Saturday, May 05, 2007

NH Dems Become Liberal?

Columnist David Shribman examines the impact of New Hampshire Democratic voters. He concludes that,

"This time the entire universe of voters in New Hampshire's Democratic primary may be more motivated, more passionate and more liberal than ever. All politics may be local, but in New Hampshire, all local politics are national."

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/05/nhs_leftward_turn_may_change_n.html

Friday, May 04, 2007

Clinton: May 12th Is Day of Action

Hillary Clinton's campaign is labeling May 12th as a "Day of Action." Volunteers and supporters are being urged to go door to door and participate in grassroots activities throughout New Hampshire. In a press release, Senator Clinton said, "This Day of Action is really a day to celebrate the incredible, growing support my campaign has in New Hampshire. I am honored and humbled by it and really looking forward to returning to New Hampshire and continuing my conversation with Granite Staters." While, State Director Nick Clemons tells volunteers that, "This campaign would not be possible without our supporters."

Richardson To Focus on House Parties

In an interview with Seacoast Online, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson said that his upcoming trip will focus on house parties because:

"The objective is to meet New Hampshire voters up close in a grass-roots fashion. I want to give my message as to why I am running, in that I am the most experienced and can bring our country together, both nationally and internationally. I will also support working people on issues like health care."

http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070504/NEWS/705040446/-1/NEWS09

Gardner Watches Florida

Bill Gardner called the Florida primary change a "a very significant event." The Concord Monitor has the story,

"Florida lawmakers yesterday voted to jump their state's 2008 presidential primary to Jan. 29, a move that flouts national party rules and could dramatically shake up the nominating calendar.

New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner called the Florida vote "a very significant event" that could lead him to set the primary here ahead of the Jan. 22 date ordered by the Democratic National Committee, to preserve the state's first-in-the-nation status."

http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070504/REPOSITORY/705040345/1217/NEWS98

Thursday, May 03, 2007

Romney Says They Won Debate

Mitt Romney's New Hampshire state director released an e-mail that argued Mitt Romney won tonight's debate. Jim Merrill wrote:

"In New Hampshire, we know strong, principled leadership when we see it and we saw it tonight in Governor Romney. We will continue to see it, as he returns early and often to New Hampshire over the course of this year, to meet with voters and to answer the tough questions that we are known for asking. Now is the time to get your friends, families and neighbors involved in Governor Romney's campaign. Share with them your belief that Governor Romney is the right leader at the right time in our country's history, and sign them up!"

Dodd on NH Minimum Wage

This afternoon, Senator Chris Dodd released the following statement on the minimum wage increase. Here it is:

"I want to congratulate Governor Lynch and the New Hampshire Legislature on passing this important increase in the minimum wage, which will help the working men and women of New Hampshire cope with the rising cost of energy, health care and tuition. I have long supported an increase in the federal minimum wage because hard-working families across this country should not have to struggle just to make ends meet."

Obama Picks-Up Lynch People and NHYDs

Barack Obama has picked up some key New Hampshire endorsements. Obama has gained the support of three former Lynch staffers and two Young Dems. The following have endorsed: Kate Hanna (fmr. Lynch legal counsel), Alan Reische (fmr. Lynch '06 finance chair) and Debby Butler (fmr. Lynch '06 co-chair). Also, the New Hampshire Young Democrats are starting to endorse. Garth Corriveau, NHYD Treasurer and Katie Judd, NHYD Secretary have both endorsed Obama.

Rudy's "Technical Problem"

The Rudy Giuliani campaign had planned for an office opening tonight, to coincide with the first GOP Presidential debates. However, the opening was postponed due to "technical problems." It appears that the "technical problem" is that the campaign office would be having a debate watch party without a cable station to watch it on. The office had cable, now it doesn't. Were they stealing it or simply borrowing it? Rudy's FEC filings show that the campaign was paying for cable at their New York office, but no cable for their New Hampshire office.

They should have called Larry the Cable Guy.

Edwards on Minimum Wage Increase

Senator John Edwards Statement on New Hampshire Minimum Wage Increase

"Governor Lynch and the state of New Hampshire have taken a bold step today in the fight to end poverty in this country. By signing into law the first minimum wage increase for New Hampshire workers in ten years, Governor Lynch has reaffirmed his commitment to equality and increased prosperity for working families. No working American deserves to live in poverty and I applaud the work of Governor Lynch and the New Hampshire legislature in taking this crucial step in our continuing fight to ensure that every working family can earn a just living."

