Biden: Free Higher Ed for Teachers

Photo is: ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com


Delaware Senator Joe Biden spend the past two days in the Granite State. The Concord Monitor has an article on Joe Biden purposing free college for teachers. Here's the story:

"Brenda MacLellan let out a loud whoop as presidential candidate Joe Biden outlined his plan for free higher education at a house party in Bradford yesterday."

Biden: How's free college sound?
He says ending war could cover costs

So Long Martin, Hello Barnett

John McCain's campaign announced this afternoon that it has replaced Jim Martin. Martin was McCain's NH campaign manager. Jim Barnett will be replacing Martin. The AP's Phil Elliott has more:

"Sen. John McCain has made another change in his struggling campaign, dismissing his New Hampshire campaign manager on Friday.

Jim Martin had run the Arizona Republican's campaign in the state and was part of McCain's 2000 victory in the state. But the campaign decided to replace him with Jim Barnett, who had been a top political operative."

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

Obama Scolds Staff

Speaking by phone, to the IAFF convention, Barack Obama blamed his staff for not building into his travel schedule a personal appearance. He told the group that "I have to tell you, I wish I was there. My staff had already scheduled some things and they couldn't wiggle out if it. They heard from me a little bit because I wasn't happy I couldn't be there personally."

Ron Paul Gains Major NH Endorsement

James "The Primary Source" Pindell is reporting that:

"Former New Hampshire state Representative Barbara Hagan of Manchester has endorsed Texas Congressman Ron Paul's presidential campaign and will organize outreach to the state's pro-life community."

Here's his story:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/politics/primarysource/2007/05/prolife_activis.html

Romney Awarded Plaque By Pro-Life Group

Photo is: ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com

Mitt Romney, accompanied by his wife Ann Romney, was presented a pro life award plaque by the Massachusetts Citizens For Life--Pioneer Valley Chapter, at a dinner event at the Chez Joseph restaurant in Agawam, Massachsetts. Specifically, the organization was awarding him for his pro life stances taken during his term as governor ofMassachusetts. Romney, during his keynote speech, stated that his conversion to a prolife outlook happened while he was researching the topic of stem cell policy. Romney said that "It is instructive to see the double standard at work here. When a pro-life figure changes to pro-choice, it hardly gets a mention. But when someone becomes pro-life, the pundits go into high dudgeon."

Outside the restaurant, pro choice activists from the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts, and a single pro lifeactivist, demonstrated against Romney's change in attitude, which they described as a 'flip flop,' an accusation that his motivation for changing his position was based on political opportunism.

Clinton Urges Healthcare For Kids

Photo is: ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com


During her visit to the Granite State the Clinton campaign released the following press release:

"Hillary Clinton joined New Hampshire mothers and health care professionals at Exeter Hospital to celebrate Mother’s Day today by calling for health care for every child in America, urging Congress to pass the Children’s Health First Act and give mothers the gift of peace of mind."

The press release also said that Senator Clinton said in Exeter that, "Nothing keeps mothers up at night more than worrying whether their children will have the health care they need if they get sick. We have a moral obligation to our children to give them a healthy start in life."

Richardson To IAFF: I'll Always Be With You

This afternoon, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson spoke at the International Association of Fire Fighters convention. He told the group that, "There are a lot of candidates who will come up and take a picture with you and make you promises, but when it's time to deliver, maybe they'll be with you. ... I'll always be with you."

For more check out Holly Ramer's article:
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/N/NH_RICHARDSON_FIREFIGHTERS_NHOL-?SITE=NHMAL&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Rudy Won't Be Writing off Granite State

The Union Leader's John DiStaso wrote today that, "Rudy Giuliani’s state campaign chairman says the Republican presidential candidate is not planning to write off or downplay the New Hampshire primary." Semprini's comments are response to a New York Times article that argues Rudy will be downplaying the importance of the New Hampshire primary.

