Keep New Hampshire Blue Blog

U.S. SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON ACCEPTS NH DEMOCRATIC PARTY'S INVITE TO "100 CLUB" DINNER

2007-01-23T10:46:00.000-05:00

***SPECIAL EVENT***

The New Hampshire Democratic Party today announced that U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY), who officially entered the 2008 Presidential campaign last Saturday, has accepted its invitation to be the guest speaker at its annual "100 Club" Dinner in Nashua on March 10, 2007.

"Senator Clinton is a dynamic, articulate leader who will be welcomed to the Granite State stage with tremendous excitement," said Kathy Sullivan, Chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party. "We're honored Senator Clinton has agreed to be a part of a very special evening for New Hampshire Democrats."

The "100 Club" Dinner, first held in 1959, was originally organized by New Hampshire supporters of then U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts as a way to raise his profile among Granite State Democrats and Presidential Primary voters.

Since then, the "100 Club" has been the premiere fundraising event for the New Hampshire Democratic Party, and has featured some of the most influential Democrats in the nation, including Presidents Kennedy and Clinton. Recent guests have also included U.S. Senators John Kerry, Joe Lieberman and John Edwards; Governors Howard Dean and Mark Warner; and Vice President Al Gore. Tickets are $100 and those interested in purchasing them can call the New Hampshire Democratic Party at (603) 225-6899 or visit http://www.nhdp.org/100club.

WHAT: Annual NHDP "100 Club" Dinner
WHO: U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton and New Hampshire Democrats
WHEN: Saturday, March 10, 2007
DINNER START TIME: 6:00 pm
SPEAKING PROGRAM START TIME: 7:00 pm
LOCATION:
Sheraton Nashua Hotel
Grand Ballroom
11 Tara Blvd
Nashua NH
Phone: 603-888-9970

Additional media information is forthcoming.

Spotlight on Oh-Eight: Sen. Edwards in NH for Announcement Tour

2006-12-21T16:04:00.000-05:00

On December 29, former Vice-Presidential candidate John Edwards will be in Portsmouth, NH as part of his tour announcing his candidacy for President in 2008.

The event will take place at Noon the Little Harbour School, located at 50 Clough Drive.

Free tickets are available at www.johnedwardsevent.com.

Update on Oh-Eight: Video - Sen. Bayh Stumps in Cornish

2006-12-12T10:30:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, December 9 and 10, U.S. Senator Evan Bayh from Indiana returned to New Hampshire and stumped across the state stopping in Manchester, Keene and Cornish. The previous week, Sen. Bayh announced that he was forming an exploratory committee to help him determine whether he will run for President.

Dean Barker, one of the editors of BlueHampshire.com, went to see Sen. Bayh at state Sen. Peter Burling's home in Cornish, recorded the event and posted in on google videos. CHECK IT OUT HERE or on the picture to view the video.

Read more local coverage of Sen. Bayh's visit to New Hampshire from the Concord Monitor and the Manchester Union Leader.

Sen. Sununu Gives Up On New Hampshire

2006-12-05T13:34:00.000-05:00

Speaking to local economic leaders last week, Senator John Sununu told the crowd to stop complaining about the sky-rocketing cost of healthcare and that they shouldn’t bother to worry any more because there is no solution for the foreseeable future. Senator Sununu proved once again that he has little interest in addressing the healthcare crisis or trying to make healthcare more affordable for New Hampshire families.

The reason there has been no solution to the healthcare crisis is that Sen. Sununu along with his Republican cronies in Washington have been more worried about helping insurance companies profit billions than in addressing the healthcare crisis in this country.

According to opensecrets.org, over the course of his career, Sununu has taken $288,238 from the health care industry, including both individual donations and PAC money. His largest contributor over the course of his career has been Fisher Scientific International, a medical supply company that has donated $61,500 to Sununu.

Sununu also strongly supported President Bush's plan to privatize Social Security, a plan that put seniors' security at risk.

Building for 2008

2006-11-21T14:36:00.000-05:00

On Election Day, the people of New Hampshire voted and by the end of the night, it was crystal clear they had sent a message that left no doubt that Granite Staters are now looking to Democrats to lead the state forward.

There is a lot to be done over the next two years, but it is clear that we have elected hardworking leaders that will continue to work for New Hampshire families.

Thank you all for all your help!! Now, it's time to get to work, so we can make sure that we stay blue in 2008!

The New Hampshire Democrats have moved back to the Concord Headquarters:

2 1/2 Beacon Street

Concord, NH 03301

phone: (603) 225-6899 fax: (603) 225-6797

office@nhdp.org

NH IS TOO CLOSE TO CALL!! GET OUT AND VOTE TOMORROW!

2006-11-06T11:09:00.000-05:00

As New Hampshire goes, so does the country...

In a year where a the country seems to be calling out for change, New Hampshire is turning into a bellweather state that currently mirrors the make up of the country: it is too close to call.

Two supposedly entrenched Congressional candidates are fighting for their political lives and Democrats look poised to possibly regain the majority in the State Senate for the second time since 1911 and possibly even the State Legislature for the first time ever.

We are so close, very close, to making this an incredible year to be a New Hampshire Democrat. We just need you to get out and vote on Tuesday! Brings your family to the polls, bring your friends to the polls, bring your co-workers to the polls, bring your dog to the polls (obviously your dog can't vote, but why not walk the dog and vote at the same time! It's a two for one deal).

Please cast your vote on Election Day and we can begin to make the changes necessary to move New Hampshire and the country forward.

If you don't know where your polling location is, you need a ride to the polls, or you want to help out and volunteer, give us a call at (603) 625-0010 and we'll give you all the information you need.

DIRTY GOP TRICKS ALERT! URGENT: MISLEADING PHONE CALLS BEING REPORTED!

2006-11-03T10:52:00.000-05:00

We have received word that households are receiving numerous, misleading automated phone calls that sound as if they are coming from Paul Hodes when they in fact are NOT. These calls potentially violate New Hampshire election law and need to be stopped immediately.
We have seen it before from Republican operatives in New Hampshire. This is an example of a last minute desperate attempt by forces who are scrambling in the face of potential defeat on Tuesday.

If you receive any suspicious phone calls, please listen carefully and save the recording on your answering machines. Call Kathleen Strand at the New Hampshire Democratic Party at (603) 625-0010 or email office@nhdp.org.

Also, if you have received one of these misleading calls from the NRCC, you can report it at dirtygoptricks.com where people from across New Hampshire can report dirty campaign tricks from the Republican Party and hold them accountable.

BREAKING NEWS: GAME ON!!! Hodes, Shea-Porter Surging

2006-11-02T19:25:00.000-05:00

Tonight's WMUR-University of New Hampshire poll shows New Hampshire voters are hungry for change. Paul Hodes has opened a clear lead over Congressman Charlie Bass with Hodes at 45 percent to Bass at 37 percent, an 18-point swing for Hodes from the September UNH poll. Congressman Jeb Bradley is in a dead heat with First District Congressional Candidate Carol Shea-Porter who is at 42 percent to Bradley's 47 percent. This is a significant closing of the gap from the September UNH poll that had Bradley at 52 percent and Shea-Porter at 33 percent.

Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes have done so much hard work to get so close to beating Jeb Bradley and Charlie Bass and we have all worked so hard to help them get here. But we need to work even harder over these last few days to make sure that when the polls close on November 7, we will have elected two Representatives to Congress will stand up for New Hampshire instead of rubber-stamping the Bush Administration's failed policies in Iraq.

Click here to read the full poll results.

September 2006 Poll Results:

UNH Poll, 9/27/06: Bradley 52%, Shea-Porter 33%, 15% undecided
UNH Poll, 9/27/06: Bass: 46%, Hodes: 36%, 17% undecided

GOTV is almost here!

2006-10-30T09:57:00.000-05:00

It is our last full week before election day and you can feel the electricity in the office. I can't write much because I need to get back to entering last minute data, building visibility totems, and finding phone bank volunteers.

Speaking of phone bank volunteers....we need your help on election day and the three days before, or GOTV weekend as we like to call it in the biz. Please go to keepnhblue.com to sign up to volunteer. Even if you only have one hour to give Saturday-Tuesday we can use your help.

Onward to victory!

Something's Happening In District 1

2006-10-23T09:49:00.000-04:00

Carol Shea-Porter has always been a candidate who will go door-to-door across the district and try to earn each individual vote personally. She has attended town halls, canvassed with constituents and worked hard with her tireless corps of volunteers as oppossed to Jeb Bradley's style of campaigning from inside a bubble. He has had television ads produced and attended high donor fundraisers, but he is not the type of guy who will meet with you individually, and it's beginning to show.

Here is what Beth LaMontagne of the Portsmouth Herald wrote about Carol Shea-Porter this weekend in a story entitled "Taking The Pulse of the People." LaMontagne had been touring the first district, talking to individuals in the various towns, trying to get a sense of how average folks feel about the election that's only 15 days away.

Each town seemed most concerned about the local problems it was tackling,
but the one hot button issue on everyone's minds from the White Mountains to
Rockingham County was the war in Iraq.

"I think we all got bamboozled by Bush and this stupid war," said Fred
Buchholz of Gilmanton. "What I don't understand is the apathy of people.
Nobody's jumping up screaming (in protest)."

...If campaign signs and letters to the editor in the small town weeklies
are any indication, Shea-Porter has been getting her name out through a
grassroots, strategy-driven campaign and could earn more votes than the experts
expect.

Traditionally, western Rockingham County and Carroll County have been
the most Republican regions in the state, but political scientists say those
areas are becoming more moderate. Residents who were asked said they were
satisfied with Bradley, but in front of both newer homes and old New England
farms, the Shea-Porter signs outnumbered Bradley's about two to one.

It's going to take a lot more hard work in the next two weeks, but Carol Shea-Porter is builiding momentum on the ground. Bradley is going to looking over his shoulder a lot over these last 15 days and he's seeing Shea-Porter get closer each time.

Bass a YouTube Hit!

