NH Weighs 'Communism,' aka Seat-Belt Law

But some Republicans hope to skip the contentious issue

(NEWSER) - As gay marriage makes strides in states such as New Jersey and Washington , it's getting walked backward in New Hampshire. The "Live Free or Die" state became the sixth to legalize gay marriage less than three years ago , but now some of the top leaders in the Republican-controlled Legislature are considering a repeal of the law, NPR reports. "I think it's time to move back, back to the true meaning of marriage," says the author of the repeal bill during a recent Statehouse rally. More»

Rep. Jerry Bergevin says it's key to understanding American history

(NEWSER) - A bill being pushed in New Hampshire would force schools to offer an elective Bible studies class—because the Bible is an inescapable part of American history, according to the bill's sponsor. "The Holy Bible is the bedrock of Western civilization," and it was essential to the Founding Fathers' philosophy, says GOP state Rep. Jerry Bergevin. "The issue is not trying to teach religion, but to talk about what is the true history of America whether some people like it or not," notes a supporter. More»

Politico runs down the issues that could derail his candidacy

(NEWSER) - Mitt Romney is looking like the inevitable nominee, but there are still some elephants that have been lurking in the room since the start of his campaign. Alexander Burns of Politico runs down the issues threatening him:

• The Bain problem: So far, Romney's deflected attacks on his private equity past by vaguely equating them with attacks on free enterprise itself . That works for a GOP primary, but won't fly in the general election, given that Romney's entire message is that his private sector experience gives him job creation insight. Speaking of which…

5th-place finish in NH kills Iowa momentum

(NEWSER) - Rick Santorum has crashed back to earth in New Hampshire after his near-win in Iowa. With 95% of precincts reporting, the candidate is in fifth place in the state, a few hundred votes behind Newt Gingrich. He won just 9.3% of the vote in New Hampshire, and analysts say his decision to spend five days campaigning there instead of going straight to South Carolina looks like a mistake that could spell doom for his campaign, Politico reports. More»

He slams 'Europe-influenced' Obama in NH victory speech

(NEWSER) - "Tonight, we made history," Mitt Romney told supporters after his decisive win in New Hampshire, which makes him the first non-incumbent GOP candidate to win both the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary. The former Massachusetts governor focused on President Obama instead of his GOP rivals in his victory speech. Obama "wants to turn America into a European-style entitlement society," he said. "We want to ensure that we remain a free and prosperous land of opportunity." More»