Snow, Sleet Do Not Deter McCain

Neither snow, sleet or freezing rain can stop "The Straight Talk Express." To deal with the treacherous travel conditions, the McCain campaign hired a snowplow to lead the convoy of vehicles, through the state.

Obama Speaks At Earl M. Bourdon Centre

Yesterday, Barack Obama managed to trek through the snowstorm to speak before 100 citizens of the Earl M. Bourdon Centre. Citizens thought Obama was sincere and articulate. However, former Claremont mayor Ray Gagnon had his doubts. Gagnon told The Boston Globe that "I kept watching him thinking he is so great, but then there is the experience thing. I mean he says he's had 10 years in elected office. Well, so did I on the City Council. Does that count?"

***The Photo is ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com***

In The Know

What to be in the know? Need a little more Cosmo in your life? Then I have two great websites for you.

Check out Taegan Goddard's Political Wire: http://politicalwire.com/

Also, peruse through Politics.Wikia: http://politics.wikia.com/index.php?title=Main_Page

Dodd Cancels Bedford

Due to the snowstorm, Chris Dodd has cancelled his event in Bedford. All over events on his schedule for Saturday and Sunday are still on.

Full McCain Schedule

Here is the schedule for the "Straight Talk Express"

NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE
WHO: Senator John McCain
WHAT: Law Enforcement & First Responder Roundtable
WHEN: Friday, March 16, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. EDT
WHERE: Nashua Fire House
Fire Station Bay
70 East Hollis Street
Nashua, New Hampshire 03060

MILFORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE
WHO: Senator John McCain
WHAT: Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. EDT
WHERE: Milford Elementary School
Gymnasium
80 Heron Pond Road
Milford, New Hampshire 03055

LEBANON, NEW HAMPSHIRE
WHO: Senator John McCain
WHAT: Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 3:15 p.m. EDT
WHERE: Lebanon High School
High School Cafeteria
195 Hanover Street
Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766

BOW, NEW HAMPSHIRE
WHO: Senator John McCain
WHAT: House Party
WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. EDT
WHERE: 14 Heidi Lane
Bow, New Hampshire 03304

DOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE
WHO: Senator John McCain
WHAT: House Party
WHEN: Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 12:00 p.m. EDT
WHERE: 185 3 Rivers Farm Road
Dover, New Hampshire 03820

EXETER, NEW HAMPSHIRE
WHO: Senator John McCain
WHAT: Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. EDT
WHERE: Exeter Town Hall
Town Hall Chamber
10 Front Street
Exeter, New Hampshire 03833

WINDHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE
WHO: Senator John McCain
WHAT: Greater Hudson Chamber of Commerce 38th Annual Awards Dinner
WHEN: Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. EDT
WHERE: Castleton Banquet & Conference Center
92 Indian Rock Road (Rt. 111)
Windham, New Hampshire 03087

Obama Event Called Off

Dear Friend,

As I'm sure you've heard by now, Mother Nature hasn't given up on this winter just yet and Keene, NH is expected to be right in the path of the latest storm. Weather reports are expecting upwards of a foot of snow during the scheduled time of Barack's visit tonight.

Although Barack was excited to be headed to New Hampshire this weekend, we unfortunately had to cancel the event due to these impending weather conditions. The safety of everyone involved with the event, including you, is our top priority and we would not want to jeopardize that.

Again, we're very sorry we had to cancel tonight's event, but you can be sure that Barack will be coming back to New Hampshire very soon.
Obama for America

Dodd's Schedule

Senator Chris Dodd will visit New Hampshire on Saturday, March 17th, and Sunday, March 18th. He will make stops in Bedford , Hampton , Concord and Manchester. Here is his preliminary schedule:

Saturday, March 17

10:00 a.m.
Meet and Greet at Old Town Hall
70 Bedford Center Road
Bedford

12:30 p.m.
Visit to Hampton Fire Station #2
140 Winnacunet Road
Hampton

1:30 p.m.
Press availability
Hampton Fire Station #2
140 Winnacunet Road
Hampton

2:00 p.m.
Drop-By At The Old Salt
490 Lafayette Road
Hampton

5:30 p.m.
Merrimack County Democrats’ St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
IBEW Hall
48 Airport Road
Concord