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Semprini%3a+Rudy+won%27t+write+off+NH&articleId=bbc3600a-3687-4fd2-be2c-55dcca0b7aaa

Edwards Launches NH Grassroots Site

From the John Edwards campaign:

Today, the Edwards for President Campaign unveiled a grassroots New Hampshire website at www.johnedwards.com/nh.

"This campaign is not just about what a President can do, but about what we can all do together to bring about the transformational change our country so desperately needs," Senator Edwards said. "Our campaign in New Hampshire is going to be a grassroots effort and our website is just another way for voters in New Hampshire to get involved with our campaign to change the direction of this country."

Cosmo Speaks With The Hippo

Last week, I sat down for an interview with The Hippo's John "JaQ" Andrews. Check out the interview at this site: http://www.hippopress.com/070510/mQA.html

As always, any thoughts, questions or comments are greatly appreciated.

Biden, Rudy Hire More Staffers

The Granite Status has learned that the campaigns of Joe Biden and Rudy Giuliani is planning to hire more staffers. Here is the list:

Biden:

Deputy State Director
-Heidi Mitchell, former director of the state House Democratic caucus PAC

Giuliani:

Field Staffers:
-Taylor Landin, a former staff assistant to Texas Sen. John Cornyn and a Republican National Committee staffer
-Kevin Conroy, a staffer with former Connecticut U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons
-David Chesley, grass-roots and coalitions director for U.S. Rep. Charlie Bass' unsuccessful reelection campaign.

The Politico's Jonathan Martin is reporting that Mitt Romney's New Hampshire campaign will be hiring a press secretary. The Romney camp is bringing in DOE spokesman Craig Stevens. Here's his story:

"Speaking of bringing in help from beyond, Romney's camp will also bring in their own out-of-state talent soon to New Hampshire. Craig Stevens, now a spokesman for the Department of Energy and before that a flack for HHS, will head to Manchester soon to take over press duties for Mitt in the Granite State. Prior to his administration work, Stevens worked for the Bush-Cheney campaign in 2000 and was on the Hill before that."

http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/

Thompson To Do WMUR

Former Wisconsin Governor and Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson will be in Manchester on Friday, May 25th. Thompson will be participating in the WMUR series "Conversations with the candidates."

Cox To Make Another Visit

Chicago businessman, and GOP presidential candidate, John Cox will be participating in a WMUR "Conversation with the Candidates," forum. Cox will be at the WMUR studio on Thursday, May 17th.

Clinton To Visit NH on 11th

Hillary Clinton will be spending Friday, May 11th in the state. Here is her schedule:


May 11, 2007
Exeter, NH -Portsmouth, NH -Laconia, NH - Meredith, NH

10:00 a.m. EDT
Clinton Participates in a Roundtable Discussion with Local Families on Children’s Health CareExeter Hospital Center
3rd Floor Conference Room
5 Alumni Drive
Exeter, NH

11:45 a.m. EDT
Clinton Addresses the Federation of State and Provincial Fire Fighters Association Bi-annual Meeting
Portsmouth Sheraton
250 Market Street
Portsmouth, NH

2:30 p.m. EDT
Clinton Participates in a Roundtable Discussion on Children’s Health CareLakes Region HealthcareHealthlink Building 577
Main Street
Laconia, NH

5:30 p.m. EDT
Clinton Attends House Party-Style "Conversation with Granite Staters" at the Home of Bob and Former State Senator Barbara Baldizar
76 Swain Road
Meredith, NH

Edwards To Attend IAFF, Young Dems and NEC

Here is a breakdown of John Edwards's New Hampshire visit this weekend:


FRIDAY, MAY 11TH, 2007

6:00-6:30pm
Senator Edwards attends the Professional Firefighters State Convention
Portsmouth Harborside Sheraton Hotel
250 Market St , Portsmouth NH

8:00-8:30
Senator Edwards to attend Young Democrats Reception Lala’s Restaurant
836 Elm St ,
Manchester , NH
NOTE: This event is already full and no additional RSVPs can be taken.

