Recently in NH GOP Category

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                                             

February 23, 2011
CONTACT: Christine Baratta  
603-225-9341



Concord – The New Hampshire Republican State Committee is pleased to announce the

“First in the Nation Celebration” Fundraiser will be held March 29th at the Grappone Center in Concord.

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus will serve as the keynote speaker.  Chairman Kimball will present former state GOP chair and Gov. John H. Sununu with a new award, called the "First-in-the-Nation Excellence Award" for Governor Sununu's decades of dedication and service to the Republican Party.

“Chairman Priebus understands the critical importance fundraising will play in allowing our Party to maintain present majorities in both the House and the Senate, as well as supporting our state GOP effort to expand the Republican Party,” said Kimball.  

 “We must return principled conservative Republican leadership to the governor’s office, as well as deliver a strong Republican nominee who will defeat President Obama in 2012.  New Hampshire and our country cannot afford another Obama term.  Here in New Hampshire and Washington D.C., the Democrats have clearly shown they have no interest in creating an environment where small businesses can flourish.  In fact, they’ve done just the opposite.  Their continuous tax and regulatory attack on business will continue to destroy jobs and delay any chance of economic recovery.  I am committed to supporting the Republican House and Senate in bringing back fiscal sanity in our state, through strong, conservative, business-friendly legislation.”

For more information, please contact Ellen Christo, Director of Development and Business Relations at ellen@nhgop.org.


 
About Chairman Reince Priebus:

On January 14th, 2011, Reince Priebus was elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee. As Chairman of the RNC, Reince has pledged to unite the Republican Party behind a solid business plan to restore faith in Republican donors and communicate to the American public to reach our common goal – electing Republicans.

A successful chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, Reince created the framework that brought about one of the most historic election cycles Wisconsin has ever experienced.  During Reince’s tenure, Republicans in Wisconsin not only defeated Russ Feingold by electing citizen legislator Ron Johnson to the Senate, but they gained two additional U.S. House seats, won the Governor’s office, took back both the state Assembly and the state Senate and defeated the leaders of both of those chambers.

Reince has a long history in Republican politics, having served on his first campaign at the age of 16.  Since then, he worked his way up through the ranks of the Republican Party of Wisconsin as 1st Congressional District Chairman, State Party Treasurer, First Vice Chair, and eventually State Party Chairman.  In 2009 Reince served as General Counsel to the RNC, a role in which he volunteered his time to help manage the RNC’s most difficult challenges.

Reince is happily married to his wife, Sally.  They have two young children, Jack and Grace.  Although Wisconsinites at heart, Sally, Jack and Grace are joining Reince in Washington, DC for his tenure as Chairman.

February 23, 2011

The following statement is from House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt (R-Salem) in response to a New Hampshire Consumer Confidence Index poll, conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.

“The results of this survey confirm that we are headed in the right direction in New Hampshire.  The voters of this state sent Republicans to Concord in large numbers to return fiscal sanity to the State House.  Increased taxes, over spending, downshifting additional costs to our communities, and bonding our children’s future is not the New Hampshire way, and under this legislature it is a thing of the past. The people of this state are now more bullish about the state’s economy than they have been in three years because of our strong commitment to making government live within its means—just as every household in this state must do.”

February 14, 2011
CONTACT: Christine Baratta
(603) 225-9341
 
 
CONCORD - Jack Kimball, Chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party, announced today that Attorney Ellen Christo will become the Director of Development and Business Relations in a newly created position to coordinate fundraising for the NHGOP and develop deeper relationships with the business community.

“I am thrilled to welcome Ellen to our team in this new position,” said Kimball.  “Ellen has a long record of activism and has a passion for fiscal Republican values. She will lead our fundraising efforts as we grow the party and maintain our majorities. For far too long New Hampshire businesses have not had a voice in Concord.  Now they do. I look forward to working closely with Ellen as we build strong relationships with the businesses across our state. Together we will fight for a business friendly environment of lower taxes and smaller government that will lead to job growth and economic stability for all New Hampshire citizens.”

“I am honored that the chairman has chosen me to lead the way on raising funds,” said Christo.  “I look forward to cultivating relationships and implementing a strategy to continue the growth of our party.  After a phenomenal election year for New Hampshire Republicans, we know that the Democrats failed liberal policies have been rejected by the people of New Hampshire.  We will work to return the governor’s office to principled Republican leadership and deliver New Hampshire in the Presidential election."

Ellen’s legal career focused on corporate litigation and government affairs. She has advised on campaign strategy, developed education policy and helped fundraise for numerous candidates on the state and federal level.  She most recently provided assistance to gubernatorial candidate John Stephen, Senator Kelly Ayotte, and Congressman Frank Guinta. She has also worked on the Presidential campaign of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.  She has held numerous fundraisers and advised the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, which educates and champions the principles of free market economic policy and entrepreneurship.  Ellen was a 2010 Fellow in the Vesta Roy Excellence in Public Service Series and currently serves on their Board of Governors.

###

Christine Baratta
Communications Director
New Hampshire Republican State Committee
press@nhgop.org
cell: 603-828-8026
office: 603-225-9341

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.

