the boom in addiction and deaths prompted new hampshire's governor to call the legislature into special session this winter. >> the urgency is normally there. we're normally not in session. >> jeb bradley chaired the resulting task force, fighting drug abuse by 75%. insurance reforms, drug courts and stronger law enforcement. >> i think it's taken longer to get to the recognition we have now. but when you know people that have had these victim problems, and have become a victim it's staggering. so it's probably the top issue in everybody's minds. except for the presidential primary. >> reporter: in an october poll by manchester's wmur tv, voters named drug abuse as new hampshire's top issue and presidential candidates are talking about it on the stump. >> it is all over the place, extraordinary, heartbreaking.