2006-10-18T10:00:00.000-04:00

Last week, Charlie Bass spoke at the Bi-State Republican Columbus Day Dinner in Fairlee, VT. On Tuesday, Charlie Bass's speech was posted on the internet video giant YouTube under the title "Charlie Bass Unplugged in VT" and it quickly became one of the most viewed and talked about videos on the website and since it was posted it has been viewed over 9,000 times, prompting lots of blog chatter and spin-offs.

On the day it went up, it was the 87th most viewed video on You Tube, the following day it was the 84th most viewed. Meanwhile, posts by keener and republic not empire on blogger giant DailyKos regarding the video and Bass's remarks in it also became two of the most recommended and discussed of the day on October 12. By the end of the week, 2nd congressional district blogger keener of the blog nh-02 progressive noted that the video was rated as the 80th most discussed video and the 92nd most viewed video under the "News & Blogs" category on YouTube. (Since then it has gone up to 76th and 87th in discussion and views respectively)

Understandably, it may not be clear as to whether this video of Bass's comments regarding Vermont Congressman Bernie Sanders and the Mark Foley sex scandal is actually making a noticeable impact. Here's a little perspective: Bass Unplugged has been viewed 9,057 times on YouTube since it was posted last week. Meanwhile, 23,650 people have watched the George Allen "macaca" video since that was posted on YouTube about 2 months ago. Plus, "Bass Unplugged in VT" has been viewed more times than Mel Gibson's interview with Good Morning America.

There have also been futher videos posted including, "Charlie (Bass's) Angels," that likens Charlie Bass to Charlie of the classic TV show. The difference being that the angels aren't Jill St. John or Farrah Fawcett, Charlie Bass's angels are Tom DeLay, Dennis Hastert, and George W. Bush.

Check out this link for new videos about New Hampshire Democrats, it's updated regularly keep an eye on it: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=bigemc01.

Local and National Polls Great News for Dems, Hodes, CSP

2006-10-15T14:45:00.000-04:00

New national polls are further energizing Democrats here in New Hampshire as a little more than 3 weeks remain before the election on November 7.

A new USA Today/Gallup poll release last week showed that President Bush’s approval rating is at 37 points, which is a seven point drop over the last three weeks. This is trouble for both Charlie Bass and Jeb Bradley who have each voted overwhelmingly with the president and the GOPleadership. Their lockstep with their party is putting them in even hotter water because congress is currently polling at 24 percent (a five point drop from September).

Democrats have a walloping 23 point lead, 59 percent to 36, on a generic ballot, doubling the lead that Republicans had a month before the ’94 elections. The worst news for the two congressman is that the number of people polled who said they would re-elect their own congressman is also at it’s lowest since 1994.

Meanwhile, a local poll revealed great news for Democratic congressioonal candidate Paul Hodes. In the new independent poll, conducted by Becker Institute, Inc., showed Paul Hodes leading Charlie Bass by 9 points. The poll revealed more bad news for Bass as it showed that 40 percent of voters view him unfavorably, only three points less than the 43 percent who do view him favorably. As Kevin Landrigan of the Nashua Telegraph said, "that is never where an incumbent wants to be."

Under increasing pressure from Paul Hodes, over the last few weeks Charlie Bass has had to deal with repeated scandals. First, his Policy Director was forced to resign after using government resources for campaigning, a violation of House rules. Then, on Monday, Bass was caught on tape downplaying the Mark Foley sex scandal, and making comments about VT Congressman Bernie Sanders that reminded many of Sen. George Allen's "macaca" comment.

Even the "good news" was not so good for Charlie Bass as an American Research Group poll showed Bass only up by six points (48-42) and within the margin of error (MoE).

The Becker Institue poll also showed Carol Shea-Porter (CSP!) gaining on Congressman Jeb Bradley. Over the last month, support for Bradley has dropped below 50 percent. Bradley now only leads CSP 49-37 with 14 percent undecided and according to Landrigan, the summary from the poll said that "Jeb Bradley could have his hands full holding onto this seat."

All this information also is a good omen for Democratic candidates at the state level. With GOP numbers falling every day at the top of the ticket, Dems across the state are liking their chances on November 7 more and more.

However, we are not taking anything for granted. Our candidates still need your help though. In the last 21 days of the election and on November 7 itself we need volunteers and supporters to help get more and more people excited about our Democratic candidates and GET OUT THE VOTE.

CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER or call the NHDP coordinated campaign office at (603) 625-0010.

YouTube: Bass Shows True Colors

2006-10-14T14:58:00.000-04:00

On Monday night, GOP Congressman Charlie Bass was at the annual Bi-State Republican Columbus Day Dinner in Fairlee, VT. At the event Bass demonstrated that he is feeling the heat after recent polling showed Democratic Congressional Candidate Paul Hodes catching up with him quickly.

A video posted on the internet video website YouTube entiled "Charlie Bass Unplugged in VT" showed Bass trying to turn the Mark Foley sex scandal into a punchline and making comments about VT Congressman Bernie Sanders that frankly sounded like something that Sen. George Allen from Virginia would say.

Here's what he said about Bernie Sanders:

"Ah yes. It's going to be nice, not to have Hugo Chavez across the Connecticut River, representing Vermont-at-large. Bernie Sanders and his Sandernistas can go back to taxi-driving in the Bronx of New York City where they came from to begin with."

Bernie Sanders grew up in Brooklyn, not The Bronx. As for what Bass may or may not have meant by this, it is not clear, but it certainly sounds a lot like something Sen. Allen would say.

To read about his comments on blogger giant Daily Kos, read NH-02: Meet New Hampshire's Mr. Macaca. On Tuesday, this was the 42nd most recommended diary on kos.

Bass did not stop his partisanship there, instead he launched into a discussion of the current scandal surrounding Mark Foley and the possible cover-up by the GOP leadership.

Earlier in the week, Bass had said, "For the good of the House of Representatives and our nation, the questions about who had what knowledge about Mark Foley's behavior must be resolved quickly and thoroughly." Here's what he said about Foley at the Bi-State GOP event:

Everybody's talking about Mark Foley. Everybody's talking about Mark Foley and how who knew what and when. Mark Foley made a mistake. A big mistake. He resigned. And now Nancy Pelosi, the San Francisco Democrat, says that we covered it up, that we're the party of corruption, that there's no hope -- let me give you a couple of little things. First of all, in 1982, Gerry Studds, Congressman from Cape Cod, actually was apprehended having a sexual relationship with a male page. He was censored. And she voted five times subsequent to that to make him a sub-committee chairman. I would also point out that since I've been elected to Congress, five Congressman have gone to jail -- four of them were Democrats. Four of them were Democrats! Do you remember that? Five congressmen have gone to jail, four of them were Democrats, and they got two more on deck -- Jefferson and Mollohan. We've got one, by the way, so we're still ahead. So when you here these people chortling, just remember that it's time to get beyond Mark Foley and the last couple of weeks and start talking about what we stand for."

It's pretty interesting to see what Bass says to people when he thinks that there is nobody watching. Aside from the fact that a lot of what Bass says is not true (either that or he counts Bob Ney, 'Duke' Cunningham, Tom DeLay, and Mark Foley as one person), Bass completely changes his tune from what he said to the mainstream press. It is becoming more and more clear that Dennis Hastert, John Boehner, Tim Reynolds and others in the GOP leadership ignored Foley's possible felony offenses in order to protect the Republican majority in the US House of Representatives, but instead of holding them accountable for placing 16 year old Congressional Pages at risk from a possible poedephile, Bass tries to shift blame, avoid responsibility and maintain his close ties to the leadership of his party.

The Valley News printed the story and the story was also reprinted in the Concord Monitor. However, it was only when Charlie Bass was approached by THE HILL, that he "apologized" for his remarks regarding Bernie Sanders.

Bass said it’s important to understand the comments in the context of the inter-state rivalry and that he had no intention of offending anybody. He said the Hodes campaign is blowing it up because the election is just weeks away.
"I guess it’s just a reflection on the fact that you can’t really have fun anymore in a campaign," Bass told The Hill on Thursday. "I had no ill will of any sort against anybody or any place or anything. It was all said as a couple of introductory lines in jest. I apologize if anybody was offended, but quite honestly I just think we’ve reached a point where you can’t make a joke.
"I feel strongly that it’s not a big issue at all," he added.

Charlie Bass is one of only four voices representing New Hampshire in Washington DC, and he believes that cracking an ethnic joke is "not a big issue at all." Later, his office was also pressed by The Valley News to offer an explanation for his comments.

“I meant in no way to offend anybody under any circumstances, and nobody would have been, but some fellow snuck into the party with a video camera meaning to do anything he possibly could to create an issue.”

As MissLaura of the blog Blue-Granite points out, by this logic Senator George Allen's "macaca" remark was only offensive because the person he was describing was in the room.

Over the course of the week the video on YouTube was watched by approximately 8,000 people and was listed as one of the top 100 most viewed videos on the site.

Dispatch from Plymouth: you should know Carole Estes

2006-10-10T11:55:00.000-04:00

It’s hard to know where to start when you’re talking about Carole Estes. An Air Force veteran and life-long Democrat, Carole has 47 years of experience in managing computer departments and dealing with law enforcement systems. Now Carole is running for the State House in District 7 of Grafton County, which covers Plymouth and Hebron. She understands this community with all of its intricacies, and is involved wherever she sees an opportunity to do some good. That’s what characterizes her campaign – Concord is where she can be an asset to the people, so Concord is where she’s trying to go.

Carole is a resident of Plymouth, where her beautiful family and wonderful grandchildren also reside. She’s familiar with the issues, she listens to the concerns of her neighbors, and – most importantly – she cares immensely about making New Hampshire a better place not only for the people living and working here now, but also for the next generation.

Carole has a motto - “Life is Good." I can't tell you how many times she's said it to me when I'm sweating what amounts to small stuff, and how helpful that reminder is. That's the kind of attitude that would be an asset to Plymouth and Hebron residents in the State House. Life is good, but as her campaign literature says, “let’s enhance its quality.”

