Romney led the field in endorsements from New Hampshire Republican elected officials.Nicholas Confessore, "For Romney, Friends in High Places Help Get Out the N.H. Vote" (January 9, 2012), New York Times. The New York Times reported that after losing New Hampshire in the 2008 primary to John McCain, Romney devoted considerable time and money to gain the support of New Hampshire Republican figures. Romney's political action committee (PAC) "spread thousands of dollars" to New Hampshire Republican campaigns, including that of youthful Republican state Representative D.J. Bettencourt of the Republican-heavy Salem area, elected state House majority leader in 2011, who is one of Romney's most active supporters. Romney's PAC also donated $25,000 to the New Hampshire Republican State Committee under the chairmanship of prominent New Hampshire party player John H. Sununu, a former governor and White House Chief of Staff. Republican candidates for state Senate and state House, small-town Republican committees, and county sheriffs and district attorneys were all "recipients of [Romney's] largesse."Alec MacGillis, "Unremitting: How Romney wore down New Hampshire" (November 3, 2011). New Republic. Romney was criticized by some as "buying" endorsements, who referenced "blatantly transactional terms that lie behind the announcements."Alec MacGillis, "Buys, Er, Receives Haley Nod" (December 16, 2011). New Republic. A large number of officials endorsing Romney, in New Hampshire and in other early primary states, had received contributions first.Edward Matson, "35 Romney endorsers received contributions first: Mitt takes the endorsement game "to a whole new level" (January 7, 2011). Salon.
