CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – The latest New Hampshire student achievement tests continue to show boys lagging well behind girls in reading.

Officials say the difference between boys’ and girls’ reading scores has remained consistent since at least the 1970s.

But educators are growing increasingly concerned about it. Though some schools have tackled the problem individually, the state Department of Education’s first formal attempt to address the gap will come at a conference on gender and education next spring.

Campaign Spending

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – The latest campaign finance reports show that no candidate governor is likely to come close to the money spent in 2002.

Two years ago, Gov. Craig Benson spent a record $11 million on the race, most of it his own money.

As he seeks re-election, Benson has raised about $669,000, with most coming from his own pocket or a transfer from his exploratory committee.

Democrat John Lynch has raised $905,000, including $400,000 he loaned himself.

Republican Charles Tarbel and Democrat Paul McEachern are well back in the money race.

Courting New Hampshire

NEW YORK (AP) – New Hampshire delegates to the Republican National Convention will be wooed by several potential 2008 presidential candidates.

Among those scheduled to spend time with the delegation are New York Gov. George Pataki, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Sens. Chuck Hagel, Rick Santorum and John McCain.

Hagel and Santorum get the first chance to make a good impression. They are scheduled to meet the delegation Monday morning at the welcoming reception at their hotel.