Huckabee Schedule

Here is Mike Huckabee's New Hampshire schedule for Saturday, May 5th and Sunday May 6th

Saturday, May 5, 2007

7:30 a.m. ET
Meeting with Board members of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Seacoast.
The Gateway Restaurant, 417 Route 108, Somersworth.
Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

8:30 a.m. ET
3rd Annual Seven Hills Road Race, Somersworth Middle School, Memorial Drive, Somersworth.
5K Road Race begins at 9:00 a.m.
Huckabee will be running with former Congressman Jeb Bradley and friends and supporters. Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

12:15 p.m. ET
Luncheon with press, 143 North Main Street (TD BankNorth Building), Suite 103, Concord.
Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

2:00 p.m. ET
Private meetings.

5:30 p.m. ET
Private dinner with friends and supporters.
Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

Sunday, May 6, 2007

8:30 a.m. ET
Attend Morning Worship Service at the New Life Church in Raymond.
Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

2:00 p.m. ET
House Party at the home of Cliff Hurst
Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

NHPR Launches Primary Site And Project

New Hampshire Public Radio is looking for people around the Granite State to give them your impressions of the candidates and the issues in Primary 2008, as well as your memories and experiences from past primaries. The details of the project can be found at their new Primary website:

http://www.nhpr.org/node/12522

Jim Rubens Switches From McCain To Rudy

The Valley News has a story on Jim Rubens switching, his support, from John McCain to Rudy Giuliani.

"But, every once in a while, a noteworthy name surfaces in the dross. Here in the Upper Valley, that appears to be the case with Hanover Republican Jim Rubens, who in 2000 backed McCain's presidential bid.

This time around, Rubens -- who served two terms in the state Senate in the mid-1990s and ran for governor -- is supporting former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and is serving as co-chairman of the Republican's campaign in Grafton County."

http://www.vnews.com/05032007/3961309.htm

Hurst To Host Huckabee

Another Huckabee Event:

Meet Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee
This Sunday May 6th at 2pm
At the home of Cliff Hurst
250 Gingras Ave Manchester, NH 03104

This event is free
Food and drinks will be served

Please RSVP to Cliff Hurst 603-289-2697 or Email DavidHurst@ManchesterYR.com

Kucinich's Statement Read At SEA, SEIU Rally

Yesterday at the SEA, SEIU rally at the State House, a statement from Dennis Kucinich was read. Here's the the statement said:

"Dear Brothers and Sisters of the SEA of New Hampshire, SEIU Local 1984.

As someone who nearly 30 years ago was the mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, a major American city, with over 10,000 workers, I understand full well the importance of public employees. You are the heart and soul of government. You make it work, you make it real. This is why the collective bargaining process is so important for public workers, because it is your access to a process which enables you to be rewarded for a job well done. Elected officials seek support at the ballot box for a job well done. You want recognition and support at the bargaining table. I understand full well the dynamic tensions which exist between executives and public employee labor unions. I also know from experience that every situation contains within it a path toward progress and resolution of grievances, be they matters relating to benefits or wages. Remain steadfast. If for any reason you are not able to reach an agreement with the state, I am willing to serve as a mediator to help achieve a resolution. Thank you so much for the very valuable service each and every one of your members provides to the goverment and the people of New Hampshire. Sincerely, Dennis Kucinich, United States Congressman, Democratic candidate for President of the United States."

Your Rent Is Due

Here's a breakdown of the office rent that presidential campaigns payed. This is according to their latest FEC reports.

The GOP:

Giuliani

1850 ELM STREET LLC
16 LOWELL ST MANCHESTER, New Hampshire 03101
02/23/2007
RENT
$8,300.00

McCain

MERRIMACK RIVER MILLS LLC
670 COMMERCIAL STREET MANCHESTER, New Hampshire 03101
01/03/2007
RENT
$6,446.46

MERRIMACK RIVER MILLS LLC
670 COMMERCIAL STREET MANCHESTER, New Hampshire 03101
01/03/2007
RENT
$12,892.92

MERRIMACK RIVER MILLS LLC
670 COMMERCIAL STREET MANCHESTER, New Hampshire 03101
01/25/2007
RENT
$6,446.46

MERRIMACK RIVER MILLS LLC
670 COMMERCIAL STREET MANCHESTER, New Hampshire 03101
02/28/2007
RENT
$6,446.46

Romney:

