Dems hit Bradley state House votes

Before becoming a United States congressman former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-NH) served in the New Hampshire House.

Now that Bradley is running for the state senate, Bradley’s opponent, Bud Martin (D-NH), is hitting Bradley’s voting record.

This from Martin’s campaign:

BRADLEY CONTINUES DOUBLE-TALK ON TAXES

District 3 state senate candidate's rhetoric does not match his record

Concord--It is clear that the voters can't trust Jeb Bradley when it comes to taxes. Jeb Bradley's campaign rhetoric does not reflect his long record of voting for taxes in the State House. While serving in the legislature, Bradley voted for significant increases in the cigarette tax, death tax, and communication tax. In addition, he voted to create the statewide property tax, and increase business enterprise taxes, business profits taxes, and real estate transfer taxes. He also voted for a constitutional amendment regarding a state-wide income tax to pay for education.

"Jeb Bradley's rhetoric does not match his record on taxes" said Joe Elcock, Campaign manager for Bud Martin for State Senate. "Jeb Bradley claims he will protect the tourist industry, small businesses and property taxpayers, but his record shows that he voted to increase taxes on all three. This is just another example of Jeb saying anything to get elected. He is a typical politician speaking in double-talk. The people of District 3 know they can't trust Jeb Bradley to follow through in the state senate."

JEB BRADLEY'S DOUBLE-TALK ON TAXES:

Jeb Bradley voted to increase the tobacco tax and imposing the tax on all types of tobacco products.- HB112, 1999
Jeb Bradley voted against repealing the death tax. -HB170, 2001
Jeb Bradley voted to increase the death tax in New Hampshire, taking the top rate from 15% to 18%. -HB40, 1991
Jeb Bradley voted to create the statewide property tax and increase the business enterprise, business profits and real estate transfer taxes. -HB 117, 1999
Jeb Bradley voted to double the state's communications tax. -HB 40, 1991
Jeb Bradley voted to increase gun licensing fees in the Granite State by 650%. -HB 110, 1991
Jeb Bradley voted against reducing the rooms and meals tax. -HB 1570, 1994
Jeb Bradley voted twice against requiring supermajorities to raise taxes.-HB 1245, 1996; HB 112, 1997
Jeb Bradley voted for a constitutional amendment that said that funds from a new STATE INCOME TAX should be used for education. -CACR 23, 2000

Shea-Porter, Bradley request fundraising donations

While U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) sends out a last minute fundraiser for her congressional PAC, former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-NH) emailed supporters requesting donations for his state senate campaign.

Four years ago did Bradley ever imagine he would be running for a state senate seat and did Shea-Porter ever think she would be sending out a fundraising appeal for her congressional campaign?

From Shea-Porter:

Friend,

We have less than 6 hours until our important filing deadline. We need your help now more than ever!

I do not take money from lobbyists or business PACs, so that makes your contribution even more important.

Please CLICK HERE to give $25, $50 or whatever you can NOW.

Thank you again for your continued support.

From Bradley:

We are just 21 days from the special election for State Senate and I need your help. At a time when families are struggling to pay bills, the Democrats in Concord have been voting for tax increase after tax increase. They’ve proposed everything from nearly doubling the gas tax, hiking the rooms and meals tax, to the creation of a new capital gains tax and new death tax. While New Hampshire families are spending less, the Legislature supported a 17% spending increase in the previous budget. Now they are set to approve another budget with even more new big spending. It is time to say ENOUGH! The revenue simply cannot keep up with the spending and it is putting New Hampshire on the road to a sales or income tax, perhaps both.

On April 21st, voters will have a chance to send me to the State Senate. I will be a strong and effective voice against the over taxation of our citizens and increased spending of our government. I will be a loud advocate for small businesses and tourism industries. I live in the Lakes Region and understand the importance of tourism and as a former small business owner, I know first hand the critical role that small business plays in creating jobs.

To win this special election, I need your help. I need your help making phone calls and canvassing District 3, and I need your financial support as well. Please click here to volunteer for one of our phone banks and to help canvass District 3 and please click here to make your $1 dollar a day till the election, $21 dollar contribution today.

Thank You so much for your encouragement, support and friendship.

