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The former Massachusetts Republican senator's monthslong flirtation with Granite State voters has powered plenty of speculation, and Thursday's event only fanned it.

For the first time in U.S. history, the congressional representation of a state will be made up entirely of women. It's a first that follows a pattern in New Hampshire, where Gov.-elect Maggie Hassan says voters share the "ability to make decisions regardless of gender."

There are 11 gubernatorial races this fall, and one of the most competitive is in the swing state of New Hampshire. Out-of-state money and political muscle are flowing into the race, which both candidates say amounts to a stark choice on social and fiscal issues.

The Obama campaign is trying to link Republican Mitt Romney to controversial moves by the New Hampshire state Legislature on women's health. But Romney has a strong advocate in Sen. Kelly Ayotte in a state that could potentially have a female governor and an all-female congressional delegation next year.