Showing posts with label Judd Gregg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Judd Gregg. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

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.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Shea-Porter viewed more favorable than Hodes, among NH Dems

A new University of New Hampshire poll shows that both of New Hampshire’s U.S. Senators enjoy high favorable ratings.

The poll also shows that U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) has a higher favorable rating than U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-Rochester). Hodes announced earlier this month that he would run for the United States Senate in 2010 and Shea-Porter is also considering running for the seat.

According to the poll, “Shea-Porter is well positioned in a primary battle with Hodes, as 61% of Democrats view Shea-Porter favorably compared to 50% for Hodes. However, Shea-Porter is viewed much more unfavorably by Republicans than Hodes is, with 50% of Republicans having an unfavorable opinion of Shea-Porter compared to 28% for Hodes.”

“Democrats have a difficult choice between Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes,” said Andrew Smith, Director of the UNH Survey Center, in a press release. “Hodes looks to be better positioned for a general election, but Shea-Porter appeals more strongly to their party’s liberal base.”

The poll has U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Judd Gregg (R-NH) with high favorability ratings.

Granite Staters gave Gregg a favorability rating of 64 percent, while 15 percent have an unfavorable rating of the senior United States Senator. The poll was taken before Gregg withdrew his name from consideration for the Secretary of Commerce post.

Shaheen is viewed favorably by 56 percent of poll respondents and 32 percent had unfavorable view of Shaheen.

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."

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.”

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?

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."

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.”

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

What about Hodes?

The Union Leader is reporting that U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-NH) will announce “within the week” that he will run for the United States in 2010.

Hodes will be running for the seat that is being vacated by U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg, who is slated to become the next Secretary of Commerce.

Hodes was elected to a second term in November and said a month ago that he was “seriously considering” running for the senate.

Here are a couple of things to consider about Hodes’ announcement:

-Does this deter other Democrats from joining the race?
-Did he make this decision with a blessing from Ray Buckley?
-Did he talk with Carol Shea-Porter?
-Who will be the first Republican to announce they are running for the seat?
-Who will John H. Sununu call over the next week?

Hodes, Shea-Porter on Gregg leaving senate

U.S. Reps. Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter have released statements on U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg’s nomination to be the next Secretary of Commerce.

Hodes on Gregg:

“President Obama promised to turn the page and enter a new post partisan era. His appointment today of Senator Gregg shows his commitment to that goal. Senator Gregg has a long history of service to New Hampshire and the appointment today is good news for the State of New Hampshire as we now can expect to have a strong advocate for our state in the cabinet. I will continue to work with our Governor, congressional delegation, Senator Gregg in his new role, and President Obama to rebuild our economy and create jobs.”

Shea-Porter on Gregg:

“President Obama has placed someone who has a deep knowledge of New Hampshire in his cabinet. I wish Senator Gregg well and look forward to working with the Administration to help New Hampshire.”

Sununu, Buckley on Gregg's nomination

Below are statements from both John H. Sununu, New Hampshire Republican chairman, and Ray Buckley, New Hampshire Democratic Chairman.

Sununu on Gregg:

“I join all New Hampshire residents in thanking Senator Gregg for 28 years of dedicated public service. I know he will carry his high quality of performance and integrity into his new position. Judd is an old friend and we wish him well in this next phase of his distinguished career. I extend my heartfelt wishes for a speedy confirmation and know that his continued commitment to our country will make New Hampshire proud.

When I answered the call to take over as the Republican Party Chairman in New Hampshire, I knew that there was a very real possibility that Senator Gregg would not run for re-election in 2010. I had to make plans knowing that the seat may be open in the next election cycle. We have kept that in mind throughout this process and I’m confident that 2010 will still be a very good year for Republicans in New Hampshire.”

Buckley on Gregg:

"We are in the midst of financial catastrophe. President Obama was elected to lead and deliver results for the American people, and to go beyond partisan politics to find real solutions to our nation's economic problems. He has nominated Senator Gregg to help him in his effort to rebuild America's economy, and we trust his judgment and support his decision.

"Governor Lynch has decided to stand with the White House and the Senate Majority Leadership at this time of national economic crisis, and we are grateful that we have strong and results-oriented leaders like President Obama and Governor Lynch."

"We look forward to healthy competition for an open Senate seat in 2010. Party registration in New Hampshire has changed significantly in recent years to favor Democrats, and we are confident in our ability to elect a strong Democrat to the seat."

Gregg accepts Commerce nomination

U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) has accepted a nomination to become the next Secretary of Commerce. Gregg said yesterday that he decided to accept the post only after Gov. John Lynch (D-Hopkinton) said he would a Republican to fill Gregg’s seat.