359 ELM ST. LLC
238 LINDEN ST MANCHESTER, New Hampshire 03104
01/30/2007
RENT
$16,062.09

359 ELM ST. LLC
238 LINDEN ST MANCHESTER, New Hampshire 03104
03/06/2007
RENT
$4,589.17

Tancredo:

Merrimack River Mills LLC
670 Commercial Street Suite 303 Manchester, New Hampshire 03101
02/12/2007
Office Rent
$15,625.00

The Dems:

Clinton:

1306 Elm Street LLC c/o Metropolis Property Mgmt
33 South Commercial Street Manchester, New Hampshire 031012626
03/19/2007
Office Rent
$9,109.27

Dodd:

Stebbins Commercial Properties
730 Pine Street Manchester, New Hampshire 03104
03/16/2007
Security Deposit & Rent for New Hampshir
$10,000.00

Obama:

Robat Holdings LLC
P.O. Box 397 Manchester, New Hampshire 031050397
02/20/2007
Rent/Occupancy
$96,000.00

Robat Holdings LLC
P.O. Box 397 Manchester, New Hampshire 031050397
02/20/2007
Rent/Occupancy
$8,000.00

Hillary To Host Statewide "Day of Action"

From the Clinton website:

"The New Hampshire for Hillary campaign is asking supporters, volunteers and staff to take action on Saturday, May 12th by going door to door, holding phone banks and participating in other grassroots activities around the state. Activities will take place over the course of the day at various times between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. To participate, complete the form to the right in the RSVP box, and someone from our campaign staff will be in touch with additional information. In the meantime, if you have questions, email nhfield@hillaryclinton.com. "

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/actioncenter/event/view/?id=1051

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Obama Merges New Media With Traditional Grassroots Campaign

Barack Obama's presidential campaign is looking to run a new type of campaign. Not just one based on "hope," but a campaign that is quickly merging social network sites with traditional grassroots activism. In a press release about their upcoming canvass, the Obama team said:

"The canvass is a great example of how we’re converting online interest into work on the ground, and using interactive technology to engage more people in a traditional New Hampshire campaign.

A lot of our organizing takes place through our New Hampshire website (http://nh.barackobama.com) and My.BarackObama.com, the campaign’s social network site. These online tools allow supporters—many of whom have never been involved in campaigns before—to connect with each other and with us to begin the hard work of door-to-door, voter-to-voter, grassroots campaigning."

Obama In Manchvegas on May 19th

On Saturday May 19th, Barack Obama will be participating in a Manchester rally entitled "Share Message of Change and Renewal." That day Obama will also be delivering the commencement address at SNHU. A press release stated,

"On May 19th, Barack will be in Manchester for a pre-canvass kick-off rally and canvass. This will be the official kick-off of our New Hampshire campaign and an opportunity to share Barack's vision with neighbors and friends. Barack will speak, and then, with your help, we will fan out across the state to share his vision for responsibly ending the war in Iraq and restoring America's moral leadership in the world. "

Dems To Speak AT Firefighter Conference

James "The Primary Source" Pindell has the latest scoop on Democratic presidential candidates speaking at the national convention of fire fighters. The convention is being held in Portsmouth. Check out the story:

"Hillary Clinton, Bill Richardson, Chris Dodd, Joe Biden, and John Edwards will all be in New Hampshire next week to address a national convention of fire fighters, organizers said."

http://www.boston.com/news/local/politics/primarysource/2007/05/five_democratic.html

New Link!!

I have a new link up today. The site is called nhpols.com and is operated by the folks at "Campaigns & Elections." Here's the link, which can also be found under the "Politicos" section of this site:

http://www.campaignline.com/nh/

Monitor Seeks Serious Debates

The Concord Monitor has up an editorial calling for "serious debates."

"Joe Biden is absolutely right about one thing: 60 seconds is not enough time to debate the future of Iraq. He's called for a 90-minute debate on that one topic alone. The other candidates for president should sign on to the idea and find a television network willing to give them the airtime."

http://concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070502/REPOSITORY/705020332

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Richardson To Attend Clambake, House Parties

Here is Bill Richardson's schedule for Saturday May 5th-Sunday May 7th.

