A Democratic Tidal Wave in New Hampshire

The Democrats, who for decades were a scorned minority in New Hampshire, "had much better organization and far outclassed the Republicans this time," Scala told me. "Combined with the national trend and the popularity of Governor Lynch, the Republicans were just overwhelmed."

Rath used similar language, speaking of "an enormous surge we [Republicans] couldn't stop." It was fueled, he said, by the same anger at Washington, frustration over Iraq and disgust with the Republican Congress that prevailed nationally. But it was abetted in New Hampshire by the growing number of political independents who this year joined the Democrats in voting for change.

The force of the movement spared no one. Peter Spaulding, a longtime member of the Executive Council and a leader in John McCain's victorious 2000 New Hampshire primary campaign, lost his seat to a 71-year-old opponent who barely made any effort and who was vacationing in Belgium when the election returns came in. Dozens of longtime citizen-legislators, serving part time for $200 a term and rarely having to bother to campaign, found themselves voted out of office.

"The only successful Republicans were the ones who were not on the ballot in 2006," such as Sens. Judd Gregg and John Sununu, Rath said.

The fathers of these two senators were famous for steering the New Hampshire campaigns of Republicans who became president, but that was in the days when Republicans were dominant. Now, with Democrats resurgent and independents ever more influential, the kingmaker role may no longer be available to GOP operatives.

Republicans such as McCain, Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani may face a more hostile climate, in both New Hampshire and Iowa. And Democrats will be dealing with a constituency that, this year at least, was strongly antiwar and anti-Washington politician.

Lynch, who helped power the Democratic victory this year, has announced no favorite for the presidential nomination. He has stayed above the political battle at home, hoarding his political capital. If he chooses to endorse, it will carry more weight than any Democratic endorsement in a long time.

davidbroder@washpost.com