Primary Date Puzzle in NH

A political puzzle persists between New Hampshire and Michigan.

Democrats and republicans in the "Wolverine State" said yesterday they're standing by plans to hold a primary on January 15th. But a court of appeals is now considering whether the law setting up Michigan's date is constitutional. State officials are calling for a ruling by tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Michigan's date is the final piece in the the "granite state's" primary date puzzle. New Hampshire wants to retain its traditional first-in-the-nation status by holding the first primary after the Iowa caucuses, which are scheduled for January 3rd.

Here for a status report is New Hampshire political correspondent for The Boston Globe, James Pindell.