SATURDAY, MAY 12th, 2007

11:00-12:15am
Senator Edwards will give the commencement address at New England College and receive an honorary degree.
New England College
7 Main St.,
Henniker , NH

2:00-2:45pm
Senator Edwards will attend the Carpenters Union Picnic
Alpine Grove Banquet Facility
Rte 111A,
Hollis, NH

7:25-8:00pm
Senator Edwards will deliver the keynote address at the Grover Cleveland Dinner.
Grand Summit Hotel
Route 302
Bartlett , NH

Rudy Names New Hampshire ED

Rudy Giuliani's campaign announced today that Jennifer Hallowell will serve as their New Hampshire executive director.

According to a press release, Hallowell recently served as the executive director of the Indiana Republican Party and was the director of political strategy for Mitch Daniels’ successful 2004 gubernatorial campaign in that state.

McCain Throws Another Debate Party

John McCain's New Hampshire campaign will be holding a debate party on Tuesday, May 15th. Here is the invite:

The party kicks off at 8:00pm with drinks and snacks provided. Our national office will have an eCampaign crew at the party to take testimonials, pictures, and video of those of you who wish to express your support for John McCain on our campaign website http://www.johnmccain.com/. New Hampshire knows McCain best and this is an exciting opportunity to tell the rest of the nation why you’ll vote McCain. Don’t want to participate in the testimonials? Just come and watch the debate with other supporters and staff – why stay home when you can have a great time with us and watch McCain in action on the big screen?

Romney Airs Another Round of NH Ads

Today Mitt Romney began running another ad in New Hampshire and Iowa. The ad is entitled "Now Is The Time," and highlights "Governor Romney's support for strengthening our armed forces to meet a new generation of global challenges."

The Script for the ad reads:

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "This isn't the time for us to shrink from conservative principles.

"It's a time for us to stand in strength.

" America must remain the world's military superpower.

"If we lock our arms together, we can forge the political will to rebuild our military might.

"Now is the time for us to lead a great coalition of strength.

"For our families, for our future, for America .

"I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

GraniteProf: Clinton Is No Ségolène Royal

The GraniteProf has a new post up about the recent French election and its impact on Hillary Clinton. He concludes that, "Call GRANITEPROF an old stick-in-the-mud, but Sunday's results seemed as much about class as gender."

http://graniteprof.typepad.com/graniteprof/2007/05/hillary_and_roy.html

Biden To Make Granite State Stops

From the Biden campaign:

"Sen. Joe Biden will kick off a two-day, five-city campaign trip across the Granite State on Friday, May 11th, 2007, in an address to the Federation of State and Provincial Fire Fighters Association’s Bi-annual Meeting in Portsmouth. Throughout the weekend, Biden will bring his campaign to the living rooms of Merrimack County at several house parties hosted by local lawmakers and activists. He will also march in the Franklin Community Day Parade and meet with residents of the Golden Crest Assisted Living Facility."

11:00 AM
SEN. BIDEN TO ADDRESS THE FEDERATION OF STATE AND PROVINCIAL FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION’S BI-ANNUAL MEETING
Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth
250 Market Street
Portsmouth, NH

3:00 PM
SEN. BIDEN TO ATTEND A HOUSE PARTY HOSTED BY REP. GIL SHATTUCK
Home of Rep. Gil Shattuck
571 Center Road
Hillsborough, NH

5:00 PM
SEN. BIDEN TO ATTEND A HOUSE PARTY HOSTED BY
DR. CARRY AND BETH RODD
Home of Dr. Carry and Beth Rodd
109 Marshall Hill Road
Bradford, NH

Saturday May 12, 2007:

10:00 AM
SEN. BIDEN TO MARCH IN FRANKLIN’S COMMUNITY DAY PARADE WITH AREA DEMOCRATS
Franklin’s Community Day Events
Central Street
Franklin, NH

12:30 PM
SEN. BIDEN TO MEET WITH RESIDENTS OF GOLDEN CREST ASSISTED CARE FACILITY
Golden Crest Assisted Care Facility
29 Baldwin Street
Franklin, NH

