Gravel: Obama Has Modest Views

Former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel visited the Cathedral of the Pines on Tuesday. He told the six people who showed up that "People will turn out for Obama because, oh, he's been in the media a lot, on the cover of magazines. So they're coming to see a rock star. Will they come to hear his views and analyze those views very carefully? Not really, because he continues to draw these crowds, and his views are very modest." (The Keene Sentinel)

Dodd Hires More Staffers

From today's Granite Status:

"Democratic hopeful Chris Dodd's campaign confirms hiring Steve Gerenscer as its deputy state director. He was Howard Dean's deputy political director in 2003 and political director of the state Democrats' coordinated campaign in 2004.

We also understand that Theo Yedinski, 2002 state Senate Democratic Caucus director, is in line for a post, but the campaign would not confirm it."

Campaigns Ask: Got A Ticket?

Ian Bagley of the Keene Sentinel explains a new phenomena this campaign season: tickets to get into campaign events. Here's the beginning of his article "Things for which there are tickets: planes and trains, movies, "Disney on Ice" - and now campaign stops by presidential candidates in the Monadnock Region, roughly 10 months before the state's primary election." The full article can be accessed here: http://www.nhelects.com/PrimaryNotes.asp?LinkID=1

Richardson Promises To Protect Naval Shipyard

During a visit to the Portsmouth Navel Shipyard, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson promised to protect the future of the shipyard. Richardson told workers that, "If I am elected president, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard will always be open. I wont even let it on the BRAC list and that's a pledge. That's something I commit right here." Richardson said the shipyard should be kept open because "One is the great working relationship between management and labor and the great safety record this facility has. Secondly, the naval shipyard is very important to our national security." The full story can be read at Foster's Online at: http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070405/NEWS81/104050249

Dodd Spends Day With Students

Photos is: ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com


Yesterday, Chris Dodd spoke before students at Concord High School. Dodd told the crowd that young adults should "Join the Peace Corps and learn about the cultures of the world." Dodd also criticized the No Child Left Behind Act and the Bush Administration's foreign policy strategy. Later that day, Dodd visited St. Anselm College where he taught a business class, met with college leaders and spoke with a group of six students.

Thompson Introduces Himself

Photos is: ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com


Last night, former Wisconsin Governor and HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson made his debut appearance in New Hampshire. Thompson spoke at a meet-the-candidate house party attended by twenty-five people at the Manchester home of John Stephens (NH HHS). Thompson took the time to discuss his achievements as the governor of Wisconsin.

McCain Forms Sportsmen Coalition

John McCain's presidential campaign announced that they have formed a coalition of sportsmen. The press release reads, "U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that former Sheriff Steve Hodges, former Sheriff Walter Morse, former state Representative Allen MacNeil, and small business owner Luc Cote have joined the Arizona Senator’s team and will serve as chairmen of the sportsmen coalition in New Hampshire." The Arizona Senator said “I stand with New Hampshire sportsmen in placing a high value on natural resource stewardship and our constitutional right to bear arms. I look forward to counsel from these individuals as we move forward in New Hampshire.”

McCain To Launch Presidential Bid In Granite State

This afternoon, the John McCain campaign released a press release that stated "The campaign also made public that John McCain will officially announce his candidacy for President with a tour beginning April 25th in New Hampshire and concluding April 27th in Arizona, with stops in South Carolina on the 26th and Iowa on the 27th." No word yet on where the tour will begin in New Hampshire. The press better get their tickets to board The Straight Talk Express.

From The Concord Monitor: "Sen. John McCain will return to New Hampshire April 25, said state spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker. He plans to hold a noon rally in Portsmouth at Prescott Park and an evening rally at Veterans Park in Manchester."

On Wednesday, April 25th, John McCain will holding his officially presidential announcement in downtown Manchester. Here's the details:

McCain Announcement
Date : 25 April 2007
Event Description: Join US Sen. John McCain as he officially announces his candidacy for the presidency of the United States
Where: Veterans Park, 737 Elm Street, Manchester (across from the Radisson Hotel)
When: Wednesday, April 25th @ 5pm
Contact: For more information or to RSVP, call 603-703-3499
Email : NHRSVP@mccain08hq.com
More Info : http://www.johnmccain.com/

April 5th Schedules

Here are the schedules for Thursday, April 5th.

Kucinich: Main Street Book Ends in Warner, Lincoln Financial Group in Concord, Women Making a Difference in Amherst, NH Institute of Art in Manchester

Richardson: Littleton community center, White Mountain Regional School in Whitefield, Tea Bird's Cafe in Berlin, Benz Center in Center Sandwich

T. Thompson To Make First Granite State Visit

Here is the schedule for Tommy Thompson's upcoming visit. The former Wisconsin Governor will be making his first visit to New Hampshire on Wednesday, April 4th and Thursday, April 5th.