Garcia wins GOP primary

From the NHGOP:

Today, former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu released the following statement on Marilinda Garcia’s victory in the Rockingham District 4 special election primary:

“Marilinda’s victory gives our Party a formidable and experienced nominee in the upcoming Rockingham District 4 special election. She will be a strong addition to the Republican voice in Concord that we need to save New Hampshire’s fiscal integrity and stop the foolishness coming through the Legislature. I congratulate Marilinda on her successful primary campaign and look forward to helping her win on April 28.”

Helms to be part of DNC primary commission

Former New Hampshire Democratic Chairman Ned Helms is slated to be a member of a DNC commission that will look at possible changes to the 2012 presidential primary process.

Here is the release:

Today, Governor Tim Kaine, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, announced the 37 member Democratic Change Commission, which will recommend changes to the Democratic Party’s rules for the 2012 presidential nominating and delegate selection process. Governor Kaine also announced that he has named Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina and Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri as Co-Chairs of the Change Commission.

“This Commission will focus on reform that improves the presidential nominating process to put voters first and ensure that as many people as possible can participate,” said Kaine. “I want to thank all the members of the Commission who have agreed to serve, including Congressman Clyburn and Senator McCaskill who have graciously agreed to serve as co-chairs.”

Governor Kaine went on to say that he hopes to work with the Republican National Committee on a common approach that puts voters first.

President Obama first announced his intention to form the Democratic Change Commission in August 2008, during his presidential campaign. Delegates to the Democratic National Convention adopted President Obama’s proposal on Monday, August 25, 2008.

The Democratic Change Commission will address three issues: 1) changing the window of time during which primaries and caucuses may be held 2) reducing the number of superdelegates and 3) improving the caucus system. A copy of the convention resolution establishing the Commission is below. The Commission must issue its report and recommendations to the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee no later than January 1, 2010.

The Commission is made up of 35 members and two co-chairs and represents a diverse mix of DNC members, elected officials, representatives of State Parties, academics, labor, business, grassroots activists and other Party leaders. A complete list of the Commission’s members is below.

Commission Members:

Former State Chair Ned Helms
Concord, New Hampshire

Shea-Porter says 'Now Way, No How!' in latest fundraising appeal

U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter's latest fundraising appeal:

Friend,

The 2010 campaign should not be starting already, but it is. The Washington Republicans have said NO to President Obama, NO to the American agenda and NO to my re-election in 2010.

Several Republican opponents are now lined up at the gate to try to defeat me. And what is my response?

NO WAY, NO HOW!

The Party of “NO” cannot turn our country back. I need you to help right now to show them that you support this new American agenda and that you support me.

Please show them that we are strong and united by clicking HERE and sending a contribution TODAY.

Please speak up by contributing. They are listening and we need to send a clear message right now.

NO WAY, NO HOW do we want to see the party of “NO” back.

NH House committee passes medical marijuana bill

From the New Hampshire House:

A House committee today recommended that the full House agree to let certain patients grow their own marijuana if their doctor recommends they use it to relieve certain medical conditions.
The so-called medical marijuana bill, House Bill 648, passed the House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee on a 13 to 7 vote after agreeing to an amendment on a 15 to 5 vote.
Among other things, the amendment restricts the number of patients one “designated caregiver” can assist to one, down from the five allowed in the original bill. It also identifies out-of-staters who qualify while in New Hampshire as “visiting qualified patients,” a status that is only good for 30 days.
Patients would be allowed to have two ounces of marijuana in their possession.
Those who support the bill said it will help patients who suffer from several conditions, including cancer, multiple sclerosis or other chronic or terminal diseases, and keep them from having to take narcotics.
Opponents said it violates federal law, which classifies marijuana as a Class 1 dangerous drug.
The bill will go to the full House during session next week.

Palin polling in NH?

A blogger on Blue Hampshire is reporting that a friend received a robosurvey about Gov. Sarah Palin.

I haven’t heard anyone else receiving the same phone call but read the entire diary yourself at: Sarah Palin for President: It begins…with robopolling?

Shea-Porter decides against U.S. Senate run

U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) has announced that she will not run for the United States Senate in 2010.

Shea-Porter’s colleague, U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-NH), decided in early February that he would run for the Senate. With Shea-Porter, deciding not to enter the race the question now becomes whether or not another Democrat will enter the contest or will Hodes have the field all to himself.

