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.”
Thursday, February 12, 2009
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.’”
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.
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
Sununu on Newman
NH GOP Chairman John H. Sununu on Bonnie Newman's appointment:
“I want to congratulate Bonnie Newman on her appointment to the United States Senate. I am confident that her vast experience in both the public and private sector will serve her well and benefit the people of New Hampshire. Bonnie is a dear friend of mine and I look forward to working with her in her new role as United States Senator.”
“I want to congratulate Bonnie Newman on her appointment to the United States Senate. I am confident that her vast experience in both the public and private sector will serve her well and benefit the people of New Hampshire. Bonnie is a dear friend of mine and I look forward to working with her in her new role as United States Senator.”
Newman’s from that state to the south
Will Granite State Republicans be more upset about Bonnie Newman calling herself a “moderate” or the fact that she was raised in Massachusetts?
A moderate Republican from the Bay State, we can already hear the jokes.
A moderate Republican from the Bay State, we can already hear the jokes.
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 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.”
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."
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.
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."
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."
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."
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