Where Are You??

Have trouble finding the presidential candidates? Look no more! In the need to provide readers with new information, I have decided to put a new feature on the blog. On the right hand side of the blog, you will find a list of the campaign offices for presidential candidates. Some candidates have yet to secure office space.

Also, if you would like to be receive updates on the presidential race, please e-mail me at: nhprezwatch@yahoo.com I will put you on my mailing list and you will receive e-mail updates.

-Cosmo

Wieczorek To Endorse Rudy?

Sources tell us that Executive Councilor, and former Manchester mayor, Ray Wieczorek is contemplating endorsing former Big Apple Mayor Rudy Giuliani. The two had a private meeting before the New Hampshire Republican State Convention. While, Ray's son, Jim Wieczorek is a campaign manager for Rudy. "The Whiz's" endorsement is one of the most sought after Republican endorsements.

Temperature Rises at NH Dems State Committee Meeting

Outside the temperature was a cool 50 degrees, however at the New Hampshire Democratic State Committee Meeting in the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, the temperature quickly rose to boiling level. Congressman Paul Hodes and his opposition to Ray Buckley's chairmanship was the subject of the tense. While, Hodes was delivering his speech he was openly challenged by a committee person has to the relevance of his speech. Hodes mentioned his opposition to Buckley in his speech, even though Hodes was suppose to be discussing the progress he has made in Congress. After his speech, Hodes told reporters that he was concerned with the YouTube video of Buckley and argued that people would use the video to attack the party, both locally and nationally. This comment led to an observer quietly stating, "should I ask him now or later to have my donation back."

The meeting's focus then turned towards the acceptance of amendment 5. The amendment purposed by Chris Pappas would allow write-in candidates. The Pappas amendment needed to pass to allow Buckley's ascend to the chairmanship. There were no opponents to the amendment, Paul Hodes even supported the amendment. Buckley eventually won with 109 votes to Hall's 17 and Craig came in with 6. In his acceptance speech, Buckley said that "generations of New Hampshire Democrats will the know of Kathy Sullivan' and that his family will be "forever grateful for the sacrifice" that Jim Craig made. Other observations at the meeting include:

-Ambassador Dick Swett was wearing a Clinton button
-State Senator Peter Burling was wearing an Edwards sticker
-Hall called the campaign "a travesty" and that the chairmanship vote must "transcend any outrage over Republican tactics."
-NH Dems are willing to sacrifice their national convention delegates to preserve the Granite State primary status.

Killion: Romney "Walks The Walk"

Before a crowd of 35 supporters and campaign workers, Mitt Romney's son Tagg opened the Romney Manchester headquarters. Tagg told the crowd that Romney is running for "Joe and his generation." Joe is the younger son of Tagg. In response to a question on abortion, Tagg said that his "whole family is pro-life." Tagg delivered his remarks in front of a blue bulletin board covered with Mitt Romney signs and a sign that read "sMITTen 08." The office's first floor houses campaign offices and tables for volunteers. We're told that the second floor has the potential to hold up to 250 volunteers. In a sign that Romney has a serious chance in New Hampshire, Rich Killion who is regarded as a media mastermind and is a consultant to the Romney campaign, told us that Romney "lives his values daily" and "walks the walk."

Ambinder Follows McCain

Don't feel like making the trek to Northern New Hampshire? Follow the McCain trip via The Hotline's Marc Ambinder. Here's the link: http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/

Additional Hunter Stops

Duncan Hunter will be at Saint Anselm College on Sunday, March 25th. The event is at 1:30 at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics. Hunter will be discussing the war in Iraq.

On Monday, Hunter will be at WMUR and Keene State College. Here are the details:

Who: Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA)
Date: March 26
When: 12:30pm
Where: WMUR

Who: Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA)
Date: March 26
When: 9:00am
Where: Lantern Room, Student Center, Keene State College
Contact: Tickets are free but you must have a ticket. Go to www.keene.edu/forums
Event:Presidential Candidate Forum

New Poll Numbers!!

