Dems hit Bradley state House votes

Before becoming a United States congressman former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-NH) served in the New Hampshire House.

Now that Bradley is running for the state senate, Bradley’s opponent, Bud Martin (D-NH), is hitting Bradley’s voting record.

This from Martin’s campaign:

BRADLEY CONTINUES DOUBLE-TALK ON TAXES

District 3 state senate candidate's rhetoric does not match his record

Concord--It is clear that the voters can't trust Jeb Bradley when it comes to taxes. Jeb Bradley's campaign rhetoric does not reflect his long record of voting for taxes in the State House. While serving in the legislature, Bradley voted for significant increases in the cigarette tax, death tax, and communication tax. In addition, he voted to create the statewide property tax, and increase business enterprise taxes, business profits taxes, and real estate transfer taxes. He also voted for a constitutional amendment regarding a state-wide income tax to pay for education.

"Jeb Bradley's rhetoric does not match his record on taxes" said Joe Elcock, Campaign manager for Bud Martin for State Senate. "Jeb Bradley claims he will protect the tourist industry, small businesses and property taxpayers, but his record shows that he voted to increase taxes on all three. This is just another example of Jeb saying anything to get elected. He is a typical politician speaking in double-talk. The people of District 3 know they can't trust Jeb Bradley to follow through in the state senate."

JEB BRADLEY'S DOUBLE-TALK ON TAXES:

Jeb Bradley voted to increase the tobacco tax and imposing the tax on all types of tobacco products.- HB112, 1999
Jeb Bradley voted against repealing the death tax. -HB170, 2001
Jeb Bradley voted to increase the death tax in New Hampshire, taking the top rate from 15% to 18%. -HB40, 1991
Jeb Bradley voted to create the statewide property tax and increase the business enterprise, business profits and real estate transfer taxes. -HB 117, 1999
Jeb Bradley voted to double the state's communications tax. -HB 40, 1991
Jeb Bradley voted to increase gun licensing fees in the Granite State by 650%. -HB 110, 1991
Jeb Bradley voted against reducing the rooms and meals tax. -HB 1570, 1994
Jeb Bradley voted twice against requiring supermajorities to raise taxes.-HB 1245, 1996; HB 112, 1997
Jeb Bradley voted for a constitutional amendment that said that funds from a new STATE INCOME TAX should be used for education. -CACR 23, 2000

Shea-Porter, Bradley request fundraising donations

While U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) sends out a last minute fundraiser for her congressional PAC, former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-NH) emailed supporters requesting donations for his state senate campaign.

Four years ago did Bradley ever imagine he would be running for a state senate seat and did Shea-Porter ever think she would be sending out a fundraising appeal for her congressional campaign?

From Shea-Porter:

Friend,

We have less than 6 hours until our important filing deadline. We need your help now more than ever!

I do not take money from lobbyists or business PACs, so that makes your contribution even more important.

Please CLICK HERE to give $25, $50 or whatever you can NOW.

Thank you again for your continued support.

From Bradley:

We are just 21 days from the special election for State Senate and I need your help. At a time when families are struggling to pay bills, the Democrats in Concord have been voting for tax increase after tax increase. They’ve proposed everything from nearly doubling the gas tax, hiking the rooms and meals tax, to the creation of a new capital gains tax and new death tax. While New Hampshire families are spending less, the Legislature supported a 17% spending increase in the previous budget. Now they are set to approve another budget with even more new big spending. It is time to say ENOUGH! The revenue simply cannot keep up with the spending and it is putting New Hampshire on the road to a sales or income tax, perhaps both.

On April 21st, voters will have a chance to send me to the State Senate. I will be a strong and effective voice against the over taxation of our citizens and increased spending of our government. I will be a loud advocate for small businesses and tourism industries. I live in the Lakes Region and understand the importance of tourism and as a former small business owner, I know first hand the critical role that small business plays in creating jobs.

To win this special election, I need your help. I need your help making phone calls and canvassing District 3, and I need your financial support as well. Please click here to volunteer for one of our phone banks and to help canvass District 3 and please click here to make your $1 dollar a day till the election, $21 dollar contribution today.

Thank You so much for your encouragement, support and friendship.

Garcia wins GOP primary

From the NHGOP:

Today, former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu released the following statement on Marilinda Garcia’s victory in the Rockingham District 4 special election primary:

“Marilinda’s victory gives our Party a formidable and experienced nominee in the upcoming Rockingham District 4 special election. She will be a strong addition to the Republican voice in Concord that we need to save New Hampshire’s fiscal integrity and stop the foolishness coming through the Legislature. I congratulate Marilinda on her successful primary campaign and look forward to helping her win on April 28.”

