Monday, December 31, 2007

Huck's Tenative Schedule

Here is a tentative schedule of Mike Huckabee's New Hampshire schedule. Huckabee will be joined by Chuck Norris and the rock band Mamma Kicks.

Friday, January 4th

4:00pm
Come Meet Mike Huckabee at a Huckabee for President Rally with Special Guests Chuck Norris
New England College
Bridges Gymnasium
98 Bridge Street
Henniker, NH

Saturday, January 5th

10:00am
Come Meet Governor Mike Huckabee and Special Guest Chuck Norris at the "Reason for Giving"
Londonderry Middle School Cafeteria
313 Mammoth Rd
Londonderry, NH

Sunday, January 6th

11:30am
Chowderfest Meet and Greet! Come Meet Mike Huckabee and Chuck Norris
Windham Center School
2 Lowell Rd
Windham, NH

Monday, January 7th

8:30am
Mike Huckabee with Special Guest Chuck Norris at a Breakfast Meet and Greet
Parker's Maple Barn
1316 Brookline Rd
Mason, NH.

Noon
Meet Mike Huckabee and sample a "Huckaburger" at the Barley House
132 North Main Street
Concord, NH

6:00pm
Come have authentic Texas style chili with Mike Huckabee and Special Guest Chuck Norris!
American Legion Post #7
94 Eastern Ave
Rochester, NH.

A Week Before The Primary Dennis Kucinich Loses Statewide Campaign Coordinator

A week before the New Hampshire primary Dennis Kucinich has lost his statewide campaign coordinator.

Susan Bruce, who originally joined the campaign in March as an organizer, has resigned her position.

Bruce tells us she left for "personal reasons."

The Ohio Congressman is hosting a New Years Eve party tonight in Manchester and is staying in the Granite State until the primary.

Buckley Wants All Candidates Included in Debates

Following a earlier statement from the New Hampshire Republicans, Democratic Chairman Ray Buckley issued the following:

"New Hampshire has a long and proud tradition of serving as a level playing field and is the one state where each candidate can be given an equal opportunity to be heard by the voters. I would strongly encourage any NH media outlet holding candidate debates or forums not to eliminate a sitting US Senator or member of Congress"

Rudy in NH Day Before Iowa Caucuses

Rudy Giuliani will be in New Hampshire on Wednesday, January 2nd.

Wednesday, January 2nd

10:30am
Policy Speech
Wright Museum
77 Center St.
Wolfeboro, NH

1:15pm
Meet & Greet with Remarks
Gateway Family Restaurant
417 Route 108
Somersworth, NH

5:15pm
Town Hall Meeting
American Legion Post 37
5 Riverside St.
Hooksett, NH 03106

Obama Campaign Plans Massive GOTV Operation

From The Obama Campaign:

After ten months of building an unmatched organization across New Hampshire, the Obama campaign is gearing up for an unprecedented Get Out the Vote effort in the final stretch leading up to the Primary.

More than 700 town and ward captains spanning the state from Manchester to Berlin, Keene to Portsmouth, and everywhere in between have committed to working all day on Primary Day to ensure supporters in their neighborhoods get to the polls.

They will be trained, dispatched, debriefed (and fed) at more than 100 canvass staging locations, plus dozens of phone banks for areas that can’t be canvassed.

Together they will knock on hundreds of thousands of doors in the days between the January 3 Iowa Caucus and the January 8 New Hampshire Primary.

10,000 yard signs have been distributed around the state.

Clinton Announces New Year's Day Blitz

From The Clinton Campaign:

With just eight days left until the primary, and only one until 2008, the New Hampshire for Hillary campaign is gearing up for a statewide New Year’s Day Grassroots Blitz. At noon on Tuesday, January 1st, the campaign will kick off canvasses at 16 regional offices.

The campaign also unveiled a new web video outlining Senator Clinton’s priorities for the New Year. The new 31-second video, entitled “Countdown,” lays out her plan to create a new beginning for the New Year for all Americans by providing universal healthcare, bringing our troops home and fixing our broken economy. America faces big challenges today and in the coming years and it’s time for a President who will truly lead our country back to greatness.

NH GOP Wants All Major Candidates Included in Debates

New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman Fergus Cullen releases the following statement regarding primary weekend debates:

“Limiting the number of candidates who are invited to participate in debates is not consistent with the tradition of the first in the nation primary. The level playing field requires that all serious candidates be given an equal opportunity to participate – not just a select few determined by the media prior to any votes being cast.”

“Therefore, the New Hampshire Republican Party calls upon all media organizations planning pre-primary debates or forums for both parties to include all recognized major candidates in their events.”

“The New Hampshire Republican Party has notified FOX News of our position, and we are in ongoing discussions with FOX News about having as many candidates as possible participate in the forum scheduled for January 6.”

Paul Launches Immigration Ad

Ron Paul has begun airing a new thirty-second television ad in New Hampshire. The ad highlights Paul's immigration policy.

Narrator: For generations, Lady Liberty welcomed immigrants that came here legally, followed the rules and led productive lives. Today, illegal immigrants violate our borders and overwhelm our hospitals, schools and social services.

Ron Paul wants border security NOW:
– Physically secure the border.
– No amnesty.
– No welfare to illegal aliens.
– End birthright citizenship.
– No more student visas from terrorist nations.

Standing up for the rule of law… Ron Paul for President.

Congressman Paul: I’m Ron Paul and I approve this message.

Obama To Rally At Concord High School

The day after the Iowa caucuses Barack Obama will hold a rally at Concord High School.

Friday, January 4th

12:30pm
Concord High School
170 Warren St.
Concord, NH

Conway Daily Sun Endorses Richardson

This morning The Conway Daily Sun endorsed Bill Richardson.

This is the first newspaper endorsement that the New Mexico Governor has received.

The editors concluded "While Obama and Edwards have the big media budgets, neither has the experience of Richardson."

"Richardson has heavyweight credentials for a heavyweight job; Obama, Edwards and Clinton, by comparison, have barely found their way into the ring," they added.

Kucinich Schedule for Dec. 31-Jan.8th

Kucinich schedule for Dec. 31-Jan. 8th

Monday, December 31, 2007

8:30a -
Breakfast with Kucinich
Merrimack Restaurant
786 Elm Street
Manchester, NH
This event occurs every morning at a different location

12:15p-1:30p
A Visit to the New Hampshire State House
Main Street
Concord, NH
Dennis will say hello to State HouseVisitors and Peace Activists on the corner of Park and Main beforeintroducing himself to the lunch crowd at the many downtown eateries.

2:00p - 3:00p
Walk the Mall Meet the People
Steeplegate Mall
270 Loudon Road
Concord, NH

4:00p - 5:00p
Walk the Mall Meet the People
Pheasant Lane Mall
310 Daniel Webster Highway
Nashua, NH

10:00p - 12:30a
Dennis and Elizabeth Kucinich
Resolution for Peace: A New Year's Concertfor the Community MCAM Studios
540 N Commercial Street
Manchester, NH

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

1:30p to 2:00p
"A Celebration of Freedom"
South Church
The Unitarian Universalist Church ofPortsmouth
292 State Street State
Portsmouth, NH
New Hampshire's Civil Union Law will go into effect andCongressman Kucinich and his wife Elizabeth will recognize those legalizingtheir unions and celebrate this basic human right

Thursday, January 3, 2008

11:00a-12:30p
"Every Child Matters Forum"
The University of New Hampshire
Huddleston Hall
73 Main Street
Durham, NH

7:00P - 9:00p
"Reclaim America; Vote for What you Want"
A Rally for NH Supporters of DennisKucinich
Sponsored by the Cheshire County Democrats
Colonial Theater
95 Main Street
Keene, NH

Friday January 4, 2008

7:00p - 8:30p
"100 Club Dinner"
The New Hampshire Democratic Party's Annual 100 Club Dinner
The Hampshire Dome
50 Emerson Road
Milford, NH
Dennis Kucinich will speak at the Annual Dinner which promises to be a truly historic event!

January 6, 2008

8:45p - 9:15p
Constitutional Convention Initiative
Live Town Hall Meeting
MCAM Studios
540 N Commercial St, Manchester
This second of three Town Hall Meetings willfocus on 'Separation and Balance of Power' and will be televised live onTV23 in Manchester and can be seen worldwide on www.kucinichtv.com

January 8, 2008

8:00p - 12:00 midnight.
Members of the press are invited to drop by the 'ThePrimary Night Watch Party' with Dennis Kucinich at Jillians in Manchesterat 50 Phillipe Cote Street.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

In Case You Were Weathering...

Weather.com is currently projecting that January 8th will be 34 degrees with a 30% chance of rain showers.

McCain Calls Romney's Attack "Ironic"

John McCain has responded to Mitt Romney's criticism of McCain's immigration stance.

In a thirty-second television ad, McCain says "You know, I find it ironic Mitt Romney would attack me on the issue of immigration. This is the same Mitt Romney who called my plan, quote, “Reasonable”."

Script:

JSM: You know, I find it ironic Mitt Romney would attack me on the issue of immigration.

This is the same Mitt Romney who called my plan, quote, “Reasonable”.

Before I can win your vote, I know I have to win your respect.

And to do that, you know I’ll always be straight with you

And on this issue I’ve learned that we’ve got to restore government and secure our borders.

Dodd Planning To Participate In ABC/WMUR Debate

Chris Dodd's campaign has responded to an article in this morning's Nashua Telegraph that the Connecticut Senator has been left out of the ABC/WMUR debate.

Bryan DeAngelis, Dodd's New Hampshire spokesman, tells us "Senator Dodd is planning to participate in the debate."

McCain Scheduled To Be In New Hampshire on Night of Iowa Caucuses

On the night of the Iowa caucuses, John McCain is scheduled to host a town hall meeting in Derry, New Hampshire.