           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         CONTACT: Ryan Williams
           April 13, 2009                                                                    (603)225-9341

MARTIN WANTS SEATBELT MANDATE

Candidate Continues To Reveal Support For Radical Democrat Agenda

 

CONCORD – In an interview in Sunday’s Concord Monitor, State Senate candidate Willard “Bud” Martin announced his support for a seatbelt mandate and continued to reveal his allegiance to the radical Democrat agenda advancing through the Legislature. Martin said that he supports legislation that would force New Hampshire residents to wear seatbelts – even on private property – or face steep fines. It also authorizes law enforcement officials to stop motorists who they simply suspect of not wearing a seatbelt.

 

“Bud Martin continues to show District 3 voters that he is a far-left politician who supports the radical Democrat agenda advancing through the Legislature,” said New Hampshire Republican State Committee Communications Director Ryan Williams. “It’s now obvious that Bud Martin’s attempt to portray himself as an independent minded candidate is just another example of the deceptive ‘smoke and mirrors’ strategy he is employing in this campaign.”

 

Martin also continued to confuse voters about his position on same-sex marriage, refusing to tell The Monitor if he would support a bill to establish it. He declined to give a “yes-or-no answer” on how he would vote on the legislation – despite telling Foster’s Daily Democrat on Friday that he would “support” it. In Friday’s Conway Daily Sun The Democrat State Committee gave a different explanation of Mr. Martin’s position, claiming that he was still listening to voters and would take a stand on the bill at some point “down the line.”

 

“Bud Martin has spent so much time trying to confuse voters that he is even starting to confuse himself. He's done such a thorough job trying to obscure his support for the Democrats’ radical agenda that not even Bud Martin seems to know where Bud Martin stands these days,” concluded Williams.

 

 

BACKGROUND:

 

Yesterday Willard “Bud” Martin Revealed His Support For The Seatbelt Mandate:

 

Concord Monitor: “Mandatory seatbelts. Martin supports, Bradley opposes.” (4/12/09)

 

 

Willard “Bud” Martin Also Refused To Give A “Yes-Or-No” Answer On How He Would Vote On Legislation To Establish Same-Sex Marriage:

 

Concord Monitor: “Asked for his position on same-sex marriage, Martin didn't offer a yes-or-no answer…” (4/12/09)

 

 

But On Friday, Willard “Bud” Martin Told Fosters Daily Democrat That He Would “Support” The Bill:

 

Fosters Daily Democrat: “I support it, and I do because my experience tells me that it is important to our fabric as a community.” (4/10/09)

 

 

But On The Same Day, The Democrat State Committee Told The Conway Daily Sun He Wasn’t Going To Take A Position On Same Sex Marriage:

 

Conway Daily Sun: “Bud is going to ensure he listens to his constituents,’ [Democrat State Committee Executive Director Mike] Brunelle said of social issues. ‘And that all will be decided down the line.’” (4/10/09)

           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         CONTACT: Ryan Williams
           April 10, 2009                                                                    (603)225-9341

MARTIN FINALLY ADMITS SUPPORT FOR

RADICAL DEMOCRAT AGENDA

Martin Openly Supports Same-Sex Marriage, Opposes Death Penalty

 

CONCORD – Ending weeks of silence, Democrat State Senate candidate Willard “Bud” Martin today finally admitted his support for the radical Democrat agenda advancing through the Legislature. In an interview in today’s Fosters Daily Democrat,  Mr. Martin came out in support of same-sex marriage and revealed his staunch, long-held opposition to the death penalty.

 

His admissions come at a time when the State Senate is set to consider a slew of radical bills passed by the House including legislation that will establish same-sex marriage and repeal the death penalty.

 

At the same time that Mr. Martin was discussing his support for the Democrats radical agenda, the Democrat State Committee was trying to mislead voters into believing that Martin was still considering the issues. In a story in today’s Conway Daily Sun, Democrat Executive Director Mike Brunelle deceptively claimed that Mr. Martin’s position on the death penalty and same-sex marriage “will be decided down the line.”

 

Martin also revealed that he has been an opponent of the death penalty “since he was a teenager” – despite the fact that he recently told WMUR-TV (3/29/09) that he had “absolutely not” made up his mind on the issue.

 

“Today, Bud Martin confirmed what everybody already knew – that he is a far-left politician who supports the radical Democrat agenda advancing through the legislature. Mr. Martin has deliberately tried to mislead the public by obscuring his actual positions on some of the key issues in this campaign,” said New Hampshire Republican State Committee Communications Director Ryan Williams. “It’s now obvious that Bud Martin is willing to do and say anything to get elected, and that he lacks the credibility required to effectively represent District 3 in Concord.

 

 

BACKGROUND:

 

Willard “Bud” Martin Has Claimed That He Didn’t Have A Position On Same-Sex Marriage Or A Repeal Of The Death Penalty:

 

Sean McDonald: So you haven’t made any final decision on [same-sex marriage and the death penalty]? (4/9/08)

 

Willard “Bud” Martin: Absolutely Not. (WMUR, 4/9/08)

 

 

He Said It Would Be “Presumptuous” To Give A Position On The Issues:

 

Sean McDonald: Let me get your reaction this week to the House saying no to the death penalty, wanting to repeal that and saying yes to gay marriage. These are possible issues that you might face if you are selected for the senate. Give me your take on these things.

 

Willard “Bud” Martin: Here’s my take on that Sean. It’s very important that the voters know that they are sending somebody down who is going to listen and be accessible and then really do the responsible thing in a focused way and on these very important issues to the constituents out there, that’s my pledge. I’m not going to send out a postcard in advance on everything I am going to do, because that’s presumptuous. How should I make a decision on these critical issues without hearing from everybody? So we will have a hearing process - hearing rooms.