WENDESDAY, APRIL 4TH, 2007

7:00 pm
House Party at the home of Commissioner John Stephen
33 Currier Dr.
Manchester, NH

8:30 pm
NH Political and Conservative Leaders Dinner
Piccola Italia Upstairs Lounge
815 Elm Street
Manchester NH 03101

THURSDAY, APRIL 5TH, 2007

7:30 am
Boy’s and Girl’s Club
Foundation of Friends Breakfast, 5th Annual Breakfast
Radisson Hotel Manchester
700 Elm Street
Manchester NH 03101

8:30 am
The Charlie Sherman Show
WGIR-AM 195
McGregor St # 810
Manchester, NH 03102

10:10 am
WSMN AM Interview
1 Indian Head Plaza
Temple Street
Nashua, NH
Jennifer Horn, Host

Romney: I'm A Fiscal Conservative

Photo is: ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com

Mitt Romney is all about a results. At least that is the impression the Romney campaign hopes New Hampshire voters are receiving. Yesterday at the Opera House in Derry, Romney told the crowd that "things don't change in government" he added that people wonder "why can't anything get done in D.C."


In response to Rudy Giuliani's proclamation that he is the only fiscal conservative in the race, Romney said "I am a fiscal conservative." Romney said that if elected president he would submit a budget that reduces non-discretionary defense spending by funding programs at inflation, minus one percent. He even promised to veto any spending bills that do not meet this requirement. He argued that it would save the government $300 billion a year. The former Massachusetts Governor ended the town hall forum by saying that the source of America's greatness is that the "American heart is good."

On a side note, I got to meet Green Mountain Politics1 at the event, check out his reaction to the meeting here: http://greenmountainpolitics1.blogspot.com/index.html

I'm not sure I'd call myself world famous, but definitely maybe a D list New Hampshire celebrity? At least, famous enough so that Mark Halperin recognized me.

Obama: We Will Have A Universal Health-Care System...Maybe

Photo is: ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com

Yesterday in Portsmouth, Barack Obama stopped short of promising universal health-care. Obama told the health care crowd that "(If elected) I believe by the end of my first term, we will have a universal health-care system. But, I'm not going to be able to do it myself." The freshman Illinois Senator also told the crowd that politicians lack the political will to reform the health care system. He said, "What's really been missing is political will. We've got to muster that will."

April 4th Schedules

Run down for Wednesday, April 4th.

Dodd: Town hall meeting with Concord HS students. Meets with students at St. Anselm College

Gravel: Main Street Book Ends in Warner

Kucinich: Bedford, St. Anselm College, New England College and WMUR interview

Richardson: Consuelos Taqueria, New England College, Dartmouth College

Tancredo: Stops in Nashua

T. Thompson: Meetings in Manchester

WMUR Poll: Clinton Slips, Edwards Gains, Obama Levels

WMUR/CNN has a new poll out. The poll shows Hillary Clinton with a lead of 27 percent. Surging ahead to second place is John Edwards is 21 percent. While, Barack Obama's rise is leveling at 20 percent. The poll was conducted by Andy Smith's University of New Hampshire Survey Center. Smith's proteges called 339 Granite State citizens and has a margin of 5.3 percent. Don't mean to discount Smith, but I always taught that any poll with a margin of over 5 percent should not be regarded. Plus, why the small number of 339? In any case, the poll is what it is. It shows Clinton slipping, Edwards surging and Obama leveling off.

Sentinel Launches NHELECTS

The Keene Sentinel today (April 3, 2007), launched a specialized Web site that focuses on presidential campaigning in the Monadnock Region.

The NHELECTS site -- http://www.nhelects.com/ -- can be directly found on the Internet, or can be accessed through http://SentinelSource.com , the online service of The Sentinel.

In the interest of drawing young people into the political process, the site includes a primer on the presidential primary written by Keene State College journalism professor Rose Kundanis, as well as photos of past campaigners going back to Jimmy Carter in 1976.

The site also is the setting for “Primary Notes,” a regular report on the primary by Sentinel reporter Ian Bagley, and includes a public discussion feature.

Among other current features are an audio feed of Democrat Barack Obama’s speech at Keene State College last night, as well as a report about Republican Mitt Romney’s tour of the region today. Also included: A background briefing on voting patterns in southwestern New Hampshire that in 2004 were principally responsible for New Hampshire shifting its electoral votes from the Republican side to the Democratic side in 2004 – the only state in the nation to make such a switch.

The site was developed by The Sentinel newsroom and the New Media unit of The Sentinel, which in 1996 launched the first online operation of a daily newspaper in northern New England.

Obama: I Predicted The Problems In Iraq

Photo is: ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com


Before a crowd 2,000 people at Keene High School, Barack Obama said that he predicted the problems in Iraq five months before the invasion. He told the mostly student crowd that "I recommend the speech not so much so I can say 'I told you so,' so much as to get a sense of the judgment I bring to bear on foreign policy issues, because I anticipated most of the problems, if not all the problems we've confronted since we got there."