2:00 PM
SEN. BIDEN TO ATTEND A HOUSE PARTY HOSTED BY BILL AND CLAIRE ANDERSON
Home of Bill and Claire Anderson
2 Baptist Road
Canterbury, NH

Clinton In NH on Friday, May 11th

From a Clinton press release:

"Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton will travel to New Hampshire this Friday, May 11th to meet with Granite Staters. This will be Senator Clinton’s sixth trip to the state since mid-February. The Senator will be traveling to Exeter, Portsmouth, Laconia and Meredith."

Thompson: Let Iraqis Vote on U.S. Presence

Photo is: ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com

This morning, former HHS Secretary and Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson spoke at the Politics & Eggs breakfast at the Bedford Village Inn. Thompson started his speech by describing that as a boy he used to work on a farm where he often handled eggs. As a result of that, he said that he does not like eggs and never eats them. The remark was received with much laughter.

His speech included his proposal that the United States should ask Iraq's representative body to hold a vote on whether or not they want the military from the USA to stay in their country or to go, and that the USA should adhere to that decision. After his speech, he signed wooden eggs--a tradition with politicians who speak at the breakfast.

This appearance was his only one in NH. An earlier scheduled event--a breakfast visit to the Chez Vachon Restaurant in Manchester--did not happen because his flight had arrived late at night and he had slept in later than anticipated.

Dodd's Upcoming Trip

Below is the schedule for Chris Dodd's trip to New Hampshire from Friday, May 11th to Saturday May 12th.

Friday, May 11th

8:00 am
Meet & Greet with State Sen. Maggie Wood Hassan
Hosted by Two International Place and Pierce Atwood
Location: Offices of Pierce Atwood
One New Hampshire Avenue, Suite 350
Portsmouth, NH

10:00 am
Speech at IAFF State and Provincial Leadership Meeting
Location: Main Ballroom
Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth
250 Market Street
Portsmouth, NH

1:30 pm
Kitchen Table Conversation Hosted by Mayme and Bill Trumble
Location: 115 Piscataqua Bridge Road
Madbury, NH

6:30 pm
House Party Hosted by Dick and Pauline Kelley
Location: 146 Salmon Street
Manchester, NH

Saturday, May 12th

9:30 am
Milford Downtown Walk with Milford Democratic Chair Doreen Lopez
Location: Starts at Union Street Grill
4 Union Street
Milford, NH

11:00 am
House Party Hosted by Peter & Jackie Flood
Location: 6 Shore Drive
Merrimack, NH

1:00 pm
House Party Hosted by Bow Democratic Chair Deborah de Moulpied
Location: 5 Shaw Divide
Bow, NH

Richardson Using Grassroots

Beth LaMontagne has a story on Bill Richardson "using grassroots to get out his message." Here it is:

"New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is the first to admit he's not a rock star candidate. Despite his impressive resume that includes past tenures as a U.S. Representative, ambassador and the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Richardson is considered a second-tier candidate. His presidential campaign, he told New Hampshire voters on Monday, is not about the big events. It's about letting voters know he has the diplomatic and leadership experience to bring people together and get things done."

http://www.campaignline.com/nh/articles/index.cfm?id=129

Clinton's Day of Action

Here is a statement and information on Hillary Clinton's upcoming "Day of Action".

Clinton State Director Nick Clemons said, "All of Senator Clinton’s supporters are critical to this campaign, and everyone can be a part of it in their own way. Whether they join us for traditional grassroots activities like going door to door or for individualized activities like blogging on bluehampshire.com, it all makes a difference.”

WHO: State Senator Betsi Devries, Hillary supporters and Staff
WHAT: Day of Action Kick Off
TIME: 10:00 am EDT
WHERE: New Hampshire for Hillary Headquarters
34 Fir Street
Manchester, NH

Michelle Obama: This Is A Long Campaign

©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com


This afternoon, Michelle Obama traveled to a Windham house party and a Bedford meet and greet. At the house party, hosted by Windham Democratic Chairman Chris Rossetti, Michelle Obama said, "Barack has given people that hope, but he's going to get tired. This is a long campaign. I joke he's not going to be able to bring people to tears with every speech that he makes. He's going to make stumbles."