 

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF BUD MARTIN DODGING QUESTIONS

 

 

Today, Willard “Bud” Martin Told Fosters Daily Democrat That He Supports Same-Sex Marriage And Opposes The Death Penalty:

 

Fosters Daily Democrat: “The Democrat in the special Senate election was talking Thursday like the fiscal conservative he says he is while coming down against the death penalty and for gay marriage.” (4/10/09)

 

 

But On The Same Day, The Democrat State Committee Told The Conway Daily Sun He Wasn’t Going To Take A Position On Social Issues:

 

Conway Daily Sun: “Bud is going to ensure he listens to his constituents,’ Brunelle said of social issues. ‘And that all will be decided down the line.’” (4/10/09)

           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         CONTACT: Ryan Williams
           March 30, 2009                                                            (603)225-9341


                                                                                                                              
CONCORD – In an interview with WMUR TV yesterday, Democrat State Senate candidate Willard “Bud” Martin refused to provide his positions on same-sex marriage and the death penalty and then praised higher taxes. Mr. Martin’s dodges come at a time when the State Senate is considering bills passed by the House last week that will legalize same-sex marriage and repeal the death penalty. The House is also set to vote next week on legislation that will impose a 5% capital gains tax and an 8% death tax that will devastate New Hampshire’s economy.

When asked to respond to the House’s approval of same-sex marriage and attempts to abolish capital punishment, Mr. Martin flatly refused to take a stand on the issues, instead saying that he wasn’t going to “send a postcard out in advance on everything [he] was going to do,” if elected to the Senate.

“Bud Martin needs to stop dodging the issues and answer questions about his support for the radical bills coming through the legislature. Instead of reciting his carefully scripted and intentionally deceptive talking points, he needs to start being upfront and honest with the voters about his liberal agenda,” said New Hampshire Republican State Committee Communications Director Ryan Williams.

Mr. Martin also praised higher taxes, calling them “collective” community efforts by citizens. He lamented that the word “taxes” has become what he called a “pejorative term.”

“Mr. Martin’s views on taxes show how out of touch he is with the values and concerns of District 3. He obviously doesn’t understand that during these tough economic times the last thing we should do is raise taxes. Working families simply can’t afford Bud Martin’s disastrous ‘tax and spend’ agenda.” concluded Williams.

BACKGROUND:

On WMUR’S Close Up This Weekend, Democrat State Senate Candidate Willard “Bud” Martin Refused To Answer Questions About His Position On Same-Sex Marriage And The Death Penalty:

Sean McDonald: Let me get your reaction this week to the House saying no to the death penalty, wanting to repeal that and saying yes to gay marriage. These are possible issues that you might face if you are selected for the senate. Give me your take on these things.

Willard “Bud” Martin: Here’s my take on that Sean. It’s very important that the voters know that they are sending somebody down who is going to listen and be accessible and then really do the responsible thing in a focused way and on these very important issues to the constituents out there, that’s my pledge. I’m not going to send out a postcard in advance on everything I am going to do, because that’s presumptuous. How should I make a decision on these critical issues without hearing from everybody. So we will have a hearing process - hearing rooms.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF BUD MARTIN DODGING QUESTIONS


Mr. Martin Also Praised Taxes As “Collective” Community Efforts And Lamented That The Word “Taxes” Has Become A “Pejorative Term”:

Sean McDonald: Let me get a reaction on a quote from you “It’s misleading to ask if you are for or against a tax. The correct question is how do we fairly pay for our reasonable services for our citizens.”

Willard “Bud” Martin: I mean that, to frame a question to a political or a governmental leader, “are you for this tax or are you against this tax”, gets the cart before the horse. The first question is do we want to fix the potholes? Do we want to take care of our bridges so they are safe? And if we do, at what level do we want to do that? And then how do we fairly pay for that? Taxes has become a pejorative term. We all pay for what we feel we need in one way or another. Taxes is just a term that we use when we collectively get together and say you know what? We are going to get together and do something about the potholes, we are going to do something about the lack of mental health treatment out in the field, and that’s where I am coming from.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF BUD MARTIN PRAISING TAXES

 
Democrats Are Predicting That Governor Lynch Lacks The Backbone To Veto The Same-Sex Marriage Bill:

• Blue Hampshire: “[H]ere’s my own prediction. If the Governor can’t find a way to bully the Senate Dems into voting this down, he will lack the political space to veto it.” (Dean Barker, 3/26/09)

The Predictions Come After Governor Lynch Failed To “Specifically Say That He Would Veto” Legislation That Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage:

• Associated Press: “The bill, which passed the House 186-179, next goes to the Senate, where its future is uncertain. Democratic Gov. John Lynch opposes gay marriage but has not said specifically that he would veto it...” (3/26/09)

But Governor Lynch Has Repeatedly Pledged To Oppose Same-Sex Marriage During His 2004, 2006 And 2008 Campaigns:

• Concord Monitor: “Lynch replied that he, too, thinks marriage is between a man and a woman.” (10/19/04)
• Concord Monitor: “Lynch said he opposes gay marriage…” (10/27/06)
• Portsmouth Herald: “Gov. John Lynch reaffirmed his opposition to gay marriage…. ‘Marriage is going to continue as it has.’” (4/27/07)

