Supporters of former Gov. Mike Huckabee have started a local chapter of Huckabee’s national political action committee.
David Hurst and Bob Burns, both of whom represented Huckabee at the Republican National Convention, have started HuckPac NH.
Hurst and Burns will be launching the organization with a house party on February 26th.
Huckabee unsuccessfully ran for president in 2008 but is often mentioned has a potential candidate in 2012.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Guinta takes on Lynch over budget
Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta is criticizing Gov. John Lynch (D-NH) over Lynch’s proposed budget cuts and changes to the room-and-meals tax.
Guinta, a potential gubernatorial candidate in 2010, said he is “deeply troubled” by Lynch’s budget.
“I am deeply troubled that the Governor’s Office does not understand the real problems that this budget proposal lays on the backs of the cities and towns of New Hampshire,” Guinta said. “In his budget, Gov. Lynch asks communities to forego funds that they have used as part of their budget for nearly 40 years. In exchange, he is asking them to use one-time ‘stimulus to cover the revenue shortfall. For the Governor’s Office to dismiss these concerns with the phrase ‘It’s a trade-off’ shows shocking ignorance about their own budget proposal and its consequences. Assuming federal funds arrive on time, as promised by the Governor, there remains no plan for replenishing those funds in the following biennium.”
According to Guinta, “the proposed budget would create a $9.6 million revenue hole in the city’s FY10 budget and a $2.4 million deficit in the current FY09 budget.”
Guinta also said that he would like to organize a meeting of the state’s mayors to discuss the state budget.
Guinta, a potential gubernatorial candidate in 2010, said he is “deeply troubled” by Lynch’s budget.
“I am deeply troubled that the Governor’s Office does not understand the real problems that this budget proposal lays on the backs of the cities and towns of New Hampshire,” Guinta said. “In his budget, Gov. Lynch asks communities to forego funds that they have used as part of their budget for nearly 40 years. In exchange, he is asking them to use one-time ‘stimulus to cover the revenue shortfall. For the Governor’s Office to dismiss these concerns with the phrase ‘It’s a trade-off’ shows shocking ignorance about their own budget proposal and its consequences. Assuming federal funds arrive on time, as promised by the Governor, there remains no plan for replenishing those funds in the following biennium.”
According to Guinta, “the proposed budget would create a $9.6 million revenue hole in the city’s FY10 budget and a $2.4 million deficit in the current FY09 budget.”
Guinta also said that he would like to organize a meeting of the state’s mayors to discuss the state budget.
Shea-Porter starts ‘Populist Caucus’
U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter’s (D-NH) office has announced that she is a founding member of a new congressional caucus.
According to a press release the Populist Caucus, “is devoted solely to addressing middle class issues.”
The caucus will fight for legislation that will, “provide fair wages, proper benefits, and a level playing field at the negotiating table,” and “ensure American workers have secure, solvent retirement plans.”
“Our country does best with a thriving middle class,” said Shea-Porter in a statement. “I am proud to be a founding member of the Populist Caucus and will fight for middle class tax cuts, affordable health care, and fair trade practices.”
According to a press release the Populist Caucus, “is devoted solely to addressing middle class issues.”
The caucus will fight for legislation that will, “provide fair wages, proper benefits, and a level playing field at the negotiating table,” and “ensure American workers have secure, solvent retirement plans.”
“Our country does best with a thriving middle class,” said Shea-Porter in a statement. “I am proud to be a founding member of the Populist Caucus and will fight for middle class tax cuts, affordable health care, and fair trade practices.”
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Party chairs on Gregg withdrawal
New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley and New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman John H. Sununu has released statements on U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg’s decision to withdraw his nomination for the top Commerce post.
Sununu on Gregg:
"Senator Gregg made it clear in his statement and his conference call why he felt he should withdraw his name from consideration for Secretary of Commerce, and his decision confirms that he is a man of principle and commitment. I wish him and Kathy nothing but the best in the future."
Buckley on Gregg:
"At a time when it appeared that Senator Judd Gregg was going to put aside partisan politics to work with the president on fixing our economy, he has instead decided that being in lock-step with conservative Washington Republicans is more important than finding solutions to these serious problems.
"We need leaders in Washington who are going to roll-up their sleeves and work across the aisle to fix our broken economy. The fact that Senator Gregg has withdrawn his name from consideration because of his objection to a recovery package that that will help jump start our economy, create millions of new jobs, and provide broad tax cuts for working Americans is simply out of touch.