According to the Real Clear Politics average McCain is currently in second place in New Hampshire and in third place in Iowa.

Thursday, January 3rd

5:30pm
Town Hall Meeting
Adams Memorial Opera House
29 West Broadway
Derry, NH

Whose In, Whose Out of ABC/WMUR Debate

The Nashua Telegraph's Kevin Landrigan has the lineup of candidates who will participating in the January 5th ABC/WMUR debate.

Democrats: Hillary Rodham Clinton, John Edwards, Barack Obama and Bill Richardson.

Republicans: Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson.

Who is left out? Joe Biden, Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., former Sen. Mike Gravel, D-Alaska, Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., and Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio.

Landrigan also wrote that candidates must meet three criteria: 1) Iowa: A showing in the top four. 2) New Hampshire polls: At least 5 percent support in the most recent independent polls. 3) National polls: At least 5 percent backing in a national survey.

**UPDATE: Chris Dodd's campaign has responded to Landrigan's article.

Bryan DeAngelis, Dodd's New Hampshire spokesman, tells us "Senator Dodd is planning to participate in the debate."

Nashua Telegraph Endorses McCain

This morning The Nashua Telegraph endorsed John McCain for the Republican nomination.

The Telegraph concluded "You might not always agree with his answers, but you won't leave a conversation wondering where he stands."

According to the McCain campaign this is the 26th newspaper endorsement for the Arizona Senator.

Last week, The Telegraph endorsed Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination.

Updated Giuliani Schedule

Updated Rudy schedule

Sunday, December 3oth

11:00am
Plymouth Regional Senior Center
8 Depot St.
Plymouth, NH

1:45pm
Governor Adams Lodge
60 Loon Mountain Road
Lincoln, NH

3:15
Mt. Washington Resort
Route 302
Bretton Woods, NH

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Concord Monitor To Endorse Clinton

Tomorrow The Concord Monitor will endorse Hillary Clinton.

In an excerpt the editorial board writes "Clinton's ambitious to-do list for her first few weeks in office gives us confidence that her priorities are right and that she would act swiftly to make a positive difference. She is the Monitor's choice in the Jan. 8 Democratic primary."

After calling Barack Obama "a serious candidate with sober ideas" they endorsed the New York Senator because "Clinton's unique combination of smarts, experience and toughness makes her the best choice to win the November election and truly get things done."

Did Clinton Copy Edwards?

The other day Hillary Clinton's campaign released information about their election night plans. The release sounded similar to something we've read before. The Clinton release is erily similar to the release the Edwards campaign sent out on December 13th. It appears that the Clinton campaign copied and pasted the language from the Edwards election, right down to the punctuation. Specifically they copied the billing and credentialing language.

Edwards release: Billing – The campaign will coordinate and arrange for technical installation and the costs will be billed back to your organization. The total costs will vary depending on the needs you are requesting and the number of outlets that participate. Approximate costs will be given to you as soon as details are worked out.

Clinton's release: The campaign will coordinate and arrange for technical installation and the costs will be billed back to your organization. The total costs will vary depending on the needs you are requesting and the number of outlets that participate. Approximate costs will be given to you as soon as details are finalized.

Edwards release: TOTAL number of credentials requested (This includes ALL people from your outlet who will be attending. Note – we will make every effort to accommodate the number requested but cannot guarantee all credentials until details are finalized. Credentials will be picked up on-site at the credentialing table; time will be provided when finalized):

Clinton's release/website: This number includes ALL people from your outlet who will be attending. Please note – we will make every effort to accommodate the number requested but cannot guarantee all credentials until details are finalized. Credentials will be picked up on-site at the credentialing table; time will be provided when finalized.

Monitor Endorses McCain

This morning The Concord Monitor endorsed John McCain.

The Monitor wrote "McCain's willingness to break with his party on issues like climate change and immigration, his honesty and his refusal to pander make him the Monitor's choice in the Jan. 8 Republican presidential primary."

"When McCain approaches a decision, his first battle is with his own conscience. He doesn't put his finger into the political wind but runs against it if need be to do what he thinks is right," The Monitor added.

Last weekend, The Monitor published an anti-endorsement of Mitt Romney calling Romney a "phony."

Granny D Campaigns for Edwards

From The Edwards Campaign:

This morning at 10:00am, grassroots icon and John Edwards endorser Doris ‘Granny D’ Haddock joined Graniteroots volunteers for a canvass kickoff in Swanzey to help spread Edwards’ bold message of change.

“In my 97 years, I have seen many politicians come and go,” said Granny D. “Now more than ever, we need a leader who has the courage, the backbone and the integrity to stand up to the corporations and special interests in Washington, to deliver universal health care and energy independence, to fight for the middle class, and to finally bring about public financing of our elections. John Edwards is that man, and I’m proud to support him in this campaign.”

Friday, December 28, 2007

Rudy To Make New Hampshire Day Trip

Rudy Giuliani will be in New Hampshire on Sunday, December 30th.

Sunday, December 30th

11:00am
Plymouth Regional Senior Center
8 Dept Street
Plymouth, NH

1:45pm
Loon Mountain Governor Adams Lodge
60 Loon Mountain Road
Lincoln, NH

5:00pm
Kennett High School Cafeteria
409 Eagles Way
North Conway, NH

Kucinich In New Hampshire Through Primary Day

From The Kucinich Campaign:

Ohio Congressman and Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich will be in New Hampshire all the way through to Primary Day on January 8, 2008, meeting with residents and talking about the issues that matter: health care costs and availability, ending the war in Iraq and developing alternative energy sources to protect America's future.

McCain Airs Anti-Romney Ad

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today launched a new television ad in New Hampshire, entitled "Consider," responding to Mitt Romney's negative attack ad. "Consider" will run on New Hampshire and Boston television.

VIEW THE NEW AD HERE: http://www.johnmccain.com/tvads/

Script for "Consider" (:30-TV)

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

ANNCR: As you hear Mitt Romney attack John McCain, consider these words from New Hampshire newspapers.

The Union Leader says John McCain has "conviction" and "Granite Staters want a candidate who will look them in the eye and tell them the truth."

"John McCain has done that."

"Mitt Romney has not."

The Concord Monitor writes, "If a candidate is a phony ... we'll know it."

"Mitt Romney is such a candidate."

That's why Romney's hometown newspaper says the "choice is clear:" John McCain.

Bill Clinton To Visit Nashua, Dover, Portsmouth

The New Hampshire for Hillary Campaign today announced new details about President Bill Clinton’s return to the Granite State to kick off a “Big Challenges, Real Solutions – Time To Pick A President" Tour this Saturday, December 29, 2007.

Saturday, December 29th

President Clinton Kicks-off “Time to Pick a President” Canvass
10:30 AM
VFW Post 483
2 Quincy Street
Nashua, NH

President Clinton Attends “Time to Pick a President” Event
3:45 PM
Salmon Falls Stoneware
75 Oak Street
Dover, NH

President Clinton Attends “Time to Pick a President” Event
5:15 PM
85 Middle Street
Portsmouth, NH

Paul Visits Saturday, December 29th

Congressman Ron Paul will make the following public appearances on Saturday, December 29th:

8:30 - 9:15 am
Breakfast at the Red Arrow Diner
61 Lowell Street, Manchester

9:30 - 10:30 am
Meeting with undecided voters
Private Residence

11:15 - 11:45 am
Downtown Business Walk, Derry
AJ's Pizza - 21 Birch Street
All-American Barber Shop - 11 E. Broadway
The Blackberry Bakery - 14B E. Broadway

12:30 - 1:30 pm
Lunch at the Early Bird Cafe
160 Plaistow Road, Plaistow

Further stops TBA.

Richardson Announces Coalition of Independents

From The Richardson Campaign:

The New Hampshire for Richardson campaign today launched the Granite State Independents for Richardson steering committee. The coalition of independents will help grow the campaign’s strong grassroots organization in New Hampshire.

Hilary Cleveland, a professor at Colby-Sawyer College, will chair the Granite State Independents for Richardson steering committee. Cleveland was an active leader in Republican politics for many years. She is the widow of James Cleveland, the nine-term Republican Congressman from New Hampshire’s 2nd District. In 2004, she changed her political affiliation from Republican to “Undeclared” and voted in the Democratic primary.

Granite State Independents for Richardson Steering Committee:
Hilary Cleveland- New London (Chair)
Dave Berman- Rumney
D. Wright Downs- Springfield
Kristine Stollar - Lee
Dave Littlefield - Somersworth
Patrick Haggerty - Franconia
Ken McNeill - Washington
Wil Brassard - Peterborough
Charmaine Bertrand - Hudson
David Rosen - Temple
Betty Moore - Hampton
Linda Fernald - Nottingham
Jaclyn Haubach - Portsmouth
Jean Lavin - Gilford
Brad Taylor - Canterbury
Robin McBrearty - Concord
Dr. Carla Kirsh - Marlow

Gale Thomson Endorses Romney

From The Romney Campaign:

Today, former New Hampshire First Lady Gale Thomson announced her endorsement of Governor Mitt Romney. Mrs. Thomson is the wife of late New Hampshire Governor Meldrim Thomson Jr., who's "Ax the Tax" platform inspired future state and national candidates to take a pledge against raising taxes. She joins her son, anti-tax advocate Tom Thomson, who had previously announced his support of Governor Romney.

"Governor Romney strongly believes that through fiscally conservative policies, we can grow the economy, create better jobs and build a stronger America for future generations. He fought for those principles as Governor and he'll do the same as our nation's president. My husband always said, 'low taxes are the result of low spending,' and Mitt Romney embodies this vital conservative principle. I would encourage all Granite Staters to join me in supporting Governor Romney's campaign," said Gale Thomson.