Helms to be part of DNC primary commission

Former New Hampshire Democratic Chairman Ned Helms is slated to be a member of a DNC commission that will look at possible changes to the 2012 presidential primary process.

Here is the release:

Today, Governor Tim Kaine, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, announced the 37 member Democratic Change Commission, which will recommend changes to the Democratic Party’s rules for the 2012 presidential nominating and delegate selection process. Governor Kaine also announced that he has named Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina and Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri as Co-Chairs of the Change Commission.

“This Commission will focus on reform that improves the presidential nominating process to put voters first and ensure that as many people as possible can participate,” said Kaine. “I want to thank all the members of the Commission who have agreed to serve, including Congressman Clyburn and Senator McCaskill who have graciously agreed to serve as co-chairs.”

Governor Kaine went on to say that he hopes to work with the Republican National Committee on a common approach that puts voters first.

President Obama first announced his intention to form the Democratic Change Commission in August 2008, during his presidential campaign. Delegates to the Democratic National Convention adopted President Obama’s proposal on Monday, August 25, 2008.

The Democratic Change Commission will address three issues: 1) changing the window of time during which primaries and caucuses may be held 2) reducing the number of superdelegates and 3) improving the caucus system. A copy of the convention resolution establishing the Commission is below. The Commission must issue its report and recommendations to the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee no later than January 1, 2010.

The Commission is made up of 35 members and two co-chairs and represents a diverse mix of DNC members, elected officials, representatives of State Parties, academics, labor, business, grassroots activists and other Party leaders. A complete list of the Commission’s members is below.

Commission Members:

Former State Chair Ned Helms
Concord, New Hampshire

Shea-Porter says 'Now Way, No How!' in latest fundraising appeal

U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter's latest fundraising appeal:

Friend,

The 2010 campaign should not be starting already, but it is. The Washington Republicans have said NO to President Obama, NO to the American agenda and NO to my re-election in 2010.

Several Republican opponents are now lined up at the gate to try to defeat me. And what is my response?

NO WAY, NO HOW!

The Party of “NO” cannot turn our country back. I need you to help right now to show them that you support this new American agenda and that you support me.

Please show them that we are strong and united by clicking HERE and sending a contribution TODAY.

Please speak up by contributing. They are listening and we need to send a clear message right now.

NO WAY, NO HOW do we want to see the party of “NO” back.

NH House committee passes medical marijuana bill

From the New Hampshire House:

A House committee today recommended that the full House agree to let certain patients grow their own marijuana if their doctor recommends they use it to relieve certain medical conditions.
The so-called medical marijuana bill, House Bill 648, passed the House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee on a 13 to 7 vote after agreeing to an amendment on a 15 to 5 vote.
Among other things, the amendment restricts the number of patients one “designated caregiver” can assist to one, down from the five allowed in the original bill. It also identifies out-of-staters who qualify while in New Hampshire as “visiting qualified patients,” a status that is only good for 30 days.
Patients would be allowed to have two ounces of marijuana in their possession.
Those who support the bill said it will help patients who suffer from several conditions, including cancer, multiple sclerosis or other chronic or terminal diseases, and keep them from having to take narcotics.
Opponents said it violates federal law, which classifies marijuana as a Class 1 dangerous drug.
The bill will go to the full House during session next week.

Palin polling in NH?

A blogger on Blue Hampshire is reporting that a friend received a robosurvey about Gov. Sarah Palin.

I haven’t heard anyone else receiving the same phone call but read the entire diary yourself at: Sarah Palin for President: It begins…with robopolling?

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."

Sununu on Bradley running in SD-3

Former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-NH) has officially decided to run in the special election in Senate District 3. Bradley will be running against Bud Martin (D-Center Sandwich).

Below is a statement from New Hampshire Republican Chairman John H. Sununu

“Jeb Bradley’s love for the State of New Hampshire is clearly demonstrated by his acceptance of the call to run for the State Senate in District 3. He understands that if we are to preserve the traditional values and fiscal integrity that have been the hallmark of New Hampshire, we need to strengthen the Republican ranks in the Legislature.

“Jeb Bradley will make a great State Senator and his voice will help fight against the increase in the room and meals tax, restore fair distribution of revenue to our communities and help maintain New Hampshire’s special environment.”

Preview of 2010?