"It has been clear from the beginning of this process that Judd Gregg no longer has an interest in serving the people of New Hampshire in the United States Senate."
Sununu on Gregg:
"Senator Gregg made it clear in his statement and his conference call why he felt he should withdraw his name from consideration for Secretary of Commerce, and his decision confirms that he is a man of principle and commitment. I wish him and Kathy nothing but the best in the future."
Buckley on Gregg:
"At a time when it appeared that Senator Judd Gregg was going to put aside partisan politics to work with the president on fixing our economy, he has instead decided that being in lock-step with conservative Washington Republicans is more important than finding solutions to these serious problems.
"We need leaders in Washington who are going to roll-up their sleeves and work across the aisle to fix our broken economy. The fact that Senator Gregg has withdrawn his name from consideration because of his objection to a recovery package that that will help jump start our economy, create millions of new jobs, and provide broad tax cuts for working Americans is simply out of touch.
"It has been clear from the beginning of this process that Judd Gregg no longer has an interest in serving the people of New Hampshire in the United States Senate."
Hodes hits Gregg over nomination withdrawal
U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-NH) has released a statement that is critical of U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg’s (R-NH) decision to withdraw his nomination to be the Secretary of Commerce.
Below is the Hodes statement:
“I am surprised and disappointed at this sudden withdrawal. Senator Gregg would take us back to the years of George W. Bush rather than moving forward with the change agenda that the American people clearly want. I will continue to work with President Obama to create jobs and rebuild our economy for the middle class.
I will be a candidate for the United State Senate in 2010. I look forward to working every day to stand up for New Hampshire as we come together to confront the economic crisis facing our nation.”
Below is the Hodes statement:
“I am surprised and disappointed at this sudden withdrawal. Senator Gregg would take us back to the years of George W. Bush rather than moving forward with the change agenda that the American people clearly want. I will continue to work with President Obama to create jobs and rebuild our economy for the middle class.
I will be a candidate for the United State Senate in 2010. I look forward to working every day to stand up for New Hampshire as we come together to confront the economic crisis facing our nation.”
Gregg withdraws, what is next?
Now that U.S. Sen. Judd (R-NH) has decided to withdraw his nomination to become the next Secretary of Commerce, here are some questions worth considering.
-Did Gregg receive any pressure to withdraw from GOP leaders?
-Who did Gregg contact after he made his decision? What did they tell Gregg?
-What does Bonnie Newman think? What does John Lynch think?
-How does this affect U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes decision to run for the United States Senate?
-Did Gregg receive any pressure to withdraw from GOP leaders?
-Who did Gregg contact after he made his decision? What did they tell Gregg?
-What does Bonnie Newman think? What does John Lynch think?
-How does this affect U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes decision to run for the United States Senate?
NRSC airs web ad against Hodes
The NRSC has a new web ad that criticizes U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes support for the stimulus bill.
According to the NRSC, “The video highlights U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes’ (D-NH) support for the largest tax increase in American history, as well as this year’s massive spending bill, which adds over one trillion dollars to the federal debt and contains many egregious examples of wasteful spending, including $335 million for STD prevention and $150 million for honeybee insurance. As he prepares for his 2010 U.S. Senate bid, Hodes will be forced to explain these fiscally irresponsible votes to Granite State voters.”
Hodes announced earlier this month that he would run for the United States Senate next year.
According to the NRSC, “The video highlights U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes’ (D-NH) support for the largest tax increase in American history, as well as this year’s massive spending bill, which adds over one trillion dollars to the federal debt and contains many egregious examples of wasteful spending, including $335 million for STD prevention and $150 million for honeybee insurance. As he prepares for his 2010 U.S. Senate bid, Hodes will be forced to explain these fiscally irresponsible votes to Granite State voters.”
Hodes announced earlier this month that he would run for the United States Senate next year.
NRCC targets Shea-Porter
The NRCC has begun airing a radio ad against U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH).
“While middle-class families are hurting and looking to their leaders for help, Carol Shea-Porter has failed to deliver real relief,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain in a press release. “Carol Shea-Porter had a choice to pass an alternative proposal that would have created twice as many jobs at half the cost and in less time, but she chose to pass this package of pork instead. After running on a platform of fiscal responsibility, Carol Shea-Porter now has the obligation to explain why she’s willing to pile even more mountains of debt onto our grandchildren without regard for how middle-class families’ hard-earned tax dollars will be spent.”