Saturday, May 5, 2007

2:30 p.m. - Speech at the NH AFL-CIO Annual State Convention, Red Jacket Resort, 2251 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH 03860

5:30 p.m. - House party with State Senator Jackie Cilley at 2 Oak Hill Road, Barrington, NH 03825

7:15 p.m. - House party with Jim Casey at the home of Dr. Terry Bennett, 658 Silver Street, Rollinsford, NH 03869

Sunday, May 6, 2007

1 p.m. - Tour of Public Service of New Hampshire Northern Wood Power Project, 400 Gosling Road, Portsmouth, NH 03801
2:30 p.m. - Keynote speech at the Annual Rockingham County Democrats Clambake, Elks Lodge, 500 Jones Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801

5:30 p.m. - House party with Beth Roth, 103 Corinthian Drive, Salem, NH 03079

7:30 p.m. - House party with State Representatives John and Mary Ann Knowles (Hudson), 51 Quail Run Drive, Hudson, NH 03051

Monday, May 7, 2007

10 a.m. - Assembly with Concord High School students and staff, 170 Warren Street, Concord, NH 03301

11:45 a.m. - Meet and Greet at Robie's Country Store, joined by State Representative Eileen Ehlers (Hooksett), 9 Riverside Street, Hooksett, NH 03106

Clinton, McCain Lead NH

In a new ARG (American Research Group) poll, Hillary Clinton and John McCain continue to lead in the Granite State. Here are the results:

The Dems
Biden: 2%
Clark: -
Clinton: 37%
Dodd: 1%
Edwards: 26%
Gravel: -
Kucinich: 2%
Obama: 14%
Richardson: 3%
Undecided: 15%

The GOP:
Brownback: 1%
Gilmore: -
Giuliani: 17%
Gingrich: 4%
Hagel: 1%
Huckabee: 1%
Hunter: -
McCain: 29%
Pataki:-
Paul: -
Romney: 24%
Tancredo: 1%
F Thompson: 7%
T Thompson: 1%
Undecided: 14%

http://americanresearchgroup.com/

Obama, Clinton To Participate In NH Debates

Senators Clinton and Obama has agreed to participate in the June 3rd Democratic debate at Saint Anselm College. Here are the statements that the two camps released:

The Obama camp released a statement through their NH Director that read,
"We had hoped that the DNC and the debate’s sponsors would agree to make this debate one of the DNC’s six sanctioned debates. However, Senator Obama believes talking about how we can change our politics with the other candidates in the home of the nation’s first primary is an opportunity too important to miss.”

Meanwhile, Clinton spokesperson Mo Elleithee said, "The WMUR/Union Leader debate is an important part of the New Hampshire Primary tradition, and Senator Clinton is excited to participate. She looks forward to this opportunity to continue her conversation with Granite Staters and demonstrate why she is the candidate most ready to lead and deliver the change we need."

McCain Debate Watch

The John McCain campaign is hosting a debate watch party at its Manchester headquarters. Here is the invite:

"This Thursday evening McCain 2008 will host a GOP Presidential Candidates Debate Watch Party at our New Hampshire Headquarters. You will have the opportunity to talk with, and get real time reactions from our special guest, McCain 2008 National Political Director Mike Dennehy, as well as NH Steering Committee members, volunteers and staff."

Monday, April 30, 2007

Biden To Dine With D'Allesandro

Democratic State Senator Lou D'Allesandro is attempting to organize a series of house parties, for presidential candidates. The first candidate to participate is Joe Biden. The Delaware Senator will be at D'Allesandro's house on June 1st. Details to be released later.

D'Allesandro has hinted that he is a "free agent," in the political endorsement game. In 2004, D'Allesandro was a supporter of John Edwards. So far this cycle the Manchester Dem has been at events for Obama, Clinton, Dodd, Richardson and Biden.

Meet Huckabee In Concord, Manchester

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will be in the state on Saturday and Sunday. Huckabee will be spending the day in Concord.

Concord Meet & Greet w/Huckabee
Date: 5 May 2007
Event Description: Meet presidential candidate and former Governor Mike Huckabee up close and personal!
Where: 136 North Main Street, Room #8, Concord, NH (across from the State House)
When: Saturday, May 5th at 2:00 PM
Cost: None
Email : webmaster@cnht.org
More Info : http://www.cnht.org/

Sunday May 6th

Meet Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee
This Sunday May 6th at 2pm
At the home of Cliff Hurst
250 Gingras Ave Manchester, NH 03104

This event is free
Food and drinks will be served

Please RSVP to Cliff Hurst 603-289-2697 or Email http://us.f581.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=DavidHurst@ManchesterYR.com

Mrs. Edwards Travels NH

©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com


Elizabeth Edwards spend the day traveling around New Hampshire. Joining her was Kate Michelman, who is the former president of NARAL. Mrs. Edwards opened the Edwards Manchester campaign office, spoke to students at SNHU, attended house parties and spoke at a "Save Darfur" rally at UNH. At SNHU, Edwards told the crowd of college students that "The real impact of empowering women will be when it happens across the board." During her trip she also urged Democrats to stand-up to President Bush. She told Dems "Do not start capitulating to a president who is going against the will of the American people, the vote in 2006, and frankly the will of the Iraqi people as well."

