Each has plenty of fans. Rosemarie Rung, the only Merrimack Democrat who held onto her seat in November, is backing Murphy. Some House liberals, including Rep. Sherry Frost, D-Dover, have said they are with Thomas. This might not be an accurate assessment, but some view the primary as a stalking horse for the potential faceoff for state party chairman between longtime incumbent Raymond Buckley of Manchester and Emmett Soldati of Somersworth. Some see Murphy as the more establishment figure in the Buckley mold and Thomas as a more progressive alternative like Soldati. Whatâs more certain is that in either case, the primary winner will have her hands full.