This really could be the year of the woman because Mitt Romney owes his biggest endorsement to date in part to the former first lady of New Hampshire, Kathy Gregg.

  Judd Gregg, the state's senior senator, endorsed Romney's Republican bid for president today.
  The announcement came an hour before Romney would appear ar a State House rally and then file his papers to appear on New Hampshire's primary ballot.
  Gregg is the state's most popular Republican and former governor.
  In recent weeks, national GOP frontrunner had been battling Romney for the lead here in polls of likely NH primary voters.
  Arizona Senator John McCain had drawn closer to Romney and Giuliani in recent surveys.
  "  Mitt Romney embodies New Hampshire's values – values that stress government living within its means, lower taxes, a stronger military and stronger families," Gregg said in a statement.  "Governor Romney is the strong leader we need to lead America forward.  He has the experience, vision and values needed to be our next President."
    Gregg was said to be conflicted about whether to support Romney or former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

   But Mrs. Gregg took a particular liking to both Mitt and Ann Romney and for Gregg that was said to be a key factor.

-30-