Sunday, March 18

9:00 a.m.
Manchester Democrats’ St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast Honoring Outgoing State Party Chair Kathy Sullivan
Tower Café
1750 Elm Street
Manchester

11:00 a.m.
Meet and Greet at Manchester St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Outside the Brady Sullivan Building
1750 Elm Street
Manchester

Biden Also Looks For Gold In Granite State

Adding to an already busy weekend, Joe Biden has decided to also pay a visit to the state. The Delaware Senator will be speaking at the Bobby Stephens Fund for Education's 29th Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration. Here are the details:

Mar. 17
6:00 p.m.
Bobby Stephens Fund for Education's 29th Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Executive Court Banquet Facility
1199 South Mammoth Road
Manchester, NH

Brownback Back To State

Senator Sam Brownback will make his first trip to the Granite State, since his presidential announcement in January. Brownback will be visiting the state on Monday March 19th. During the visit, Brownback will do an interview with WMUR, attend a breakfast with Cornerstone Policy Research and speak in Nashua at the offices of Oracle Corporation.

McCain Leads Rudy; Clinton Beats Obama

In addition to his weekend trip, John McCain has some good news to celebrate. A new Franklin Pierce College poll shows that the Arizona Senator is leading Rudy and Romney. Although, the bigger news might be the surprise showing of the Mittster. The poll is showing John McCain with 29%, Rudy with 28% and Romney with 22%.

On the Democratic side, Hillary continues to lead Obama. The poll puts Clinton at 32 percent and Obama 25 percent. Former Sen. John Edwards is running in third place with 16 percent.

Edwards: Fight Poverty With Education

Today, Senator John Edwards delivered a speech on global poverty at Saint Anselm College. In his speech Edwards said "When you understand that, it suddenly becomes clear: global poverty is not just a moral issue for the United States - it is a national security issue for the United States. If we tackle it, we have the chance to change a generation of potential extremists and enemies into a generation of friends." To help eliminate global poverty, the former North Carolina senator called for creating a cabinet-level position and educating 23 million children in third-world nations.

However, the speech did not come without controversy. The New Hampshire College Republicans released a statement that read "It can’t be too hard pretending to worry about the plight of America’s poor while flying around in luxury jets and sleeping in a 29,000 square foot mansion." There was also a couple of College Republicans outside the event with the sign "St. A's College Republicans Welcome The First Female President." The other sign said "Campaigns: $45 mil., House: 28, 200 sq. ft., Giving A Speech on Poverty: PRICELESS!!"

***The Photo is ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com***

Obama To Visit Claremont, Keene

Barack Obama will be in the state this Friday. Here is the Senator's complete schedule.

FRIDAY, MARCH 16

Claremont, NH
BARACK OBAMA VISITS WITH EARL M. BOURDON CENTRE RESIDENTS
Earl M Bourdon Centre
67 Maple Avenue Claremont
NH 03743
Program begins at 2:30 PM The event is open to residents of the Earl M. Bourdon Centre ONLY.

Keene , NH
KEENE TOWN HALL FORUM WITH BARACK OBAMA
Keene High School Gymnasium
43 Arch Street
Keene, NH 03431
Doors open: 6:30 PM P
rogram begins: 7:30 PM
The event is free and open to the public. The public is invited to RSVP at http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=1035162482&msgid=30441746&act=VA85&c=106775&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.barackobama.com%2F

Biundo Finds Work

Meridian Communications, started by Jack Heath and Mike Biundo, has been hired by former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson. Biundo told The Union Leader that Meridian "will handle all aspects of the campaign. His conservative credentials and long history as a reliable conservative plays well in New Hampshire, is right for the country and fits who we are." Readers might remember Meridian for being the campaign managers for failed GOP gubernatorial candidate Jim Coburn.