If you are interested in seeing a possible match-up of the 2010 gubernatorial race, you might be interested in this event:

The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce will host Governor John Lynch and Mayor Frank Guinta on Wednesday, March 18th from 7:30 am to 9:30 am at the Derryfield Restaurant in Manchester at the Chamber’s Annual State of the State/City Breakfast Forum. This annual forum brings together business leaders and policy makers from across the Greater Manchester region to hear from the Governor and Mayor on the current state of New Hampshire and the City of Manchester. The Governor and Mayor will each deliver formal remarks for approximately 20 minutes and then answer questions from the audience.

A limited amount of tickets are still available for this event. To register contact the Chamber at 666-6600 or email customerservice@manchester-chamber.org. Tickets are $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members.

Bow power plant takes center-stage

Today the New Hampshire State Senate heard testimony on a bill that would require PSNH to study the cost of installing a scrubber at the Merrimack State Power Plant.

PSNH is attempting to build a scrubber that would reduce the mercury levels it emits into the atmosphere, but critics say the scrubber is too expensive and wants PSNH to look into the possibility of using renewable energy sources.

The effort has become so political that well-known activist Gary Hirshberg posted an entry on the website Blue Hampshire and New Hampshire Republican Chairman John H. Sununu released a statement that criticizes the bill.

Here is the Hirshberg column: Do we really want to give Big Coal a Blank Check with Our Money?

Here is the Sununu statement:

“No matter how hard the Democrats try to sound like they have a constructive energy policy, their actions prove they are anti-energy, anti-growth and anti-jobs. The repeated attempts by the House and Senate liberals to force the Merrimack Station Power Plant out of business are perfect examples of the radical and destructive agenda that has been adopted by the New Hampshire Democrat Party. Their actions should serve as a clear indicator for anyone who doubted that the Democrat leadership supports the debilitation of the traditional power sources that supply the majority of New Hampshire residents with cheap and efficient energy.

“This effort to shutter the Merrimack Station is part of a larger effort by the national Democrat Party to abandon our domestic coal as a principal supply of energy. While liberal Democrats in Washington are pushing unreasonably high standards on trace mercury emissions, their comrades in Concord are attempting to implement conflicting restrictions that will make it impossible for the Merrimack Power Plant to meet those standards. We’ve seen the same strategy employed towards other reliable forms of energy such as oil and nuclear power, which Democrats have attempted to block with government regulations, superfluous lawsuits and unfounded scare tactics for the last thirty years.

“If one thing is clear it’s that the liberals in Concord will stop at nothing to implement their radical agenda regardless of the disastrous effects it will have on electrical bills or New Hampshire’s power supply. We can’t let them shut down 40% of New Hampshire’s supply of electricity. The Merrimack Station should be allowed to purchase and install environmental controls to meet the federal standards.”

NRCC leans on Shea-Porter over EFCA

The NRCC has released a statement criticizing U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) because she is a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act.

Here is the NRCC statement:

Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) signed her name on the dotted line yesterday by co-sponsoring the so-called Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) – better known as “card-check.” In doing so, the New Hampshire Democrat signaled her support to strip workers of the right to a secret union ballot, a practice that leads to corruption and worker intimidation, not to mention its potential to kill jobs generated by small businesses. Shea-Porter's support of card-check is further proof that she has put the special interests of Big Labor that funded her campaign ahead of the needs of struggling working class families she regrettably misrepresents in Congress.

“By co-sponsoring card-check, Carol Shea-Porter has demonstrated her willingness to pay back union bosses at the expense of New Hampshire workers and their fundamental rights to a secret ballot,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Despite all of her rhetoric about wanting to create jobs for middle-class Americans, Shea-Porter is supporting this job-killing bill that threatens to make the workplace a site for corruption and coercion. Now, with unemployment continuing to climb, it’s time for Shea-Porter to explain why she has embraced the needs of the special interests that filled her campaign coffers at the expense of her own constituents.”

Demers to host annual St. Paddy's Day roast

Powerful New Hampshire lobbyist Jim Demers shows ever year that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.

This year Demers will once again be hosting annual “New Hampshire Capital St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast & Roast.” Proceeds from the event go towards the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth.

This year special guest roasters include Governor John Lynch, Senate President Sylvia Larsen,
Senate Minority Leader Peter Bragdon, House Speaker Teri Norelli and House Minority Leader Sherm Packard.

State Rep. James Garrity will sing some Irish songs and their will be a performance by the Professional Fire Fighters Bagpipe Band

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.

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.