Saturday, July 21, 2007

Hillary To Participate In Seacoast Energy Forum

From The Clinton Camp:

The New Hampshire for Hillary campaign today announced that Senator Hillary Clinton will return to the Granite State to visit Portsmouth, NH on Tuesday, July 24th. This will mark her 11th trip to New Hampshire and Hillary will participate in a Presidential Forum hosted by the Seacoast Media Group on energy and the environment.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Hillary Clinton will participate in Seacoast Media Group’s Presidential Forum on Energy and the Environment
Doors open at 3:00 p.m.
Seacoast Media Group Offices
111 New Hampshire Avenue
Portsmouth , NH

The Rest of The Field: Rolling In The Benjamins Redux

Yesterday, we did the front runners. Today, we post the salaries of the New Hampshire staff for the rest of the field. Note: Mike Huckabee and Mike Gravel reported no paid staffers in the state. Here is the list:

Dems:

Biden:
Jim Ryan, NH Chair: $11,250
Heidi Mitchell, Deputy State Director: $7,324.07

Dodd:
Sean Downey, Political Director: $12,568.50
Dana Kelly, Field Director: $6,345.54
Maura Keefe, Senior Advisor: $37,500

Kucinich:
Susan Bruce, Field Director: $9,000
Chris Collier, Communication: $4,500

Richardson:
Janis Hahn, Statewide Director: $6,167.86
State Rep. Daniel McKenna (Derry), Political Director: $407.31

GOP:

Brownback:
Teddy Sifert, NH Grassroots Coordinator: $856.05

Cox:
Chris Richter, Field Director: $7,426.92

Paul:
Jared Chicoine, Field Director: $10,833.35
Jordan Brown: $2,223.58

Tancredo:
Tim Easson: $5,000
Eric Green: $3,250.02

T. Thompson:
Meridian Communications, advisers: $15,000

For the rest of the field, the one number that jumps out is Maura Keefe getting paid by Chris Dodd for "political consulting." She earned $37,500 in the second quarter. Keefe is a former adviser to Howard Dean's 2004 campaign and is currently in charge of building support for Dodd in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Obamaland Visits The Granite State

Photo Is: ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com


Barack Obama was in the state on Thursday and Friday. The event was marked with people standing in the rain to wait for the Senator, Obama made headlines with his comment on genocide and Iraq and then capped off the visit with a rally in Manchester. Here are some articles from his visit:

Friday, July 20, 2007

Rolling In The Benjamins

Here is a breakdown of how much money the top New Hampshire staffers, from the top three presidential candidates, made during the second fiscal quarter. I'm sure some campaigns will e-mail me with corrections, so I will update the figures throughout the weekend.

GOP:

Romney:
Jim Merrill, State Director: $22,912.92
Jamie Burnett, Political Director: $16, 783.80

Giuliani:
Wayne Semprini, Chairman: $22, 327.80
Jennifer Hallowell, Executive Director: $7, 854.98 (joined in 2nd quarter)
David Tille, Political Director: $21, 151.80

McCain:
Jim Barnett, Campaign Manager: $23, 159.46
Michael Dennehy, State Based Consultant: $27, 153. 87

Dems:

Clinton:
Nick Clemons, State Director: $25, 170.84
Sarah Nolan, Political Director: $14, 780. 58
Tracey Lewis, State Field Coordinator: $16, 811.40

Edwards:
Beth Leonard, State Director: $19, 305
James Katz, Political Director: $13, 029. 42

Obama:
Matt Rodriguez, State Director: $22, 797.48
Mike Cuzzi, Deputy State Director: $4, 726. 24 (joined in 2nd quarter)

Multiply those numbers by four and you get some hefty yearly salaries. Who ever said that being a campaign worker didn't pay the bills.

Edwards To Hold 20 New Hampshire Debate Watch Parties

From The Edwards Campaign:

On Monday, July 23rd, New Hampshire supporters of John Edwards will host 20 debate watch parties across the state. Edwards will be participating in the CNN/You Tube debate taking place at the Citadel in South Carolina.