Dennehy Steps Away From McCain

From The Hotline:

"John McCain's national political director, Michael P. Dennehy, will step away from day-to-day duties at the campaign, telling associates today that his family obligations conflicted with his arduous, 24/7 political job in Washington, D.C." Dennehy e-mailed McCain staffers and said "I have always made my family the number one priority in my life. We will move back to New Hampshire where my son, Liam, can be reunited with the education community that he knows, thrives in, and has the best opportunity to succeed."

For more: http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/

Romney Takes The Lead, Clinton Leads Dems

A new WBZ-TV poll shows that Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton has taken the lead in the Granite State. In response to the poll, Romney consultant Rich Killion said “It’s another example of how the Governor and his message of bringing real change to Washington is resonating with Granite Staters. But the only poll that matters is the one taken on Election Day. That’s why we’re focused on building a top notch campaign organization in this state. One that captures and builds on the excitement and interest the Governor continually generates as he connects with voters at the retail level.” Here are the poll results:

The GOP:

Romney: 32%
Giuliani: 23%
McCain: 22%
F. Thompson: 11%
Gingrich: 4%
Other: 5%
Undecided: 3%

The Dems:

Clinton: 40%
Obama: 24%
Edwards: 22%
Other: 10%
Undecided: 4%

For more, go here: http://wbztv.com/racenh/local_story_127103629.html

Tommy Thompson's Visit

Below is the schedule for Tommy Thompson's upcoming visit. The former Wisconsin Governor and HHS Secretary will be in the state on Tuesday, May 8th.

GOVERNOR TOMMY THOMPSON'S NH PUBLIC SCHEDULE

TUESDAY, MAY 8TH, 2007

6:15 am
Meet and Greet Breakfast Stop
Chez Vachon
136 Kelley St
Manchester, NH 03102

7:15 am
Call-In WNTK Morning Show
"Bulldog" Brian Tilton Co-Host
Talk Radio 99.7FM WNTK New London, NH
Upper Valley Radio WUVR AM 1490 Lebanon, NH
http://www.wntk.com/

8:00 am
Politics and Eggs Breakfast
Bedford Village Inn in
38 Cortland Dr Bedford NH 03110

Michelle Obama To Make Second Visit To NH

This afternoon the Barack Obama campaign announced that the Senator's wife, Michelle Obama, will be in the state on Monday, May 7th. Here is her schedule:

Monday, May 7

WINDHAM
12:30 p.m.
HOUSE PARTY
Hosted by Chris Rossetti, Windham Democratic Chair
Home of Mark Brockmeier
2 Camelot Rd.
Windham, NH

This event is free and open to the public. Because of space limitations, an RSVP is required to Jason Powell at (603) 668-2008.

BEDFORD
Doors open 2:30 p.m.
MEET AND GREET
Sponsored by the Bedford Democrats
Old Town Hall
Corner of Bedford Center Road and Meetinghouse Road (opposite the library)
Bedford, NH

This event is free and open to the public. Because of space limitations, an RSVP is required to Jack Shapiro at (603) 668-2008.

Richardson Tours PSNH Energy Plant

Photo is: ©Chris Fitzgerald, CandidatePhotos.com



Yesterday, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson visited Northern Public Service of New Hampshire's Schiller electricity generating plant. The plant uses wood to produce energy. Low grade bi-products of lumbering sites that has been trucked to this location, will be sent to a boiler for combustion that will create electric energy for public use. Richardson displayed interest in the plant, asking questions to the managers that took him on a tour. Later, in campaign stops elsewhere in the region, he touted the plant as an example of alternative energy development that government should be encouraging.