McCain Airs Ad on Newspaper Endorsements

From The McCain Campaign:

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced a new television ad to run in New Hampshire. The ad, entitled "Endorsed," highlights John McCain's endorsements by over 20 newspapers all across New Hampshire. Granite State editorial boards spanning the ideological spectrum -- from the New Hampshire Union Leader to the Portsmouth Herald -- recognize that John McCain is the only candidate with the experience, credibility and character to lead as commander in chief from day one.

"Endorsed" will run on New Hampshire and Boston television.

VIEW THE NEW AD HERE: http://www.johnmccain.com/tvads/

Script for "Endorsed" (:30-TV)

ANNCR 1: After taking a close look,

20 newspapers all across New Hampshire endorse John McCain.

Here's what they're saying:

ANNCR 2: McCain campaigns with decency

ANNCR 1: The right stuff ...

ANNCR 2: To become among our greatest presidents

ANNCR 1: Principled

ANNCR 2: Character

ANNCR 1: Integrity and honor

ANNCR 2: Impeccable national security credentials

ANNCR 1: McCain transcends partisanship

ANNCR 2: Most trustworthy

ANNCR 1: The man to lead America

ANNCR 2: All across New Hampshire newspapers agree

ANNCR 1: The choice is clear. For President: John McCain

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message

JOHN MCCAIN: "THE MAN TO LEAD AMERICA"

Edwards' "Born For"

Today, 11 days before the New Hampshire primary, the John Edwards for President campaign began airing a new television spot in New Hampshire. In the ad, entitled “Born For,” Edwards tells voters that standing up to powerful interests on behalf of the middle class is the fight he was born for.

Full Transcript of “Born For” (30 seconds):

I’m John Edwards and I approve this message.

For 25 years, corporate greed has gotten its way in Washington

Destroying American jobs and the middle class -

While the establishment did nothing.

Insurance giants killed health care.

Energy giants make billions from insane gas prices.

And more jobs were lost.

As much as we like to think so, good intentions won’t change a thing.

Corporate greed won’t be stopped without a president who fights for you.

Saving the middle class will be an epic battle,

And that’s a fight I was born for.

Obama Airs "Unify" Ad

From The Obama Campaign:

Senator Barack Obama’s New Hampshire campaign will begin airing a new TV ad tomorrow highlighting Obama’s ability to unify the country and restore trust in our government. The thirty-second spot, entitled “Unify,” features quotes from four newspapers that have endorsed Obama in the New Hampshire primary: the Boston Globe, the Nashua Telegraph, the Portsmouth Herald, and the Valley News.

Script – “Unify”

America is listening…

Not just Democrats, but Republicans, and Independents…

Who’ve lost trust in their government,

But want to believe again.

[Onscreen: “best chance to break… partisan gridlock” Portsmouth Herald 12/20/0]

I am in this race, to tell the corporate lobbyists that their days of setting the agenda…

In Washington are over.

[Onscreen: “independence” Boston Globe 12/16/07 Onscreen: He’s “taken on lobbyists” Valley News 12/20/07]

We have a chance to bring the country together.

A nation healed…

[Onscreen: “Obama can end decades of division” Nashua Telegraph 12/23/07]

A world repaired.

An America that believes again.

Romney Airs Ad Attacking McCain

From The Romney Campaign:

Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Future." The ad highlights the choice Republicans will have to make when it comes to strengthening our country. Senator McCain opposed strengthening our economy through lower taxes. He has pushed legislation allowing every illegal immigrant to stay in the United States. Governor Romney took a different course. He cut taxes and spending in Massachusetts. He has consistently opposed amnesty for illegal immigrants. On election day, Republicans will have a choice between two very different records and visions for our future.

Script For "Future" (TV:30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

ANNOUNCER: "John McCain, an honorable man. But is he the right Republican for the future?

"McCain opposes repeal of the death tax, and voted against the Bush tax cuts twice.

"McCain pushed to let every illegal immigrant stay here permanently.

"Even voted to allow illegals to collect Social Security.

"And Mitt Romney? Mitt Romney cut taxes and spending as Governor.

"He opposes amnesty for illegals.

"Mitt Romney. John McCain. There is a difference."

To watch "Future," please see: http://tv.mittromney.com/?showid=728416

New Hampshire News Links for December 28th, 2007

New Hampshire News Links December 28th, 2007

www.nhnewslinks.com
Now part of The Hotline Political Network!
Visit our blog!

We should be updated frequently this New Years Weekend – Happy New Years!

NEWS: Couples are ready: Civil-union countdown is on

PEOPLE/CANDIDATES: Political novice thrives in new role: Shea-Porter works to stay true to roots / Gregg-Sununu, Streeter, Blatsos

POLITICAL COLUMNS: Political Chowder

NH POLLS: Obama, Clinton even in key states: A new Times/Bloomberg Poll finds them statistically tied in New Hampshire and in a three-way race with Edwards in Iowa. GOP's Huckabee has a big lead in Iowa but trails Romney by a wide margin up north.

OP-ED: Editorial: Sex offender limits to have little impact

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES: Clinton, Obama Seize on Killing; Reactions Illustrate Their Key Differences / The Field, Biden, Clinton, Dodd, Edwards, Gravel, Obama, Richardson

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES: Slaying may boost Giuliani, McCain / The Field, The Debate, Guiliani, Huckabee, Hunter, McCain, Paul, Romney, Thompson

OTHER CANDIDATES: Bloomberg

FIRST PRIMARY: Iowa Saturated by Political Ads

GENERAL (NATIONAL) CAMPAIGN NEWS: Cashing In From the Outside; Unlimited Donations Boost Political Clout Of Independent Groups

NATIONAL POLLS: Latest Polls Show Democrats in Dead Heat in Iowa

WAR: Benazir Bhutto: 2008, New Hampshire, and other News and Views

ARTICLES: Milne: Tough challenges are ahead for New Hampshire / Conway Daily Sun: Edwards: Corporate greed is killing the American dream / Edwards touts middle class as 'engine' of economic growth / Edwards can't recall student journalist whose story top aides tried to 'squelch'

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Rather To Report Live From The Palace Theatre

On the night of the New Hampshire primary Dan Rather will be reporting live from Manchester's historic Palace Theatre. Joining Rather will be strategists Mike Murphy, Donnie Fowler and yours truly...Cosmo. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, check below.

"DAN RATHER REPORTS" to Broadcast Coverage of the New Hampshire Primary- LIVE from the Palace Theatre!

Dan Rather will be headed to the historic Palace Theatre in Manchester to host live broadcast coverage of the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday, January 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

This program will air live, nationwide on HDNet and is open to the public.

Rather will be joined on the broadcast by veteran campaign strategists Republican Mike Murphy and Democrat Donnie Fowler - both providing additional analysis and commentary on the primary results as they come in.

Tickets are free to the public on a first come first served basis. To reserve your tickets call the Palace Box Office at (603) 668 – 5588.

For more information on the Palace Theatre: palacetheatre.org

For full press release on Dan Rather Reports in New Hampshire: http://www.hd.net/pressrelease.html?2007-12-20-02.html

Here is the palace theatre's event listing: http://palacetheatre.org/event-calendar.aspx?event=171&dt=1/8/2008&category=ALL

Bill Clinton Returns To New Hampshire

The New Hampshire for Hillary Campaign today announced President Bill Clinton will return to the Granite State to kick off a “Big Challenges, Real Solutions – Time To Pick A President" Tour this Saturday, December 29, 2007.

Additional details of the trip will follow. For information on the New Hampshire for Hillary campaign please visit www.hillaryclinton.com/nh.

SEIU Launches New Hampshire Billboard Ads

The SEIU has announced that will launch a series of billboard ads in New Hampshire. The ads will appear on mobile billboards, on highways and in airports. The billboard will feature a social worker from the Granite State.

In addition to New Hampshire, the ads will appear in Iowa, South Carolina and Nevada.

According to a press release, "The billboards urge voters and caucus goers to go to the polls next month to choose a presidential candidate who will stand up for workers and make health care a top priority."

You can view the billboards at www.WalkADayInMyShoes2008.com and www.ImAHealthCareVoter.org.

Clinton Gains Cabinet Press Endorsement

From The Clinton Campaign:

The Cabinet Press, which includes four weekly newspapers with a circulation of 31,000 in nine towns across southern New Hampshire , today endorsed Hillary Clinton for President.

In their endorsement editorial, the Cabinet Press wrote that “Sen. Clinton, as President Hillary Clinton, will ensure that those who most need a health care boost will get it,” adding that “Hillary Clinton is a tough, smart, courageous, compassionate and sometimes blunt senator who will be a good president in a time that requires the kind of backbone she possesses.”

The four Cabinet Press newspapers include: the Milford Cabinet, Bedford Journal, Hollis Brookline Journal and Merrimack Journal. The weeklies endorsed John Kerry in 2004.

Blue Hampshire Co-Founder Endorses Dodd

From The Dodd Campaign:

Last night, Mike Caulfield, one of the three founding members and managing editors of the online community Blue Hampshire endorsed Chris Dodd for President. Blue Hampshire is the most prominent Democratic blog in the state. Caulfield joins fellow Blue Hampshire co-founder Dean Barker in support of Dodd. Barker endorsed Dodd on September 5th of this year.

"You could choose those that stood back, and waited until history was on their side before they moved bold agendas forward. You could hope that their theories of change were correct," Caulfield wrote. "Or you could choose the person, who, against all odds, advanced the progressive agenda through every means at his disposal. I've seen Dodd sailing against the wind and been amazed. I can only imagine what he will do with the wind at his back."

