MANCHESTER – More than 100 people greeted U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen yesterday at an open house at her new Manchester office.

State senators and representatives, Manchester aldermen, party officials, former campaign workers, supporters, and the just curious turned out to see the newly elected U.S. Senator on her first trip back to New Hampshire since being sworn in last Tuesday.

Picketers opposing the Israeli bombing and invasion of Gaza walked the sidewalk in front of the Elm Street building holding signs, chanting, and occasionally yelling at motorists when they beeped their horns.

Inside, Shaheen, the state's first woman elected to the U.S. Senate, thanked well-wishers, and later said she hopes the seriousness of the challenges facing the country will lead to bi-partisan solutions to ease the problems.

"I'm really appreciative of the welcome Sen. Judd Gregg and his staff have given me and my staff. I believe that's a good indicator for the rest of the Senate that we can all work together," Shaheen said.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, right, hugs a supporter at the opening of her office in Manchester yesterday. (CHERYL SENTER/UNION LEADER)

Manchester attorney and former state Senate candidate Bob Backus said, "You've got to hand it to Jeannie; She gave up a great job to take this on, and it wasn't easy, but she did it."

State Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, D-Manchester, noted the enthusiasm in the crowd and the "spirit of the winds of change. This is a very positive factor for the state."

D'Allesandro, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, said Shaheen has been governor so she has a wealth of knowledge about the state and local events, which should be extremely helpful in Washington. "She will make a difference," he said.

In an interview, Shaheen said she wants to be part of the discussions about the new energy economy and the creation of many good jobs within that industry.

"Many new jobs could be created here in New Hampshire," she said. "Hopefully we can put people back to work in these areas."

For more than two hours, Shaheen and her husband, Bill, along with two of their daughters and several grandchildren, shook hands and talked to those attending the open house.