IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: NHGOP SPRINGING “TO LIFE”

2010 Season Has Arrived
Eagle Times
Editorial
May 19, 2009

Let there be no doubt, the 2010 political season has arrived in New Hampshire.

Just three weeks ago, Arnie Arnesen, an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for governor in New Hampshire in 1992 and U.S. Congress in 1996, told a group of Sullivan County Democrats their party lacks a voice at the state level while the Republicans have John Sununu. "The problem for us is there hasn't been any real leadership on many of today's issues," she said.

Back in January the Republican State Committee decided the time was perfect to enlist the help Sununu, New Hampshire's former governor from 1984 to 1989, naming him chairman of the state Republican party. It was a brilliant choice. When it comes to Republican politics in New Hampshire, he is like a giant vitamin pill.

After his first four months on the job, the Granite State's GOP has sprung to life. Regaining Republican control in both the New Hampshire House and Senate is a top priority for Sununu. Accomplishing those two goals and electing a Republican governor would complete the trifecta for Sununu.

Since Sununu came to the political forefront in 1984, New Hampshire citizens have come to understand he is an outspoken politician. Sununu doesn't dance around in the political arena. He's always moving forward, leading with quick jabs, looking for an opening to deliver a knockout punch.

Appearing at a Republican breakfast Saturday in Sunapee, the former White House Chief of Staff didn't hold back any punches. Expect him to come out swinging at all future functions he attends.

He played political hardball at the breakfast, especially making critical remarks about New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch. He understands if the state's Republicans are to overtake the Democratic advantage in New Hampshire, he can't wait until the late innings to step to the plate.

Sununu challenged the Saturday gathering to spread the Republican word in the upcoming months. "Be warm, but obnoxious, whatever your style is." he said. For Republicans, he's probably warm and fuzzy, for Democrats throughout the state, well, they may be leaning toward obnoxious. Either way, Sununu doesn't care, as long as the word of the Republican movement spreads.

Sununu has set ambitious goals for the Republican Party as it attempts to regain control in Concord. Certainly, the state's Democrats will not sit back and watch that happen. That's what makes politics so interesting and educational.

Yes, the New Hampshire political season is in full swing and it's going to be fun watching all the players as they make their moves.