There are forward strides to be made, and voters should send Carole to Concord along with returning Mary Cooney, already a Representative for this district. Alongside Governor Lynch and future Senator Deb Reynolds, District 7 couldn’t ask for a better group of people to represent their interests.

More NH Grassroots Campaigning

2006-10-06T17:15:00.000-04:00

This is really what makes New Hampshire different and a true home of real grassroots politics. On Wednesday, Senator John Kerry, former presidential nominee and a major reason New Hampshire turned from red to blue in 2004, was at the Pelham Senior Center to stump for state senate candidate Beth Roth.

You don't win in New Hampshire with expensive television ads. In New Hampshire, in order to win the support of a voter for the presidential primary, you have to earn it personally.

Is there any other state in the country where your lunch is served to you by a United States Senator?

Bradley's On Notice! Boston Globe Highlights CSP Candidacy

2006-10-05T10:57:00.000-04:00

Carol Shea Porter (CSP!) has put Jeb Bradley on notice and now The Boston Globe is taking note. Today, Globe Correspondent John Laidler wrote a profile of the CSP candidacy.

The article shows how CSP is going toe-to-toe with former magic-man Jeb Bradley on every issue. In previous posts, we have discussed Bradley's record at length, but Laidler throws the candidates into the limelight and under that glare, we really see the true contrast between Magic Jeb and CSP.

"I'm running for the rest of us," Shea-Porter said this week, defining that group as "the 99 percent of us that are being ignored by the Bradley-Bush team."
From the difficulty families face paying their bills to the "bungling" of the Iraq war, there is "a boiling pot of troubles that have not been addressed by this Republican Congress, and people are ready for change," contended the one-time social work administrator and college lecturer.
Shea-Porter, 53, who prior to becoming a candidate appeared frequently at the c ongressman's local town meeting forums to ask him pointed questions, said that Bradley has been "very, very good to the Bush administration."
As examples, she said Bradley "has not voted for a balanced budget," has "no vision on health care," and had been "a great friend to his peer group -- the top 1 percent" of income earners, through his vote for tax cuts and other measures.
"He talks and walks like a conservative in Washington, D.C., and then comes home and says he's a moderate," Shea-Porter said.

It's often said that politics in New Hampshire is retail, and if that is
the case, Jeb Bradley is in a lot of trouble. The Laidler article points out
that under Bradley, the Granite State has been getting a raw deal.

"Jeb Bradley knows I have never called for an increase in taxes," Shea-Porter said, "because I'm in the middle class and we're the ones getting hit. It's Jeb Bradley and his peer group in the top 1 percent that have benefited from our tax structure."
And, she said, the GOP-controlled Congress "took a budget surplus and gave us the largest deficit in our history."

Click on the link below to read John Laidler's article.

"A Stark Contrast In The First District," by John Laidler of the Boston Globe. October 5, 2006.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/10/05/a_stark_contrast_in_1st_district/

WaPo Columnist E.J. Dionne: NH Loves Lynch, He's The Anti-Bush

2006-10-03T15:01:00.000-04:00

This morning syndicated Washington Post Columnist E.J. Dionne Jr. analyzes the popularity of Gov. John Lynch in New Hampshire. Dionne describes the Governorship of John Lynch as “a model for a new wave of moderate Democrats.” Below are some of the key excerpts from the column, but you can CLICK HERE to read the full story.

...Consider the latest WMUR Granite State Poll by the University of New Hampshire's Survey Center. Asked the classic question about whether "things in New Hampshire" were going in "the right direction" or were "seriously off on the wrong track," an astonishing 79 percent saw their state moving the right way; only 14 percent saw it on the wrong track.

But when asked exactly the same question about how their country was doing, only 34 percent of New Hampshire residents said "right direction"; 56 percent said "wrong track."

That is good news for Gov. John Lynch, a Democrat who leads his Republican opponent, Jim Coburn, by a 69-14 percent margin in the latest survey. It is bad news for Bush, whose approval rating in New Hampshire is 36 percent.

It may be no accident that Lynch's ratings are high while Bush's are low. Nick Clemons, the executive director of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, sees voters consciously contrasting the peaceable political kingdom their state has become with what's happening several hundred miles to their south. "Washington," he says, "is the foil for New Hampshire."

The success of Democratic governors such as Lynch (and, for that matter, of that re-scripted and now-moderate Republican, Arnold Schwarzenegger in California) also reflects a default by national Republicans on domestic issues.

The president's relentless focus on terrorism combined with growing disenchantment with his Iraq policies pushes voters to seek leadership from state and local politicians on issues such as education and health care...

...The irony is that Bush has fostered a backlash against himself, against ideology and against partisanship that, as a former governor, he should have seen coming.

To read the entire article click on the following link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/02/AR2006100200938.html

Dispatch from Plymouth: you should know Peter Glenshaw

2006-10-01T21:08:00.000-04:00

We've had some great news recently about both the Governor's continued popularity all over the state as well as just how close we are with Paul Hodes' campaign in the second Congressional District. In Grafton County, both of those candidates are going to be helped by the energy coming from further down on the ticket.

So many of our local candidates are doing a fantastic job of reaching out to residents and taking their message to voters, but nothing says "energy" like the campaign of Peter Glenshaw - Democrat for County Commissioner. Peter, a resident of Lyme, is taking on incumbent Ray Burton, who also happens to serve on the Executive Council for District 1, which covers most of New Hampshire. (If you've never seen a map of the EC districts you should take a look and see how much ground Ray is supposed to cover in addition to focusing on Grafton County.) As Peter told the Upper Valley News, "It's time for somebody to be dedicated solely to the county." And Peter is definitely the man for the job!

Of course, Peter has some great grassroots experience - he co-founded and is serving as the first Chairman of Democracy for New Hampshire, and has worked so hard to see that organization blossom from 30 members to over 1000. He can now direct that energy toward his own campaign - there are five more weeks to go, but Peter has already knocked on over 1,000 doors! Voters in communities ranging from Wentworth to Monroe have had the opportunity to meet him face to face and hear his passionate vision for the county, which includes making fiscally responsible choices with regards to the county jail, as well as making sure that the critical access to high-speed internet that so many of us take for granted is available to everyone.

As Democrats, we're lucky to have Peter on our side - and the people of Grafton County will be lucky to have Peter focusing on their needs after his victory in November. Check out Peter's website for more information, and learn how you can help out! He may seem indefatigable, but I'm sure he'd love to have company canvassing in your neighborhood. (And it's a great chance to talk with voters about Governor Lynch, Paul Hodes, and the fantastic Deb Reynolds, candidate for State Senate in District 2, which covers most of Grafton County.)

There are so many candidates that are working really hard on behalf of not only themselves, but the rest of our Blue Slate as well - I hope to spotlight as many of them as I can as we come down the stretch...so look forward to more Dispatches from Plymouth!

UNH Poll Has Paul Hodes Catching Bass

2006-09-28T14:08:00.001-04:00

A poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center was released yesterday showing that the Second Congressional District challenger Paul Hodes is gaining significant ground on GOP incumbent Charlie Bass.

A July poll by the UNH Survey Center showed Bass leading by 24 percentage points. Now with 40 days (yes, 40 days!!) left until November 7, Paul Hodes has closed the gap to ten points!

Meanwhile, Charlie Bass is hearing footsteps and is definitely starting to feel the pressure. He is using federal resources for campaign purposes and went on the attack this week when he began airing a misleading and negative attack ad that questions Paul Hodes' plan for Iraq.

In the ad, a voice-over implies that the plan Hodes put forward would send our troops to another country in the Middle East, but Kurdistan is actually a region in northern Iraq that is currently in the center of the sectarian violence.

Click here, if you want to read more about what Paul Hodes' plan for Iraq actually looks like.

The United States has approximately 142,000 men and women in uniform [San Fransisco Chronicle, 9/26/06] and is spending $2 billion a week in Iraq [Boston Globe, 9/28/06]. The persistent violence in Iraq and the continuing presence of U.S. troops is an issue that Paul Hodes is taking very seriously as he is presenting serious ideas. He is trying to start a dialogue about getting our troops home, leaving Iraq sovereign and self-sufficient. Instead of engaging in this important debate, Bass chose to make misleading attacks on Paul Hodes.

It is becoming more and more clear to New Hampshire voters that Charlie Bass has followed the President’s lead every step of the way, and that staying the course in Iraq is no longer an option.

Help Paul Hodes make up those last 10 percentage points by writing a letter to the editor, canvassing and volunteering in other ways. For more information as to how you can get involved for Paul Hodes or any other candidate, call the New Hampshire Democratic Party at (603) 625-0010 or go online to http://www.nhdp.org/.

PHONEJAMMING CASE WILL PROCEED

2006-09-27T16:13:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Judge Mangones denied a motion by the New Hampshire Republican Party, the Republican National Committee, and other defendants to dismis the civil suit filed by the New Hampshire Democratic Party as a result of the criminal conspiracy to jam Democratic phone lines in the 2002 election.

For those of you out there who don't know the background, high ranking republican operatives conspired to jam phone lines of Democrats trying to get out the vote on Election Day 2002. Over the last four years New Hampshire Democrats and various others have uncovered evidence piece by piece tying Republican leaders to the conspiracy. James Tobin, former Northeast Chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Chuck McGee, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Republican State Committee, and Allen Raymond, the head of GOP Marketplace, have all been convicted as a result of their involvement in the phone-jamming scandal.

Uncovering the evidence to earn these convictions was the result of years of breaking apart the GOP stonewall. The RNC has spent millions of dollars defending these criminals and the New Hampshire Democratic Party continues to dig deeper in order to find out exactly how high up in the Republican leadership the conspiracy went.

Here is what New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Kathy Sullivan had to say about Judge Mangones' decision:

"I am very thankful to the Court for once again rejecting efforts by the New Hampshire Republican State Committee and the other defendants to dismiss our case. This ruling permits the New Hampshire Democratic Party to continue its efforts to hold those responsible for this crime accountable for their interference with the 2002 election."

