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.”

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.

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.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Pols to kick off NH Political Library series

If you consider yourself a political animal, or a wannabe politico, then check out a panel discussion the New Hampshire Political Library is hosting next weekend.

The New Hampshire Political Library will be kicking off their 2009 lecture series with a discussion called, “2008 New Hampshire Primary Debrief: A Discussion with Key Campaign Advisors.” It will be held on Sunday, February 8th at 2:00 p.m at President Franklin Pierce’s historic Concord home.

Ambassador Terry Shumaker, Chair of the New Hampshire Political Library Board of Directors, will moderate a panel discussion among Steve Duprey, advisor to John McCain; Ned Helms, advisor to Barack Obama; New Hampshire Senate President Sylvia Larsen, advisor to Hillary Clinton; and Tom Rath, advisor to Mitt Romney.

This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to Caroline Amport at camport@politicallibrary.org or (603) 225-4617 x10.

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.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Bayh To Campaign for Clinton

From the Clinton Campaign (the events are closed to the public):

Indiana Senator Evan Bayh will talk to undecided New Hampshire voters about Senator Hillary Clinton’s 35-year record of making change happen in stops across the Granite State Thursday. Having repeatedly won elections in a red state, Senator Bayh will also address why Hillary Clinton is the Democrat best suited to win a general election in November 2008.

Senator Bayh was first elected to the Senate in 1998. Prior to that, he served two terms as Governor of Indiana. He has worked in the Senate to strengthen national security, create more jobs through the growth of small businesses, encourage responsible fatherhood, and help families better afford college tuition, retirement, and long-term care.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Flake, Huntsman Give A Helping Hand To McCain

This past weekend, John McCain was joined by campaign surrogates Arizona Congressman Jeff Flake and Utah Governor Jon Huntsman.

To our knowledge, this was Flake's first trip to New Hampshire. Huntsman was in the state back in January, when he attended the NH GOP convention.

Bringing prominent supporters to the Granite State, appears to be an ongoing strategy for the McCain campaign.

Earlier this month, McCain was joined on the trail by former Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty have also appeared in the Granite State stumping for McCain. Pawlenty and Graham are often considered to be candidates for potential cabinet positions in future Republican administrations.

Friday, October 5, 2007

McCain Brings In Rising GOP Stars to Help Campaign

This weekend, New Hampshire Republicans will be able to see two rising Republican stars. Both though, will be campaigning for Senator John McCain.

Tomorrow, North Carolina Senator Richard Burr will be stumping for John McCain in Bedford. Burr won election to the Senate in 2004, he previously had served in the House.

On Monday, October 8 Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty will be speaking at the Grafton County GOP Dinner. Pawlenty is often mentioned as a possible 2008 vice-presidential nominee, especially if McCain gains the nomination.