Decision 2016

So why is New Hampshire first?

February 8, 2016 By Paul Gleiser

Why is New Hampshire the first state every year to hold a presidential primary? One answer is because it’s state law. By statute, New Hampshire is required to set a date that pre-dates every other state primary. If some state sets an earlier date, New Hampshire by law must move its primary date up.

But that’s not the answer that Ted Cruz gave at a town hall meeting at the American Legion post in Manchester. Ted Cruz’s explanation was wrapped in idealism and symbolism.