Here are some statements on Shea-Porter’s decision:

Hodes: “I have the utmost admiration and respect for Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter. I see her stand up and fight for New Hampshire every day, serving alongside her in the House of Representatives. I am honored to call her my colleague and my friend and know she will continue to serve the people of New Hampshire with honor and distinction as their Congresswoman.”

NH GOP Chairman John H. Sununu: “I extend my condolences to Carol Shea-Porter. Although she is putting on a positive public face, I know that she must be very disappointed at having been forced out of a primary contest with Paul Hodes - especially since she probably would have beaten him.”

NHDP Chairman Ray Buckley: "Carol Shea-Porter is the best to ever represent the first district in Congress. Since her election back in 2006, no one has fought harder to protect working families, veterans and our children. She is an independent leader, and has a long record of providing real results for her constituents.

"With so much at stake, the people of the first district can take comfort in knowing that Carol Shea-Porter is their Congresswoman. I know she will continue to fight every day to better the lives of the people she serves."

Sununu on Bradley running in SD-3

Former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-NH) has officially decided to run in the special election in Senate District 3. Bradley will be running against Bud Martin (D-Center Sandwich).

Below is a statement from New Hampshire Republican Chairman John H. Sununu

“Jeb Bradley’s love for the State of New Hampshire is clearly demonstrated by his acceptance of the call to run for the State Senate in District 3. He understands that if we are to preserve the traditional values and fiscal integrity that have been the hallmark of New Hampshire, we need to strengthen the Republican ranks in the Legislature.

“Jeb Bradley will make a great State Senator and his voice will help fight against the increase in the room and meals tax, restore fair distribution of revenue to our communities and help maintain New Hampshire’s special environment.”

Preview of 2010?

If you are interested in seeing a possible match-up of the 2010 gubernatorial race, you might be interested in this event:

The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce will host Governor John Lynch and Mayor Frank Guinta on Wednesday, March 18th from 7:30 am to 9:30 am at the Derryfield Restaurant in Manchester at the Chamber’s Annual State of the State/City Breakfast Forum. This annual forum brings together business leaders and policy makers from across the Greater Manchester region to hear from the Governor and Mayor on the current state of New Hampshire and the City of Manchester. The Governor and Mayor will each deliver formal remarks for approximately 20 minutes and then answer questions from the audience.

A limited amount of tickets are still available for this event. To register contact the Chamber at 666-6600 or email customerservice@manchester-chamber.org. Tickets are $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members.

Bow power plant takes center-stage

Today the New Hampshire State Senate heard testimony on a bill that would require PSNH to study the cost of installing a scrubber at the Merrimack State Power Plant.

PSNH is attempting to build a scrubber that would reduce the mercury levels it emits into the atmosphere, but critics say the scrubber is too expensive and wants PSNH to look into the possibility of using renewable energy sources.

The effort has become so political that well-known activist Gary Hirshberg posted an entry on the website Blue Hampshire and New Hampshire Republican Chairman John H. Sununu released a statement that criticizes the bill.

Here is the Hirshberg column: Do we really want to give Big Coal a Blank Check with Our Money?

Here is the Sununu statement:

“No matter how hard the Democrats try to sound like they have a constructive energy policy, their actions prove they are anti-energy, anti-growth and anti-jobs. The repeated attempts by the House and Senate liberals to force the Merrimack Station Power Plant out of business are perfect examples of the radical and destructive agenda that has been adopted by the New Hampshire Democrat Party. Their actions should serve as a clear indicator for anyone who doubted that the Democrat leadership supports the debilitation of the traditional power sources that supply the majority of New Hampshire residents with cheap and efficient energy.

“This effort to shutter the Merrimack Station is part of a larger effort by the national Democrat Party to abandon our domestic coal as a principal supply of energy. While liberal Democrats in Washington are pushing unreasonably high standards on trace mercury emissions, their comrades in Concord are attempting to implement conflicting restrictions that will make it impossible for the Merrimack Power Plant to meet those standards. We’ve seen the same strategy employed towards other reliable forms of energy such as oil and nuclear power, which Democrats have attempted to block with government regulations, superfluous lawsuits and unfounded scare tactics for the last thirty years.

