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?

Political Library Announces 2009 New Hampshire Primary Awards Honorees

From the NH Political Library:

The New Hampshire Political Library is pleased to announce this year’s honorees to be recognized Monday, March 30th at the 2009 New Hampshire Primary Awards:

Mr. Paul Begala: a senior strategist for President Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign and currently political contributor for CNN and Affiliated Professor of Public Policy at Georgetown University's Public Policy Institute

Mr. Mike Murphy: a senior strategist for Senator John McCain’s 2000 presidential campaign and currently political contributor for NBC and MSNBC News; and

Ms. Kelly O’Donnell: NBC News correspondent covering the presidential campaigns of Senator Bob Dole in 1996, Senator John Kerry in 2004 and the Republican field in 2008 and currently Capitol Hill Correspondent.

The 2009 New Hampshire Primary Awards will take place Monday, March 30, 2009 at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Manchester. Dinner Table Sponsorships begin at $2,500 and admission for individual guests is $125. For more information about attending, please call the Political Library at 225-4617, extension 11.