"We are extremely proud of the grassroots support that we are building across the state," said Kate Bedingfield, New Hampshire Press Secretary. "The number of supporters who have been eager to step up and host a debate watch party is really a testament to the fact that John Edwards is offering the kind of meaningful leadership and bold, detailed proposals that New Hampshire voters are looking for."

Romney Plans To Visit Restaurants, Host Ask Mitt Event

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is planning another visit to New Hampshire on Wednesday, July 25th. Romney will spend the day visiting various eating establishments, then will host an "Ask Mitt Anything" event in Bedford.

Wednesday, July 25th

7:45am
Meet patrons at the Soda Shoppe
The Soda Shoppe
30 Beacon Street
Laconia, NH

8:45am
Meet and Greet at the Twin Rivers Intergenerational Program (TRIP) Center
The TRIP Center
20 Canal Street
Franklin, NH

10:15am
Meet and greet at Jack's Restaurant
Jack's Restaurant of New London
207 Main Street
New London, NH

4:00pm
Meet patrons at the Puritan Backroom
The Puritan Backroom Restaurant
245 Hooksett Road
Manchester, NH

5:00pm
Ask Mitt Anything Event
McKelvie Middle School
108 Middle Road
Bedford, NH

Romney In New Hampshire on Sunday, July 22nd

On Sunday, July 22, Governor Mitt Romney will be in New Hampshire for a full day of events starting in Nashua, NH.

Sunday, July 22, 2007:

12:45 p.m.
Governor Mitt Romney Keynotes the Nashua GOP Annual Summer Luncheon
The Crowne Plaza
2 Somerset Way
Nashua, NH

2:15 p.m.
Governor Mitt Romney Hosts a Salem House Party
Home of State Representative Mark Pearson
118 Brady Avenue
Salem, NH

3:30 p.m.
Governor Romney Meets with New Hampshire Residents
Memories Ice Cream
95 Exeter Road
Kingston, NH

4:30 p.m.
Governor Romney Hosts a Seabrook Meet and Greet
Brown's Lobster Pound
Route 286
Seabrook, NH

5:30 p.m.
Governor Romney Hosts an "Ask Mitt Anything" Town Hall
Exeter Town Hall
9 Front Street
Exeter, NH

NH GOP, Fox News To Hold Debate

James "The Primary Source" Pindell is reporting that "The New Hampshire Republican Party and Fox News Channel announced they plan to hold a Republican presidential debate in New Hampshire this September." The joint debate will be held at UNH-Durham on September 5th.

For more go here: GOP Debate planned in NH

Dodd Receives Rep. Gile Endorsement

From The Dodd Campaign:

State Representative Mary Stuart Gile (Concord) announced today that she is supporting Senator Chris Dodd for the 2008 Democratic Presidential Nomination. Gile is in her sixth term representing wards 1, 2, and 3 in Concord .

“Chris Dodd has spent his career championing legislation on behalf of American working families and children, the environment, education, health care and has fought to protect American jobs,” said Representative Gile. “Senator Dodd’s record of over two decades in the U.S. Senate is one of outstanding accomplishment. His agenda is one of hope and renewal through service to our fellow citizens and to our nation. This vision combined with his effectiveness as a leader gives Senator Dodd the potential to be a great president.”

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Obama In Sunapee: Gregg, Sununu Should Vote Their Beliefs

From the Obama campaign:

Following the latest Senate debate on redeploying our troops from Iraq, Senator Barack Obama returned to New Hampshire today to discuss his plan to end the war. As more Republicans this week announced their opposition to the war, Obama also urged Granite Staters to call on their Senators to join the bipartisan coalition supporting redeployment.

“You’ve got two Senators who are saying we need change in Iraq, but they aren’t voting that way in Washington,” Obama told the crowd in Sunapee. “Now, I’m glad they’re voicing their beliefs, but we need them to vote their beliefs.

