Steve Merrill

Former Republican Gov. Stephen Merrill told CQ Politics Thursday he will not run for New Hampshire Senate in 2010. Merrill’s decision comes one day after another top potential GOP prospect, former Sen. John E. Sununu, announced he would not campaign for the open seat.

The seat became a 2010 race to watch when Republican Sen. Judd Gregg announced his retirement in February. Democrats have rallied around Rep. Paul W. Hodes in the Senate race, but the GOP continues to search for a top-flight candidate.