Once reliably Republican, New England now backs Democrats.

Byline: Stevenson Swanson

BOSTON _ In the coloring-book view of American politics, where Republican states are red and Democratic states are blue, the map of New England has undergone a shade shift.

Once as scarlet as ripe cherries, these six states are increasingly taking on various hues of blue as Democratic presidential candidates rack up wins even in New Hampshire, the most conservative state in New England.

In November, Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry of Massachusetts swept all six states, improving upon Al Gore's record in 2000. Gore won five of the states, losing only New Hampshire. But even in the Granite State, Gore and third-party candidate Ralph Nader, whose supporters came mainly from the left, together outpolled George W. Bush.

And Bill Clinton carried New Hampshire in both 1992 and 1996. What do those results foretell for future Republican presidential candidates who hope to win any of New England's 34 electoral votes?

"The short answer is, rough sledding," said pollster Andy Smith, director of the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.

Within the region, Republicans still hold a considerable number of offices, including five of 12 Senate seats and four of the six governorships.