Huckabee: "Nothing But The Tooth"

Yesterday, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee spoke at Northeast Delta Dental in Concord. During his speech the health conscious presidential wannabe, argued that the healthcare system should be focused on prevention. In regards to the dangers of cronic disease, Huckabee said "And here's the real sad thing, that many people will die tomorrow and the next day and the next day after that, and the next day after that. Anyone who does not talk about this issue and put it front and center is going to be neglecting one of the most important issues not only of our culture ... but clearly for our time." Also, during his talk, he quipped that he would state only the 'tooth, and nothing but the tooth." (Get it? It's a dental care company.) Well, the joke bombed bigtime. People were groaning. He then looked over to his aide and said loudly, "I think we're done here." With that comment, everyone broke out in laughter.

***The Photo is ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com***

Primary Panel: Maintain Status Quo

Tonight at St. Anselm College, the New Hampshire Democrats sponsored a panel discussion on the importance of the Granite State primary. The panel featured Bill Shaheen, Dante Scala, Bill Schneider, Carl Cameron, John DiStaso and Ovide Lamontagne. Here are some highlights of the discussion:

-Gov. Lynch reinforced his previous statement that the primary will remain first.
-He also argued that the DNC has only exacerbated the problem and political insiders are trying to destroy the traditional system.
-John DiStaso told the audience that the primary will only matter to big name candidates because lesser-known contenders will not be able to raise the money needed for February 5th.
-Bill Schneider, in an ironic moment, announced to the crowd that California had just moved up its primary to February 5th. Ohh the irony...he made the announcement about a state that is trying to gain political importance, in the state that is trying to retain its position. The CNN analyst also said that the Iowa caucuses is"Soviet voting," because there are no secret ballots.
-Finally, Bill Shaheen argued that the traditional primary system, Iowa then NH, will be maintained after the 2008 election. He said that having a quasi-national primary on February 5th is going to cause the DNC to rethink it's position.

Dodd Supports NH Climate Change Resolution

Here is a press release from Senator Chris Dodd. In it he endorses the climate change resolution being debated in towns across the Granite State.

"Senator Chris Dodd today responded to New Hampshire citizens who are asking for national leadership to address the climate change crisis. Dodd strongly endorsed the terms of a climate change resolution that is being considered in 180 town meetings across the Granite State .

“Global climate change is one of the most pressing issue of our time,” said Dodd. “Sadly, the current administration has squandered six years by denying scientific evidence at the behest of the oil and gas industry. The next president has to make up for lost time. When I am elected president in 2008, I will make global warming a top priority by asking the American people to join me in setting an ambitious timetable for reducing greenhouse gas emissions that threaten both our natural environment and our economic well being.”

In town meetings across the Granite State during the month of March, New Hampshire citizens are considering resolutions asking for local, state and national leadership to fight global warming. Thus far, 86 towns have passed climate change resolutions.

The resolution urges the President and Congress to establish “a national program requiring reductions of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions while protecting the U.S. economy” and to create “a major national research initiative to foster rapid development of sustainable energy technologies thereby stimulating new jobs and investment.”

Dodd says those are commitments he will make today. “I hope that I will be joined by other Democratic and Republican candidates,” said Dodd. “Protecting our environment for future generations should be a bi-partisan issue.”

Obama To Speak at SNHU Graduation Ceremony

According to the AP, "Southern New Hampshire University has landed presidential hopeful Barack Obama as its commencement speaker this spring. Obama also will receive an honorary degree at commencement on May 19th at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester."