Rudy HQ Open House Postponed

The Rudy Giuliani office open house has been postponed "due to unforeseen technical issues."

Dodd: NH Voters Deserve To Hear Clinton, Obama

This afternoon, Chris Dodd released a statement on the DNC's refusal to sanction the upcoming New Hampshire debates. Dodd's statement appears to be a direct challenge to Clinton and Obama. A part of his statement even mentions that all Democratic candidates participated in last week's unsanctioned South Carolina debate. Senator Dodd's full statement reads:

"I am deeply disappointed that any candidate would use the DNC's decision as an excuse to duck the opportunity to debate in New Hampshire. In a year full of prepackaged, highly-controlled campaign events, New Hampshire voters deserve more. They deserve to hear the candidates respond to tough questions and see the difference between the candidates on important issues like Iraq and energy policy."

"Just last week, all eight Democratic candidates participated in a debate in South Carolina. It was not sanctioned by the DNC. It was sanctioned by the people of South Carolina. That forum gave South Carolina voters an opportunity to see and hear all the candidates who are seeking their votes. New Hampshire voters deserve nothing less."

Rudy Releases Wrong Supporters

Last week, Rudy Giuliani's campaign released a list of New Hampshire supporters. However, it turns out that that list incorrectly identified Rudy supporters. The AP's Phil Elliott has the story:

"Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani released the latest slate of New Hampshire supporters last week. One problem: Not all of them back the former New York City mayor."

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/N/NH_GIULIANI_SUPPORTERS_NHOL-?SITE=NHMAL&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Thompson Returns To NH

On Tuesday May 8th, former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson will be participating in "Politics and Eggs" in Bedford. This will be Thompson's second visit to the Granite State.

Newt Returns To New Hampshire

Former House Speaker and often discussed Republican presidential contender, Newt Gingrich, will be back in New Hampshire. Newt will be attending a book signing at Manchester's Wal-Mart. The signing is taking place at noon on Monday, May 21st. This will be Newt's sixth visit to the Granite State and his first since December.

In addition to his book signing, Newt Gingrich will also be appearing at The Chateau Restaurant. This event is being promoted by the group VictoryNH. Here are the details:

The Chateau Restaurant
201 Hanover Street,
Manchester, NH
Monday, May 21st: 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Attendence is free, but seating is limited, so to reserve your tickets, please RSVP to NancyB@americansolutions.com

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Fuller Clark To Endorse Obama

Kevin Landrigan has the inside scoop on Marth Fuller Clark's expected endorsement of Barack Obama.

"U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., a Democratic presidential candidate, soon will land his first state Senate endorsement.

Sen. Martha Fuller Clark, D-Portsmouth, told associates she’ll support Obama. Clark couldn’t be reached last week to confirm the report from several Statehouse sources."

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070429/COLUMNISTS12/204290380/-1/landrigan

Primary People

The Union Leader has a new Sunday News piece called "Primary People." Check out the first installment at:

"Walk into the Merrimack Restaurant, and you can't miss the hanging photographs of co-owner Koni Farr with Presidential candidates from the past half-dozen New Hampshire Primaries."

http://www.theunionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Primary+People%3a+Hugs+for+the+candidates%2c+help+for+the+poor&articleId=f7bec37f-bb14-44f2-8c45-2db00f55a99c

UL: Clinton, Obama Dissing NH

The Union Leader has another op-ed opposing Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama's stance on the first presidential debates. Here it is:

"So we can't fathom why Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are saying "no" to giving a wide New Hampshire audience the first real chance to see them in debate with other contenders here on Sunday, June 3."

http://www.theunionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Dissing+NH%3f+Why+would+Clinton%2c+Obama%3f&articleId=50b1b7a7-7ad5-4109-a2c4-37d18ca2356b