With the latest revelation about Charlie Bass's Policy Director using federal resources to conduct opposition research and pretending to be a liberal blogger, it shows that Republican dirty tricks are alive and well here in New Hampshire. We are going to continue to chip away at the GOP stonewall and hold them accountable for their phone jamming crimes.

Bass Attacks After Key Aide Forced To Resign

2006-09-27T09:48:00.000-04:00

Literally hours after Charlie Bass's Policy Director and second in command Tad Furtado was forced to resign for using federal resources to gather opposition research and pose as a liberal blogger making negative comments about Paul Hodes, Charlie Bass has decided to strike back with more negative attacks.

Charlie Bass is definitely feeling the heat underneath the spotlight and with no positive issues to talk about he has gone on the attack. President Bush is polling at 42% nationwide [CNN.com, 9/25/06] and Charlie Bass has voted with the GOP 87% of the time, and with Tom DeLay 88% of the time that they were in the House of Representatives together [CQ.com].

If you believe, as I do, that New Hampshire needs more than another "Yes Man" in DC, then let's get behind Paul Hodes and make sure that on November 7, we send him to Washington to represent New Hampshire, not President Bush and special interests.

Here is a transcript of the new attack ad by Charlie Bass:
Charlie Bass: I’m Charlie Bass and I approve this message.
Voice Over: What’s Paul Hodes’ Plan for Iraq?
Paul Hodes: We cannot just abandon Iraq.
Voice over: Now Hodes says we should pull out.
[AP, 9/12/06]
Paul Hodes: We cannot just abandon Iraq.
Voice Over: So which is it?
Paul Hodes: We cannot just abandon Iraq.
Voice Over: Now, Hodes wants to send troops into Kurdistan. Kudistan? Hodes says he’s got a plan for Iraq.
Paul Hodes: Yeah? And I’ve got some oceanfront property in Arizona to sell.
Voice Over: Sorry Paul, we’re not buying it.

Another GOP Dirty Trick Revealed

2006-09-26T17:29:00.000-04:00

At this point it is hardly surprising to hear about Republican dirty campaign tricks here in the Granite State as we are still digging up more and more in the phone jamming case (Judge Mangones just denied a GOP request to throw out the case, watch this space for more details). Now however, Republicans have uprgraded their ploys to the blogosphere.

For quite some time now a blogger by the name of "IndieNH" or "IndyNH" has been leaving comments on various political blogs throughout New Hampshire claiming to be a hardcore Democrat and Paul Hodes supporter, but always bemoaning the strength of Charlie Bass.

IndyNH claimed to have given up on Hodes and suggested that people spend their time and money elsewhere. Suffice to say this was more than a little suspicious. "MissLaura," who blogs on Blue-Granite, became suspicious when IndyNH started posting comments like these:

I am going to look at the competitive race list to figure out where to send another mydd.com / netroots donation and maybe help out in other ways. Maybe CT or NY for me - they are at least close by.
Anyone interested in pooling NH efforts for some of those races? Maybe we could even go help out for a few days in buses or something in November?

It was then that MissLaura began to dig, and it wasn't long until she made a startling story and uncovered IndyNH's terrible secret. IndyNH was posting his laments from an US House of Representatives IP address.

This is what makes the difference between petty deception and a violation of House rules against using government resources to campaign. At this point the floodgates opened as Roll Call picked up the story.

Laura Clawson, who runs the Blue Granite blog and writes as “Miss Laura,” told HOH that she and another blogger easily traced IndieNH’s IP address to the House server. They could even see the searches Mr. or Ms. IndieNH was doing to gather opposition research on Bass’ challenger, Paul Hodes (D), such as “Hodes and gay marriage” and “Hodes and taxes.” [Raw Story, 9/25/06]

Shortly after a spokesman for Representative Bass admitted that IndyNH was one of their staffers. It turns out IndyNH is none other than Charlie Bass's Policy Director Tad Furtado and he was Charlie Bass's number 2 in command in his Washington office. This afternoon it was announced that Tad Furtado had resigned.

Since then, the story has exploded with articles published by the AP, The Concord Monitor, The Manchester Union Leader, and ABC affiliate WMUR-9.

Republicans spinmeisters have been dismissing Paul Hodes for months, but over the last few days it has become abundantly clear how serious they take his challenge.

Frankly I am fired up, and this is just going to make us work even harder to elect Paul Hodes on November 7.

See Paul Hodes' New TV Ad

2006-09-22T14:30:00.000-04:00

Paul Hodes is going to offer a new direction for New Hampshire this fall. See and hear what he has to say about Charlie Bass by clicking on the video below.

Alternatively, click on this link here:

http://www.hodesforcongress.com/uploads/Control512k_stream.wmv

Meanwhile, Charlie Bass has put out his own ads, and to say they are filled with mistruths would be an understatement. His newest television ad features the Congressman touting himself as an independent voter who votes according to what he thinks is right - even if it doesn’t make members of his own Party happy. Today, the New Hampshire Democratic Party is asking Congressman Bass to recheck his voting record.

Congressman Bass cites voting on tax cuts for businesses and working families, exposing wasteful spending and demanding members put their names on pork barrel spending projects as evidence of an independent voting record. Well, where was Charlie Bass on the tough choices that were actually hard to make but right to do?

In addition to supporting President Bush’s misguided war in Iraq time and again, Charlie Bass voted against controlling exploding energy costs, with Tom Delay to weaken ethics rules, with Tom Delay in opposition of closing the lucrative "Revolving Door" between lobbying & lawmaking, with Tom Delay in support of a Medicare drug law that gave drug companies billions in profits and left seniors with high out of pocket costs, with Tom DeLay in opposition to expanding TRICARE to thousands of National Guard reservists and volunteers, and in support of the President’s budget that slashed veterans healthcare funding by $14 billion.

By the Numbers:

Charles Bass has voted with indicted former GOP Leader Tom DeLay 88% of the time. (CQ.com/DCCC.org)

Charles Bass has voted the party line on 87 % of the tough votes, putting party leadership ahead of the American people when it mattered most. (DCCC.org)

“Nice try, Charlie,” said Clemons. “Time and time again you have voted for the failed policies of President Bush and indicted Congressional Republican leader Tom Delay instead of the interests of New Hampshire families, seniors and veterans. Well, New Hampshire voters are smarter than that, so your misleading ad simply won’t work. The truly independent minds that make up this great state are a lot smarter than you give them credit for. That’s why come November, they are going to vote for a change in leadership and they’re going to send Paul Hodes to Congress.”

BASS AD TRANSCRIPT: "In Washington, Republicans weren't happy when I led the fight to oust Tom DeLay. Democrats didn't like it when I supported tax cuts for businesses and working families. Some in both parties weren't happy when I fought to expose wasteful spending, demanding members of Congress put their names on pork barrel spending projects. I'm Charlie Bass, and I approve this message. I may not get invited to many dinner parties on Capitol Hill, but no political party tells me how to vote. Never has, never will."

Jeb Bradley, Meet The Great Bradlini!

2006-09-20T14:24:00.000-04:00

Apparently, Congressman Jeb Bradley has had quite the colorful past. According to the National Journal Almanac of American Politics before entering congress, Jeb Bradley was an amateur magician.

With that in mind, the New Hampshire Democratic Party yesterday announced the newest incarnation of millionaire Congressman Jeb Bradley -- "The Great Bradlini.”

“The Great Bradlini” is an activist who models himself on Jeb Bradley and his mysterious, magic ways. Jeb Bradley has proven adept at juggling congressional votes for special interests and misdirection, saying one thing in New Hampshire and then using his votes for his own political and financial gain.

According to a recent article in Harper's Magazine, Bradley, who owns almost $1 million in energy industry stocks, saw the value of his energy holdings increase by $100,000 in 2004. This increase followed closely on the heels of nine roll call votes that benefited the energy industry at the expense of consumers and the environment.

Onlookers watched the “The Great Bradlini” make his debut in the CR Sparks parking lot at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, where Mary Matalin, famed GOP Spinmeister and former advisor to Vice President Dick Cheney, was speaking at a Bradley fundraiser.

Keep your eyes out around the state for "The Great Bradlini." Wherever Jeb Bradley will be, rest assured that "The Great Bradlini" will not be far behind.

SEN. CHRIS DODD, GOV. JOHN LYNCH JOIN DEMOCRATS AT GENERAL ELECTION KICK-OFF

2006-09-16T10:39:00.000-04:00

United States Senator and potential 2008 Presidential candidate Chris Dodd joined Governor John Lynch and the 2006 Democratic slate tonight to headline the Democrats' General Election Kick-Off celebration in Manchester. Hosted by the New Hampshire Democratic Party (go team!), the Kick-Off gave Democratic candidates, including Gov. Lynch, the opportunity to thank their supporters and energize them for the final 53 days of the campaign.

"I am proud to support Gov. Lynch and New Hampshire Democrats who are united here tonight with such tremendous energy and focus on what really matters to the hardworking families of this great state," said Sen. Dodd. "It's time to get to work and spread the word that New Hampshire Democrats have the vision and the integrity to get things done in Concord and in Washington, DC."

Senator Dodd also was not shy about endorsing the New Hampshire Primary saying that "New Hampshire has earned the right to be the first primary," and should he run for President in '08 he will definitely campaign in New Hampshire.

Democrats from all over New Hampshire joined Sen. Dodd and Gov. Lynch including Congressional candidates Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter (CSP!); New Hampshire House and Senate candidates and candidates for Executive Council.

The support and energy at the event was tremendous and I think it mirrors the enthusiasm that Democrats across the state are feeling in these last weeks of the campaign. We have an experienced and strong set of candidates that Granite Staters clearly support and will elect in November.

It was a great pep rally, the speakers were great, Governor Lynch was frankly inspiring, and after listening to them speak, I have no doubt that CSP and Hodes both have great chances to take back Congress in November.

