Andrew Vrees

The long training runs are in the rearview mirror, and this weekend, the 30,000 athletes taking on the 129th Boston Marathon will go to bed dreaming of personal bests — or just making it across the finish line. Of course, the Boston Marathon is much more than a footrace. It is a rare opportunity to set aside our political differences, to ignore municipal borders, and for one day, to come together as neighbors in a joyful celebration of perseverance, personal achievement, and civic pride.

New Hampshire, you did your job. You voted. The results reflect the independent spirit that has fueled our state for generations. Voter turnout in New Hampshire was at its highest level ever. In fact, we had the fourth-highest voter turnout in the country. Some of you stood in line for hours to make sure your voice was heard. There was no fraud. There was no evidence of voter intimidation. Democracy is about participation and engagement. You did just that.

I was enjoying Sunday afternoon when my phone started buzzing with push alerts and text messages. When I looked to see what was going on, I learned there were shots fired in the vicinity of former President Donald Trump. I hesitate to say it, but I wasn't surprised by another act of political violence, and I know many of you weren't either. That's a problem. Presidents have been targeted by assassins and would-be assassins almost as long as we've been a country.