New Hampshire Republicans Conduct Presidential Straw Poll Today.

Nearly 500 members of the New Hampshire GOP committee gather today in Derry to pick a new chairman—and participate in a presidential straw poll sponsored by ABC News and its affiliate, WMUR, the state’s powerhouse television station.

Hotline is calling the straw poll former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney’s first test of the 2012 presidential campaign.  Observers will note if former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (T-Paw) shows any leg after paying some attention to the Granite State. Four years ago, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani made his New Hampshire debut the weekend of the GOP committee election.

New Hampshire Republicans enjoyed a remarkable renaissance last year, winning the state’s two congressional seats that they’d lost in 2006, holding a U.S. Senate seat by a wide margin, and winning commanding control of the legislature. They’ll be in buoyant spirits today.

The NH Journal has more details in the Establishment v. Tea Party competition for party chairman.  It’ll be reporting the day’s events if you need a very early presidential straw poll fix.