Gravel Announces RV Tour of New Hampshire

Senator Mike Gravel will be embarking upon a statewide tour of New Hampshire between now and the January 8th primary. His "Stop and Think" tour will be conducted with the Gravel campaign RV, and starts with a slate of events in northeast NH. The RV will be unveiled just after the New Year, it will not be included in this leg of the tour.

More events to follow shortly:

Friday 12/28

10:00 AM
Town Hall Meeting
VFW George J Maxfield of 1772
43 Highland St.
Rochester, NH

1:30 PM
Town Hall Meeting
Ossipee Town Hall

3:30 PM
Editorial Board with The Conway Daily Sun
64 Seavey Street
North Conway, NH

5:00 PM
Town Hall Meeting
The Metropolitan Coffee House
2680 Main St.
North Conway, NH

Saturday 12/29

10 AM
Town Hall Meeting
Jackson Village, NH

11 - 11:30 AM
Lunchtime Meet & Greet at J-Town Deli
174 Main St.
Jackson Village, NH

1 PM
Town Hall Meeting
Berlin VFW
1107 Main St.
Berlin, NH

2:15
Meet & Greet at Tea Birds Cafe
101 Main St. Berlin, NH

4:15
Meet & Greet at the Littleton Diner
145 Main St. Littleton, NH

**The Gravel Campaign RV will be unveiled at First Night Wolfeboro, where the Senator and supporters will march in a parade starting at 5:15 PM. Gravel and the RV may swing by First Night Portsmouth as well, before returning to campaign HQ, where the Gravel campaign will be holding a New Year's Party. All supporters are welcome to attend.
Where: 195 Heather St. Manchester, NH 03104 When: starting around 8 PM
(Please RSVP @ 603-624-0052 if you're planning to attend so we know how many people to expect)

Romney Announces Legislative Leadership Team

Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the New Hampshire Romney for President Legislative Leadership Team. The team is comprised of 40 Republican legislators.

New Hampshire Romney For President Legislative Leadership Team:

Belknap County:
Rep. William Tobin, Sanbornton
House Republican Leader Mike Whalley, Alton

Carroll County:
Rep. Christopher Ahlgren, Wolfeboro
Rep. William Denley, Wakefield
Rep. Harry Merrow, Ossippee
Rep. Betsey Patten, Moultonborough
Rep. Stanley Stevens, Wolfeboro

Cheshire County:
Rep. Stephen Pelkey, Jaffrey

Grafton County:
Rep. Vernon Dingman, Haverhill

Hillsborough County:
Rep. Larry Emerton, Goffstown
Rep. Richard Fletcher, Goffstown
Rep. Ken Hawkins, Bedford
Rep. William Infantine, Manchester
Rep. Shawn Jasper, Hudson
Rep. Pamela Manney, Goffstown
Rep. Pamela Price, Nashua
Rep. Maurice Villeneuve, Bedford

Merrimack County:
Rep. Eric Anderson, Bow
Rep. David Boutin, Hooksett
Rep. Charlie Humphries, Hooksett

Rockingham County:
Rep. Ronald Belanger, Salem
Rep. David Bettencourt, Salem
Rep. David Dalrymple, Salem
Rep. Anthony DiFruscia, Windham
Rep. Marilinda Garcia, Salem
Rep. Mary Griffin, Windham
Rep. James Headd, Auburn
Rep. Paul Hopfgarten, Derry
Rep. George Katsakiores, Derry
Rep. Phyllis Katsakiores, Derry
Sen. Bob Letourneau, Derry
Rep. Norm Major, Plaistow
Rep. Charles McMahon, Windham
Rep. Ronald Nowe, Epping
Rep. Mark Pearson, Salem
Rep. James Rausch, Derry
Rep. Everett Weare, Seabrook
Rep. David Welch, Kingston
Rep. Rick Wickson, Derry

Sullivan County:
Rep. Beverly Rodeschin, Newport

Rudy Begins Airing "Freedom" Ad

The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced the launch of a new television ad, entitled “Freedom.” The ad will begin airing nationally on FOX News and in Florida and New Hampshire on Friday.

Visit http://www.joinrudy2008.com to view the ad. The script is below.

Script for “Freedom”:

MAYOR GIULIANI: “Right before September 11 and months before I had read this book about the greatest generation written by Tom Brokaw.

And the book explains how brave, and how persistent, and how courageous the people were in the generation that won the second world war.

And during the day of September 11 living through the things that I saw and observed.

Immediately, when I saw people helping each other.

I saw the picture of the firefighters putting the flag up at ground zero.

I said these are the children or grandchildren or great-grandchildren of the greatest generation.

They have the same resolve. The same understanding.

When you challenge Americans, there’s no country that stands up stronger and better than the United States of America.

When you try and take something away from us like freedom, my goodness, Americans are going to be one in resisting you.

So, the Islamic terrorists would make a terrible mistake if they confuse our democracy for weakness.

Our democracy means we disagree with each other, but when you come and try and take away from us our freedom.

When you try and come here and kill our people.

We’re one and we’re going to stand up to you and we’re going to prevail.

I’m Rudy Giuliani and I approved this message.”

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Straight Talk Express Tour

Here is the public schedule of John McCain's "Straight Talk Express" bus tour from Friday, December 28, 2007 through Wednesday, January 2, 2008.

Friday, December 28th

3:00pm
Health Care Town Hall Forum
Elliot Hospital
The Conference Center
1 Elliot Way
Manchester, New Hampshire

5:30pm
Manchester Young Professionals Town Hall Meeting
Wedu
Event Room
20 Market Street
Manchester, New Hampshire

Saturday, December 29, 2007

9:00am
Town Hall Meeting
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
93 Locust Street
Dover, New Hampshire

12:00pm
Town Hall Meeting
Merrimack VFW Post 8641
282 Daniel Webster Highway
Merrimack, New Hampshire

4:00pm
House Party Hosted
20 Greeley Hill Road
Bedford, New Hampshire

6:00pm
Town Hall Meeting
Londonderry Lions Club Hall
259 Mammoth Road
Londonderry, New Hampshire

Sunday, December 30, 2007

2:00pm
House Party
31 Hillcrest Drive
Lebanon, New Hampshire

4:00pm
Town Hall Meeting
Newport Opera House
20 Main Street
Newport, New Hampshire

Monday, December 31, 2007

11:00am
House Party
119 Antrim Road
Hancock, New Hampshire

2:00pm
House Party
9 Premier Drive
Londonderry, New Hampshire

5:00pm
House Party
30 Sea Road
Rye, New Hampshire

8:15pm
House Party
205 East Side Drive
Concord, New Hampshire

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

6:00pm
Town Hall Meeting
Laconia VFW
143 Court Street
Laconia, New Hampshire

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

8:30am
Town Hall Meeting
Pembroke Academy
209 Academy Ave.
Pembroke, New Hampshire

Paul's Latest New Hampshire Ad

Texas Congressman Ron Paul has launched a new television ad that will begin airing in New Hampshire. The thirty-second ad is titled "Defender of Freedom." The script and ad is below.

Narrator: “He defends our freedom, and his record shows it… Ron Paul.

“Answering our country’s call, Ron Paul became a flight surgeon in the Air Force.

“As a doctor, Ron Paul delivered over 4,000 babies and is a leading defender of life.

“In Congress, Ron Paul never voted to raise taxes, never voted for an unbalanced budget, never voted to restrict gun rights or raise congressional pay.

“Protecting our God-given freedom… Ron Paul for President.”

Congressman Paul: “I’m Ron Paul and I approve this message.”

Clinton's "Stakes"

Today Hillary Clinton's campaign began airing a new television ad. The thirty-second ad, titled "Stakes," features images with text.

Ad text in bold. Images in brackets.

A nation at war
[Soldier’s helmet]

Troubles at home
[Foreclosure sign]

America at a crossroads
[National debt calculator]

Demands a leader
[Hillary supporters with signs]

With a steady hand
[Hillary Clinton]

Who will weather the storms
[Damaged house- spray painted with “Katrina Was Here”]

Solve our problems
[Baby being treated by doctor]

Rebuild our middle class
[Person welding]

And renew our greatness
[Child with American flag]
[Hillary Clinton]

Hillary Clinton
A New Beginning
[Hillary Clinton]

HRC VO: I’m Hillary Clinton and I approve this message

Edwards Airs "Power" Ad

John Edwards has begun airing his eight New Hampshire ad. The thirty-second ad is entitled "Power" and features Edwards saying that he will "restore America’s moral authority in the world."

Below is the ad and script.

What will our next president do with the enormous power that comes with the office?

I will restore America’s moral authority in the world, confront people who exploit their power for personal advantage, stand up for people whose voices are ignored – just like I’ve done all my life – be honest about the challenges we face and the choices we have, keep the promises I make, work every day to restore the American Dream.

Because I know that the power that comes with the presidency comes from you.

I’m John Edwards, and I approved this message.

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.

New Hampshire News Links for December 26th, 2007

New Hampshire News Links December 26th, 2007

www.nhnewslinks.com
Now part of The Hotline Political Network!
Visit our blog!

NEWS: New Year to bring same-sex unions; N.H. officials prepare for upcoming law

PEOPLE/CANDIDATES: Hodes, Coffey, Laplante

NH POLLS: N.H. Democrats, GOP sharply divided on healthcare; Differences stark on government's role, poll finds

OP-ED: Editorials: Judge Coffey should heed call to resign

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES: Democrats hustle to get Iowa voters to polls / The Field, Biden, Clinton, Dodd, Edwards, Kerry, Kucinich, Obama, Richardson

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES: Same Party, Different Style; Romney, Huckabee Present a Stark Choice For Iowa Republicans / The Field, Guiliani, Huckabee, McCain, Paul, Romney

FIRST PRIMARY: Many NH undecideds are waiting to choose: More than 40% say they haven't made up their mind

GENERAL (NATIONAL) CAMPAIGN NEWS: When Private Struggles Become Public Displays

WAR: Kean says CIA is parsing words on interrogation tapes

OTHER NEWS AND VIEWS: Freshmen Padding Their Independence; Procedural Votes Become Safe Nays

ARTICLES: Conway Daily Sun: Paul delivers his message of individual liberty, limited government in Conway visit / Paul attracting wide swath of voters to libertarian platform

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

McCain To Hold Pembroke Town Hall

On Wednesday, January 2nd John McCain will hold a town hall meeting at Pembroke Academy.

