Loeb, archconservative publisher of the Manchester Union Leader,...