ARG (American Research Group) released new poll numbers for the Granite State. The poll shows Clinton leading Obama and McCain beating Rudy. The poll was taken from March 19th-22nd. Here are the numbers.

Dems:
Clinton: 37%
Obama: 23%
Edwards: 20%
Biden: 2%
Richardson: 2%
Clark: 1%
Dodd: 1%
Kucinich: 1%
Undecided: 12%

GOP:
McCain: 23%
Giuliani: 19%
Romney: 17%
Gingrich: 11%
F. Thompson: 10%
Hagel: 2%
Brownback: 2%
Tancredo: 1%
Undecided: 15%

Check here for details: http://americanresearchgroup.com/

Also, check out Jonathan Martin's explanation over at The Politico: http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/

Vilsack To Endorse Clinton

Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack will be endorsing Hillary Clinton. Vilsack is expected to make the announcement on Monday, when Clinton will be in Des Moises, Iowa.

McCain POW Bracelt Lives On In Laconia

Tonight, Judy Tilton, a real estate broker in Laconia, will be meeting Senator John McCain. However, this will not a normal meeting because Ms. Tilton has been wearing McCain's POW bracelet for many years. Tilton told The Citizen that "She remembers when McCain came home from Vietnam. "I can clearly remember him at the top of the [airplane] stairs with his crutches," said Tilton, who said her family celebrated every POW return." Tilton received a letter of appreciation from Mrs. McCain and continues to wear the McCain bracelet, this time it has a star to signify his return.

Story was written by Citizen staff writer, Gail Ober and photo was by Daryl Carlson. Find the full story here:
http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070323/FOSTERS01/103230228&SearchID=73276537987862

Rudy Picks-Up Zeliff Endorsement

The Union Leader is reporting that former New Hampshire United States Representative Bill Zeliff is joining Rudy Giuliani’s campaign. A Rudy campaign staffer said that Zeliff "will help with federal and New Hampshire issues as an adviser and will help raise money in Washington, D.C.” Zeliff was in the House from 1990-1996 and is currently a lobbyist for The Livingston Group.

Updated McCain Schedule

Here is an updated schedule for John McCain's weekend trip to the Granite State.

FRANKLIN, NEW HAMPSHIRE
WHO: Senator John McCain
WHAT: Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: Friday, March 23, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. EDT
WHERE: Franklin Opera House
Main Chamber Room
316 Central Street
Franklin, New Hampshire 03235

PLYMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE
WHO: Senator John McCain
WHAT: Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. EDT
WHERE: Plymouth Regional Senior Center
Dining Hall
8 Depot Street
Plymouth, New Hampshire 03264

LITTLETON, NEW HAMPSHIRE
WHO: Senator John McCain
WHAT: Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. EDT
WHERE: Littleton VFW
Howard H. Shawney Post #816
Function Hall
600 Cottage Street
Littleton, New Hampshire 03561

BERLIN, NEW HAMPSHIRE
WHO: Senator John McCain
WHAT: Coos County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner
WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. EDT
WHERE: Northland Restaurant & Dairy Bar
Riverview Room
1826 Riverside Drive
Berlin, New Hampshire 03570

NORTH CONWAY, NEW HAMPSHIRE
WHO: Senator John McCain
WHAT: Carroll County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner
WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. EDT
WHERE: North Conway Grand Hotel
Presidential Ballroom
Route 16 (at Settlers’ Green)
North Conway, New Hampshire 03860

Dodd Hires NH Press Secretary

There is nothing more exciting to do then to sit on a computer during a Friday afternoon and wait for campaign press releases. Today, the Dodd campaign announced they have hired a New Hampshire press secretary. Bryan DeAngelis Senator Chris Dodd’s campaign announced today Bryan DeAngelis will serve as press secretary for New Hampshire. Current Marty Meehan Press Secretary, Bryan DeAngelis will be joining the Dodd team. DeAngelis was a regional field coordinator for John Kerry's 2004 New Hampshire campaign and Deputy Press Secretary for Tom Reilly’s failed gubernatorial campaign in the Bay State. In a press release, Maura Keefe said that DeAngelis "is going to play a vital role in this campaign, and we’re excited to have him aboard. He comes with important New Hampshire campaign experience that will help Senator Dodd build strong relationships in the Granite State .”