“While middle-class families are hurting and looking to their leaders for help, Carol Shea-Porter has failed to deliver real relief,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain in a press release. “Carol Shea-Porter had a choice to pass an alternative proposal that would have created twice as many jobs at half the cost and in less time, but she chose to pass this package of pork instead. After running on a platform of fiscal responsibility, Carol Shea-Porter now has the obligation to explain why she’s willing to pile even more mountains of debt onto our grandchildren without regard for how middle-class families’ hard-earned tax dollars will be spent.”
Lynch 'respects' Gregg's decision
Gov. John Lynch (D-NH) said that he “respects” U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg’s decision to withdraw his nomination for Commerce Secretary.
"I very much respect Senator Gregg's decision to withdraw and stay in the U.S. Senate,” Lynch said in a statement.
Lynch also said thanked Bonnie Newman, the woman Lynch selected to fill Gregg’s seat.
"I want to thank Bonnie Newman for her willingness to serve. She is a great public servant, who I am confident will continue to make important contributions to our state and our nation."
"I very much respect Senator Gregg's decision to withdraw and stay in the U.S. Senate,” Lynch said in a statement.
Lynch also said thanked Bonnie Newman, the woman Lynch selected to fill Gregg’s seat.
"I want to thank Bonnie Newman for her willingness to serve. She is a great public servant, who I am confident will continue to make important contributions to our state and our nation."
Gregg withdraws nomination
U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) has announced that he is withdrawing his nomination to become the next Secretary of Commerce.
Gregg said in a press release that he has “irresolvable conflicts” with President Obama over the stimulus bill and the attempt to have the White House oversee the Census.
Below are excerpts from the Gregg release:
“I want to thank the President for nominating me to serve in his Cabinet as Secretary of Commerce. This was a great honor, and I had felt that I could bring some views and ideas that would assist him in governing during this difficult time. I especially admire his willingness to reach across the aisle.
“However, it has become apparent during this process that this will not work for me as I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the Census there are irresolvable conflicts for me. Prior to accepting this post, we had discussed these and other potential differences, but unfortunately we did not adequately focus on these concerns. We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy.”
Gregg added, “As a further matter of clarification, nothing about the vetting process played any role in this decision. I will continue to represent the people of New Hampshire in the United States Senate.”
Gregg said in a press release that he has “irresolvable conflicts” with President Obama over the stimulus bill and the attempt to have the White House oversee the Census.
Below are excerpts from the Gregg release:
“I want to thank the President for nominating me to serve in his Cabinet as Secretary of Commerce. This was a great honor, and I had felt that I could bring some views and ideas that would assist him in governing during this difficult time. I especially admire his willingness to reach across the aisle.
“However, it has become apparent during this process that this will not work for me as I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the Census there are irresolvable conflicts for me. Prior to accepting this post, we had discussed these and other potential differences, but unfortunately we did not adequately focus on these concerns. We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy.”
Gregg added, “As a further matter of clarification, nothing about the vetting process played any role in this decision. I will continue to represent the people of New Hampshire in the United States Senate.”
Sununu take over of NH GOP now complete
If you worked for former U.S. Sen. John Sununu’s campaign, there is a good chance you could get a job working for the New Hampshire Republican Party.
John DiStaso reported that Ryan Williams, Sununu’s former campaign communications director, has been hired to fill the same post for the state party.
Shortly after former Gov. John H. Sununu became chair of the New Hampshire Republican Party, DiStaso reported that former Sununu campaign staffers BJ Perry, Paul Collins and Andy Leach were all volunteering for the state party.
It now appears that the Sununu take over of the state party is now complete.
John DiStaso reported that Ryan Williams, Sununu’s former campaign communications director, has been hired to fill the same post for the state party.
Shortly after former Gov. John H. Sununu became chair of the New Hampshire Republican Party, DiStaso reported that former Sununu campaign staffers BJ Perry, Paul Collins and Andy Leach were all volunteering for the state party.
It now appears that the Sununu take over of the state party is now complete.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The House always wins
The UNH Survey Center has released a new poll exploring public sentiment over expanded gaming and the current budget crisis.
According to the poll:
“The only revenue option that is somewhat politically popular is expanding legal gambling – 41% say they would be more likely to vote for a State Senate candidate who favored legalized gambling, 37% said they would be more likely to vote against, 18% said it would make little difference in their vote, and 4% don’t know.