 
Today, Governor Lynch Failed To “Specifically Say That He Would Veto” Legislation That Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage:

• Associated Press: “The bill, which passed the House 186-179, next goes to the Senate, where its future is uncertain. Democratic Gov. John Lynch opposes gay marriage but has not said specifically that he would veto it...” (3/26/09)

But Governor Lynch Has Repeatedly Pledged To Oppose Same-Sex Marriage During His 2004, 2006 And 2008 Campaigns:

• Concord Monitor: “Lynch replied that he, too, thinks marriage is between a man and a woman.” (10/19/04)
• Concord Monitor: “Lynch said he opposes gay marriage…” (10/27/06)
• Portsmouth Herald: “Gov. John Lynch reaffirmed his opposition to gay marriage…. ‘Marriage is going to continue as it has.’” (4/27/07)

Yesterday, Lynch “Swiftly” Vowed To Veto Legislation That Would Repeal The Death Penalty “Minutes” After It Passed:

• Concord Monitor: “Gov. John Lynch swiftly vowed to veto the bill and uphold the state's death penalty, telling reporters he believes "there are some crimes so heinous that capital punishment is warranted. If a bill to repeal capital punishment reaches my desk, I will veto that bill." (3/25/09)
• Union Leader: “’I do believe there are some crimes so heinous that capital punishment is warranted, and if a bill to repeal capital punishment reaches my desk I will veto that bill,’ he said minutes after the House action.” (3/25/09)

Lynch Has Also Repeatedly Pledged To Oppose A Repeal Of The Death Penalty:

• Eagle Tribune: “Gov. John Lynch has said he would veto legislation to repeal the death penalty if it reaches his desk.” (8/31/08)
• The Dartmouth:  “’The governor supports our death penalty statute,’ Colin Manning, Lynch’s press secretary, said.” (1/29/09)

 

           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         CONTACT: Ryan Williams
           March 26, 2009                                                            (603)225-9341



CONCORD - Today, former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu released the following statement on the New Hampshire House bill to legalize same-sex marriage:

“The passage of the same-sex marriage bill is another attempt by the liberal Democrats in the Legislature to impose their San Francisco agenda on the State of New Hampshire. The small margin by which the bill passed should encourage Governor Lynch to take a stand with a clear ‘I will veto this bill if it gets to my desk’ message. New Hampshire doesn’t need this kind of legislation.”

This week Jeb Bradley announced his candidacy for State Senate in the third district. We need Jeb in the Senate to help preserve the traditional values and fiscal integrity that has made New Hampshire a special place to live.

We also have another extremely important upcoming special election for State Representative in Rockingham District 4 at the end of April.

We need your help to ensure that we can win these critical seats and bolster the Republican ranks in the legislature.

State Representative                                         State Senate
Rockingham District 4                                          District 3

Primary Election - Tuesday, March 24                Special Election - Tuesday, April 21
Special Election - Tuesday, April 28

   


Governor Sununu and Jeb Bradley will appear on WMUR's Close Up this Sunday at 10:00 AM.

Governor Sununu will discuss the future of the Republican Party, Governor Lynch's irresponsible budget and the Democrat's liberal agenda. Jeb will discuss his candidacy for the State Senate in District 3.



Democrats in the New Hampshire House of Representatives are pushing radical legislation that will allow individuals to legally choose if they would like to use a men’s restroom or women’s restroom - regardless of their actual biological gender. The “Bathroom Bill” (HB415), which makes changes to existing laws, grants universal access to public restrooms based on an individual’s preferred “gender-related identity, appearance, expression, or behavior of an individual.”

This week the House Judiciary Committee voted to advance the Bathroom Bill to the House. The full House will vote on the bill on Thursday, March 26, 2009.

Governor Lynch has refused to take a stand against this disastrous bill, despite receiving media inquiries on his position.




This week NHGOP Chairman John H. Sununu offered his "condolences" to Carol Shea-Porter, who was unceremoniously muscled out of the 2010 race for Senate by the Democrat Party elders in favor or their anointed candidate, Paul Hodes:

“I extend my condolences to Carol Shea-Porter," said Governor Sununu. "Although she is putting on a positive public face, I know that she must be very disappointed at having been forced out of a primary contest with Paul Hodes - especially since she probably would have beaten him.”



Governor Lynch's bid to create a new tax on gambling winnings and higher taxes on meals, room and car rentals was attacked last week by New Hampshire grocers, restaurant owners and nonprofit leaders according to the Nashua Telegraph.

Lynch’s two-year budget also relies upon raising the tax on cigarettes and a host of fee increases that together raise more than $130 million. The Governor also plans to raise the room and meals tax from 8 percent to 8.75 percent.

“I can’t imagine a good time to increase the room and meals tax but certainly I don’t think we could find a worse time to do it than now,’’ warned Bartlett Republican Rep. Gene Chandler.

“Look to the sky when you do revenue estimates, because we need more money.”

—Rep. Marjorie K. Smith (D-Durham), Chair, House Finance Committee

It was only a matter of time before the Democrats in the NH House began playing games with the state budget, and once again it is being done through the Ways and Means committee.

You may recall, it was during the last session when Rep. Marjorie Smith, Chair of the House Finance committee, told members of the House Ways & Means committee to, “look to the sky when you do revenue estimates because we need more money.” The result was a 17% increase in spending and 23 new taxes and fees.

