The Eight Keys to New Hampshire

Fire Marshals

New Hampshire is a relatively tiny state, with a limited number of venues that can hold campaign rally crowds. As candidates cycle through the same high school gyms and community centers, there is one easy marker of their popularity beyond a simple head-count: the presence of the local fire marshal. At Obama, McCain, and Clinton events throughout the state this past weekend, supporters were turned away from venues deemed to be stuffed beyond safe capacity. For those candidates, the men in the long coats and badges are status symbols — we're so hot, we just might burn the place down.