Wednesday, January 2nd

8:30am – 9:30am
Town Hall Meeting
Pembroke Academy
209 Academy Road
Pembroke, NH

McCain's Tentative Schedule

John McCain's tentative schedule for Friday, December 28th-Sunday, December 30th.

Friday, December 28th

5:00pm
Town Hall Meeting
20 Market St.
Manchester, NH

Saturday, December 29th

9:00am
Town Hall Meeting
93 Locust Ave.
Dover, NH

12:00pm
Town Hall Meeting
Merrimack VFW Post 8641
Merrimack, NH

6:00pm
Town Hall Meeting
Londonderry Lions Club Hall
Londonderry, NH

Sunday, December 30th

4:00pm
Town Hall Meeting
Newport Opera House
Newport, NH

Kucinich in New Hampshire

From the first to vote to the first of a New Year through the first in the nation primary Kucinich campaigns in New Hampshire. Democratic candidate for President Dennis Kucinich continues his push to reach voters looking for "a totally new direction for America."

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Manchester, New Hampshire
6:00pm-7:30pm
"The Real Democratic Debates."
LIVE on MCAM TV23 and streamed live on www.MCAM.org.

Friday, December 28, 2007

Milford, New Hampshire
8:00PM - 9:00PM
House Party
102 Elm St (Hwy 101A),
Milford, NH

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Concord, New Hampshire
2:00PM - 4:00PM
Open House
Kucinich for President Concord Office
33 S. Main Street
Concord, NH

Monday, December 31, 2007

Manchester, New Hampshire
9:00PM to 11:00PM
'Resolution for Peace: A New Year's Concert for the Community'
Dennis Kucinich and his wife Elizabeth will be ringing in 2008 with music, merriment, and a message of optimism at a special New Year's Eve party and concert
MCAM Studios
540 N Commercial Street
Manchester, NH

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Romney Returns After Christmas

On Wednesday, Governor Mitt Romney will return to New Hampshire for two days of events in the Granite State.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007:

2:15 p.m.
Meets with Henniker Area Voters
Pat's Peak Ski Area
686 Flanders Road
Henniker, NH

3:45 p.m.
Meets with Hooksett Area Voters
Robie's General Store
9 Riverside Street
Hooksett, NH

6:15 p.m.
Merrimack "Ask Mitt Anything" Town Hall
Thomas More College
6 Manchester Street
Merrimack, NH

Thursday, December 27, 2007:

9:00 a.m.
Meets with Nashua Area Voters
Norton's Classic Restaurant
223 Main Street
Nashua, NH

9:45 a.m.
Meets with Nashua Area Voters
Jackie's Diner
168 Main Street
Nashua, NH

11:00 a.m.
Meets with Manchester Area Voters
City Flame Smokehouse
363 Chestnut Street
Manchester, NH

11:45 a.m.
Speaks with Manchester Area Voters
American Credit Union Museum
418 Notre Dame Avenue
Manchester, NH

2:15 p.m.
Meets with Bedford Area Voters
RiverWalk of Bedford
Hawthorne Drive
Bedford, NH

Happy Festivus!

Many Christmases ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way...

Happy Festivus!!

Don't forget to put-up your festivus pole, air your grievances, preform the feats of strength and wait for a festivus miracle.

Nashua Telegraph Endorses Obama

Saying "he best represents what Democrats are looking for this year: a change from the status quo, a genuine and authentic voice for hope and healing during difficult and divisive times," The Nashua Telegraph endorsed Barack Obama.

"What's lacking is inspired leadership that can speak directly to the people over the heads of the partisan politicians and craft a national consensus not seen in decades," The Telegraph added.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Clinton Announces Support from 3,500 Women

From The Clinton Campaign:

As Senator Clinton attends “Moms and Daughters Making History” events in the Granite State today with her own mother Dorothy Rodham, and daughter, Chelsea Clinton, the New Hampshire for Hillary campaign announced the names of over 3,500 Women for Hillary. With less than 20 days until the primary, the announcement is yet another sign of the momentum the Clinton campaign continues to build across the state.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Another Updated Rudy Schedule

Rudy Giuliani's updated schedule.

Saturday, December 22

12:30PM
Hopkinton Town Hall Meeting
330 Main St
Hopkinton, NH

3:00PM
House Party
Home of Mayor Frank and Morgan Guinta
221 Crestview Rd
Manchester, NH

Sunday, December 23

12:00PM
Meet & Greet
The Galley Hatch, Pelican Room
325 Lafayette Rd
Hampton, NH

1:30PM
BeanTowne Coffee House and Café
201 State Route 111
Hampstead, NH

Clinton Releases New Radio Ad

From The Clinton Campaign:

The Clinton campaign today launched a new radio ad in New Hampshire , showcasing Hillary’s ability to reach across party lines and talk about the issues that matter to all Americans.

In the new 60-second spot, Steve Walter, a registered Republican from Londonderry , discusses his support for Senator Clinton. Steve’s son Alex suffers from diabetes, and could benefit from stem cell research. Steve participated in a stem cell forum with Senator Clinton at Dartmouth College, and believes Senator Clinton is a real leader that’s going to help Alex and a hundreds of other Americans that suffer from chronic disease.

Listen to the ads here:

“Stem Cell” -- http://www.hillaryclinton.com/files/audio/20071220_nhstemcell1.mp3

Following are the script for the ad.

Steve Walter:
My son Alex is eleven years old. You know, if you know him he’s a great kid, he’s a super athlete and extremely bright. But he also struggles with a chronic disease - Type 1 Diabetes.

Stem cell research is really our hope in making sure that we eliminate this disease.

Announcer:
Hillary Clinton says its time to end George Bush’s war on science and invest in stem cell research.

Steve Walter:
I met Senator Clinton at a town hall meeting at Dartmouth College and she had the opportunity to meet Alex and I think it was a great exchange. She shows a lot of compassion for people.

I believe Senator Clinton is a real leader in stem cell research and that’s going to help Alex and a hundred other Americans that suffer from chronic disease.

Announcer:
As President, Hillary Clinton will lift George Bush’s stem cell ban and let American scientists once again take the lead on this important research.

Steve Walter:
I’m a registered Republican from New Hampshire but I plan to vote for Senator Clinton because she supports Stem Cell research and that’s going to help kids like Alex.

Announcer:
If you’re ready for change she’s ready to lead.

Paid for by Hillary Clinton for President.

Senator Clinton: I’m Hillary Clinton, candidate for President, and I’ve approved this message.

Bob Smith Endorses Hunter

Former New Hampshire Senator Bob Smith has endorsed Duncan Hunter for president.

In a letter that appears on a Hunter website, Smith says "There will never be another Ronald Reagan but fellow Californian Duncan Hunter can pick up the Reagan torch and light the way for America to come back from the dangers we now face."

"Duncan Hunter has proven that he can lead. He has been tested. If given the chance as President, he will inspire people, young and old, to rally to our nation in this time of need," Smith added.

Senator Smith was defeated by Senator John Sununu in a 2002 Republican primary.

House GOP Leader Endorses Romney

House Minority Leader Michael Whalley is planning to endorse Mitt Romney, sources tell New Hampshire Presidential Watch.

The Alton state representative is serving his eight term in the House.

Earlier this year the Republican leader was supporting George Pataki's presidential bid, before the former New York Governor decided not to run.

Updated Giuliani Schedule

Here is Rudy Giuliani's updated schedule for his upcoming weekend visit.

Rudy has canceled his appearances in Meredith, Wolfeboro, Exeter, Salem and Londonderry.

Saturday, December 22

10:00AM
House Party
Home of Mayor Frank and Morgan Guinta
221 Crestview Rd
Manchester, NH

11:15AM
Hopkinton Town Hall Meeting
330 Main St
Hopkinton, NH

1:45PM
House Party
Home of Ted and Lynn Castonguay
39 Stagecoach Rd
Durham, NH

Sunday, December 23

10:00AM
Meet & Greet
The Galley Hatch, Pelican Room
325 Lafayette Rd
Hampton, NH

11:30AM
BeanTowne Coffee House and Café
201 State Route 111
Hampstead, NH

Clinton Walks The Streets of Manchvegas

here's a video of Hillary Clinton's last visit to the Granite State.

Poll-Free Zone

***This will be the last poll I put-up on the site until primary day. Instead, everyday I will put-up the Real Clear Politics Average around dinnertime.***

A USA Today/Gallup poll shows Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton tied in New Hampshire, while Rudy's slide continues.

Republicans:
Romney: 34%
McCain: 27%
Giuliani: 11%
Huckabee: 9%
Paul: 9%
Thompson: 4%
Hunter: 1%

Democrats:
Obama: 32%
Clinton: 32%
Edwards: 18%
Richardson: 8%
Biden: 4%
Kucinich: 3%
Dodd: 1%

McCain Receives More Newspaper Endorsements

John McCain continues to rack up the newspaper endorsements.

Last night The Boston Herald endorsed McCain and this morning The Keene Sentinel endorsed the Arizona Senator.

The Sentinel's editorial board admitted "This newspaper does not agree with McCain on many issues."