Hicks, Purdy Lead Paid Clinton Consultants

The Politico's Ben Smith wrote an interesting piece on the amount of money Hillary Clinton's campaign consultants are paid. In the second-quarter Karen Hicks collected a cool $66,000 while Mary Elizabeth Purdy was paid $21, 000 for her services. In 2004, Hicks was Howard Dean's New Hampshire State Director. She is currently Clinton's national field director. While, Mrs. Purdy is a "a senior advisor" to Senator Clinton.

NH For Hillary To Host Debate Watch House Parties

From The Clinton Campaign:

On Monday, July 23, Senator Hillary Clinton will participate in the Democratic Presidential Debate sponsored by CNN/YouTube in Charleston, South Carolina. To show their support for Hillary and to help grow the Women for Hillary network, campaign supporters from across the Granite State will be part of an effort that includes 400 house parties happening across the country.

New Hampshire for Hillary's 10 debate watch house parties will be hosted in the following locations: Barbara Ahlgren, Manchester; Diane Andres, Lebanon; Ruth Donas, North Hampton; Assistant House Majority Leader Bette Lasky, Nashua; Kathy and Ken Latchaw, Dover; State Representative Melanie Levesque, Brookline; Farideh Namazi, Portsmouth; Marcia Press, Troy; State Representative Deana Rollo, Rollinsford; and Katie Wolff, Londonderry.

Romney Tidbits: Colonials and Phones

Word around the Romney camp is that this Saturday, at the Exeter American Independence Festival, Romney interns might be seen dressed in "colonial-wear."

Also, through three days of phone-banking for "Sign-up New Hampshire" the campaign has reached 5,999 people. Their goal is to reach 10,000 people.

Dodd Gets Major Endorsement

The Granite Status reported today that Senator Chris Dodd has gained the endorsement of Peter Glenshaw. Glenshaw is the co-founder of the group "Democracy for New Hampshire." Kathy Sullivan, former state Democratic Chairwoman, wrote on BlueHampshire that the endorsement "is as significant as the (Gary) Hirshberg endorsement of Senator (Barack) Obama" and the endorsement is "another sign that Senator Dodd is starting to pick up some momentum."

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Elizabeth Edwards Stars In New Ad

From the Edwards campaign:

The John Edwards for President campaign today unveiled its second New Hampshire TV ad of the campaign and the first featuring Elizabeth Edwards. The ad, entitled “30 Years,” features Elizabeth Edwards, the person who knows John Edwards best, discussing her husband’s strength and character.

View the ad at: http://johnedwards.com/media/video/30-years/

Full Script of “30 Years”
I have been blessed for the last 30 years
To be married to the most optimistic person that I have ever met
But at the same time he has an unbelievable toughness
Particularly about other people and that is his ability to fight for them
You’re not going to out smart him
He works harder than any human being that I know, always has
It’s unbelievably important that in our president we have someone
Who can stare the worst in the face
And not blink
“I’m John Edwards and I approve this message”

Obama To Host Sunapee Ice Cream Social, Town Halls in Hampton and Manchester

THURSDAY, JULY 19

Sunapee, NH
ICE CREAM SOCIAL WITH BARACK OBAMA
BenMere Bandstand at Sunapee Harbor
Corner of Lake and River Streets
Sunapee, NH
Ice Cream Served: 4:45 PM

The event is free and open to the public. Due to space limitations, RSVP is required by calling Abby at (603) 355-2008 or by visiting http://nh.barackobama.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 20

Hampton, NH
MEET THE CANDIDATE EVENT WITH BARACK OBAMA
Marston Elementary School
Gymnasium
3 Marston Way
Hampton, NH
Doors open: 8:45 AM

The event is free and open to the public. However, an RSVP is strongly encouraged. To RSVP, please call Katie at (603) 433-7001 or visit us on the web at http://nh.barackobama.com.