Huckabee Wraps-Up NH Visit

The Union Leader's Benjamin Kepple has the wrap-up story of Mike Huckabee's latest visit.

"Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a Republican mulling a bid for the Presidency, received a warm welcome from about 75 supporters at a house party yesterday as he wrapped up a two-day campaign stop in New Hampshire."

http://www.theunionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Huckabee+winds+up+two-day+swing+through+New+Hampshire&articleId=51c24c33-d68e-4e53-8769-0f6bcb1969ae

Clinton's Upcoming Trip

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton plans to visit NH on May 11-12, 2007. Clinton will be to speak at the Federation of State and Provincial Professional Fire Fighters (IAFF) meeting at the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth in Portsmouth on May 11. On Saturday, May 12 the campaign is holding a statewide "Day of Action for Hillary."

Edwards Next Visit

Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards will be in the Granite State on May 11th and May 12th. On May 11 Edwards will be speaking at the Federation of State and Provincial Professional Fire Fighters (IAFF) meeting at the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth in Portsmouth and attend a Young Democrats event at The Puritan Backroom in Manchester. While, On May 12 he is scheduled to deliver the commencement address at New England College's Lee Clement Arena in Henniker. Then speak at the Nashua Carpenters' Union picnic at the Alpine Grove Banquet Facility in Hollis and deliver the keynote address at the Carroll County Democrats' Grover Cleveland Dinner at the Attitash Grand Summit Hotel in Bartlett, NH.

Biden In State May 11th-12th

Senator Joe Biden is planning another New Hampshire trip from Friday May 11th to Saturday May 12th. On Friday May 11th, Joe Biden will be speaking at the Federation of State and Provincial Professional Fire Fighters (IAFF) meeting at the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth in Portsmouth. He will also be taping "Conversation with the Candidate" at WMUR in Manchester. On Saturday, May 12th, Biden will be attending the Franklin Community Day events on Central Street in Franklin. The Delaware Senator will then hold a town hall at the Golden Crest Assisted Care Facility in Franklin and attend a house party at the home of Bill and Claire Anderson in Canterbury.

CNN's Debate Coverage

CNN has released the following statement on their New Hampshire presidential debates.

"Due to the historical nature of presidential debates and the significance of these forums to the American public, CNN believes strongly that the debates should be accessible to the public. The candidates need to be held accountable for what they say throughout the election process.

The presidential debates are an integral part of our system of government, in which the American people have the opportunity to make informed choices about who will serve them. Therefore, CNN debate coverage will be made available without restrictions at the conclusion of each live debate."

Huckabee Runs Two Races

This weekend, Foster's Chloe Johnson explains that "Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee was in two races yesterday."

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070506/NEWS81/105060123

Graham Loves New Hampshire Primary

South Carolina Senator Lindsay Graham participated in the annual Belknap County Republican annual Lincoln Day cruise aboard the MS Mount Washington. Aboard the MS Mount Washington, Graham told the crowd that:

"New Hampshire is the only thing between a Madison Avenue president and a president of the people. It's the last place in the country that you have to run for president like your running for sheriff."

http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070505/CITIZEN_01/105050134/-1/CITIZEN

Obama Gains Dunfeys Endorsement

Barack Obama has gained the endorsement of prominent New Hampshire activists Jerry Dunfey and his sister Eleanor Dunfey-Freiburger. The Concord Monitor has the scoop at:

"Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has won endorsements from two New Hampshire residents with ties to the late Coretta Scott King, who was married to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr."

http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070506/REPOSITORY/705060369/1217/NEWS98

Matt St. John Is A Primary Defender

This week's installment of Primary People covers the story of Primary Defender Matt St. John. Check out the story:

"A Saint Anselm College sophomore from Massachusetts, Matthew St. John, says he's seen more of Mitt Romney in New Hampshire than he did when Romney was governor of the Bay State."

http://www.theunionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Primary+People%3a+This+Mass.+student+wants+NH+first&articleId=abbd3646-1f11-4e2e-bf3c-1e77938badf9