Rudy: I'm The Fiscal Conservative

At a house party in Hampton Fall, Rudy Giuliani told the crowd that he is the only fiscal conservative in the race. Rudy pointed to his economic record as Mayor of New York and told the crowd "I think I've practiced it more than any of my good friends who are running." For a video of his remarks, use this link: http://granitegrok.com/

Eaton Endorses Romney

Today, former New Hampshire Senate President Tom Eaton officially endorsed Mitt Romney. Eaton said "Governor Romney is a compelling leader whose impressive career triumphs set him apart as uniquely qualified to end the fiscal excesses we have seen in Washington , D.C. He is well aware of the challenges facing our nation and it's no surprise there is so much excitement building around his campaign."

Elizabeth Edwards Energizes Edwards Campaign

Photo is: ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com

On Monday John Edwards, along with his wife Elizabeth participated in several campaign stops. The Edwards family toured the Stonyfield Farm in Londonderry, held a forum with students at Concord High School and attend a public town hall meeting at UNH-Durham. Throughout, the Edwards visit, crowds were enthusiastic to see Mrs. Edwards on the campaign trail. At the Hirshberg yogurt farm, Elizabeth Edwards was in high spirits, talking to audiences, chatting with people,and enjoying herself. Women were approaching her with encouragement, hugs,and in one instance, passing a check to her for her husband's campaign. She said to one woman, who had approached her after the town meeting in Concord, "I am sorry that we are sisters," because they had both lost teenage children. The other woman had approached her to share her own story about loosing a teenage child.

Edwards Busting Out The Brass Knuckles

John Edwards is busting out the bronze-knuckles and taking names! At least, that's what it appears. On Monday, Edwards, in a direct challenge to Obama, said that "this is not a time for timidy from Congress." For the full account, check out Kevin Landrigan's NH Prime Cuts:

"Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards appeared to rebut primary rival Barack Obama Monday, calling on Congress to resist President Bush on the war in Iraq even if Bush as promised vetoes a date for withdrawal of American troops.

"This is not a time for timidity from Congress. This is a time for leadership and strength," Edwards said at the opening of a town hall-style forum at Concord High School Monday.

"The Congress should make absolutely clear they are going to stand by what they passed."

Obama told Associated Press on Sunday the Congress should pass the war funding money without a timeline for withdrawal if Bush vetoed the spending bill."

http://blogs.nashuatelegraph.com/nh_prime_cuts

It's All About The Benjamins

Here is a list of the first quarter fundraising number for the presidentials. Obama has yet to disclose the number, though we wonder whether he'll disclose the total to Sen. D'Allesandro when they have breakfast together tomorrow morning. Also, I think the 2nd quarter numbers will be crucial because it'll show which second-tier candidates are rising and which first-tier candidates are burning out. In the coming weeks, I will also post totals on the amount of money the campaigns raised and spend in the Granite State. In the meantime, here's the list:

Democrats
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-New York, $26 million
Former Sen. John Edwards, D-North Carolina, $14 million
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, $6 million
Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut, $4 million
Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, $1-2 million

Republicans
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, $21 million
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, $14 million
Arizona Sen. John McCain, $12.5 million
Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback, $1.3 million
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, $500,000

Note: Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, has yet to release his fundraising totals.

Meet Tagg Romney

Tagg Romney will be in Goffstown tomorrow, Tuesday, April 3rd at 12:30 p.m. at Travers Village Eatery on Main Street across from the Congregational Church. It's free and everyone is invited!

April 3rd Schedule

Here is a run down for April 3rd. For more information, check previous posts.

Dodd: Laconia "Meet-and-Greet"

Giuliani: Speaks at Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce

Gravel: Speech at Franklin Pierce College

Obama: Concord, no public events. Town hall forums in East Rochester and Portsmouth

Romney: "Ask Mitt Anything" event in Derry. Keene town hall forum and meet-and-greet in Peterborough.

Tee Off With Rudy

The Concord Monitor's Joelle Farrell discusses the nifty gear that supporters of presidential candidates can buy. Here's the full article:

"Rudy USA" golf balls, anyone?

November 2008 is a ways off, but presidential candidates have already rolled out cool gear for their supporters.

"Rudy USA" golf balls, anyone? Ladies, how about a pink Barack Obama shirt? And while Hillary Clinton's website has no official store associated with it, hillarymart.com offers T-shirts with Clinton's face pasted on Rosie the Riveter's bicep-flexing body.

John McCain's logo, a single star above "McCain" on a black background, looks masculine and military. John Edwards's campaign chose a modern, online look; one bumper sticker says simply "e 2008." Edwards's site also boasts that all items are union-made and union-printed. Mike Huckabee stays grassroots - visitors to his site can download and print banners and pins.

