N.H.'s first-in-nation primary set for Jan. 23, sans Biden

N.H. Secretary of State David Scanlan (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD - New Hampshire's Secretary of State announced on Wednesday that New Hampshire's longstanding First-in-the-Nation Presidential Primary will take place on Jan. 23.
David M. Scanlan made the announcement in the Hall of Flags, a sacred memorial in the New Hampshire State House recognizing the sacrifices made by Granite State soldiers during the Civil War.
In his remarks Secretary Scanlan recognized the importance of the New Hampshire Presidential Primary's storied tradition and the venue in which its date was announced.
"Rarely is a press announcement conducted in the Hall of Flags here in the New Hampshire State House," he said. "This space is sacred, and it is a memorial to those New Hampshire soldiers who have fought for freedom and democracy.
"Behind me, and around the hall, are the bullet-riddled, shrapnel-torn, and blood-stained flags carried into the major battles and skirmishes of the Civil War. The New Hampshire soldiers associated with these flags fought against the worst form of oppression and they fought to preserve the union of individual states. One hundred and twenty-five of these soldiers were African American."
The date of the New Hampshire First-in-the-Nation Presidential Primary complies with the state statute requiring the primary be held at least seven days before any similar event and preserves the position of the traditional Iowa Caucus.

The Jan. 23 primary ballot will not include President Biden as the Democrat National Party has opted to craft South Carolina as the first presidential primary.