Showing posts with label Paul Hodes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paul Hodes. Show all posts

Thursday, April 2, 2009

State senators to host fundraiser for Martin

State Senators Sylvia Larsen (D-Concord), Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter) and Deb Reynolds (D-Plymouth) will be hosting a fundraising for state senate candidate Bud Martin (D-Center Sandwich). Martin is running in a special election for the senate district three seat.

U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-NH) will the fundraiser's special guest.

The fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday April 5th in Meredith.

Monday, March 16, 2009

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."

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.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

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.”

Sunday, March 8, 2009

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.

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

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.”

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.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

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.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Jam on!


U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-NH) has announced that he will be running for the United States Senate in 2010.

Hodes will be running to fill the seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH), who has been tapped to be Secretary of Commerce. Gregg’s replacement, U.S. Sen.-designate Bonnie Newman (R-NH) has said she will not run in 2010.

“It is with the stories of people like Anne Marie Morse, Chris Howe, and thousands of New Hampshire families struggling in this difficult economy in mind that I announce today that I will run for the United States Senate in 2010 to continue to keep our state and our nation moving forward,” Hodes wrote on the website Blue Hampshire.

Hodes said that he will formally announce his candidacy sometime over the next couple of months.

Former U.S. Rep. Charlie Bass (R-NH) told the Concord Monitor that he is interested in running for the seat and former U.S. Sen. John E. Sununu (R-NH) is often mentioned as a possible candidate. The Monitor also floated the names of New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte and Jim Merrill, as potential candidates.

The Union Leader reported yesterday that Katrina Swett will run for Hodes’ congressional seat in 2010.

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.”

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Who too Watch For

Below we have developed a list of potential appointees that Gov. John Lynch can make to fill U.S. Judd Gregg’s seat, if Gregg is appointed Secretary of Commerce.


Possible “seat warmers”

Former Gov. Walter Peterson (R-NH)- He led “Republicans for Lynch” and probably wouldn’t run in 2010
Secretary of State Bill Gardner (D-NH)-Most nonpartisan person in the state, but would leave hole in fight to protect primary

Possible Lynch appointees:

-Gov. John Lynch- Why not appoint himself
-U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes- He wants to be a United States Senator anyways
-U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter- Would please the progressives and has shown she can win in tough races
-Katrina Swett- Has a healthy amount of money in her FEC account
-Gary Hirshberg- We love his yogurt and he’s been making quiet political moves, like suing PSNH
-Blago: Does he meet the state’s residence requirements?
-Former Gov. John H. Sununu- Just for the heck of it

If Hodes is picked, possible contenders for a special election in NH-02:

-Katrina Swett (D-Bow)-Already has money in the bank
-Jay Buckey (D-Hanover)-If you cannot become a senator why not try to become a congressman?
-State Sen. Sylvia Larsen (D-Concord)- Would probably win a Democratic primary, but she’s more powerful as senate president than she would be as a freshman congresswoman
-Attorney General Kelly Ayotte (R-Nashua)- Most popular Republican in the state
-Grafton County Attorney Rick St. Hilaire (R-Lebanon)-One of the only elected Republicans in an increasingly Democratic part of the state
-Former U.S. Rep. Charlie Bass (R-Peterborough)- Has the name ID to recapture the seat for the Republicans
-Former State Sen. Bob Clegg (R-Hudson)-Can write his campaign a check


If Shea-Porter is picked, possible contenders for a special election in NH-01:

-Former Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand (D-Portsmouth)- He wants to run for something in 2010, so why not run for Congress in 2009?
-State Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter)- She’s often considered a rising star within the party
-State Sen. Lou D’Allesandro (D-Manchester)- His signs can simply read Lou
-Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta (R-Manchester)- He wants to move up the ladder and this might be his chance
-Sean Mahoney (R-Portsmouth)-Can probably bankroll his own campaign
-Former Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen (R-Manchester)- Could raise lots of cash in a short amount of time and the third time around might be the charm
-Former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro)-Would set-up another potential Stephen-Bradley primary
-Former New Hampshire Republican Chairman Fergus Cullen (R-Barrington)- He can try and put his farewell speech into action

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.