Here are some excerpts from Gregg’s press release:

“Today, I have been nominated by President Obama to serve in his administration as Secretary of Commerce, and I want to thank the President for this extraordinary opportunity. I have accepted this post, and the call to help address the momentous and significant economic challenges facing our nation.

“Kathy and I want to thank the people of New Hampshire for affording me the privilege to serve them in the U.S. Senate for the past 16 years. It has been an honor for both of us to work on behalf of Granite Staters and represent their priorities in Washington, and to do our part to help make our state a better place to live and raise a family. I also thank my Senate colleagues for their leadership, support and friendship as we continue to work toward solutions to help address families’ concerns about their retirement savings, their homes, and their futures.”

He also said:

“It is my goal to help the President put America back on the path to prosperity. This is not a time for politics—it is a time to lead. We must put aside partisanship and ideologies and govern effectively so that we can pass onto our children and our grandchildren a government that works and a nation that is strong.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Buckley open to possible senate deal

The chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party has issued a statement that leaves the door open to the possibility that Gov. John Lynch (D-NH) could appoint a Republican to fill U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg’s (R-NH) senate seat.

Earlier today, both Lynch and Gregg issued statements that said Gregg would accept a nomination to be Commerce Secretary, only if Lynch appoints a Republican.

Ray Buckley’s full statement:

"President Obama was elected to lead and deliver results for the American people, and to go beyond partisan politics to find real solutions to our nation's economic problems. If he determines that Senator Gregg is essential to his effort to rebuild America's economy, then we should trust his judgment and support his decision.

"Governor Lynch has decided to stand with the President at this time of national economic crisis, and we are grateful that we have two strong and results-oriented leaders like President Obama and Governor Lynch. If President Obama does appoint Senator Gregg as Commerce Secretary, I am confident Governor Lynch will replace him with someone who will put New Hampshire and its people first, and work with the Obama Administration, Senator Shaheen, Congresswoman Shea-Porter, Congressman Hodes, Governor Lynch and the legislative leadership in a positive and productive manner."

Lynch acknowledges discussions with Gregg, WH

Gov. John Lynch said today that he has talked with U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) and the White House about the possibility of Gregg being nominated to be Secretary of Commerce.

Lynch also said that Gregg told him he would not resign his senate seat if it changed the balance of power in the United States Senate.

"I have had conversations with Senator Gregg, the White House and U.S. Senate leadership. Senator Gregg has said he would not resign his seat in the U.S. Senate if it changed the balance in the Senate,” Lynch said in a statement. “Based on my discussions, it is clear the White House and Senate leadership understand this as well.”

Lynch also cited the national economy and said, "It is important that President Obama be able to select the advisors he feels are necessary to help him address the challenges facing our nation.”

Reports over the past couple of days have centered on the possibility that Lynch could appoint either Bonnie Newman or former House Speaker Doug Scamman, to serve the remainder of Gregg’s term. However, in the statement he released, Lynch refused to name whom he would appoint to fill the seat.

"If President Obama does nominate Senator Gregg to serve as Commerce Secretary, I will name a replacement who will put the people of New Hampshire first and represent New Hampshire effectively in the U.S. Senate."

Who goes with Gregg?

It now seems that it is only a matter of when, not if, Judd Gregg is named Secretary of Commerce. While most people are focused on his replacement, our money is on Bonnie Newman, we were thinking about another set of questions.

Mainly, what about his staff?

Here are some things to consider:

-Would Gregg’s current chief of staff, Alyssa Shooshan, join him at Commerce? Would the appointed senator decide to even keep Shooshan on?
-What about Joel Maiola? Does Maiola take a hiatus from his consulting business to join Gregg at Commerce?
-What about Gregg’s press secretary Laena Fallon? Like Shooshan, would she join Gregg, be replaced or remain in her current position?

These are just some questions that people will be considering over the next couple of days.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

If Gregg leaves...

There are a lot of rumors circulating that U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) might be nominated to be the next Secretary of Commerce. According to New Hampshire election, law if Gregg abandons his seat Gov. John Lynch will have the power to appoint someone to fill the seat. However, if Lynch decides to pick U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-NH) or U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-Rochester) then their selections will spark a special election in their respective congressional district.

New Hampshire Law:

661:5 United States Senator. If a vacancy occurs in the office of United States senator, the governor shall fill the vacancy by temporary appointment until the next state general election, when a senator shall be elected for the unexpired term.

661:6 United States Representative. If a vacancy occurs in the office of United States representative, the governor with advice of council shall, as soon as practicable, have precepts issued to the selectmen of the towns and cities in the district where the vacancy exists directing them to call a special state general election on the day he designates to fill the vacancy. Such election shall be conducted as provided in RSA 661:11 and shall fill the vacancy for the unexpired term.