CONCORD, NH--CONCORD, NH -- September 25, 2003-- The New Hampshire Political Library joins with the rest of New Hampshire in mourning the passing of former governor Hugh Gregg who died Wednesday after a brief illness. "Without Governor Gregg's inspiration, hard work, tenacity and incredible good humor, the Library would not be here today," said Executive Director, Michael Chaney.

"We are devastated by his passing, but Governor Gregg has left us with a clear mission to champion his beloved New Hampshire and its importance to the nation. New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary has existed since 1920 and has grown in significance in the presidential selection process. Governor Gregg founded the New Hampshire Political Library with Secretary of State Bill Gardner in 1997 as a repository for the papers, writing and images that are part of the history of New Hampshire politics. The organization's mission is "to preserve and protect New Hampshire's tradition of holding the first-in-the-nation presidential primary

"The Library was recently named "New Englander of the Year" by the New England Council for its active role in the political campaign scene, as a co-producer of the 'Politics and Eggs' breakfast series with Presidential candidates, and for its unique historical resources and educational programs. The New Hampshire Political Library is the first library of its kind in the nation designed to provide both an important historical record and insight into the primary election campaign process itself.