New Hampshire’s status as the nation’s first presidential primary means the Monadnock region is a frequent stop for candidates such as U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who “strolled into the Peterborough Town House amidst thunderous applause,” according to the Nov. 4, 1999, Peterborough Transcript.

McCain talked about his vow to veto pork-barrel spending, his desire for campaign-finance reform, the environment and America’s role overseas, and made a crack about his temperament, which The Arizona Republic had just questioned. 

”I think some of you may know that I haven’t won Miss Congeniality every year in the United States Senate,” he said to applause and laughter.

McCain was a heavy underdog against Texas Gov. George W. Bush, but he won the New Hampshire primary by 18 points with 48.5% of the vote. However, Bush won most of the remaining contests starting with the South Carolina primary, and went on to win both the GOP nomination and the presidency.