“If one thing is clear it’s that the liberals in Concord will stop at nothing to implement their radical agenda regardless of the disastrous effects it will have on electrical bills or New Hampshire’s power supply. We can’t let them shut down 40% of New Hampshire’s supply of electricity. The Merrimack Station should be allowed to purchase and install environmental controls to meet the federal standards.”

NRCC leans on Shea-Porter over EFCA

The NRCC has released a statement criticizing U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) because she is a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act.

Here is the NRCC statement:

Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) signed her name on the dotted line yesterday by co-sponsoring the so-called Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) – better known as “card-check.” In doing so, the New Hampshire Democrat signaled her support to strip workers of the right to a secret union ballot, a practice that leads to corruption and worker intimidation, not to mention its potential to kill jobs generated by small businesses. Shea-Porter's support of card-check is further proof that she has put the special interests of Big Labor that funded her campaign ahead of the needs of struggling working class families she regrettably misrepresents in Congress.

“By co-sponsoring card-check, Carol Shea-Porter has demonstrated her willingness to pay back union bosses at the expense of New Hampshire workers and their fundamental rights to a secret ballot,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Despite all of her rhetoric about wanting to create jobs for middle-class Americans, Shea-Porter is supporting this job-killing bill that threatens to make the workplace a site for corruption and coercion. Now, with unemployment continuing to climb, it’s time for Shea-Porter to explain why she has embraced the needs of the special interests that filled her campaign coffers at the expense of her own constituents.”

Demers to host annual St. Paddy's Day roast

Powerful New Hampshire lobbyist Jim Demers shows ever year that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.

This year Demers will once again be hosting annual “New Hampshire Capital St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast & Roast.” Proceeds from the event go towards the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth.

This year special guest roasters include Governor John Lynch, Senate President Sylvia Larsen,
Senate Minority Leader Peter Bragdon, House Speaker Teri Norelli and House Minority Leader Sherm Packard.

State Rep. James Garrity will sing some Irish songs and their will be a performance by the Professional Fire Fighters Bagpipe Band

Hodes and Gregg on federal budget

U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg and U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes has released statements about President Obama's budget. Below are the key parts from their statements.

U.S. Sen. Gregg remarks at yesterday’s Senate Budget Committee hearing on the President Obama’s FY10 Budget Proposal:

“The budget on balance spends too much, taxes too much and borrows too much, it’s that simple.”

“I do not argue with the fact that we are in a severe economic downturn…the government has had to step up with a massive injection, an historic injection, of liquidity to try to move the markets and move the economy forward, and that has cost money in the short-run and we accept that. The problem is that that effort to try to stabilize the economy has been used as a straw dog for the purposes of expanding the size of government in the out-years exponentially, moving the government to the left in a way that has never been projected or seen before, should it be successful.”

“The budget proposes about $1.4 trillion in new taxes over the next ten years, about $725 billion in new discretionary spending and $1.2 trillion in new mandatory spending and virtually no savings.”

Here is what U.S. Paul Hodes said before the House Budget Committee:

We have inherited a 1.4 trillion dollar deficit from the previous administration and have been forced to attempt the largest recovery effort since the Great Depression. Combined with the financial rescue package and other federal spending, the budget deficit will unavoidably reach a record high this year. This is a painful necessity which must be diligently addressed. In this historic economic crisis, we cannot afford government waste and spending on programs that won’t help us reach our national goals. As a result, we must be vigilant in promoting job creation, and rebuilding our economy by investing in infrastructure, education, a 21st century energy plan and health care reform. We must make a long term commitment to debt reduction and responsible long term spending. While decisive action has been and will be necessary, we must ensure that we are not saddling our children and grandchildren with unnecessary debt. After eight years of borrow and spend policies, we must not spend billions on wasteful government programs that will not create jobs and rebuild our economy.

I remain concerned that the President has proposed additional funding for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) for banks and institutions without additional oversight and transparency. TARP has lacked sufficient oversight and accountability from its outset, and in recent weeks we have seen new examples of abuse within the program. Due to lack of sufficient funding and lack of zeal by the Securities and Exchange Commission, they have not adequately enforced regulations and cracked down on Wall Street corruption. The Madoff ponzi scheme stands out as a flagrant example of failure of action by federal regulators.

Town meeting day round-up

Zandra Rice Hawkins, from Granite State Progress, has a great round-up of stories from town meeting day.