However they concluded "Where McCain most distinguishes himself from the rest of this year's Republican pack is in the areas of life experience and force of character. He is not a single-issue candidate off on a frantic ideological jag."

New Hampshire News Links for December 21st, 2007

New Hampshire News Links December 21st, 2007

www.nhnewslinks.com
Now part of The Hotline Political Network!
We should be updating the site sometime on Sunday and Monday.
Visit our blog!

NEWS: A spate of bills would crack down even more on sex offenders / New Hampshire Same-Sex Couples Prepare for Civil Unions

PEOPLE/CANDIDATES: Gregg, Phone-jamming, US Senate, Congress

POLITICAL COLUMNS: Flotsam & Jetsam, Gregg, DiStaso, Sabato, Political Chowder, Portside

NH POLLS: ARG poll shows Sununu leading / New Hampshire Primary Polls

OP-ED: Editorial: An important win for the public and the press

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES: Women voters could drive Democratic choice; Candidates woo female caucusgoers/ The Field, Biden, Clinton, Dodd, Edwards, Kucinich, Obama, Richardson

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES: Ahead of Iowa, Republican Race Is Wide Open / The Field, Guiliani, Huckabee, McCain, Paul, Romney, Tancredo, Thompson

OTHER CANDIDATES: Bloomberg, McKinney

FIRST PRIMARY: Presidential hopefuls to campaign right up to holiday

GENERAL (NATIONAL) CAMPAIGN NEWS: Economy rivals security as top concern for voters

NATIONAL POLLS: Surging Huckabee Takes Lead in Iowa Over Romney

WAR: Satellite-Surveillance Plan Aims to Mollify Critics

OTHER NEWS AND VIEWS: Sentiment Aside, Bush Scores Wins

ARTICLES: Milne: McCain's strategy targets independent voter / Conway Daily Sun: A spate of bills would crack down even more on sex offenders

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Rudy Cancels Friday Events

Marc Ambinder reports tonight that "Rudy Giuliani cancels his New Hampshire schedule for Friday, keeps schedule for Saturday and Sunday."

Edwards To Visit Day After Christmas

John Edwards will visit New Hampshire the day after Christmas, December 26th.

Below is his public schedule.

1:00 PM
CONWAY TOWN HALL
Kennett High School
409 Eagle Way
Conway, NH

4:45 PM
LACONIA TOWN HALL
Belknap Mill
25 Beacon Street East
Laconia, NH

7:00 PM
MANCHESTER ORGANIZING CONVENTION
66 Hanover Street
Manchester, NH

8:00 PM
SALEM ORGANIZING CONVENTION
7A Raymond Avenue
Salem, NH

Tancredo Drops Out

This afternoon Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo dropped out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

After dropping out Tancredo endorsed Mitt Romney.

McCain's Christmas Story

This afternoon John McCain released a new television ad. The thirty-second ad, titled "My Christmas Story," recalls McCain's time has a Vietnam POW.

"It's a powerful reminder that regardless of how difficult the circumstance, simple acts of compassion can bring hope to us all," said Sergeant Major Paul Chevalier (Ret.), Chair of the New Hampshire Veterans for McCain Coalition, in a campaign press release.

You can view the ad here: http://www.johnmccain.com/mychristmasstory

Script for "My Christmas Story" (:30-TV)

JOHN MCCAIN: "One night, after being mistreated as a POW, a guard loosened the ropes binding me, easing my pain.

"On Christmas, that same guard approached me, and without saying a word, he drew a cross in the sand.

"We stood wordlessly looking at the cross, remembering the true light of Christmas.

"I will never forget that no matter where you are, no matter how difficult the circumstances, there will always be someone who will pick you up.

"May you and your family have a blessed Christmas and Happy Holidays.

"I'm John McCain and I approve this message."

Obama Pledges To Have "Most Open" Admin. in History

From The Obama Campaign:

Today in Exeter, Senator Barack Obama hosted a roundtable discussion with New Hampshire Independents to discuss his commitment to cleaning up government and forging bipartisan solutions on the nation's most pressing challenges. Restoring Americans' trust in government, Obama told the group local residents, begins with turning the page the most secretive administration in recent history.

"I will run the most open and transparent Administration in history," Senator Obama said. "Because when you shut the door on the people, chances are you're not doing the peoples' business, you're doing someone else's…Instead of doing business behind closed doors, we'll bring democracy back to the people. When I put together my health care legislation, I won't do it in a back-room – I'll do it out in the open. And we'll make sure the voices of patients, doctors, nurses, and hospital administrators are heard over the drug and insurance industries. That's how we'll finally lower costs and make sure that every American has affordable, high-quality health care."

ARG: Romney, McCain Tied in New Hampshire

A newly released American Research Group poll shows Mitt Romney and John McCain tied in New Hampshire. The poll also finds "in New Hampshire, Clinton leads Obama 44% to 24% among women and she leads Obama 31% to 23% among men."

Here are the full results:

GOP:
Romney: 26%
McCain: 26%
Giuliani: 16%
Huckabee: 11%
Thompson: 4%
Paul: 4%
Hunter: 1%
Keyes: 1%
Tancredo: 1%

Dems:
Clinton: 38%
Obama: 24%
Edwards: 13%
Richardson: 5%
Biden: 4%
Dodd: 2%
Kucinich: 2%
Gravel: 1%

Huckabee Might Bring In New Jersey Volunteers

In our continuing fascination with campaigns bringing-in out of state volunteers, today we read that Mike Huckabee's campaign will soon bus up volunteers from New Jersey.

This nugget appeared in PolitickerNJ: "Some of these people gathered signatures for Huckabee, helping to submit 2,300 here in New Jersey or 1,300 more than what the state requires, and now they're ready for the next challenges: busing up to New Hampshire to volunteer for the campaign, writing letters to the editor, or convincing friends and relatives to back their man."

Read the full article here: Huckabee's Jersey supporters find warmth amidst national Huckaboom

Clinton Says in New Ad "Change only comes with experience"

Today the Clinton campaign launched a new ad in New Hampshire.

The 30-second ad, titled "Make it Happen," features Hillary arguing the country needs a leader with the experience needed to make change.

"This election isn't about choosing change over experience. Change only comes with experience," Clinton says in the ad.

Following is the script for the ad.

CLINTON: I'm Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

I've seen what change takes.

It doesn't happen because you want it to, or because you hoped for it.

You have to work for it

I have thirty-five years experience making change, for kids, for our troops, for families.

This election isn't about choosing change over experience.

Change only comes with experience.

And with the war to end and an economy to fix we've never needed change more, or the strength and experience to make it happen.

Foster's Endorses Rudy

Yesterday, The Foster's Daily Democrat endorsed Rudy Giuliani.

The editors said that "Rudy Giuliani represents the core of Republican thought. He is the kind of Republican who will appeal to the people who elected and re-elected Ronald Reagan."

"Giuliani avoids generalities and obfuscations. What you hear from him is what he believes and how he feels. There is no tap dancing around the great issues on Giuliani's part," they added.

Obama Receives Newspaper Endorsements

This morning The Portsmouth Herald and The Valley News endorsed Senator Barack Obama.

The Portsmouth Herald said Obama "combines the best attributes of natural competence and political inspiration. He inspires trust that he will make sound judgments."

While, The Valley News "She [Clinton] is an armored warrior in a country weary of partisan and cultural warfare; Obama wears no armor. He seeks reconciliation -- at home and abroad — and steps forward, ready to speak a language of common understanding."

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Vice-President Gregg?

First Read's Erin McPike writes that New Hampshire senior Senator Judd Gregg could make an interesting vice-presidential pick.

McPike writes, "Premature though it may be, the case can be made for Gregg to make the veep list. It shouldn’t be forgotten that a Romney victory in the Granite State is critical to the success of a Romney candidacy, but Gregg’s help could be rewarded later -- and there was some speculation that there would be a place for him in the Bush administration back in 2000."

Earlier this year Roll Call predicated the same thing. You can read our write-up at: Vice-President Judd Gregg??

We wrote in February "Would Judd leave the Senate? Perhaps more importantly, would Joel Maiola (Gregg's Chief of Staff) allow the move? Who would Lynch appoint to fill Gregg's seat? Let the speculation begin!!!"

Clinton Beefs-Up New Hampshire Press Office

Apparently, Hillary Clinton's New Hampshire campaign headquarters is becoming "the place to be."

Today it was reported that Clinton spokeswoman Kathleen Strand will be receiving from additional help and a veteran Democratic operative has finished reviewing the Clemons GOTV operation.

The Chicago Tribune's Jill Zuckman is reporting that Doug Hatthaway will be lending a helping hand to Clinton's New Hampshire press shop.

Hatthaway is a former New Hampshire spokesman for Al Gore's 2000 campaign and is an advisor to Jeanne Shaheen.

Hatthaway told Zuckman that he will be doing "anything I can to help during the crunch time. There's a lot to do."

This report follows news that legendary Democratic campaign operative Michael Whouley has finished a review of Clinton's Granite State field operation.

Earlier this week, Marc Ambinder wrote that the "field organization put together by state director Nick Clemons, apparently passed Whouley's bow-to-stern inspection."

McCain Vets To Release New Ad

Tomorrow afternoon the New Hampshire Veterans for McCain Coalition will unveil a new television ad.

The ad will be unveiled ad a press conference in Manchester.

Hillary's Bus Tour

Here are the details of Senator Clinton's two-day "Working for Change, Working for You," bus tour of New Hampshire.

The trip includes events with titles such as "Hillary I Know," “Moms and Daughters Making History with Hillary" and "Working for Change, Working for You."