Romney Announces "New Hampshire Students for Romney" Campus Chairs

Today, the Romney campaign announced the campus chairs for New Hampshire Colleges. Romney's NH Chair, Bruce Keough, said "These young leaders will be at the center of our efforts to organize and harness the support that Governor Romney enjoys among students at New Hampshire 's colleges and universities. As the Governor's campaign gathers momentum in New Hampshire and around the nation, we look forward to tapping the enthusiasm and resourcefulness of our student supporters." Here is the list of the college chairs:

Adam Bungert ( University Of New Hampshire ): Bungert, graduate of Prospect Mountain High School in Alton , NH , is currently majoring in Physics with a minor in Business Administration at the University of New Hampshire . He is an active member of UNH College Republicans and Students for Life.

Ralph M. Crossen ( New England College ): Crossen is a Political Science major at New England College . Politics plays a major role in his daily life.

Katie Dangel ( Southern New Hampshire University): Dangel is pursuing a Comparative Political Science major at Southern New Hampshire University. She is a fellow in the 2006-2007 Vesta Roy Excellence in Public Service Series, and an active volunteer for various Republican committees, events, and campaigns. In addition, Dangel is a Republican State Committee Member, 2006-2008 Delegate, and the Nashua Area Federated Republican Women's Club Membership Chair.

Robyn Dangora (Saint Anselm College): Dangora is a 19-year old freshman Politics major at Saint Anselm College, where she is involved as a Student Ambassador at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics.

Christopher DuPuy ( Southern New Hampshire University): DuPuy is a Political Science major and Philosophy minor at Southern New Hampshire University, serving his campus as the newly appointed Chairman of the College Republicans.

Garret Ean (New Hampshire Technical Institute): Ean is a freshman at New Hampshire Technical Institute and is a Criminal Justice major. He is the Secretary of the Concord Republican City Committee and serves as the college chair on his campus for Romney for President.

Anthony Estevez ( Daniel Webster College ): Estevez is the College Chair for Romney for President at Daniel Webster College . He is a sophomore Information Systems major.

Taylor Frazao ( Franklin Pierce College ): Frazao is a junior at Franklin Pierce College where she is double majoring in Political Science and Philosophy. She has interned with Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) and the Public Forum Institute. She is excited to serve as the campus liaison for the Romney Campaign. Taylor is an active member of the Student Government Association and the philosophy club known as Socrates Cafe.

Zachary Irish ( Colby-Sawyer College ): Irish is from Exeter , NH , and is a junior at Colby-Sawyer College . He is a History Society and Culture major in the Education program.

Emily O'Neil ( University Of New Hampshire ): O'Neill is the Co-Chair for the Romney for President at UNH. She is a freshman this year and plans on majoring in Political Science and Justice Studies. She is an active member in College Republicans and Students for Life, as well as a first year student in Air Force ROTC.

Sean Smith ( Dartmouth College ): Smith is a Romney Campaign student coordinator at Dartmouth College , where he is a freshman. Sean is active in the Dartmouth College Republicans, enjoys playing hockey, and is an economics major.

Tagg To Open Romney HQs

Tagg Romney will be attending the opening of the Mitt Romney Manchester headquarters. The event will be Saturday on March 24th at 10:00am. Romney's HQ is at .359 Elm Street. Romney's camp said that "Members of the public are also invited to the open house to pick up signs, bumper stickers, and other Romney for President materials. The headquarters in Manchester will be the in-state operations center for the Romney for President operation in New Hampshire."

