New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte (R) announced she will be resigning her post to pursue a campaign for the Senate, landing Republicans a top-tier recruit to run against Rep. Paul Hodes (D-NH), according to Politico.
"A recently-released Granite State poll confirms that she'd be the strongest Republican candidate for the seat held by retiring Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH). Of all the potential GOP candidates, she held the highest approval ratings and led Hodes in a head-to-head matchup."
Washington Post: "Ayotte was appointed to her current position by Democratic Gov. John Lynch in 2005 and re-appointed a few months ago for a second four year term. Some controversy has erupted of late over the question of whether Ayotte pledge to serve out her term when she accepted the re-appointment."