In Today's Observer

I look into how long it's been since Hillary set foot in the Granite State (long time!), why, and whether it matters. Jess Bruder profiles a dignified John Faso. Eve Kessler finds out what Conservative Party officials are thinking about the GOP's choices, and prints some unfriendly words for Pirro and Weld. And don't miss Sara Vilkomerson's er, irrverent, round-up of holiday parties, including the media's and the Mayor's. Sample, from the Daily News entry: "You aren't allowed a date because, apparently, we are too cheap," said one reporter. "So all the grotty old men get drunk and hit on the young girls because their wives are home in Jersey." Fun!