Here is her story: Town Meeting Round-Up

Meanwhile, the New Hampshire Advantage Coalition released this statement about their success with spending cap warrants.

NHAC statement:

The call for controlled spending and efficient government from taxpayers across New Hampshire is getting louder and louder each election cycle. This year’s town meeting has proved to be no different. Tuesday’s resounding win in five of the six towns that spending cap warrant articles were on the ballot prove that taxpayers are tired of government continually reaching into their pockets and they are looking for relief. Spending cap warrants appeared on the ballot in the towns of Kingston, Hampstead, Allenstown, Salem, Hudson and Rindge. With only the Hudson warrant articles not passing.

“Taxpayers across this state are sending a clear message that an efficient government that spends their money wisely is the only path to lower taxes. We are facing very challenging times here in New Hampshire. The economy is down, property taxes are up, we have a record budget deficit on the state level and the federal government is spending at an unprecedented pace. Taxpayers are trying to control what they are closest to and that is their local government.” said Michael Biundo Chairman NHAC.

'Granny D' celebrates 99th birthday

Press Release from Coalition for Open Democracy:

Doris "Granny D" Haddock Celebrates 99th Birthday at State House Today

Concord, NH – Doris "Granny D" Haddock was honored at a belated 99th birthday celebration today in the Executive Council Chamber of the New Hampshire State House. She was born in Laconia, New Hampshire on January 24, 1910.

Former Governor Walter Peterson emceed the event, which included remarks from Governor John Lynch, Senate President Sylvia Larsen, Executive Councilor Debora Pignatelli, Senators Martha Fuller Clark, Molly Kelly, Bette Lasky, House Election Law Committee Chair Jane Clemons, and other elected state officials and members of the public, who read commendations from Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn, U.S. Senators John McCain, Russ Feingold, Arlen Specter, Tom Harken, and Jeanne Shaheen, as well as Representatives Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes, among others.

To a packed room of school children, senators and state representatives and members of the public, Granny D said, "The time for publicly funded elections has come, and people across the country are looking to New Hampshire to help lead the way." She cited a recent national poll by Lake Research Partners that showed 79% of voters think large contributions keep Congress from tackling pressing issues, and 67% support limited public funding for congressional candidates who agree to take no large contributions.

The celebration was sponsored by Coalition for Open Democracy (COD), a nonpartisan coalition of state organizations and individuals dedicated to ensuring integrity, transparency and efficiency in political and legislative processes in New Hampshire and the nation.

Group says EFCA would benefit Granite State

A New Hampshire health care group says that the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) would help the state’s economy and workers.

“The bill could provide a major boost to the economy by helping workers share in the prosperity that they help create,” the group NH for Healthcare wrote in a press release. “A report released last month from the Center for American Progress showed that if even 5% more of New Hampshire’s workers joined unions, $82 million would be pumped into the state’s economy each year.”

According to the group, The Employee Free Choice Act “restores the option of ‘majority sign-up,’ in addition to elections, to ensure that workers, not employers decide how to form a union. That is, when a majority of workers sign cards saying they want to form a union, this legislation levels the playing field so they have a fair chance to do so. It creates meaningful penalties for employers who break the law to harass or fire workers. It ensures that workers have a fair chance at winning a contract guaranteeing their wages and benefits.”

In New Hampshire labor organizations such as the New Hampshire AFL-CIO, AFSCME, SEIU, and NEA, as well as community organizations – the New Hampshire Citizens Alliance, Sierra Club, Granite State Organizing Project, and Working Families Win are helping to push support for EFCA.

Congressman Paul Hodes Introduces Legislation to Preserve White House Records

From U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes:

Congressman Paul Hodes, member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, introduced legislation, H.R. 1387, the Electronic Message Preservation Act that would require the White House to preserve all electronic communications. Today, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee marked up the legislation and passed it by a voice vote.

The legislation resulted from an investigation conducted by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that revealed significant deficiencies in the preservation of e-mail by the White House and federal agencies. The measure was introduced last year by Congressman Paul Hodes, Chairman Henry Waxman and Congressman Lacy Clay. It passed the House of Representatives last year but stalled in the Senate.

“The people of the United States deserve an open and honest record of the actions of all administrations, regardless of party,” Congressman Paul Hodes said. “This bill will ensure that actions taken by the Executive Branch are transparent and that they can be held accountable to the public.”