The problem clearly began two years ago with changes in the way the House was allowed to review the revenue estimates. This not only threatened the system of checks and balances, it also prevented the legislature from playing its proper role in shaping the state budget. Now, just two years later, the people of the State of New Hampshire are paying a heavy price.

In each of the previous three budget cycles that occurred under Republican leadership, the Ways & Means committee prepared estimates of expected state revenues for the upcoming two year budget cycle before the governor presented his or her budget. This also gave guidance on spending levels to the budget writers on the House Finance committee. For some reason the process was changed for the last budget cycle and the Ways & Means committee received revenue estimates after the governor delivered his budget. With agency heads already committed to the governor’s revenue numbers, an independent legislative estimate was difficult, if not impossible, to produce.

As a result, there was a less reliable check on the revenues estimated by the governor to balance his budget. The legislative process only works when there is an open, free-flow of information.

This week it became clear once again that House Democrats have no plans to cut spending. Instead they continue to look for ways to increase revenue (i.e. taxes) on the backs of our constitutents—and their methods are just plain wrong.

           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         CONTACT: Ryan Williams
           March 16, 2009                                                            (603)225-9341
 


CONCORD - Today, former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu released the following statement on Carol Shea-Porter’s decision to not challenge Paul Hodes for the Democrat nomination for U.S. Senate in 2010:

“I extend my condolences to Carol Shea-Porter. Although she is putting on a positive public face, I know that she must be very disappointed at having been forced out of a primary contest with Paul Hodes - especially since she probably would have beaten him.”

         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            CONTACT: Ryan Williams
         March 16, 2009                                                               (603)225-9341

 

CONCORD - Today, former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu released the following statement on Jeb Bradley’s candidacy for the State Senate in District 3:

“Jeb Bradley’s love for the State of New Hampshire is clearly demonstrated by his acceptance of the call to run for the State Senate in District 3. He understands that if we are to preserve the traditional values and fiscal integrity that have been the hallmark of New Hampshire, we need to strengthen the Republican ranks in the Legislature.

“Jeb Bradley will make a great State Senator and his voice will help fight against the increase in the room and meals tax, restore fair distribution of revenue to our communities and help maintain New Hampshire’s special environment.”

Former NH Governor and current NH GOP Chair John H. Sununu was interviewed by The Hippo this past week. 
In an extensive (5 pages) piece, Sununu was asked a wide range of questions - and he obliged!


Former New Hampshire Gov. John H. Sununu has served in a variety of roles during his distinguished career, from engineer to governor to White House chief of staff to the host of CNN’s Crossfire. He and his wife, Nancy, even took on hog wrangling duties for a year in their town. (The pair were named honorary hog reeves in Hampton Falls, which means they were the go-to tandem for rounding up the town’s loose pigs.)  But at 69, his latest post as chairman of the state Republican Party may prove to be one of the most challenging roles he’s played so far. Earlier this year, Sununu, who served as the state’s governor from 1983 to 1989, took the reins of the party from prior chairman Fergus Cullen, who opted against running again since Sununu wanted the post

He takes over a party that was beaten badly both in New Hampshire and nationally in the November 2008 election. His son, John, lost in his bid for reelection to the United States Senate. Longstanding Republican Sen. Judd Gregg nearly left the Senate to be President Barack Obama’s Commerce Secretary and then abruptly turned around on that post and quickly added he won’t seek reelection in 2010. In addition, Democratic incumbents bested their Republican challengers in both Congressional races and in landslide fashion for the governor’s office. While Republicans did pick up some seats in the state House of Representatives, the majority still goes heavily to Democrats, who also held their majority in the state Senate. On top of all that, recent studies coming out of the University of New Hampshire say Democrats are taking over the Granite State. New voters are siding with Democrats. People moving into the state — not all from Massachusetts — are already Democrats when they arrive. The result, UNH researchers say, is a much bluer New Hampshire.

But Sununu isn’t backing down — not even close. Soon after last fall’s election, the man who was Chief of Staff for President George H.W. Bush went on the offensive. He offered strong criticism, a good portion of which was aimed directly at Gov. John Lynch and his Democratic counterparts, who Sununu says are guilty of overspending.


I sat down with Sununu at his home Friday, Feb. 27, to talk with him about a wide range of topics. We conducted a follow-up phone interview Tuesday, March 3. We started off with his reasons for getting back into politics.

Why did you decide to reenter the ring, so to speak?

Well, New Hampshire is really such a great state, and I saw it changing dramatically for the worse. I have kids and grandkids that I want to be able to enjoy the state and all the benefits of the state the same way I did. And I felt that if I didn’t get involved, it might never get restored to where it should be. I really do believe that over the last 10 to 12 years — now with the new administration coming in, it’ll be 12 out of 14 years of Democratic rule in the state — that the state really has lost a great deal. We’ve lost a lot of the quality of life. We’ve lost a lot of the aspects of local control which kept our citizens involved and self-governing. We’ve shifted power from cities and towns to Concord. And we have lost the fiscal discipline and the management discipline that made this a very well-run state that people really loved living in. It’s still a good state, but not as good as it used to be. It used to be a great state. And we have to try and help restore it. I saw that one of the biggest problems was that Democrats campaign well and govern terribly. But I also recognized that the problem was a problem within the Republican Party where we have not defined the difference between ourselves and the Democrats in a way that registered with the voters, and in a way that explained why the Republican traditional way of doing things really was done for the benefit of the state over the last half century.

