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John DiStaso, the New Hampshire Union Leader's senior political writer, began writing "Granite Status" in 1982. His influential reports on behind-the-scenes politics in the first-primary state are a must read for insiders from Concord to Washington, D.C. Watch for "Granite Status" updates on UnionLeader.com whenever New Hampshire political news breaks.
Recent Granite Status
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John DiStaso's Granite Status: Conservative NH group airs first TV ad of '14 US Senate election, hitting Shaheen for health care vote
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John DiStaso's Granite Status: Sans dice, how will Hassan roll now?
John DiStaso's Granite Status: Ayotte among GOP senators invited to dine with Obama Wednesday evening
We've confirmed that Ayotte received a telephone call personally from the President on Tuesday afternoon and has been invited to be among about a dozen GOP senators to have dinner with Obama on Wednesday night.
(For earlier Granite Status reports, click on "Granite Status" above)
The Washington Post reported the dinner is scheduled to take place at The Jefferson Hotel, weather permitting.
The Post has described the series of calls being made by Obama to Republicans as a new "charm offensive" to bypass leadership and go to the rank-and-file. In the calls, the Post reported, the President has expressed a willingness to reform health and retirement programs if they agree to raise taxes to address the national debt.
White House press secretary Jay Carney has reportedly said the conversations have focused mostly on the budget but also on other issues.
The Post said other GOP senators invited to dinner and who plan to attend include John McCain of Arizona, Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Dan Coats of Indiana and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.