Friday, December 21st

Senator Clinton Attends a “Hillary I Know” Event
1:45PM
Orchard Store
Carter Hill Orchard
73 Carter Hill Road
Concord, NH

Senator Clinton Visits Downtown Portsmouth
4:30PM
Popovers on the Square
8 Congress Street
Portsmouth, NH

Senator Clinton Attends a “Working for Change, Working for You” Event
6:30PM
Cooperative Middle School
1 Academic Way
Stratham, NH

Saturday, December 22nd

Senator Clinton Attends “Moms and Daughters Making History with Hillary” Event
9:00AM
Main Lobby
YWCA Manchester
72 Concord Street
Manchester, NH

Senator Clinton Visits Milford
11:30AM
River House Café
123 Union Square
Milford, NH

Senator Clinton Attends “Moms and Daughters Making History with Hillary” Event
2:45PM
Blue Trout Grill
176 Main Street
Keene, NH

Senator Clinton Attends a “Working for Change, Working for You” Event
5:30PM
Lebanon High School – Gym
84 Hanover Street
Lebanon, NH

Be Part of a NPR Debate-Watching Party

On Saturday, January 5, WMUR and ABC will be hosting back-to-back Republican/Democratic debates with the current presidential candidates. National Public Raidio is organizing a debate-watching party to be hosted by NPR Correspondent Linda Wertheimer. They're hoping to find independent, undecided voters who are willing to watch both debates then share their thoughts on how things went.

The event will be held in the Manchester/Concord area. Interested parties should email at Katia Dunn, at kdunn@npr.org or call 202.513.2225.

Clinton Tour

"Working for Change, Working for You" Tour

Thursday, December 20 -- President Bill Clinton in Wolfeboro and Plymouth

Friday, December 21 through Saturday, December 22 -- Hillary Clinton bus tour with stops in Concord, Portsmouth, Hampton, Manchester, Milford, and Lebanon

Friday, December 21, 2007

6:30 PM
Hillary Clinton Town Hall
Cooperative Middle School
100 Academic Way
Stratham, NH 03885

Saturday, December 22, 2007

5:15 PM
Hillary Clinton Town Hall
Lebanon High School
195 Hanover Street
Lebanon, NH 03766

McCain Files Complaint Against Huckabee Affliated Group

From The McCain Campaign:

U.S. Senator John McCain's New Hampshire Vice Chair, former Congressman Chuck Douglas (R-NH), along with the campaign's New Hampshire Leadership Committee, today filed the following complaint against Common Sense Issues, an organization using unregulated soft money to make push-poll calls in New Hampshire in violation of state law. We look forward to the attorney general's full investigation.

Updated Paul Schedule

Dr. Ron Paul's Schedule, Dec. 19 - 21

Wednesday, Dec. 19

7:00 - 9:00 PM
Symposium on executive power
Franklin Pierce Law School, Rich Room
2 White Street, Concord

Thursday, Dec. 20

9:00 - 10:00 AM
The Exchange NHPR

11:15 - 12:30 PM
Plymouth Business Walk
Main Street, Plymouth

12:35 - 2:00 PM
Lunch and chat with locals
Main Street Station, Plymouth

2:15 - 2:45 PM
Chat with local doctors
Tenney Mountain Internal Medicine
251 Mayhew Turnpike, Plymouth

7:00 - 8:00 PM
Town hall
Tea Bird's Cafe and Bistro
101 Main Street, Berlin

Friday, December 21

9:00 - 9:15 AM
Chat with locals
J Town Deli and Country Store
174 Main Street, Jackson

9:35 - 9:45 AM
Chat with locals
Zeb's General Store
2675 Main Street, North Conway

9:50 - 10:25 AM
Ed board Conway Daily Sun
64 Seavey Street, North Conway

10:30 - 11:30 AM
Town hall
Majestic Theater
36 Main Street, Conway

"This Is The Season of Miracles, Faith and Love"

Below is John Edwards' Christmas ad.

Due to the tree in the backdrop we're assuming it's a Christmas ad even though it does not directly mention Christmas or the Holidays. Instead the ad states "this is the season of miracles, faith and love."

Hillary's "Presents"

Joining Mike Huckabee, Barack Obama and Rudy Giuliani, Hillary Clinton has begun airing a Christmas ad.

Clinton's thirty-second ad is titled "Presents" and features Hillary wrapping Christmas presents labeled with her various policies.

The ad concludes with Hillary saying "Where did I put universal pre-K?"

Watch the ad here: http://www.hillaryclinton.com/video/87.aspx

Following is the script for the ad.

“Carol of the Bells” is playing while hands are cutting wrapping paper and placing cards on gifts. The cards are labeled “Universal Health Care,” “Energy Independence,” and “Bringing Our Troops Home.”

Hillary Clinton:
Where did I put universal pre-K?

Hillary Clinton:
Ah, There it is.

I'm Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

Updated Romney Schedule

On Friday, December 21, Governor Mitt Romney will return to New Hampshire for three days of events in the Granite State.

Friday, December 21, 2007:

1:30 p.m.
Meets with Skillsoft Corporate Employees
110 Spitbrook Road
Nashua, NH
(Closed To The Public) **This event has been canceled**

6:00 p.m.
Ask Mitt Anything Town Hall
Rochester American Legion Hall
94 Eastern Avenue
Rochester, NH

Saturday, December 22, 2007:

8:00 a.m.
Meets with Conway Area Residents
Bea's Café
50 White Mountain Highway
Conway, NH

9:30 a.m.
Ask Mitt Anything Town Hall
John Fuller Elementary School
51 Pine Street
North Conway, NH

1:00 p.m.
House Party
300 Mountain Road, Route 171
Tuftonboro, NH

3:45 p.m.
Ask Mitt Anything Town Hall
Lions Hall
256 Mammoth Road
Londonderry, NH

Sunday, December 23, 2007:

12:45 p.m.
Meets with Milford Area Residents
Foodee's
167 Union Square
Milford, NH

2:15 p.m.
Ask Mitt Anything Town Hall
Peterborough Town House
1 Grove Street
Peterborough, NH

4:15 p.m.
Meets with Hillsborough Area Residents
Nonni's Italian Eatery
17 West Main Street
Hillsborough, NH

Rasmussen: Rudy Slipping, McCain Rising

Today, Rasmussen released a poll showing Rudy Giuliani at 13 percent. The poll also has John McCain gaining 27 percent, that is within 5 points of Mitt Romney. Earlier today CNN/WMUR released a poll that had Romney at 34% and McCain at 22%.

Below are the Rasmussen results:

GOP:
Romney: 31%
McCain: 27%
Giuliani: 13%
Huckabee: 11%
Paul: 7%
Thompson: 3%

Edwards Returns for Dec. 26-27

John Edwards will visit New Hampshire Decemeber 26th and 27th. So far we have two known events:

December 26

7:15 P.M.
Town Hall Meeting
The Historic Belknap Mill
25 Beacon Street East
Laconia, NH

December 27

9:00 A.M.
Town Hall Meeting
Kennett High School
409 Eagle Way
Conway, NH

Clinton Receives Newspapers Endorsements

This morning the Foster's Daily Democrat and the Laconia Citizen endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination.

The editors said "it was Hillary Clinton who really impressed us as someone who is ready to lead."

"Experience and a real desire to serve are what has drawn us to Hillary Clinton's quest for the Democratic nomination for president," they added.

Foster's is based out of Dover and the Citizen is focused on the Lakes Region.

CNN/WMUR: McCain Breaks 20%, Clinton Leading by 12

Here are the results from a new CNN/WMUR poll.

GOP:
Romney 34
McCain 22
Giuliani 16
Huckabee 10
Paul 5
Thompson 1
Tancredo 1
Hunter 1
Undecided 8

Dems:
Clinton 38
Obama 26
Edwards 14
Richardson 8
Kucinich 2
Biden 2
Undecided 8

Romney, Richardson, McCain New Granite State Ads

Below you will find ads for Mitt Romney, Bill Richardson and John McCain.

Mitt Romney:


Bill Richardson:


John McCain:

Gravel Cancels Dec. 20th Events

Mike Gravel has canceled his events for December 20th.

However we've been told "Expect Gravel back in the Granite State following Christmas until the primary, with an epic itinerary in the works. Stay tuned!"

Celebrate The New Year with The Kucinichs

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Rudy Airs "Holiday Wishes"

The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced the launch of a new television ad, entitled "Holiday Wishes." The ad begins airing tomorrow in New Hampshire.

Script for "Holiday Wishes":

MAYOR GIULIANI: "There are many things I wish for this holiday season. I wish for peace with strength. Secure borders. A government that spends less than it takes in. Lower taxes for our businesses and families. And I really hope, that all of the presidential candidates can just get along.

SANTA CLAUS: "Ho, ho, ho, ho. I was with you right up until that last one. Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho."

MAYOR GIULIANI: "Can't have everything! I'm Rudy Giuliani and I approved this message. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!"

Obama Begins Airing Holiday Ad

From The Obama Campaign:

This Friday, the Obama campaign will begin airing a new holiday television ad in New Hampshire to mark the holiday season. The ad features Barack and Michelle Obama and their daughters Sasha, age 6, and Malia, age 9, gathered by a Christmas tree thanking New Hampshire families for the hospitality and stories they have shared with the Obamas during this campaign and wishing New Hampshire families a merry Christmas and happy holidays.

The full text of the Holiday Ad appears below:

Michelle Obama: We would like to take a moment to thank you and your family for the warmth and friendship that you have shown ours; for sharing your hospitality and your stories.

Barack Obama: In this holiday season we are reminded that the things that unite us as a people are more powerful and enduring than anything that sets us apart. And we all have a stake in each other, in something larger than ourselves.

So from my family to yours, I am Barack Obama and I approve this message.