Now that you’re back into it, do you feel energized or reinvigorated?

I’m dangerous.

How so?

For people who think I have been too tough on the Democrats by accusing them of ruining New Hampshire, to understand my criticism you don’t need to look any further than the recently proposed HB415 “Bathroom Bill” as well as Governor Lynch’s attempt to raid the Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Associating Plan to understand my criticism. These actions serve as reminders of the radical agenda being pushed by the Democrat Leadership in Concord that threatens to damage New Hampshire’s special quality of life and government structure.
This week a house judiciary subcommittee voted along party lines to advance the Bathroom Bill to the full committee. The legislation, which makes changes to existing laws, grants universal access to public restrooms based on individual’s preferred “gender-related identity, appearance, expression, or behavior of an individual.” This would allow an individual to legally choose if they would like to use a men’s restroom or women’s restroom based purely on their own personal preferred gender - regardless of their actual biological gender.

The Democrat’s Bathroom Bill is a radical assault on personal privacy that poses, at the least, an undue level of discomfort on users of public facilities and at the worst a mischief risk for families who utilize public restrooms facilities across New Hampshire. It’s about time that Governor Lynch shows some backbone and stands up to the extreme liberals that dominate the Democrat leadership in the New Hampshire House and Senate. He should publicly denounce and commit to veto egregious pieces of legislation like the Bathroom Bill before they reach his desk.

A second example of the Democrats disastrous agenda is Governor Lynch’s attempt to take money from the New Hampshire Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association Plan and use it to balance the budget.  The fund consists of premiums and payments from doctors that were intended to provide stability to the medical malpractice insurance market. In the event that the plan was to have a surplus, New Hampshire regulations clearly states that it shall “repay members for assessments previously levied.”

Legal opinions can’t make this kind of expropriation justifiable. This is private money, not state revenue, and any attempt by the Governor to use it to fund the operations of state government amounts to nothing more than the theft of private property. If they are to succeed in these efforts to pocket this money from New Hampshire’s doctors what is to stop them from taking money from other groups to balance future budgets?


John H. Sununu
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                               CONTACT: Ryan Williams
March 13, 2009                                                                                  (603)225-9341


CONCORD - Today, former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu released the following statement on the Merrimack Station Power Plant:

“No matter how hard the Democrats try to sound like they have a constructive energy policy, their actions prove they are anti-energy, anti-growth and anti-jobs. The repeated attempts by the House and Senate liberals to force the Merrimack Station Power Plant out of business are perfect examples of the radical and destructive agenda that has been adopted by the New Hampshire Democrat Party. Their actions should serve as a clear indicator for anyone who doubted that the Democrat leadership supports the debilitation of the traditional power sources that supply the majority of New Hampshire residents with cheap and efficient energy.

“This effort to shutter the Merrimack Station is part of a larger effort by the national Democrat Party to abandon our domestic coal as a principal supply of energy. While liberal Democrats in Washington are pushing unreasonably high standards on trace mercury emissions, their comrades in Concord are attempting to implement conflicting restrictions that will make it impossible for the Merrimack Power Plant to meet those standards. We’ve seen the same strategy employed towards other reliable forms of energy such as oil and nuclear power, which Democrats have attempted to block with government regulations, superfluous lawsuits and unfounded scare tactics for the last thirty years.

“If one thing is clear it’s that the liberals in Concord will stop at nothing to implement their radical agenda regardless of the disastrous effects it will have on electrical bills or New Hampshire’s power supply. We can’t let them shut down 40% of New Hampshire’s supply of electricity. The Merrimack Station should be allowed to purchase and install environmental controls to meet the federal standards.”

 
 
CONCORD -- Today, former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu released the following statement on the Democrats’ gas tax proposal:
 
“This week the ‘tax and spend’ Democratic leadership in the New Hampshire House passed a 15-cent per gallon tax increase. This action by those Democrats illustrates Governor Lynch’s inability to get the members of his own party to follow his agenda in the Legislature.
 
During his first bid for re-election in 2006, the Governor made his opposition to a gas tax increase one of centerpiece the issues of his campaign. Yet despite his pledge to stand firm against any attempt to raise the tax, Governor Lynch was either unwilling or unable to stop the House Democrats from passing this disastrous legislation.
 
It important for the Governor to urge Democrats in the New Hampshire Senate to join the Republicans in stopping this tax increase which he himself opposes. The last thing the legislature should be considering during these tough economic times is raising taxes. Any discussion about addressing the financial standing of the state highway fund should focus on reforms and cost saving strategies – not increasing revenues on the backs of the taxpayers.”
 

The Republican Caucus is off to a great start and I am happy to report that our whipping system is up and running thanks to the efforts of both our Caucus Whip, Shawn Jasper and his Deputy Whip, Andy Renzullo. In the coming months they will be working hand-in-hand with our committee policy leaders and whips to make sure that we all remain on the same page when it comes to legislation affecting our core Republican issues. Of course, we will continue to oppose any new taxes or fees as well as any increase in spending. At any point during this session if you have a concern with a bill, please bring it to the attention of your committee policy leader. I also encourage you to bring any issue with you to our Republican caucus meetings, which will be held on a regular basis during this session.

