The opinions expressed below are Jon Keller’s, not those of WBZ-TV, CBS News or Paramount, a Skydance Corporation.  

There are new developments in the race for the New Hampshire Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Jeanne Shaheen.

John Sununu could attract primary voters  

Former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown may not have the GOP primary to himself for much longer, with multiple reports of the imminent entry of former Senator John E. Sununu, who recent polling suggests could be Brown’s worst nightmare.

A UNH Survey Center/Granite State poll shows Sununu crushing Brown by 23 points among likely primary voters. Perhaps it’s more recognition of the famous family name than anything else, but Sununu, brother of former governor Chris Sununu, has a solid 50 percent favorable rating among Republicans, while Brown, the state party’s 2014 senatorial nominee, draws a measly 30 percent.

In a statement to the New Hampshire Journal, Brown said, “While John [Sununu] was supporting John Kasich in 2016, I was campaigning with Donald Trump. While John was fighting for special interests, I was serving in the first Trump administration…. Anyone who thinks that a ‘never Trump,’ corporate lobbyist who hasn’t won an election in a quarter century will resonate with today’s GOP primary voters is living in a different universe.”

Electability may be more important than loyalty  

New Hampshire Journal managing editor Michael Graham said Brown’s past criticism of Trump’s role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot is a big negative for the pro-Trump party base. But Sununu, who backed Nikki Haley in the last election, has been sharply critical of Trump as well.

And expert observers say Sununu’s emergence reflects how electability may be trumping loyalty in Trump world these days. “Trump, on the one hand, may hold in his heart some grudges against Sununu,” said UNH Political Science Professor Dante Scala. “But there’s also the I think he knows: Don’t back no losers.”

Adds Graham: “The betting right now is John E. gives them the best chance to pick up a Senate seat.”

Even a few years ago, the type of criticism of Trump levied by Brown and Sununu might have been enough to get you exiled.

But with the gridlock of much of the Trump agenda, investigations – and maybe even another impeachment – sure to follow a Democratic takeover of either branch of Congress next year, Sununu’s emergence is a sign that the White House may not let pride come before a fall.

WINDHAM, NH — The Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee was proud to welcome former U.S. Senator John Sununu for a lively and insightful Coffee & Conversation event bringing together business leaders, community voices, and public policy in one meaningful dialogue.

Held in Windham, the morning event offered attendees a unique opportunity to engage in a candid, no-nonsense discussion on the pressing issues facing our region and beyond from inflation and the economy to leadership and the future of New Hampshire’s communities.

Senator Sununu shared thoughtful perspectives drawn from his time in public office and private industry, sparking valuable conversation among attendees. Chamber members and community participants came ready with questions, and the result was a rich, engaging exchange of ideas that reflected the energy and intelligence of the Southern NH business community.

The Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee remains committed to connecting members with policymakers and providing relevant, timely programming to keep businesses informed and engaged. From events like Coffee & Conversation to the annual Concord Update, the Committee creates platforms for constructive dialogue and deeper understanding of the legislative issues that shape our economy.

To learn more about upcoming events and how to get involved with the Chamber, visit southernnhchamber.com or call 603-893-3177.

Photo caption, from left to right: Julie McAdoo, Exsum Group, LLC; Kerianne Pereira, Lowell Five Bank; Jeff Murphy, SFC Engineering Partnership Inc.; Former U.S. Senator John Sununu; Cindi Woodbury, Executive Director, Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce; Bernard W. Campbell, Campbell’s Scottish Highlands Golf Course; Aaron Shamshoyan, Salem School District.

Submitted by Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce

James J. DePalo

Epsom, NH – James J. DePalo, 78, of Epsom, NH, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, October 16, 2025; at the Merrimack Community Hospice House.

He was born in Framingham, MA on April 6, 1947, son of the late Dr. Thomas DePalo and Caroline (Aggasiz) DePalo. James grew up in Milford, MA, was educated in the local schools and went on to earn his associate’s degree in business from Fisher Jr. College in Worcester, MA.

He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He fought in Vietnam and was later assigned to presidential guard duty at Camp David under President Nixon. James worked for several years as a sales manager for Auto Zone and later for Quest Service Group performing fixture and display installations at box retail stores. He was an avid motorcyclist and took several tours to Lake George with his kids in his side car. He enjoyed both waterskiing and snow skiing. He was an all-around handyman, and you could always find him tinkering and fixing things. He also enjoyed reading and loved his family.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen (Dudley) DePalo with whom he shared 48 years of marriage, son, Raymond DePalo and daughter, Marybeth DePalo, sister, Connie (DePalo) Hourihan and her husband Richard, grandchildren, Isabella and David McSweeney, many nieces and nephews, as well as his beloved dog, “Sirus.”

Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 27th from 10Am-11:30AM at the Roan Family Funeral Home – Still Oaks Chapel, 1217 Suncook Valley, Epsom. A brief service will be held in the funeral home beginning at 11:30AM. Interment will follow with military honors at 1PM in the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to either the Merrimack Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Road, Merrimack, NH 03054 or to Tunnels to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.roanfamilyfuneral.com

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