Here's the thing though, it's not going to happen with out huge volunteer support. So don't sit back and assume that there are plenty of volunteers out there. Don't give Bass or Bradley a single opportunity, call the NHDP at (603) 625-0010 and ask how you can help out, or go to www.nhdp.org.

GOP Leaders Attacks First Female Manchester Firefighter On 9/11

2006-09-12T11:27:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, the country remembered the tragedies of 9/11 five years ago. The country mourned and paid tribute to the unimaginable bravery of those men and women who gave their lives that day. However, while the country pay homage to the firefighters who lost their lives that day, Manchester Republican Chairman Jerry Thibodeau sent out a fund-raising email on behalf of State Senator Andre Martel that describes Manchester's first ever female firefighter and District 18 State Senate candidate Betsi DeVries as "a spoiled little girl."

Here is the letter in full:
Thibodeau's Fundraising Email

To say that this fund-raising letter is offensive is an understatement. Firstly, comments like Thibodeau's are never justified, no matter who it is directed and regardless gender. Secondly, 9/11 has become a day for the country to put partisan politics aside and unite in respect for the those who lost their lives five years ago.

I am not alone in feeling that Thibodeau and Martel owes an apology. "You ought to be ashamed," said Manchester City Democrats Chair Ray Buckley in an email to Thibodeau. "I demand that you immediately apologize to Alderman DeVries. Furthermore, I hope that that you will not continue this Joe Kelly Levasseur-like behavior through the election. I consider your email a vile personal attack on Alderman DeVries. If you think that Senator Martel will win a fight if the issue is character you are very, very wrong."

Click here to read Buckley's response in full:
Ray Buckley Response to Thibodeau's email

After reading Thibodeau's fund-raising email, I have little doubt that Ray Buckley is absolutely right. Also, many of you will probably remember that this is not the first time a leading New Hampshire Republican has made a wildly offensive and inappropriate comment about a female Democratic opponent. As Mr. Buckley refers to in his email, Joe-Kelly Levasseur, former chairman of the Manchester Republican party made an offensive personal comment regarding New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair. It seems that Thibodeau is following in the discourteous and rude footsteps of his predecessor.

It is telling that when PoliticsNH reporter Steve Kornacki asked if Thibodeau would care to comment, he only responded, "no."

As I said before, Betsi DeVries is Manchester's first ever female firefighter. That alone should say something about her character, but there is so much more. She served on the Manchester Fire Department for 12 years. After retiring from the department, Betsi ran for office and won her first election to the Manchester Board of Alderman in 2001. She is currently serving her third term on the board and was recently re-elected by nearly 80% of the voters in her district. In 2004 she was elected to her first term as State Representative from Manchester’s south end. DeVries serves on the Board of Directors of the Manchester YWCA, and the Heritage United Way. She is past president of the Manchester Area League of Women Voters.

SEPT. 12 PRIMARY: DON'T FORGET TO GET OUT AND VOTE

2006-09-11T10:59:00.000-04:00

Secretary of State Bill Gardner predicted this year’s primary election to have a record-low percentage turnout of 14.1 percent. On Primary Day, prove him wrong and get out and vote for the Democrats that you want representing you here in New Hampshire and in Washington D.C. Don’t forget that there are important races including the primary race for the first Congressional District. Jim Craig, Gary Dodds, Carol Shea Porter, and Dave Jarvis are all running to take on Republican Congressman Jeb Bradley.

If you want to volunteer and help Democrats get out the vote, contact the New Hampshire Democratic Party at (603) 625-0010, email us at office@nhdp.org, or go online to www.keepnhblue.com.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS IN THE PRIMARY!!! Here's Why

2006-09-10T11:03:00.000-04:00

The reason that it is important for Democrats to get out the vote for the September 12 primary is that statistics demonstrate people who vote in primary elections are far more inclined to vote in the general election. Voters who vote in the primary election have a vested interest in voting in the general election while voters who do not vote in the primary are far more likely to be apathetic come Election Day. Governor Lynch, Paul Hodes, our First Congressional district candidates, our State Senate candidates, and all our candidates for State Representative benefit from a strong primary turnout this Tuesday. However, a particularly low primary turnout will bode well for Bob Flanders, Jim Coburn and Charlie Bass.

The Republican Party needs turnout to be low here in New Hampshire in order to win in November. With continuing failures at all levels of government, voters want wholesale changes in November. The Republican Party wants angry voters to stay home on Election Day. This is why that when Secretary of State Bill Gardner predicted a record low turnout for the primary election, the nationally respected Cook Political Report re-evaluated the competitiveness of New Hampshire's First Congressional District (NH-01). Within hours of Secretary of State Gardner's announcement, the Cook Political Report changed its rating of NH-01 from "leaning Republican" to "likely Republican."

Republicans ahead of the midterm election are more than aware of their weaknesses. CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS, and even Fox News have all reported extensively on the national disapproval of Congressional Republicans and the party's platforms in general. A CNN poll released on Tuesday reported that 64 percent of Americans disapprove of the way Congressional Republicans are handling their jobs, and 55 percent of those polled said they would back a challenger in November [cnn.com, 9/5/06]. Republicans know that they are facing strong Democratic opponents this year, and it would not be a surprise for them to see a strong democratic turnout on September 12.

Paul Hodes, uncontested in the Democratic Primary for the Second Congressional District (NH-02) occupied Charlie Bass, was out canvassing on Saturday. He's going door-to-door across the all day today encouraging voters to vote for him in the primary on Tuesday. He knows that if these people vote on September 12, they will be far more interested in voting for him on November 7. Some of these people will also be more inclined to volunteer for him when previously they may have stayed inactive.

Strong turnout for Hodes in the primary will put Charlie Bass on the defensive because it will show that Hodes has momentum heading into the last 60 days of the campaign. We all know about "big mo" and how crucial it can be to a challenger's campaign. Momentum could be the difference in this election between Bass surviving for another term or a victory for Hodes.

David Broder Criticizes New DNC Primary Calendar

2006-08-31T16:26:00.000-04:00

David Broder of the Washington Post published a column this morning criticizing the new DNC primary calendar. The article is entitled, "The Democrats' Dysfunctional Calendar" and makes some very strong points as to why the new primary calendar is a poor substitute for true reform in the primary system.

True reform will allow for a diverse group of people from different parts of the country and with different social, economic and racial backgrounds to determine the strongest possible candidate for President. The new system is merely a band-aid that allows four states to determine over the course of two weeks who Democrats want to lead the United States for the next four years.

Enough from me though, David Broder is far more eloquent than I. Here are some of the key points he made in his Washington Post column:

"This Democratic version of affirmative action leaves a lot to be desired. Unions are a major source of Democratic votes and money. Maybe Rhode Island should be rewarded for being a stronghold of union activity at a time when labor elsewhere is beleaguered. And gays vote Democratic; shouldn't the states that are home to San Francisco and Key West be allowed to vote early? And if Jewish contributors keep the party solvent, shouldn't New York be up there with the other pacesetters?

"This way lies madness, and madness is what the Democrats have wrought. When they started tinkering with their rules after the 1968 election disaster, they unleashed a fierce competition among the states to be at the head of the line, where the contests have the greatest impact on weeding the field and crowning the eventual winner."

Later in the article, Broder analyzes New Hampshire's role historically in the primary calendar.

"Historically, New Hampshire has fulfilled that responsibility. Voters there -- in both parties and especially among the numerous independents who also vote in the primary -- take their role seriously. They turn up at town meetings and they ask probing questions. So do the interviewers at local papers and broadcast stations. So do high school students.

"Whatever New Hampshire does, the country will be forced to witness the huge field of candidates flashing by in perpetual motion during the December holidays and the frantic first weeks of January, not standing still anywhere long enough to be measured for the job they are trying to win."

CLICK HERE to read David Broder's Washington Post column in its entirety, or click on the link below:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/30/AR2006083002732.html

Harper's Magazine Investigates Bradley Interests in Oil, Halliburton, Big Pharma

2006-08-28T14:25:00.000-04:00

Harper's Magazine released an investigative article today by Ken Silverstein, Washington Editor of Harper's Magazine. The article entitled, "Invested Interests: Analyzing Rep. Jeb Bradley's Portfolio," revealed a strong relationship between Bradley's votes in Congress and his extensive energy and pharmaceutical stock holdings.

According to Harpers, in 2004 Bradley, who owns almost $1 million in energy industry stocks, saw the value of his energy holdings increase by $100,000. This increase followed closely on the heels of nine roll call votes that benefited the energy industry at the expense of consumers and the environment. Harpers also noted that Bradley has accepted $45,000 in PAC contributions from energy companies.

Among Bradley's energy stock holdings in early 2003, when he first took office, were 231 shares in Halliburton, the controversial firm that Dick Cheney headed prior to his election as vice president in 2000. According to Harpers, in October 2003 Bradley purchased 72 additional shares in the company just days before Bradley voted to protect Halliburton's no-bid contracts in Iraq. In July 2004, he dumped his Halliburton shares at a profit of roughly $2,800.

Harpers also chronicled the close relationship between Bradley's pharmaceutical stock holdings and his votes in Congress. "While New Hampshire seniors are forced to choose between paying their energy bills and paying for their medicine, Jeb Bradley is raking in bundles," said Clemons.

According to Silverstein, Bradley owned over $300,000 in pharmaceutical stock when he took office in 2003. A year later, after Bradley voted with the drug lobby against allowing Medicare to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical manufacturers, and against allowing seniors to re-import drugs from Canada at a discount, Bradley's pharmaceutical holdings increased in value by over $40,000.

Check out the whole story here:
http://www.harpers.org/sb-jeb-bradley-invested-1156785610.html

Portsmouth Herald - "Is The Granite State Leaning Blue?"

2006-08-23T11:55:00.000-04:00

You bet it is! We have been talking about keeping New Hampshire blue for a while now and it looks like the mainstream media (MSM) is beginning to sit up and take note.

The Porstmouth Herald published "Is The Granite State Leaning Blue?"