Bradley itches towards run

Former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-NH) has established a political action committee for the senate district three special election.

Bradley has not publicly declared that he is running but establishing a PAC could show that Bradley intends to run.

The PAC, titled “Friends of Jeb Bradley for State Senate,” is chaired by Bradley and Republican activist Eugene Leone Jr. is the treasurer.

Democrat Bud Martin officially entered the race on Monday. Martin ran in 2008 but lost to Bill Denley, who resigned the seat after being charged with drunk driving.

If there is no primary the election will take place on April 21st, but if there is a primary challenge on either side of the aisle the primary will take place on April 21st and the general election will be on May 26th.

Martin set to kickoff campaign

Bud Martin will officially kickoff his campaign on March 9th.

Martin is running in the special election in Senate District 3. He ran for the same seat in 2008 against Bill Denley, who resigned last month after being arrested on a DWI charge.

Martin will launch his campaign at his campaign headquarters in Wolfeboro.

Dems establish special election fund

The New Hampshire Democratic Party has established a special election fund to help Bud Martin’s state senate campaign and a candidate running for state representative.

Martin is running in senate district 3 and is expected to face former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-NH). The special election is expected to take place on April 21st.

“Bud Martin is gearing up to run again in State Senate District 3. Bud ran for the seat in 2008 and lost by a very narrow margin,” a NHDP newsletter states. “Bud is a former NH District Court Judge and is currently an attorney and small business owner. He's ready to join Governor Lynch in making responsible and compassionate fiscal decisions and helping New Hampshire's working families through these difficult economic times.”

The newsletter continues, “We hear that Jeb Bradley, who lost the Congressional District TWICE to Carol Shea-Porter, will run for the seat, and we need your help to ensure that Bradley does not bring his George Bush style Washington politics to the State House!”

The Democratic Party is also preparing to help Sheila Murray, who is running in a special election for the House. Murray is running for the seat that represents Salem and Windham.

“In Rockingham County, Sheila Murray, of Salem, is the Democratic candidate for State Representative. Sheila is a Salem native and has been involved in her community for many years. She is a former educator and children's librarian and Sheila has served as supervisor of the checklist in Salem for over 30 years. This is Sheila's first run for state representative and is very excited about the opportunity to serve the people of Salem and Windham in the State House.”

The Rockingham County District 4 primary election will take place on March 24th and the general election will take place on April 28th.

Horn: ‘absolutely, very seriously considering a run’

Former congressional candidate Jennifer Horn (R-NH) is “absolutely, very seriously considering” running for political office in 2010, The Keene Sentinel is reporting.

Horn, who ran unsuccessful for congress in 2008, said that she is leaning towards running for the Second Congressional District seat but has not ruled out running for another office.

“But that doesn’t mean, as a lot of people have tried to suggest, that I’m going to run against Paul Hodes for Senate,” The Sentinel reports. “I’m more strongly considering a run for the House, but I have not decided against anything. It is highly likely I’ll run, but it is notdefinite.”

Horn was defeated by U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-NH), who has decided to run for the United States Senate in 2010.

Horn also said that will be hosting a radio show on WSMN starting April 6.

Buckley: 'Jeb Bradley is not fooling anyone' in SD-3 race

New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley has released on a statement on the news that former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-NH) will run in the special election for senate District 3.

Former New Hampshire Republican Chairman Fergus Cullen has decided that he will not run for the seat and former state Sen. Joe Kenney (R-Wakefield) announced that he is being deployed to Afghanistan next week.

Bradley will be running against Bud Martin (D-Sandwich), who ran unsuccessfully for the seat in November. The District 3 seat became vacant when Bill Denley (R-Wakefield) resigned after being charged with a DWI two weeks ago.

Buckley’s release:

"Jeb Bradley is not fooling anyone. In November, the voters of District 3 once again rejected his candidacy for public office. I am convinced they will do the same this time as well.

"The voters of District 3 know that while in Washington, Jeb was among the biggest enablers of George W Bush's failed economic policies. He has voted for record deficits and drunken-sailor spending. He is the reason we are in this financial mess.

"The people of District 3 know they can't afford Jeb Bradley in the state senate. They need someone who will work to find real solutions to the serious economic problems we are facing. Jeb has a well-known record of putting politics before the people he represents.