Not all candidates have official online stores, but sites like cafepress.com offer people all sorts of interesting ways to show their support, including campaign thongs for even the most conservative politicians.

http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070402/REPOSITORY/704020378

D'Allesandro and Eaton

Nashua Telegraph's Kevin Landrigan has up the latest information on Lou D'Allesandro and Tom Eaton. Landrgian writes that Clinton is courting D'Allesandro and Romney will be spending some quality time with former state senator Tom Eaton. Here's the piece and a link:

D’Allesandro would be prize catch for Clintons

It’s former President Bill Clinton on the phone.

Clinton reached out to Manchester Democratic Sen. Lou D’Allesandro on Wednesday on behalf of his wife, 2008 presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton.

In 2004, D’Allesandro was with former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, but he’s playing the field, and Hillary Clinton, New York’s junior senator, would like nothing more than to steal him away.

D’Allesandro remains uncommitted, but he accepted Bill Clinton’s invitation to meet with Hillary on Friday night during a fundraiser in Boston.

Time after time, the Clintons have come to The Hub just before a federal election deadline (the latest one closed Saturday night) and walked away with a bundle.

Romney’s friends in N.H.

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney will showcase the endorsement of former Senate President Tom Eaton when he campaigns Tuesday in Keene and Derry.

Eaton has been in the local news lately, fighting a Keene City Council attempt to take property near his former funeral home business by eminent domain for a downtown roundabout project.

Romney state campaign chair Bruce Keough of Dublin is an Eaton ally, and Eaton’s favorite local lawyer – Cheshire County Attorney and ex-Attorney General Peter Heed – is also on the Romney bandwagon.

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200770401001

Dodd Picks-Up D'Amours

Chris Dodd has scored another Granite State endorsement. This time, the Connecticut Senator is being endorsed by former Congressman Norm D'Amours. D'Amours served in Congress from 1975-1985 and was the chairman of the National Credit Union Administration, during the 1990s. D'Amours said "In my view, Chris Dodd is the only candidate in this race with the broad range of experience, temperament, world view and character that gives me complete confidence he could provide at this very moment the leadership our country so badly needs. I firmly believe that Chris has the right mix of leadership, consistency, and hands on experience that we need in the White House if we hope to heal this country and restore America's standing around the world."

April 2nd Schedule

Here is a run down of candidates and their appearances for Monday April 2nd. For more information, check previous posts.

Edwards: Town Hall forum in Concord and UNH-Durham.

Gravel: WMUR interview

Giuliani: House Party in Hampton Falls

Obama: Manchester, Keene. Keene House Party and Town Hall forum.

Edwards To UNH

John Edwards will be conducting a town hall meeting at UNH-Durham. The meeting is taking place on Monday, April 2nd at 6:30pm. Here is the information.

WHAT: A town hall with John Edwards and special guest Elizabeth Edwards
WHEN: Monday, April 2, 2007, 6:30pm
WHY: To hear John Edwards discuss his plans to change America.
WHERE: University of New Hampshire Memorial Union Building (MUB) - Granite State Room83 Main Street Durham, New Hampshire

*Parking is available and will not be ticketed after 5:30pm in Lot B for the event.
This event is free and open to the public.
Please let us know if you plan to attend by clicking here:http://johnedwards.com/r/8987/868911/

Updated Obama Schedule

Here is an updated schedule for Barack Obama. Obama will be visiting from April 2nd-3rd.

MONDAY, APRIL 2
Manchester , NH -> Keene , NH

Manchester, NH
No Public Events

Keene, NH
HOUSE PARTY

TOWN HALL FORUM WITH BARACK OBAMA
Keene State College
Spaulding Gymnasium
229 Main St
Keene, NH
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
The event is free and open to the public. The public is invited to RSVP at www.barackobama.com


TUESDAY, APRIL 3
Concord , NH -> Rochester , NH -> Portsmouth , NH

Concord , NH
No Public Events

East Rochester, NH
TOWN HALL FORUM WITH BARACK OBAMA
George J. Maxfield VFW Post
43 Highland Street
East Rochester, NH 03868
Doors open: Noon
The event is free and open to the public- due to space limitations, RSVP required by phone: (603) 668-2008

Portsmouth , NH
COMMUNITY MEETING ON HEALTH CARE
111 New Hampshire Ave
Pease International Tradeport
Portsmouth , NH 03801
*This event is hosted by the Portsmouth Herald, they are handling logistics*
Doors open: 2:00 PM
The event is open only to guests invited by the Portsmouth Herald.

Tommy Thompson To Announce He's Running

From the Thompson campaign:

Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy G. Thompson will hold events in Wisconsin and Iowa on Wednesday, April 4, to announce he is running for President of the United States.