Barack Obama Official Office Opening

You are invited to attend Barack Obama's office-opening party!! The headliner will be former South Dakota Senator Tom Daschle. Here's the 411:

Office-Opening Party with Senator Tom Daschle
Monday, March 19, at 6:00 p.m.
60 Rogers Street, 2nd Floor
Manchester, NH 03104

Edwards To Speak At St. Anselm

Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards will be speaking at St. Anselm College on Thursday, March 15th. Edwards will deliver a policy speech on global poverty at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics. The speech takes place from 11:30-1:00. The event is free and open to the public. Also, here is the press release about the event:

Manchester, New Hampshire – On Thursday, March 15th, 2007, Senator John Edwards will give a speech outlining his plans for bold change for America. He will discuss the need for transformational change in our policies and politics, and in the way America leads the world, including an emphasis on ending U.S. poverty and combating world poverty.

Huckabee's Schedule

Here is Mike Huckabee's schedule for Wednesday, March 14th.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

(Note: Subject to change)

7:30 a.m. ET – Guest interview on the Charlie Sherman Radio Show on WGIR-AM. Huckabee will discuss his campaign and take calls from listeners.

9:00 a.m. ET – Guest interview on NH Public Radio, 89.1 with Host Laura Knoy. Huckabee will discuss the campaign and answer questions from listeners who call in.

10:15 a.m. ET – Meeting with employees at Northeast Delta Dental at Two Delta Drive, Concord , NH

12 Noon ET - Luncheon with legislators and key officials hosted by Sen. Robert Clegg, New Hampshire State Library, 20 Park St. in Concord .

2:15 p.m. ET -- Taping of a “Conversation with the Candidates” at WMUR-TV studio to air at a later date.

3:30 p.m. ET – Private meetings.

6:30 p.m. – House party for “Friends of Mike Huckabee” at home of Doug & Shannon McGinley (private residence). Bedford , N.H. This event is by invitation only.

Meet and Greet With Huckabee

Gov. Mike Huckabee Meet and Greet

Date: 14 March 2007
Category: General Calendar
Event Description:
Meet and Greet with presidential candidate Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee
Where: Home of Doug and Shannon McGinley
4 Balsam Court, Bedford NH
When: Wednesday, March 14th from 6:30pm - 8pm
Cost: None
Contact: RSVP to Shannon at dsmcginley@comcast.net
Email: dsmcginley@comcast.net

Tancredo: Let's Celebrate Diversity

Yesterday, Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo spoke at Thomas More College, in Merrimack. Tancredo spend most of his time discussing immigration and multiculturalism. Tancredo told students that "All of us can celebrate diversity but diversity can't be the only thing that holds us together. We should celebrate assimilation as much as we celebrate diversity." The long shot presidential candidate went on to say, "This has nothing to do with race or ethnicity."

***The Photo is ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com***

Blue Hampshire: What I Learned From The 100 Club

Dean, from Blue Hampshire, posted some interesting tidbits about the "100 Club" dinner. Here is what he observed:

All those times when I've sardined myself into a packed bookstore or high school gym to hear a candidate for free, I've wondered: Do you get what you pay for? If I shelled out some bucks and went to one of those high-roller fund-raisers, could I get serious face time with a big-name Democrat like Hillary Clinton?

Here's what I learned Saturday night at the New Hampshire Democratic Party's annual 100 Club dinner:

-$100 doesn't make you a high roller.
-Even the people who spent $500 for the pre-dinner reception looked pretty jammed together.
-Hillary Clinton gives a good speech.
-If you have a choice, go to a free rally.

For the rest of the post go here: http://bluehampshire.com

Hagel Waits on Run

Today, Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel decided that he would wait until later this year to announce his presidential ambitions. St. Anselm College professor Dante Scala expressed skepticism of a potential Hagel candidacy. The GraniteProf told The Politico that "Being critical of the president is one thing for a Republican primary voter, but poking him with a sharp stick at every opportunity is something else.” When discussing Hagel's opposition to Bush's Iraq policy, Scala said “If you’re that dead set against Bush and the war, why wouldn't you just give to a Democrat?” In other words, the GraniteProf sees no hope for Hagel. Sorry Chuck.

Clegg Set To Endorse Huckabee?