McCain Schedule

John McCain will be back in the state, this weekend. Here is his schedule:

Franklin Town Hall Meeting w/McCain
Date : 23 March 2007
Event Description: Join US Sen. John McCain at a town hall meeting in Franklin
Where: Franklin Opera House, 316 Central Street
When: Friday, March 23rd @ 7pm

Plymouth Town Hall Meeting w/McCain
Date : 24 March 2007
Event Description: Please join US Sen. John McCain at a town hall meeting in Plymouth
Where: Plymouth Senior Center, 8 Depot Street
When: Saturday, March 24th @ 10:30am

Littleton Town Hall Meeting w/McCain
Date : 24 March 2007
Event Description: Littleton Town Hall meeting with US Sen. John McCain
Where: Littleton VFW, 600 Cottage Street, Littleton
When: Saturday, March 24th @ 1:30pm

Coos County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner
Saturday, March 24th, 2007
Northland Dairy Bar & Restaurant
Cocktail Hour @ 5:00pm
1826 Riverside Drive
Berlin, NH

Carroll County Lincoln Day Dinner
Date : 24 March 2007
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

The Politico and Us

Some of you have e-mailed me wondering whether or not I will continue to link stories by Ben Smith of The Politico. After reading Mr. Smith's article on the Edwards flap, I have decided that I will continue to link to The Politico. In fact, I recently added Smith's blog to my blog list. If you have any further questions or comments feel free to contact me at: nhprezwatch@yahoo.com

For Mr. Smith's explanation, I encourage you to read the following article: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0307/3263.html

Edwards To Continue Campaign

Despite his wife's cancer returning, John Edwards will continue his presidential campaign. Edwards told a crowd of reporters and supporters that "The campaign goes on. The campaign goes on strongly." Our thoughts and prayers goes out to Mrs. Edwards.

Hunter's Schedule

California Congressman Duncan Hunter will be the state this weekend. Hunter will be speaking at the Cheshire GOP Women's Club Breakfast and at the Strafford County Lincoln Day Dinner. Here are the details of the trip:

Cheshire GOP Women's Club Breakfast
Date : 24 March 2007
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

Strafford County Lincoln Day Dinner
Date : 24 March 2007
Category : General Calendar
Event DescriptionPlease join Strafford County Republicans at their annual Lincoln Day Dinner with keynote speaker US Congressman Duncan Hunter, ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Committee. Special guests will include US Sen. Judd Gregg, RNC National Committeeman Sean Mahoney, former Congressman Jeb Bradley and state Sen. Joe Kenney.
Where: The Event Center at the Oaks,
100 Hideaway Lane, Route 108, Somersworth
When: Saturday, March 24th @ 6pm
Cost: $50 per person, tables of 8 available for $400 (Each ticket includes a chance to win a $500 savings bond.)
Contact: For tickets, please call Phyllis Woods @ 749-2177 or Sam Cataldo @ 859-1089

Tommy Thompson Set To Make First Visit To NH

Tommy Thompson will be making his first trip to the Granite State on April 4th. The former Wisconsin Governor and HHS Secretary will meet with John Stephen, former state Rep. "Stretch" Kennedy and current Manchester state Rep. Will Infantine. Thompson New Hampshire campaign manager, Mike Biundo, told The Union Leader "the governor understands supports and respects the importance of New Hampshire's traditional role in the primary process and plans on doing a follow-up trip to New Hampshire very soon."

Dodd Opens Manchvegas Office

Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd has opened a campaign office. The office is located in Manchester on Elm st. In case you can't find it, just look for Mitt Romney's office because the two are next to one another. Here is the Dodd press release:

"In Manchester , the Dodd campaign will be located at 379 Elm Street , near the Verizon Wireless Arena and in a space previously occupied by the very successful 2006 New Hampshire Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign.

In New Hampshire , Dodd will be assisted by Political Director Sean Downey, a former advisor to Senator Evan Bayh; Field Director Dana Kelly, a former political director of the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire; and two field operatives with stellar histories in electoral politics."