Manchester, NH
TOWN HALL FORUM WITH BARACK OBAMA
400 Commercial Street
Manchester, NH
Gates open: 11:30 AM

The event is free and open to the public. However, an RSVP is strongly encouraged. To RSVP, please call Kristen at (603) 668-2008 or visit us on the web at http://nh.barackobama.com.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

McCain To Return To NH on July 25th

On Wednesday July 25th, John McCain will hold a Town Hall Meeting in Keene, New Hampshire. The event is at 6:30 and takes place at the Keene Country Club. RSVP to 603-369-4946 or NHRSVP@mccain08hq.com

Richardson Announces Co-Chairs for NH Women for Richardson

Yesterday, Bill Richardson's campaign announced that Amanday Grady and State Representative Tara Reardon will be the co-chairs of the group New Hampshire Women for Richardson. Representative Reardon is a six-term member who represents the Concord area. Grady is the Policy Director for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

Former Manchester Mayor To Co-Chair Clinton's "Mayors Council"

This afternoon, Hillary Clinton's campaign announced that it has formed a "Mayors Council" comprised up of 100 Mayors. Former Manchester Mayor Sylvio Dupuis will co-chair the council. Dupuis served in City Hall from 1972-1975. He left the post to become the founding president of the as founding president of the Catholic Medical Center in Manchester and served as the Director of Health and Human Services for New Hampshire. In 2004, Dupuis was an active supporter of General Wesley Clark.

Edwards Campaign To Hold Policy Forums

From Monday, July 23rd to Thursday, July 26th, John Edwards' New Hampshire campaign will host a series of policy forums on the environment, health care, disability issues, veterans' issues and the war in Iraq. Edwards will send General "Speedy" Martin to discuss a pact with veterans and David Bonior, former Congressman and national campaign manager, will be in the State on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the other policy proposals. More information can be found here: www.johnedwards.com/nh/events/

Obama To Visit Sunapee, Hampton, Manchester

Senator Barack Obama’s campaign announced today that Obama will return to New Hampshire on Thursday and Friday of this week. On Thursday afternoon Senator Obama will visit Sunapee, and on Friday he will visit Hampton and Manchester.

Further details will be announced shortly.

Monday, July 16, 2007

The 411 on the 603

The 411 on the 603

Apparently I didn't get the memo, but today was "New Hampshire Media for Ron Paul Day." Both the GraniteProf and NHpols.com cover Ron Paul stories. Check out their stories here and here.

Meanwhile, Bill Richardson attempts to "woo" women, while Chris Dodd seduces various environmentalists.

Finally, we wish that we had the type of connections that the "Clacker" has. Today, he helped break the story that McCain's NH spokeswoman might be heading up the national press shop. He has the scoop on Jill "Nails" Hazelbaker here: 'Nails Rising

Romney Airs "Ocean" Ad

Today, Mitt Romney began airing a new ad in the Granite State. The ad is entitled "Ocean" and features Romney discussing his views on "the culture that surrounds America 's children" and the need to clean up "the ocean in which our children now swim."

Better bring along some life preservers!

Script For "Ocean" (TV:60 seconds):
GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "I'm deeply troubled about the culture that surrounds our kids today.
"Following the Columbine shootings, Peggy Noonan described our world as 'the ocean in which our children now swim.'
"She described a cesspool of violence, and sex, and drugs, and indolence, and perversions.
"She said that the boys who did the shooting had 'inhaled too deeply in the oceans in which they swam.'
"I'd like to see us clean up the water in which our kids are swimming.
"I'd like to keep pornography from coming up on their computers.
"I'd like to keep drugs off the streets.
"I'd like to see less violence and sex on TV and in video games and in movies.
"And if we get serious about this, we can actually do a great deal to clean up the water in which our kids and our grandkids are swimming.
"I'm Mitt Romney and I approve this message."

To view "Ocean," please see: http://mitt-tv.mittromney.com/?showid=234880

Obama Launches Child Advocacy Forums

Beginning this week, Barack Obama's campaign will host various forums on "Child Advocacy." The forums will focus on these questions: What can we do to support young people better here in New Hampshire? Where do we most need leadership? Which problem is most often overlooked? Where do we most need to come together as a community?

