As a lifetime political junkie and someone who appreciates the subtleties of small town retail politics, I know the value of a dingy restaurant on a corner facing Main St. Or in the case of the Merrimack Diner in Manchester, New Hampshire, Elm Street.

For every election cycle since the time I was a fetus, the Merrimack has served as a place where presidential hopefuls could easily mingle with regular, hard-working folk in this former mill town. But we junkies of the political realm will have to find a new place to warm our hands and noses. Over the weekend the Merrimack, with their delightful if not sharp-tongued staff serving up endless cups of hot coffee with a dose of dish, opened their doors for the last time.

I feel honored to have had the privilege of getting "The Full Merrimack" this past January, and I will miss it when I'm there for the next go around in 8 years.

Thanks Jane for the extra cream in my cup. You were enough sugar for me.

Labels: Justin Schuck, Manchester, Merrimack Diner, New Hampshire