The Times They Are A-Changing...at The Note

This from The Hotline:

From an e-mail sent by David Westin, the president of ABC News:

About a month ago, Mark Halperin came to me to say that he wanted more time to pursue writing – perhaps another book and possibly for a publication. We all know how valuable a member of our political reporting team Mark is, and he made it clear that he has an equally high opinion of ABC News and what we're trying to accomplish. So, we've worked out a new relationship with Mark that will transform him from our Political Director to our Political Analyst at least through the 2008 election. This will make it possible for us to continue to draw upon Mark's unparalleled political analysis and knowledge while at the same time giving him some new venues in which to use his talents.

As Political Director these past 10 years, Mark has groomed an entire generation of outstanding political reporters. I'm pleased to say that our new Political Director will be one of the best and brightest of them, our own David Chalian. David began his career at ABC News in 2003 after covering city and state politics at NY1.

At ABC News, David has distinguished himself and our news organization reporting on the California recall in 2003, the entire 2004 presidential cycle from Iowa to election night, and the 2006 midterms. David is deeply involved in every aspect of our political coverage and planning for 2008. Please join me in congratulating Mark and David.

Romney HQ Opening

Don't want to go and see Duncan Hunter or John McCain, then attend the opening of Mitt Romney's New Hampshire headquarters. Here are the details:

Romney HQ Opening
Date : 24 March 2007
Event Description:Please join Gov. Romney's oldest son, Tagg, as the Romney NH campaign headquarters are officially opened! Romney for President materials will be available!
Where: 359 Elm Street, Manchester
When: Saturday, March 24th @ 9:30am
Cost: None
Contact: RSVP to Jim Merrill by email: jmerrill@mittromney.com

Shaheen Endorses Clinton

The Clinton campaign has caught one the biggest fish in the pond. Tomorrow, Bill Shaheen will be announcing his intention to support Hillary Clinton for President. Shaheen will be the co-chair of Clinton's national and New Hampshire Presidential campaign. Here is the full press release on the endorsement:

"Dear Friend,

Tomorrow, I am going to the Merrimack Restaurant in downtown Manchester to announce my support for Senator Hillary Clinton for president. And as her campaign co-chair, I will work day in and day out to help her become the next president of the United States.

I am supporting Hillary because I trust her, because she's honest and intelligent. She has the experience, wisdom, and courage we desperately need in our next president. She has faced the toughest tests time and time again, and she has always remained true to herself, emerging stronger and more prepared to handle the challenges that come her way.

Hillary will rebuild America's reputation in the world, solve our healthcare crisis, get our schools back on track, and put middle-class families first again.

We are a nation at war. If the current administration stays the course, we'll still be at war when the next president takes office. While all of the Democratic candidates have spoken out against the war in Iraq, Hillary is the only candidate in this race with the experience and knowledge to get us out of Iraq and bring our troops home.

I am both honored and humbled that Hillary asked me to serve as her co-chair. I don't know about you, but I am ready to take our country back.

Together we can make Hillary Clinton the next president of the United States.

Let's get to work!"

Lasky Endorses Hillary

The Clinton New Hampshire campaign announced that Assistant House Majority Leader Bette Lasky of Nashua is supporting Senator Clinton's presidential bid. This, despite the fact that Lasky previously hosted a house party for Barack Obama. The press release quoted Clinton saying “I am both overwhelmed and humbled by the incredible support I am receiving in New Hampshire. I am looking forward to returning to New Hampshire and working with Bette to bring the positive message of my campaign to living rooms and town halls all across the Granite State.”

The Nashua State Representative argued that "There are a great number of qualified people in this race, but Senator Clinton’s experience, vision and passion make her the right candidate to be the next President of the United States."

Is D'Allesandro Preparing To Endorse Dodd??