For details go here: http://nh.barackobama.com/NHcommunityforum

Bidens Hires Additional Field Directors

From The Biden Campaign:

The Biden for President Campaign today announced four new staff members to serve as Regional Field Directors for Senator Biden’s New Hampshire campaign. Julia Barnes of Nashua will serve Hillsborough County, Kristin Stewart of Concord will serve Merrimack County and the Lakes region, Nick Collins of Dover will serve Rockingham and Strafford Counties and John Hayden of Manchester will serve the North Country.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Obama To Make Seacoast Visit on July 20th

We've learned that Senator Barack Obama is planning a visit to New Hampshire on Friday, July 20th. Obama is scheduled to attend events on the Seacoast. More information will be released throughout the week.

This will be Obama's eleventh trip to the Granite State. Obama's last visit to the state was on July 2nd.

Rudy Hires Press Secretary, Biden Hires Field Directors, Romney Makes Phone Calls

Here are three tidbits of information from Dorgan and Liebowitz at The Concord Monitor:

-Former John Sununu press secretary Jeff Grappone will be joining Rudy Giuliani's campaign as New Hampshire press secretary. Grappone is a New Hampshire native who once reported for this newspaper.

-Biden's campaign has hired four regional field directors for Hillsborough County, Merrimack County, North Country and the Seacoast. They hope to hire two more in the next few weeks, said press secretary Evan Carlson.

-This week, Mitt Romney's campaign plans to call 10,000 homes in an operation called "Sign Up New Hampshire," said spokesman Craig Stevens.

Now, here's a new defense of the primary

McCain: This Is A Day At The Beach

Photo is: ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com

The following is a summary of John McCain's Town Hall meeting in Claremont. It was submitted by a faithful reader. Here is his report:

Despite the press reports about the "implosion" of his candidacy (and a McCain mask wearing figure out front with sign reading "I Spend Money Like a Drunken Sailor" holding out a tin cup), McCain seemed ready to go the distance. "After some of the things I've been through, this is a day at the beach," he said in response to a question about whether he was down.

There were probably 150 people there at the Claremont Legion Hall, starting at 8:45 on a beautiful Saturday morning. The most visible constituency was made up of the dozen or so people wearing bright red "DividedWeFail.org" T-shirts. (It's a project of AARP, the Business Roundtable and SEIU trying to get more attention paid to the broken health care system.)

McCain, looking a bit tired and rumpled when he arrived, was clearly energized the more he spoke. He began by ticking off a few key issues, the first of which was climate change, which he called the challenge of the next generation. (Other issues: government spending, displaced workers and the war.) On the war, McCain rejects the term "war on terror," though that appears in a slick campaign card available at the event. (I had the feeling that this appearance was McCain on his own, without any consultants or focus groups telling him what to say.)

After about 15 minutes speaking, he started answering questions. First was health care (from a red-T-shirted questioner), and McCain noted that health care is always high on the list of questions he's asked at Town Meetings, though not high on the list asked at formal debates. He wants to fix it, but not by means of single-payer. He favors letting people buy drugs from Canada.

On his first day in office, McCain says he would close Guantanamo, let the world know the US will never torture again, start taking action on climate change and "be humble." He said he was disappointed the Bush Administration on climate change and that Donald Rumsfeld would go down in history as one of the worst Secretaries of Defense ever.

Poll: Romney, Clinton Continue To Lead

A new Concord Monitor Poll shows Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton leading their respective fields. Here is the breakdown:

Dems:

Clinton- 33%
Obama- 25%
Edwards- 15%
Richardson- 7%
Dodd- 3%
Biden- 2%
Kucinich- 2%
Gravel- 1%

GOP
Romney- 27%
Giuliani- 20%
McCain- 16%
Thompson- 15%
Brownback- 1%
Hunter- 1%
Tancredo- 1%
Paul- 1%
Huckabee- 1%
Thompson- 1%
Undecided- 16%