Traditionally, New Hampshire is the proving ground for presidential hopefuls, with most spending major time and money in the Granite State. But many 2024 Republican presidential candidates — so far — are bypassing New Hampshire on their way to Iowa.

"It's more expensive to run in New Hampshire than it is in Iowa. It's definitely a bit of a mistake in terms of trying to capture 2024," Erin O'Brien, associate professor of political science at UMass Boston, told Under the Radar. "But Republicans know, to beat Trump, they're betting down on the idea you have to 'out-Trump' him or 'out-conservative' him, and you're more likely to be able to do that in Iowa."

Plus, Republican Senator Mitt Romney announced he will retire at the end of his term, saying it's time for the "next generation" of leaders. The former Massachusetts Governor's remarks re-energized the debate about the age of elected officials.

"I don't want to say that any particular individual ... should retire," said Luis Jiménez, director of the international relations major at UMass Boston. "But the question we should be talking about is, why is it that people stay in Congress that long? Why is it that people stay in politics that long? And a big reason why has to do with the way that we're doing politics these days and the power of incumbency, the power of money and so on."

And the U.S. Senate has gone “business casual." A change in dress code means one Democratic Senator can officially ditch his suit and tie for a hoodie.

Jerold Duquette, professor of political science at Central Connecticut State University, argues "this is sort of a gift in terms of authenticity. These people want conformity. ... Politically, a dress code in the Senate as an issue is to the great advantage of those rebelling against the establishment tie, or whatever the case may be."

Those stories and more during our full hour with the Mass Politics Profs.

GUESTS

Erin O’Brien, associate professor of political science at UMass Boston

Jerold Duquette, professor of political science and director of the Public Policy and Management Program at Central Connecticut State University

Luis Jiménez, associate professor of political science and director of the international relations major at UMass Boston