Malia Obama: Merry Christmas

Sasha Obama: Happy Holidays

New Hampshire News Links for December 19th, 2007

New Hampshire News Links December 19th, 2007

www.nhnewslinks.com
Now part of The Hotline Political Network!
Visit our blog!

NEWS: Lawmakers in N.H., Maine, Vt. want voice in fed trade policy

PEOPLE/CANDIDATES: Push-polling, Phone-jamming, Congress, NH Dem Party

POLITICAL COLUMNS: Capital Beat, Portside

NH POLLS: Poll: Clinton Surges Ahead; Romney Maintains Lead; Many Voters Say They're Undecided

OP-ED: Editorial: Tax system shouldn't punish disaster victims

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES: Rivals borrow each other's playbook; Obama toughens campaign trail persona; Clinton shows a softer side / The Field, Biden, Clinton, Dodd, Edwards, Obama, Richardson

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES: Political 'push poll' probed / The Field, Guiliani, Huckabee, McCain, Paul, Romney

FIRST PRIMARY: Population churn adds uncertainty to races; 23 percent of potential voters are new to N.H.

GENERAL (NATIONAL) CAMPAIGN NEWS: Interest Groups Gain In Election Cash Quest; Analysis Shows Giving To Parties Has Dipped; Beyond 'Swift Boating'

NATIONAL POLLS: Edwards takes lead in InsiderAdvantage Iowa poll

WAR: Bush Lawyers Discussed Fate of C.I.A.Tapes

OTHER NEWS AND VIEWS: House Sends Energy Bill To Bush for Signature

ARTICLES: Conway Daily Sun: Richardson 'sensing a surge'-Democratic presidential hopeful makes another campaign swing through Conway

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Rudy's Weekend Visit

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will be in New Hampshire from Friday, December 21st through December 23rd. Below is his public schedule.

In an e-mail promoting the visit, the Giuliani campaign quotes Rudy saying "Right here in New Hampshire, where you've got one heck of an important primary coming up. I'll be spending some of my Christmas holiday here in New Hampshire, which I really look forward to. We'll be here and we'll be working really hard to get your vote. We want to do everything we can to win the vote here."

Expect a lot of media hype about the visit, especially with reports that Rudy has "retreated" from the Granite State.

Friday, December 21

12:00pm
Rudy's New Nashua HQ
Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee
207 Main St.
Nashua, NH

***Rudy Giuiliani has canceled his Friday Events***

Saturday, December 22

9:45am
House Party
221 Crestview Rd.
Manchester, NH

11:15am
Hopkinton Town Hall
330 Main St.
Hopkinton, NH

2:15pm
Meet & Greet
Church Landing at Mill Falls, Oval Room
312 Daniel Webster Highway
Meredith, NH

4:00pm
House Party
81 Boulder Brook Rd.
Wolfeboro, NH

5:45pm
House Party
39 Stagecoach Rd.
Durham, NH

Sunday, December 23

9:45am
Meet & Greet
The Galley Hatch, Pelican Room
325 Lafayette Road
Hampton, NH

11:00am
House Party
6 Eno Dr.
Exeter, NH

1:45pm
BeanTowne Coffee House and Cafe
201 State Route 111
Hampstead, NH

2:45pm
House Party
99 Zion Hill Rd.
Salem, NH

4:15
House Party
31 White Plains Ave
Londonderry, NH

Rudy To Spend Weekend in New Hampshire

Tonight on NECN, Paul Cellucci said that Rudy Giuliani will appear in New Hampshire this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The former Bay State Governor also said that Granite State voters will see "a lot" of the former New York City mayor.

Gravel Cancels Events

The flu bug continues, Mike Gravel has canceled his events for December 19th.

McCain To Visit Greek Orthodox Church

Arizona Senator John McCain, Republican presidential candidate, will conduct a town hall meeting Saturday, December 29th at 9:00am at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 93 Locust Street, Dover, NH.

This event is free to the public and everyone is welcomed. Parking and event entrance is in the rear of the building next to the Dover Public Library.

This event will be part of a trip in which McCain will be in the state from the 28th-31st. Here is a summary of his trip, details TBA:

December 28th: Manchester
December 29th: Dover, Merrimack, Bedford, and Londonderry
December 30th: Concord, Bradford, Lebanon, Newport
December 31st: Hancock, Londonderry, Rye, and Concord.

Ken Burns Endorses Obama

From The Obama Campaign:

Nationally acclaimed documentarian and Walpole resident Ken Burns endorsed Senator Barack Obama’s presidential bid today. Burns, who had planned to stay neutral in the race, said that recent attacks against Obama prompted him to declare his support and cemented his belief that Obama is the only candidate in the race who can put an end to the “slash-and-burn character attacks” that have prevented progress on the challenges we face.

“I had intended to remain neutral throughout the New Hampshire primary process, but find I can no longer do so. Recent events compel me to declare my support for and to endorse Senator Barack Obama for President. I do so for several reasons. At a time when the political winds were pushing this country into an unnecessary and unwise war, Barack Obama had the judgment—and the political and moral courage—to oppose it. At a time when our politics has descended into cynical, slash-and-burn character attacks, Barack Obama has steadfastly presented a positive, unironic, agenda for this country. When others find themselves mired in the consequences of their past actions, and spend their time arguing the past, he is presenting a vision of the future, a vision that is not only possible but essential to our survival as a great nation.

Hollis, Hudson McCain Events Canceled

John McCain's Updated New Hampshire Schedule:
Both events canceled today WILL BE RESCHEDULED:

Campaign Stop: Hollis Pharmacy & General Store - CANCELED
Today, December 18th @ 4:15pm
6 Ash Street
Hollis, NH

Hudson Town Hall - CANCELED
Today, December 18th @ 7pm
Hudson VFW
15 Bockes Road
Hudson, NH
603-369-4948

Obama, McCain Attacks Rivals in New Hampshire Mailers

Arizona Senator John McCain has sent the following two mailers to New Hampshire voters. One mailer is titled "My Christmas Story," and another says "Why is Mitt Romney attacking John McCain? To hide another flip-flop."

Below is also a mailer that Barack Obama has begun distributing. Obama tells voters "On January 8, let's remind Hillary Clinton that New Hampshire's primary won't be won by launching misleading, negative attacks."

Kevin Landrigan has the write-up: McCain launches direct mail attack

H/T to Mark Halperin
For more go here: Obama's Contrast Mailing In New Hampshire


McCain's Hudson Event Cancelled

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that due to a vote in the United States Senate, it has cancelled the Town Hall Meeting scheduled for this evening, Tuesday, December 18th in Hudson, New Hampshire. John McCain will resume all scheduled campaign activities tomorrow.

Clinton Airs Ad on National Guard

From The Clinton Campaign:

The Clinton campaign today launched a new ad in New Hampshire, featuring Senator Clinton’s bi-partisan effort with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) to expand access to TriCare to every National Guard Member and Reservist. The new 30-second spot is entitled, “Guard.”

Following is the script for the ad.

[Hillary Clinton:]
“You would think that after all the sacrifice and service of the National Guard and Reserve protecting our country, they would have had health insurance.

“But they didn’t.

“So I reached across the aisle and worked for three years with Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican, to change that. Now every member of the Guard and Reserve has access to the health coverage they need.

“I’ve learned if you want to get things done, you have to know when to stand your ground, and when to find common ground.

“I’m Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.”

Mitt Returns

Mitt Romney will return to New Hampshire on December 21st through the 23rd. Below is his tentative public schedule.

December 21

1:30 p.m.
Governor Mitt Romney Meets with Skillsoft Corporate Employees Skillsoft
Nashua, NH
(Closed To Public)

6:00pm
Ask Mitt Anything
94 Eastern Ave.
Rochester, NH

December 22

8:00 am
Restaurant Stop
Bea’s Café
50 White Mountain Highway, Conway

9:30 am
Ask Mitt Anything
John Fuller Elementary School
51 Pine Street, North Conway

3:00 pm
Mitt Goes Shopping
Tilton Outlet Mall
120 Laconia Road, Tilton

6:15 pm
Ask Mitt Anything
Lions Hall
256 Mammoth Road, Londonderry

December 23

12:45 pm
Restaurant drop-by
Foodee’s of Milford,
167 Union Square, Milford (on the Oval)

2:15 pm
Ask Mitt Anything
Peterborough Town House,
1 Grove Street, Peterborough

4:10 pm
Restaurant drop-by
Nonni’s Italian Eatery,
17 West Main Street, Hillsborough

7:15 pm
Ask Mitt Anything
Merrimack High School
38 McElwain Street, Merrimack

New Hampshire News Links for December 18th, 2007

New Hampshire News Links December 18th, 2007

www.nhnewslinks.com
Now part of The Hotline Political Network!
Visit our blog!

NEWS: In N.H.'s North Country, a city building hope

PEOPLE/CANDIDATES: B. Shaheen, Coffey

OP-ED: Editorial: A new amendment: Lynch gets to work

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES: Kerrey Tries to Explain Obama 'Muslim' Remarks / The Field, Biden, Clinton, Dodd, Edwards, Obama, Richardson

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES: National Journal White House 2008 Rankings: The Republicans / The Field, Guiliani, Huckabee, Hunter, McCain, Paul, Romney, Thompson

OTHER CANDIDATES: Bloomberg

FIRST PRIMARY: Independents may lift McCain, not Obama, in N.H.

GENERAL (NATIONAL) CAMPAIGN NEWS: Seib: Is Voter Temblor in Store for '08?

NATIONAL POLLS: Poll: Electability key among Democrats

WAR: Iran Receives Nuclear Fuel in Blow to U.S.

OTHER NEWS AND VIEWS: Senate: Deflating Democrats' Dream of 60 Seats; For any Senate strategist, 60 seats is the proverbial Holy Grail.