It appears that Ms. Vanderbeek has been a busy bee. Days after joining the Mike Huckabee team, she has organized his upcoming visit. The Arkansas governor will be in New Hampshire on Wednesday, March 14th. In Concord, Huckabee will visit Delta Dental and attend a luncheon at the state library, which is being sponsored by state Senator Bob Clegg.

On a side note, Clegg and Vanderbeek were seen sitting next to one another at the Carol Shea-Porter event at St. Anselm College. Also, Clegg, along with Vanderbeek, attended the Huckabee dinner at the Merrimack Restaurant. Attendees noted that Clegg was taking random pictures of the audience. When will Clegg be endorsing Huckabee?

Another McCain Visit

In addition to his upcoming visit, John McCain will pay another visit in late March. This time he will be speaking at the Carroll County Lincoln Day Dinner. Here are the details:

Date : 24 March 2007
Category : General Calendar
Event Description: Carroll County Lincoln Day Dinner featuring US Sen. John McCain
Where: North Conway Grand Hotel at Settlers' Green,
Route 16, North Conway
When: Saturday, March 24th
Social Time @ 6pm, Dinner @ 7pm
Cost: $39.00 per person
Contact: RSVP no later than Friday, March 16th by calling Gene Chandler @ 374-6603 or Henry Mock @ 356-5109

Hunter Speaks Before Cheshire County Women's Club

California Congressman Duncan Hunter will be in the state on Saturday March 24th. Hunter will be speaking before the Cheshire County Republican Women's Club. Want to go? Check out the below information:

Date : 24 March 2007
Category : General Calendar
Event Description: The Cheshire County Republican Women's Club is hosting a fundraising breakfast with special guest US Congressman Duncan Hunter, presently the ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee
Where: Keene County Club
When: Saturday, March 24th from 8-10am
Cost: $12 per person/$20 per couple/ children free
Contact: RSVP by calling Nancy Wilkinson @ 357-2759

Clinton Rallies NH Dems

Last night, Hillary Clinton rallied New Hampshire Democrats at the "100 Club" dinner. Clinton focused her speech on charges that the middle class has become "invisible" to the Bush administration and Republicans. The New York Senator charged, "You are invisible to the oil companies earning record profits while you pay more at the pump. You are invisible to the companies who outsource your job, or lay you off or end the promise of your pension. For six long years, President Bush and Washington Republicans have looked right through you." She went on to say, "If you are a soldier returning from combat and waiting for treatment or disability pay, you are invisible. If you are a child sitting in a failing school waiting for the promised federal funding under the No child Left Behind Act, you are invisible."

***The Photo is ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com***

Tancredo Protests

Yesterday, Saturday March 10th, Tom Tancredo spoke to about twenty or so demonstrators on the sidewalk outside the Bank of America branch office in Rochester, NH.

***The Photo is ©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com***

Obama Hires Field Director

I know this is way late, but Barack Obama has hired a New Hampshire field director. Obama has hired Rob Hill, to head-up his Granite State grassroots efforts. Hill has no NH primary experience, but did organize Montana's Jon Tester's senatorial campaign. Also, Reid Cherlin is now Obama's press secretary. Finally, the Obama office's number is (603) 668-2008. I wonder how much did that number cost?

McCain To Bring Back "Straight Talk" Bus

The Concord Monitor is reporting that Senator John McCain will be resurrecting the 'Straight Talk" bus. McCain will be using the bus to travel the Granite State, next weekend. This will be McCain's first visit since October. Here's the full article:

"Sen. John McCain, winner of the 2000 Republican primary, will make his first visit to the state in 2007 next weekend, complete with the old "Straight Talk" bus.

He'll arrive in New Hampshire late Friday for a roundtable discussion with police officers and firefighters in Hudson and stay through March 19, state spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker said.

No Concord events are planned, but the Arizona senator is slated to be in Bow Saturday night for a 6:15 house party at the home of Jayne and Shawn Millerick. Jayne Millerick is a former executive director and chairwoman of the state Republican Party. Those positions kept her from endorsing candidates before. This year she's backing McCain."