Democrats are on the rise in NH, but the article makes a good point: We still have a lot of work to do if we are going to send Democrats to Congress and win majorities in the State House and Senate. So spread the word, get involved, and get pumped!

3 Nashua and 1 Peterborough Viz

2006-08-18T09:19:00.000-04:00

There were 4 visibilities this week between Nashua and Peterborough; Tues, Wed, Thurs morning were all Nashua and Thurs night the Peterborough viz took place. Tues was an interesting day because many of the Nashua people decided that they werent going out that day because it was rainning so we rescheduled for Wed morning. I found out later that day talking to one of the Hodes field organizers that there were four Hodes people that actually showed up. So thanks to them there was a small viz in Nashua on Tues anyway.

Wed we all got organized and we got 8 people out on exit 4 in Nashua. We had 2 Hodes people, 2 State Rep candidates, 1 volunteer, 2 people from the coordinated, and Brett Cooper who heads the Gottesman and Foster campaigns. Many people honked, waved, but no dogs. I even say people i havent seen in a long time too, mostly because exit 4 is where my house is but it was some what interesting. Even my mom drove by on her way to work, I dont even think she smiled it was a half effort wave, not even a honk, I was a little disappointed.

Thurs morning we parked at the one and only greek church in Nashua, yay greek people! We walked to the center of the bridge at exit 5 and watched as many truck drivers and other Lynch supporters honked and waved to us. Once again no dogs tho. We have 5 people for exit 5 that day: 2 coordinated people, Cooper, and 2 state rep candidates. The cool thing about the 2 state rep candidates is that i graduated with them from high school. Its exciting seeing younger people want to bring down the average age of 153 yrs of age in the state house. It shows some hope for the future in my eyes. We also noticed that day that we thing UPS is full of republicans. The UPS warehouse is right down the street and all the trucks go over this bridge to get onto the highway. I think out of probably 25 UPS trucks, 2 actually waved; although we did count one of those truck drivers as 2 because he honked, jumped around in his seat, yelled, and waved his fists in the air in support for Lynch. And we remembered the poster that one of the staff made too, it said "Honk 4 Lynch"; so we had a lot more people honk at us.

The viz in Peterborough was great because of the outcome we had. We had something like 16 people show up but the only problem was that the traffic wasnt as busy as I hoped it would be. We had our viz at 530, so it was either get no1 to show up or have a lot of people show up and just hope people decide to pointlessly drive. The viz went well though, there were a lot of Peterborough people, even people from Keene and Rindge. 2 Hodes people showed up too. After the viz the younger people in the group, we all went to a pub and got something to eat, and it was a good way to get to know people personally in the area. Overall I think it was a success. O and there was a dog at this one...I guess I was wrong because not only did he wave, but he blew kisses too. It was amazing. His name was Raul, hes from spain he said. He said he was cousins with the dog from Hampton. Sorry Miranda for showing you the reasons why it couldnt have happened, I guess miracles happen. Did I mention that he talked too...

If you were there what do you think??

NH Democrats Out In Force On Education

2006-08-17T16:57:00.000-04:00

This week saw NH Democrats unite behind education. It was Second Congression District candidate Paul Hodes who got the ball rolling by joining with Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Rahm "Rahmbo" Emanuel in support of a College Tuition Tax Credit. The Refundable tax credit for college tuition proposed by Rahm Emanuel and Paul Hodes would create a $3,000 a year credits to undergrad and graduate students.

Granite State Democrats also gathered Wednesday at UNH in Durham to talk about the College Tax Credit, their accomplishments regarding education, and their continued dedication to making education a legislative priority. Senator Martha Fuller Clark (MFC!) and Executive Council Candidate Bev Hollingworth (Bev) were joined by state representatives Terie Norelli, Marjorie Smith, and Naida Kaen. Exeter high school teacher Kevin Fleming and Concord former professor June Frazer also joined.

UNH College Democrats President Nick Christiansen summed up the situation as it stands pretty well. "A lot of people have $15,000, $20,000 or more. I don't know how they do it, but we have to if we want the education." Nick has $10,000 worth of debt of his own.

Check out the coverage from the event in the Portsmouth Herald and Foster's Daily Democrat:
"An Effort To Ease Education Costs," by Emily Aaronson
"Higher Education Costs Decried By Democrats At UNH Forum," by Larry Clow

Here's a couple more facts about Democrats versus Republicans on Education:

John Lynch committed to students in his first budget that those first-year NH students who receive the maximum Pell Grant and with the help of Democrats in the NH House and Senate, these students are now able to attend the public universities here in New Hampshire for no additional tuition.

Despite continued increases in college tuition costs, Republicans Charlie Bass and Jeb Bradley supported President Bush's $12.7 billion cut to college student loans.

John Lynch is also encouraging more and more young people to consider college with Project Mentor. A program that recruits college students to mentor middle school students and encourage them to begin considering higher education.

In NH, 37,666 students currently borrow money to attend college and seventy percent of the Bush eduaction cuts will be shouldered directly by students and parents. The hike in interest rates alone amounts to an additional cost of $680 a year for one student.

Nashua Canvass

2006-08-16T13:30:00.000-04:00

So this is a delayed posting but o well...The Nashua canvass went pretty good there was about 20 volunteers that showed up and we covered all of Ward 2, and most of Ward 5 and 9. We knocked on close to 500 doors, we had about 120 contacts (a lot of the ones I talked to were all for Lynch and promised to go out and vote).

Next time in Nashua we will get more volunteers and we will knock on even more doors, and thats a guaren-sheed. The problem was with this one that none of the state reps came out to help the canvass. We NEED them to support themselves and the rest of the party. But overall for the first one that I have set up I personally thought it went pretty well, you learn from your mistakes and change them for the next time.

One of the problems we ran into was we set up differently than one of the head people in Nashua wanted us to so we had to change the setup a little the night before. I was up til 1am, but no worries about that. Like I said next time will be better cause you just learn from that. If anyone went what were your thoughts about the canvass? what do you think should have been done differently?

Interness

2006-08-15T14:49:00.000-04:00

Hello world and a special shout-out to my peeps in Auburn and the Manch. I am Andrew, one of the fine interns this summer at the NHDP. I actually prefer the title of spreader of joy to intern, I think it helps show the Democratic Party is full of vibrancy and good things. Actually it just sounds better than intern cause it helps me forget im not being paid (maybe if we got more donations I could get paid hint hint).

Anyway I thought I'd let everyone know what the inner workings of the NHDP are like and show the staff here are real people and not the super heros everyone thinks they are. Working with these people has probably been the best part of my summer experince here at the democracy stronghold aka the NHDP headquaters. I guess I'll start with the field staff people (the task masters). I like to think of them as the enforcers of democracy making sure everyone participates in democracy. They are also the ones that always seem to be giving me more and more work, and its not always easy. Then again I don't know too many people that can brag they put labels on 2,000 or so canvass packets. Labeling, addressing, and sealing of envelopes is work you can defienatly be proud of. I know when I leave after a back breaking day of helping the field people I made a differance in democracy.

The field staff are some tricky people too, its hard to say no to their smiling faces when they give you tasks. Then again if I had an intern I'd be wanting them to make calls for me too, so I guess I can see where they're coming from.

Although the best part of my day is, by far, lunch time. Being from the ManchVegas area and a firm believer in eating I happen to know many eating establishments here in the Manch. So it has been defaulted to me to be in charge of getting lunch. It can be quite the tricky operation getting lunch, many people here in the office being very thoughtful people need extra time to decide on where they'd like to get lunch from and where. Even though it may be difficult to take orders, the real challange comes with the procurement of the food. Sometimes getting the best food in Manch means having to overcome such obsticales such as language and location. But I am always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to bring eatable joy to the staff of Fort Democracy (NHDP HQ).

After lunch comes the second most crucial part to keeping democracy alive in the Granite State, that is going on democracy missions to exotic locales such as the Home Depot, Staples, and the Dollar Store. Some may argue that going to Staples is not as important as say canvassing, but where do you think those paper clips come from? They certainly don't grow on trees, they have to be retreived from the plentiful stock piles at Staples. Therefore doing activities most would associate with a gofer are critical to protecting the indivual rights of all Americans.

All in all my summer spent with the fine folks of the NHDP has been the best summer since last summer. I've gotten to meet loads of cool peeps here at the office. We've laughed, cried (when your order is forgotten by a restauraunt), had fun, been merry, and made a differance in the world. All our sweat, tears and empty take-out containers are coming to a climax (some one needs to take the trash out to the curb) and elections are just around the corner. I have faith that my intern brethren and myself have done all we can to to further democracy in New Hampshire. I can't wait for next summer when hopefully they'll give me a job and I can spend my days making a difference in the world. And I encourage everyone to help out in any way they can (so there is less work for interns) to Keep NH Blue.

Netroots Loves Paul Hodes

2006-08-14T16:35:00.000-04:00

We all know that Paul Hodes has strong grassroots support in CD2, but not enough people know about how much netroots loves him. ActBlue posted this today, and it was later picked up by uber blogger KOS. Here's what ActBlue said about Hodes:

Paul Hodes' campaign fits the “Northeast Strategy” to a T. An aggressive former prosecutor who has sent environmental criminals to jail, Hodes is taking on an out-of-touch Republican incumbent in this blue-leaning district. (NH-02 voted for Kerry over Bush by a 52-47 margin.) Hodes’ strong progressive values are the perfect antidote to Republican corruption both in.

Hodes has a great chance in November, and I think we need to start giving him credit where credit is due. He has a great record and that's a lot more than do nothing congressman Charlie Bass can say.