Shaheen uses health care meeting to raise money

After attending President Obama’s Health Care Summit, U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) emailed supporters telling them about the meeting and asking for a donation to her campaign committee.

Here is a snippet of that fundraising email:

Yesterday, I attended President Obama's Health Care Summit at the White House. I can't tell you how honored I was to be a part of this historic meeting.

You joined my campaign for U.S. Senate to help move America in a new direction. We're working everyday to make that change a reality. We're off to a good start.

After years of inaction, our government is ready to tackle some of the great challenges facing our nation. From reforming health care to investing in clean energy to fixing our economy, I'm proud to be working with the President and my colleagues in Congress to put us on a new path.

And, I know that I wouldn't be here without you. I hope I can count on your continued support to fight for the values that we share.

NRCC goes after Shea-Porter on housing vote

From the NRCC:

Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) voted last night against protecting millions of Americans who played by the rules, including thousands of her constituents. The motion that she voted against would have prohibited those who lied on mortgage applications from receiving taxpayer assistance. Instead, Shea-Porter has voted along with her party bosses in Washington to reward dishonest borrowers, unscrupulous lenders, and speculators (House Roll Call 103).

Specifically, Shea-Porter voted against a motion that would prohibit taxpayer funds from being used:

to assist anyone who lied about their income or assets on their mortgage application;
to assist any lender that failed to follow proper underwriting standards;
as incentives to lenders to rework loans for irresponsible borrowers;
unless the President submits a plan that provides equitable treatment of all mortgage holders.

“Any middle-class family will tell you that rewarding bad behavior is the last thing that will get this economy moving again, but it’s clear that Carol Shea-Porter and her Washington Democrat friends disagree,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “While homeowners are struggling to pay for their mortgages, Shea-Porter refused to stand up to the irresponsible speculators and lenders that contributed to our current housing crisis. If Carol Shea-Porter is fighting for the dishonest characters that got us in this mess, who is fighting for her constituents who played by the rules?”

Shea-Porter Joins E9-1-1 Caucus

From U.S. Rep. Shea-Porter's office:

Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter announced that she has joined the Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus. The Caucus, which was established in 2003, seeks to educate lawmakers, constituents, and communities about the importance of citizen-activated emergency response systems.

“Ensuring our citizens have access to enhanced 9-1-1 is a vital public safety issue,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “I am pleased to be a member of this important Caucus and am excited about the work ahead.”

“The mission of the E9-1-1 Caucus is to advance E9-1-1 and emergency communications across the country,” said E9-1-1 Institute Executive Director Gregory Rohde. “I applaud Congresswoman Shea-Porter for her interest in this critical issue and look forward to working with her.”

NH Dems want Sununu to resign from TARP oversight panel

From the New Hampshire Democratic Party:

Concord- NHDP Chairman Ray Buckley today called on John E. Sununu to step-down from the Congressional Oversight Panel charged with monitoring the government's TARP program.

Sununu, who was appointed to the taxpayer funded position on the TARP panel after losing re-election to the U.S. Senate back in November, just recently joined the board of ConvergEx. 33% of the ConvergeEx stock is owned by the Mellon Bank. The Mellon bank has received over 3 billion in TARP funds. In addition to getting billions in taxpayer dollars, the Mellon Bank was chosen last October to help the Treasury Department administer the TARP program.

"John Sununu needs to resign from the TARP Panel immediately" said NHDP Chair Ray Buckley. "This is a glaring conflict of interest"

ConvergEx Holdings is actually the third board of managers that Sununu has joined in the past few weeks. The two others include Time Warner Cable and Boston Scientific, both of which offer lucrative financial compensation for his service. Sununu is also being paid his former US Senate salary on a per diem rate as a member of the TARP panel.

Ayotte nominated for another term…what next?

New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch is set to nominate Attorney General Kelly Ayotte, for another term.

Ayotte, who many consider a rising Republican star, has held the position since 2004.

The news of her renomination raises an interesting question…what next?

Many Republicans are quietly hoping that Ayotte considers running for governor in 2010, possibly against Lynch, or for congress.

Questions:

-Does her renomination mean that Ayotte is not interested in running for elective office in 2010?
-Did Ayotte talk too New Hampshire Republican Chairman John H. Sununu? If so, what did Sununu say?
-What is Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta thinking about this news?