To that end, I would like to thank all of you who made an attempt to attend our first major caucus of the session on Jan. 21st. It turned out to be a very successful meeting. We had the opportunity to hear from Representatives Neal Kurk and Norm Major on matters regarding both the budget and revenue. In the coming weeks, we will continue to bring in legislators with expertise in areas such as the budget, revenue, education, and the retirement system, among other topics. We will also, of course, give everyone the opportunity to discuss legislation currently in committee. Our next caucus will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 3:00 PM in Representatives Hall.

The next House Session, on Jan. 28, is not expected to be a long drawn-out affair. We will be asked to vote on a couple of bills, including HB 30, requiring operating budget reductions for fiscal year 2009. Although it passed out of Finance Committee unanimously, 25-0, it clearly—while a good first step—does not go far enough. Rep. Neal Kurk, our policy leader on Finance will brief the caucus on all of the details, both pro and con, during our Tuesday caucus.

Here are some of the key points in HB 30:

• It reduces our current deficit by $16.25M. Accord ing to Rep. Major’s figures, this will leave the deficit at $65M.
• The appropriations for the judicial branch will be reduced by an additional $441,000.
• The operating budget of the legislative branch will be reduced by $700,000.
• $1.75 million of the general fund monies ($6.75M) that were transferred to the highway fund will be returned to the general fund.
• The Finance Committee has “swept” $6.6M in excess monies from several dedicated funds with no serious impact on services.

We will support the decision of the Finance Committee because it does somewhat reduce our deficit. But it is clear that there were no tough decisions made and, although it is a good first step, there is a lot more work to be done. I hope to see a good turnout at our caucus so we can further discuss HB 30 and its impact as well as many other issues facing us this session. Please remember that the door to the Republican Office is always open to you.

During the past few days, leadership has signed-in, testified and taken a position on a number of bills being heard in committee. Here is a complete list of those bills:

HB 131—relative to meetings and reports of the juvenile justice advisory board. (oppose)

HB 198—permitting an insured person injured in a motor vehicle accident to obtain damages under his or her own

uninsured motorist coverage when the insured’s damages exceed the motorist insurance coverage of the
person at fault for the accident. (oppose)

HB 199—requiring motor vehicle insurers to pay benefits to insured persons under their underinsured or uninsured

motorist insurance coverage in cases of bodily injury or death cause by uninsured or underinsured negligent
motorists, except under certain circumstances. (oppose)

HB 200—permitting the stacking of medical payments coverage under motor vehicle liability policies purchased by

members of the same household. (oppose)

HB 202—relative to provisions in insurance policies limiting payment of full benefits.(oppose)

HB 283-FN—establishing a solid waste management fund and assessing a beverage container fee. (oppose)

HB 275-FN—increasing the state reimbursement amounts for payment of bailiffs. (oppose)
HB 285-FN—authorizing the supreme court to establish a fee to be imposed when a court extends the time for

payment of a fine. (oppose)

HB 133—requiring employers to report certain information regarding outsourcing to the department of

labor. (opposed)

HB 91—allowing municipalities to extend the veterans’ tax credit to veterans who do not have service in a war or

conflict, and relative to the definition of veteran. (support the concept)

HB 43—relative to subdivisions and the site plan regulation waivers.(oppose)
HB 92—requiring municipalities to establish volunteer civilian police review boards. (oppose)

HB 205-FN-A—relative to certain boating fees. (oppose)

HB 34—relative to rules of the road. (oppose 2 of 4 parts)
HB 54—requiring vehicle impoundment for driving after revocation or suspension. (oppose)
HB 95—relative to motorcycle equipment and noise levels. (oppose)

To my New Hampshire GOP Friends,
 
Although my letter to the members of the RNC, a copy of which is below, did not mention this issue, I want to assure you that as a precondition of my even considering the qualifications of a candidate, I needed to have their assurance that they were supportive of our first in the nation primary status.  That is part of the trust the State Committee members placed in me when I was elected to represent you on the RNC.
 
Saul Anuzis has told me that he is strongly in favor of New Hampshire retaining our primary status and has given us his word that if he is elected Chairman that he will put a member from New Hampshire on the Temporary Delegate Selection Committee so we will have a continued voice in whatever plan is presented to the RNC as a whole next year. This is in addition to the "carve out" for New Hampshire and Iowa that has already been placed in the rules.  He has also confirmed his support in writing to me, Gov. Sununu, and Sean Mahoney as well.  If Saul says he's with us on this issue I take him at his word as a person of character.
 
Phyllis
 
---------------------

Dear Fellow RNC Members,

Fully realizing the importance of our choice for an RNC Chairman, I have approached the task of selecting the candidate who I will support as most of you have - with much serious study, analysis, and deliberation. As a relatively new member, I have been extremely impressed and heartened by the talent and quality of all the candidates who are running for this office. We are fortunate to have so many fine individuals who are willing to “step up to the plate” and we owe them all our thanks and gratitude for what they have brought to the process.

However, after speaking with them all and reading their plans, and after giving thoughtful consideration to each person running, it is with the utmost confidence that I am enthusiastically endorsing Saul Anuzis for RNC Chairman.

I believe Saul Anuzis stands out as the kind of “boots on the ground”, easily accessible, and responsive leader we need to get our party back on track. His ideology is most closely aligned with my own on core Republican values and social issues, and like me, he’s an indefatigable optimist. He has the unique ability to bring our social and economic conservatives together. As a movement conservative and someone who has long been an activist in conservative causes, he has the credibility and relationships to bridge the gap as we work to regain our majority by appealing to Reagan Democrats and independents alike. As someone said, Saul is a “full spectrum conservative.”