Visibly Blue

2006-08-11T12:09:00.000-04:00

On National S’mores Day, we took to the streets… not to tell everyone about the delicious-ness that is graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate, but to spread the word about Gov. Lynch, MFC, Bev, and our local state rep candidates…

At 7:30am in the center of Hampton seven dedicated candidates and volunteers greeted me, all of whom rolled out of bed a little early to stand on the street corner, hold signs, and express general excitement for the upcoming elections. After throwing back a cup of Dunk’s coffee, we hooted and hollered for an hour, held signs, and even posed for some pictures… Thanks to the wives, candidates, friends, commuters and even dogs who came by and met our cheers with honks and waves…

And later that day, we jumped around in Market Square… again waving signs for passersby. While most of our onlookers were from out of town, we were well received by the young crowd who lounged at the BNG tables across from us and at the benches near the other coffee place in the Square. And after waving and smiling for so many people, we headed off to State Street Saloon for apps and conversation…

While some may not think that visibilities are effective, I strongly disagree – seeing neighbors holding signs and supporting candidates leads to name recognition, a desire for more info and certainly votes on Election Day. No, I don’t have stats to show you how many votes we got from our two hours of public display, but I know the positive response we got is certainly affirmation that we’re on our way to many victories in November….
… and don’t forget to have s’mores to celebrate.

Canvass a Huge Success!

2006-07-31T09:32:00.000-04:00

Over a hundred volunteers knocked on over 2000 doors this past Saturday, making our canvass an overwhelming success. Though the weather was steamy, the energy of our volunteers was fantastic.

So now that the canvass is over we are looking for stories from our volunteers of voters they talked to, dogs they ran from, and anything else interesting that transpired on Saturday. We have canavasses coming up in Exeter and Concord this Saturday and Nashua, Plymouth, and Manchester two weekends from now.

New Building! New Blog! New Staff!

2006-07-27T17:11:00.000-04:00

It's an exciting time in Manchester. Monday when the new office in Manchester opened I started as a new Field Organizer! I'll be working with Hudson, Auburn, Londonderry, Hampstead, Windham, Pelham, Atkinson, Plaistow, Salem, and Derry.

The past few days have flown by as I have started to meet the town chairs and candidates from around the region. Next week I will start going around the region and attending town meetings and events. If there is an event or meeting in your town let me know or post them on the Blog, I would love to come meet you and get involved.

As I talk to Democrats from around N.H. the EXCITEMENTNT is undeniable! Candidates, volunteers, and voters are getting ready to keep NH blue. We have an incredible bunch of interns and volunteers that keep the office running and new volunteers have started to drop by after seeing our new office; but we need more! This is our state and we all have to help out. Start by letting your friends know the Blog is back and come stop by our new office or give your town committee chair a call and see what you can do to help! Then go to http://www.keepnhblue.com/ and find out about 1 of our 5 canvasses' around the state this weekend.

Don't forget that Governor Lynch throws out the first pitch tonight for the Fisher Cats.

Canvass This Weekend!!

2006-07-26T12:37:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to put up a quick post about the canvass this weekend. The new office is full of activity right now: turf cutting, literature bundling, map highlighting, etc...

If you haven't planned to do so already, please try to join us this Saturday at one of the five canvass locations which are listed at www.keepnhblue.com.

This will be a great opportunity to get out and spread the word about all of our candidates in 2006.

We are going to take back the State Senate in November and we want you to be a part of this important step towards our goal.

See you Saturday!

New Office, Same Great Taste

2006-07-25T12:53:00.000-04:00

As a grassroots organizer I know that the heart of the party doesn't live in any building, especially the party's campaign headquarters. But it sure is exciting when we move into space from which we can base our voter contact efforts.

That's right the coordinated campaign headquarters is open. We are located at 379 Elm St in Manchester; our new phone number is 625-0010. Before long we will open other field offices.

And in the hope of providing one-stop-shopping on either side of us are the New Hampshire for Lynch campaign and the offices for Senator D'Allesandro and Senate candidates Betsi DeVries and Bob Backus.

Please come in, say hi, and spend some time working to elect Democrats. We'd love to see you.

College Democrats Convention (Update 3)

2006-07-24T11:00:00.000-04:00

On the star-studded last day of the convention, we heard from both House
Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack. Both had really
great things to say; Rep. Pelosi talked about the agenda for the Democratic
Congress on the horizon, and Gov. Vilsack talked about Democrats' prospects
in gubernatorial races across the country, noting Governor Lynch's
astronomical approval rating and the uniqueness of New Hampshire's state
government structure. We also had a discussion on student voting rights,
which was of special interest to us in the aftermath of our victory on HB
1566. Finally, we took care of the official CDA business on the agenda, and
the convention was done. It has been a great weekend for the New Hampshire
delegation, and the CDNH now has a great starting point to work from as we
take the group forward in the coming year.

College Democrats Convention (Update 2)

2006-07-24T10:58:00.000-04:00

Friday we got some really focused training that should be a huge help this
fall and beyond. After a breakfast put on by Evan Bayh and a general
strategy session, we had four sessions of training, during each of which
everyone had a choice among specific topics in Field Organizing,
Communications, Programming, and Infrastructure. Specific topics included
Voter Contact 101, Working with the Media, Event Planning, Fundraising,
GOTV, and The Democratic Message, just to name a few. All in all, it was
perfect for the CDNH group preparing to really take off in the coming year.
We also had an address followed by a more intimate question and answer
session with Gen. Wesley Clark, who spoke fondly, on more than one occasion,
of his experiences in New Hampshire during the last election cycle.

The early evening was devoted to internal politics with a
question-and-answer session for all the candidates running for national CDA
offices. One of the best things about the convention so far has been
getting to know all of the candidates personally (in fine New Hampshire
form), so that no matter who wins, the CDNH will have a great relationship
with the national board in the coming year.

College Democrats Convention

2006-07-24T10:18:00.002-04:00

Mike Heslin, a student at Dartmouth College, a member of the College Democrats of New Hampshire is in St. Louis for the annual College Democrats of America convention. He will be giving us updates periodically of what's going on...

Greetings from St. Louis! Today was the first day of the College Democrats
of America Convention, and it has been tremendous so far. The members of
our state board who are here spent the majority of today at a Leadership
Retreat learning how to run a successful state federation. We got some
great tips for getting the CDNH fully up and running come fall. We also had
a talk from Howard Dean to kick things off. He said some great things about
how Dems can focus our message for the upcoming elections, and afterwarcs I
think we were all pretty revved up for the possibilities in the next 2
elections. It's so great to meet other college dems from across the country
and exchange ideas; this should be a great weekend!

Lunchtime at Democratic Party Headquarters

2006-04-26T11:39:00.000-04:00

Every day some time between noon and one the proud and the few at Democratic Party HQ gather around the conference room table for lunch. It is a time for people to take a much needed break from their busy days, to unwind, and to enjoy the company of their co-workers. The range of topics discussed varies as greatly as the restaurants we order from. Whether it is celebrity gossip over Siam Orchid or the lastest news from the State House Floor over Smokey Bones, the conversation is always lively.

My two personal favorites topics are chicken fingers and jokes, an odd combination I know. As a connaisseur of good chicken fingers I am always eager to try out a new restaurant. As far as Concord is concerned, I have had them all. It seems that the consensus of the lunchtime gang is that Longhorn Steakhouse offers the tastiest, most delicious chicken finger.

As for the jokes, well it really can be summed up with one; it probably is told every day at lunch and somehow never loses its hilarity- "A grasshopper walks into a bar, and the bartender says to him, 'Hey, we have a drink named after you', and the grasshopper replies, 'You have a drink named Steve?'"

So over the next couple days I want all of you to join the lunch discussion. What are the best chicken fingers in Concord in your opinion, or in your part of the state for that matter; I am always looking for a quick snack when I am on the road. And the "grasshopper joke" may lose steam one day...what are some good ones we can replace it with. Don't be shy, what is chicken fingers and jokes between Democrats?

Someone I loved… Now what?

2006-04-24T15:31:00.000-04:00

This morning on my way into work I stopped behind a truck that featured a bumper sticker that read, “Someone I loved was murdered”. Pangs of empathy immediately ran through me for the driver of the truck but as we started to drive away I began to think, “But what do I do now that they have shared this with me.” Does the driver want more cops on the street, tougher gun laws, more prisons, or better neighborhood watch organizations? What can we learn from this obviously tragic experience that the driver, in the form of a bumper sticker, has chosen to share with me and everyone who drives behind them?

If I have spoken at one of your town meetings you have probably heard me say that I am not too interested in whether we have a national message coming out of DC for this campaign. I strongly believe that if we go door to door (like we will all over the state this weekend) and talk about the things that matter to us, what our passions are, they will move more voters than something that comes out of DC and is poll approved for the entire country.

It’s 100 times more powerful to say:

Someone I love is sick but can’t afford the high cost of prescription drugs and other health care costs. We shouldn’t be the only industrialized country that can’t provide health care for everyone

Someone I loved died while suffering from Alzheimer’s and I think we should support stem cell research to try to find a cure.

Someone I love is a teacher and because of No Child Left Behind is forced to teach a test instead of fostering the next generation of leaders and thinker.

Someone I loved died in Iraq

Norman Rockwell Moments

2006-04-19T10:28:00.000-04:00

Last night I attended the inaugural meeting of the Kensington Democrats. Sure there have been democrats from Kensington that helped John Kerry in the 2004 general and Howard Dean had an organization there for the primary, but it has been a while since a Kensington town committee focused on acting locally. It felt like a storied and almost cliché moment when a group gets together, only 8 at first, to talk about the issues that matter to them and then moves on to think of who else in town is interested in the same issues, who they ran into at the store last week, or the guy that lives just down the street. Moreover the recent decision of Jim Weber, one of the founding co-chairs, to run for our citizen legislature drives it home one bit further

It’s grassroots moments like these that feel particularly pronounced this week as the power hungry delegation from Michigan tries to usurp our traditional role as the second contest in selecting our presidential candidate. In 2004 Michigan held its caucus over the Internet, which in my mind is about as grassroots as growing genetically modified seedless red grapes in the frozen tundra of Siberia and then calling it Champagne.

So we should continue to create our Rockwell moments and Michigan should start slow, maybe by drawing stick figures.

Birthday Reflections

2006-04-14T13:53:00.000-04:00

Today is my birthday. I turned 29. And I feel old.