Is state Senator Lou D'Allesandro preparing to endorse Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd? In the recent National Journal rankings they had this sentence: "Lou D'Allessandro, an influential state senator, is becoming his unofficial Sherpa -- though he hasn't endorsed Dodd." The senator was with Dodd yesterday and called his appearance "very, very good." However, Senator D'Allesandro has been seen at various events with Clinton, Obama, Biden and Edwards. If Senator D'Allesandro endorses Dodd, it certainly would increase Dodd's stock in the Granite State.

Brownback: I'm "Pro-Life, Whole-Life"

Today, Kansas Senator, and GOP presidential hopeful, Sam Brownback made a visit to the Granite State. While explaining his pro-life views, Brownback told a luncheon of conservatives that "I believe the child in the womb should be protected, and that we should also protect the person that's in poverty, and the child that's in Darfur, and working with prisoners so they don't have so much recidivism and always back in the system."

All You Need To Know About McCain In 20 Words

The GraniteProf has apparently figured out John McCain. To boot, he's been able to do it in only 20 words! Here is his summary:

"Caught John McCain at his town hall meeting yesterday afternoon in Exeter. Here is his stump speech in 20 words:

9/11 changed everything
Stay the course in Iraq
Cut pork from the budget
Climate change is serious, let's do something."

Staffers Leave Cox

This report in from James "The Primary Source" Pindell:

"Long shot Republican presidential candidate John Cox, a Chicago businessman, made a low-key visit to New Hampshire today, a few weeks after a major shakeup left him with just one staff member in the state.

Among those who left the campaign last month was his New Hampshire coordinator and national communications director, Stephen Abbott."

Hello, This Is Mitt Romney Calling

The Mitt Romney campaign will start conducting phone banks this week. Romney becomes the first major presidential candidate to begin making phone calls. The project will begin on Tuesday, March 20th. In case you are home, you can expect a call during these hours:

-Mondays through Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30.
-Saturdays from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

The campaign e-mail to volunteers states:

"This is a really important project that will identify fellow supporters, as well as other citizens like yourself that are generous enough to volunteer their time and resources to help Governor Romney triumph in the primary. We have a deadline [emphasis added] to get these calls completed, so it is really important to support Governor Romney in this way right now."

Also, the Romney for President Headquarters will be having its grand opening on Saturday, March 24th. The headquarters are at 359 Elm Street in Manchester. The event begins at 9:30am.

McCain Thanks Younie

Senator John McCain surprised PFC David Younie, at McCain's Exeter town hall meeting. On leave from a tour in Iraq, PFC Younie was approached on stage by McCain, who then thanked PFC Younie for his service to the nation. The gesture resulted in extended applause at a town meeting lead by McCain. PFC Younie is a resident of Pembroke, New Hampshire and serves in the United States Army.

***©Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos.com***

McCain: I Don't Need On-The-Job Training

Perhaps in a swipe at Barack Obama and some of his GOP rivals, John McCain spend Saturday totting his experience. McCain told crowds that "My life has prepared me to lead this nation. I don't need any on-the-job training." McCain also fielded questions about Iraq, immigration and energy. The Arizona Senator also argued that the GOP lost in 2006 because the party drifted away from its core principle of fiscal disipline. McCain said, "The reason why Republicans stayed home and Republicans turned against us is that we let spending get out of control, and we spent money like drunken sailors, and we presided over the biggest increase in the size of the government since the Great Society, and it's got to stop." For more on the McCain New Hampshire swing, check out Jon Martin's Politico blog: http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/

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

Dodd's Musings In Hampton

Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd was in the state yesterday. While, speaking at a fire station Dodd, commenting on Gen. Pace's homosexual remark, argued that the current "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy should be repealed. Dodd said "Whether or not we can repeal it or not I don't know, but it seems to me that at a time when we need talented people to serve in our military, setting up barriers like that for those who might serve I think is wrong." The Connecticut Senator also said that he would wait for an investigation, before calling for Attorney General Gonzales's resignation.