There has been little change in how New Hampshire adults feel about these issues over the past 10 years. The biggest difference is the percentage who said any of these revenue options would make no difference on their vote has declined, an indication that people have thought more about their options during the current crisis.”
When dealing with this issue remember that the House always wins.
According to the poll:
“The only revenue option that is somewhat politically popular is expanding legal gambling – 41% say they would be more likely to vote for a State Senate candidate who favored legalized gambling, 37% said they would be more likely to vote against, 18% said it would make little difference in their vote, and 4% don’t know.
There has been little change in how New Hampshire adults feel about these issues over the past 10 years. The biggest difference is the percentage who said any of these revenue options would make no difference on their vote has declined, an indication that people have thought more about their options during the current crisis.”
When dealing with this issue remember that the House always wins.
I am woman, hear me roar
U.S. Reps. Paul Hodes (D-NH) and Carol Shea-Porter has introduced a resolution that would honor the New Hampshire State Senate.
From the release:
Congressman Paul Hodes introduced a U.S. House resolution today honoring the New Hampshire State Senate for becoming the first legislative body in America to have a majority female membership. He was joined by his New Hampshire colleague Congresswoman Carol Shea Porter, who was an original cosponsor of the bill.
The New Hampshire State Senate has 9 women chairing committees and has a membership comprised of 13 women and 11 men.
New Hampshire is also the first state where legislative leaders in both chambers are female. Speaker Terrie Norelli is the first female Speaker of the State House and Mary Jane Wallner serves as the House Majority Leader. Sylvia Larsen is President of the State Senate with Maggie Hassan serving as the Majority Leader.
From the release:
Congressman Paul Hodes introduced a U.S. House resolution today honoring the New Hampshire State Senate for becoming the first legislative body in America to have a majority female membership. He was joined by his New Hampshire colleague Congresswoman Carol Shea Porter, who was an original cosponsor of the bill.
The New Hampshire State Senate has 9 women chairing committees and has a membership comprised of 13 women and 11 men.
New Hampshire is also the first state where legislative leaders in both chambers are female. Speaker Terrie Norelli is the first female Speaker of the State House and Mary Jane Wallner serves as the House Majority Leader. Sylvia Larsen is President of the State Senate with Maggie Hassan serving as the Majority Leader.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Shea-Porter appointed to nature subcommittees
From U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter's (D-NH) office:
Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter announced that she has been appointed to two subcommittees on the Natural Resources Committee: the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans, and Wildlife, and the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.
“I wanted to serve on these two important subcommittees so I can help protect New Hampshire and the nation’s natural resources,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter.
The Insular Affairs, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Fish and Wildlife Programs. Congresswoman Shea-Porter will focus on protecting New Hampshire's maritime treasures and shoreline. As a member of the National Parks, Forest, and Public Lands Subcommittee, Shea-Porter will help protect public lands and national forests, including the White Mountain National Forest.
Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter announced that she has been appointed to two subcommittees on the Natural Resources Committee: the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans, and Wildlife, and the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.
“I wanted to serve on these two important subcommittees so I can help protect New Hampshire and the nation’s natural resources,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter.
The Insular Affairs, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Fish and Wildlife Programs. Congresswoman Shea-Porter will focus on protecting New Hampshire's maritime treasures and shoreline. As a member of the National Parks, Forest, and Public Lands Subcommittee, Shea-Porter will help protect public lands and national forests, including the White Mountain National Forest.
Nadeau 2010?
Former state Supreme Court Justice Joe Nadeau is considering running for the United States Senate in 2010.
Nadeau, a Democrat, would be the second Democrat to announce they are running for the senate. U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-NH) said last week that he would be running to fill the seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH).
“President Obama has challenged everybody to think beyond their usual routine to see what their contribution can be, and I’m going to see whether there’s something I can do beyond the judiciary," Nadeau told Politico.
Politico also reported that, “The website Nadeau2010.com was registered over the weekend to ‘Nadeau for Senate.’”
Nadeau, a Democrat, would be the second Democrat to announce they are running for the senate. U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-NH) said last week that he would be running to fill the seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH).
“President Obama has challenged everybody to think beyond their usual routine to see what their contribution can be, and I’m going to see whether there’s something I can do beyond the judiciary," Nadeau told Politico.
Politico also reported that, “The website Nadeau2010.com was registered over the weekend to ‘Nadeau for Senate.’”
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