I don't remember looking this far down the road when I was in high school, for instance, to try to imagine where I might be on this day. But not in my wildest dreams did I think I would be here, in New Hampshire working to build and support the grassroots of the Democratic Party. If I had tried to picture myself I probably would have been working in Washington DC helping Democrats govern because I was sure that President Clinton was changing the way the public viewed Democrats, able to balance budgets, achieving progressive goals without big government, in short governing moderately but still forcefully. No 5th grade kids will be the ones heckled at the bus stop for supporting Democrats again (like I was on election day 1988) because, simply, we wouldn’t loose again; we had proven our worth. And yet here we are, out of power, pining for our chance to set the national agenda.

Above my desk right now is a 3-foot by 5-foot photo of Bill, HRC, Gore, and Tipper from 1992. It reminds me on a daily basis that we can win, we can govern, and that what I do today can help us get there. I hope that I don't ever lose that sense of urgency.

Sorry guess this is just the rant of someone showing his old age.

Btw, I ride a size large mountain bike if anyone wants to get me a new one and my favorite color is red.

First Annual Student Summit

2006-04-07T10:13:00.000-04:00

More than 25 College Democrats from across the state (and even a couple from Massachusetts) gathered on Saturday in Manchester for the first ever NH Student Summit. More important than the numbers that showed up in the middle of a Saturday in spring was the enthusiasm of those who came. As evidence, at least two students ran for each of the 6 executive council positions of this newly formed group.

In 2004, students made up about 9% of the Kerry/Lynch vote. We didn't start this early last cycle, we didn't have a focused statewide student group, and we didn't have the national political winds at our backs. In January when Republicans raised college loan costs in a ridulous attempt to pay for tax cuts for the rich and "bridges to nowhere" they pissed off the wrong group.

Social Event Ideas: Ways to Increase Membership

2006-04-03T11:08:00.000-04:00

"Putting the Party Back in the Party" is a line Alex Lee, the Concord Town Chair, is fond of and I for one am a big proponent of social events. And now, during the spring and summer, is the perfect times to hold them (as opposed to the fall when we are focused like a laser on electing Democrats).

Often times we don't think our social networks are as big as they actually are. We have book clubs, church groups, fellow parents at our kids school, people we always run into at the supermarket, and, simply, your next door neighbors. Don't forget the person that cuts your hair, your pharmacist, or the kid who helps you take the groceries to the car. And all these folks are more likely to accept an invitation to a social event than coming to a Democratic town meeting.

These are my favorite three ideas for social events, obviously there are many variations:

Picnic/BBQ: Hey, anything with food is a sure winner in my book and nearly always guarantees a big crowd. A couple examples are the Franklin Spaghetti Dinner which was on March 25th and the Rockingham County Dems upcoming Clam Bake on May 13. Yours does not have to be a big affair, hot dogs and potato salad works just as well as anything else.

Rummage Sale: For me this is the ultimate three-fer. We get rid of our junk lying around, we raise money for the town committee, and the town comes to us. Fantastic!

Movie Night: I love movies and TV so besides offering me food the easiest way to get me to an event is to show a movie. Movies like Fahrenheit 9/11 or Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry are very popular choices. Hopkinton has been very successful with a monthly movie night and even purchased a digital projector just for their events (which they are willing to loan to other towns).

Please post your ideas belows. I look forward to reading new ideas for social events. And if you are having an event with food, be sure to post the location and date because I would love to come.

Opening Day

2006-04-03T09:50:00.000-04:00

Red Sox Nation has been waiting 177 days for this....Opening Day 2006. It looks to be a promising year for the Olde Towne Team with the return of the likes of Manny, Papi, Schill, and Tek and the addition of some young guns like Beckett, Coco and Wily Mo (I ordered my #15 jersey this weekend).

So whether you are watching Don and Jerry this afternoon or listening to Joe and Jerry, take some time to post your thoughts on the Sox prospects this season. Will they make the playoffs, win the world series? Will Josh Beckett win 20 games? Will Keith Foulke save one?

My prediction: 97-65, 1st place in the AL East, lose to the Cardinals in the World Series

NH's New Residents

2006-03-28T14:18:00.000-05:00

I was cleaning off my desk this morning in preparation for painting our office tonight and ran across the UNH poll from February. You remember the one that gave Lynch stratospheric approval ratings and Bush's approval ratings were in the 30s (72 and 39 to be exact)

What I noticed today are the numbers regarding residents who have lived in New Hampshire less than 5 years.
71% disapprove of the Job President Bush is doing
67% approve of the job that Gov Lynch is doing
30% are favorably disposed to Rep Bass.
33% are favorably disposed Rep Bradley.

The take away is that this group has highest dislike towards Republicans Bush, Bass, and Bradley and, importantly, it is the group in which Gov Lynch could still improve his standing.

So if you see a new moving van in your neighborhood, don't be bashful. Invite them to your next Democratic meeting. Talk to them about our governor. Chances are they will be a key constituency for us this November.

Tuesday Morning Open Thread

2006-03-28T10:17:00.000-05:00

I am about to head into our weekly staff meeting here at NHDP HQ, but before I did I wanted to throw up an open thread for people to post to.

Feel free to talk about whatever is on your mind, whether it is Sen. Evan Bayh's visit to our state this past Sunday, George Mason basketball, or Gov. Lynch's legislation aimed at increasing our high school graduation rate here in NH.

Also, please don't forget our third Keep NH Blue training is coming up this Saturday at 1pm in Manchester at the City Dems office at 848 Elm St.

Driving through the Land of Lincoln

2006-03-24T13:12:00.000-05:00

On Monday I drove my furniture, bikes, and, most importantly, my dog from Missouri to New Hampshire. The drive, 26 hours straight, allowed for a great deal of time for reflection (compounded by the fact that there was neither a tape or cd player in the truck).

Driving through Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, I was reminded of a passage from the recent Doris Kearns Goodwin book, Team of Rivals, about how Lincoln organized for his elections. By citing it here I am not sure if I owe Doris some royalties, so if I do, she or one of her agents can track me down.

“Throughout his eight years in the state legislature, Lincoln proved an extraordinarily shrewd grassroots politician, working to enlist voter support in the precincts for his party’s candidate. His experience taught him what every party boss has understood through the ages: the practical machinery of the party organization-the distribution of ballots, the checklists, the rounding up of voters-was as crucial as the broad ideology laid out in the party platform. His 1840 campaign plan divided the party organization into three levels of command. The county captain was to ‘to procure from the poll-books a separate list for each Precinct’ of everyone who had previously voted for the Whig slate. [E]ach was responsible for making a “a perfect list” of all their voters, designating which names were likely from past behavior to vote with the Whigs an which were doubtful. The list would then be divided by every precinct captain “into Sections of ten who reside most convenient to each other.’ The captain of each section would then be responsible to ‘see each man of his section face to face, and procure his pledge…[to] vote as early on the day as possible.”

I was struck the first time I read this passage about how little my job and that of our county and town committees has changed since the days of Lincoln despite all our new technology from the internet to cell phones and Palm Pilots to satellite mapping. The keys to winning elections are compiling good lists so that our time is used efficiently on those who are likely to vote and then contacting them, ideally, face to face.

A great man, President, and campaigner there is a great deal still to learn and emulate from Lincoln, despite being a Republican.

The Beginning of a Hooksett Democratic Committee

2006-03-21T14:07:00.000-05:00

On Saturday New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson came to a house party in Hooksett, but this isn’t a post about his visit but rather why he visited Hooksett. Its because the Merrimack County Democratic Committee recognized that Hooksett, a town of 7250, has no town committee, and we desperately need one. This event was an attempt to pull strong, interested Democrats out of the woodwork.

In the 1^st Congressional District there are 19 towns without a chair and many more without a strong committee. Now is the time to form a committee or adopt the town next door and start one. First it’s the window to do so and then once elected you can attend the State Convention on June 3. But perhaps more importantly is that we start organizing now; we get to know our fellow activists and Democratic Volunteers now; now is the time to be social, have a movie night, plan a fundraising supper. The fall is too close to the election to begin finding and organizing our fellow Democratic voters.

But back to the Hooksett house party, over 25 people attended and many were very interested in starting a town committee. As I am sure you’ll agree, it’s a good feeling to see so many likeminded Democrats in the same room, energized by our prospects this year.

Also worth highlighting are the efforts of Bob Perry, Strafford Town Chair, who has single-handedly taken it upon himself to call Democrats in New Durham and Middleton, two towns that don’t have a committee either and invite them to a caucus.. He has gotten a great response and hopes to have 20+ attended their meeting on Apr 4 where St Rep Jackie Cilley will be the featured speaker.

First Keep NH Blue training in Plymouth a huge success!

2006-03-16T15:31:00.000-05:00

Two Saturdays ago Democrats from all over Grafton County gathered at the Regional Senior Center in Plymouth to learn, share, and organize for the upcoming elections in November. This was the first of a series of Keep NH Blue Activist Trainings to occur across the state, and despite the gorgeous whether outside, over 30 Democrats were present to learn about the goals and strategies for their town as well as the state party this year.

The training was hosted by the Plymouth Democratic Committee chaired by Deb Reynolds and the Plymouth Area Democrats chaired by Martha Richards. The attendees represented towns large and small from the county, including Orford, Lebanon, Hanover, Plymouth, Rumney, Campton, Holderness and Wentworth. Everyone left energized, and equipped with new tools and winning game plan for 2006.

Other highlights of the organizing session was a comprehensive presentation by the Committee to Elect House Democrats about running for State Representative, as well as a public hearing on the Democratic Party Platform for 2006. Though much work was accomplished, and much progress was made, the most important thing was, as one town chair commented upon leaving, “This was fun!”

The next Keep NH Blue Activist Training will be held on March 25^th in Concord at 10am at the IBEW Hall on Airport Rd. We hope to see you there!

First Blog Posting

2006-03-15T13:12:00.000-05:00

We are pleased to announce the New Hampshire Democratic Party Blog. It is a way for us to provide a forum for people to interact with one another, provide suggestions to the party, and to get our message. Please check back often for updates.