His Blueprint lays out a vision and provides specific steps in an ‘action plan’ in each area to make that vision a reality. His plan is the most comprehensive, detailed, and achievable that has been presented. It also provides an opportunity for all for participation and ownership in the party. He is open to, asks for, and encourages input from others. As a grassroots activist he practices what he preaches and leads by example with his work ethic and optimistic “can do” attitude. He has limitless energy, tireless dedication, tactical and strategic expertise, and exceptional communication and fundraising skills. These are all qualities that make him exceptionally well-suited to assume the role of RNC Chair.

Saul has pledged to work to preserve our conservative values and believes they can be a winning strategy. We don’t need to ‘moderate’ our message - we need to ‘modernize’ it and present it in a fresh new light. Never timid, and always candid, Saul had the courage to say that we were trounced in two straight elections, not because of ideology, but because of hypocrisy. He realizes our first and toughest challenge is to reclaim the trust of the American people. We have to start “walking the walk” and putting our words into actions. We must also have candidates who will talk about the issues on which they have credibility and who will hold firm once elected.

Saul believes that to be successful, Republicans must present bold, conservative ideas that deliver on a promise of less government, more freedom and strong national defense. He knows we must present a vision of hope and opportunity for all and convince people that we are the party of innovative ideas that has better solutions to problems. We must talk about education, health care and the environment, as much as we talk about taxes and national security in a way that grabs the interests and meets the needs of ordinary people.

His experience qualifies him as the most tech savvy candidate which is a vital prerequisite in the quest to win the support of young voters, expand our voter base, and redouble our fundraising efforts. The depth and breath of his knowledge and expertise in the communication field will be an indispensable tool in our arsenal as we head into battle to win the “technology war” with the Democrats. He understands the need and the transforming power of technology and networks, and is the best equipped to lead the GOP out of the darkness and into being the leading party of the new IT age.

His optimism inspires hope, and his energy and enthusiasm are infectious. Having persevered and stayed the course in Michigan under the most difficult of situations, Saul has shown that he sees challenges as opportunities and will never abandon his optimistic attitude no matter how rough it gets. When the national campaign pulled out of Michigan, Saul persevered and led the fight to find emergency resources to keep Victory programs functioning throughout the state. Newt Gingrich has described Saul as the greatest State Chairman in the Republican Party and called him a person of courage, hard work, and determination.  Coming from a state that has to fight for every vote in every election, he’s ‘battle tested’ and that’s what we need now.  This is the kind of ‘hands on’ dynamic leader who will lead us in the fight to reclaim the “heart and soul” of the Republican Party.

As a fiscal, social, and foreign policy conservative, Saul embodies the perfect combination of skills as a fundraiser, recruiter, spokesperson, and organizer. We need someone with his vision, resolve, and determination to work on renewing and restructuring the Republican Party. He is an inspirational leader and encourager and he is about as young as you can be and still claim the experience, history, and savvy to undertake this enormous responsibility. Saul Anuzis is like a ‘SPA’ for the ailing RNC; he has the right combination of Skills, Personality, and Attitude that is needed to refresh, revitalize, and bring new energy to our party.

Saul is a straight shooter. When questioned, he is unequivocal. He gives direct, logical, and precise answers and gets right to the heart of the issue. He has earned my trust. In these times it is imperative that we have a leader of uncompromising character and unquestionable integrity. SauI embodies these qualities. I ask you to consider joining me in putting your confidence in Saul Anuzis as the candidate who has the plan, the experience, the ability, and the character to best lead the “Comeback” of our party.

Phyllis Woods
National Committeewoman for New Hampshire

Election Results:  New Officers for the NH GOP:

Chair:                       Former NH Governor John H. Sununu
Vice-Chair:               Wayne MacDonald (re-elected)
Treasurer:                 Robert Scott
Asst Treasurer:         Eileen Smiglowski
Secretary                 Chris Wood
Asst Secretary:         Jay Flanders

Area 1 Vice-Chair:     Steve Hellwig
Area 2 Vice-Chair:     <unknown at this time>
Area 3 Vice-Chair:     <unknown at this time>
Area 4 Vice-Chair:     <unknown at this time>
Area 5 Vice-Chair:     Fran Wendelboe
Area 6 Vice-Chair:     <unknown at this time>

News also came in from Twitter that former NH State Senator Carl Johnson fell ill during the proceedings (along with one other delegate) - our prayers go out to him and his family.

For any candidate interested in winning elections in New Hampshire, the math is pretty simple. Our state is about 30 percent Republican, 30 percent Democrat and 40 percent independent. Neither party is able to win elections when it only appeals to its own base.

It took huge defeats in 1992 and 2002 for New Hampshire Democrats to figure out this basic math. The Democrats realized that when they advocated for broad-based taxes, gun-control and left-wing social policy, they made their base happy at the expense of having any chance with centrist voters who have other priorities.

So New Hampshire Democrats changed. They became less ideological and more pragmatic. Today, they take The Pledge against broad-based taxes, give lip service to Second Amendment rights, and while they haven't abandoned left-wing social causes, few Democrats lead with them either. The Democrats expanded the portion of the electorate willing to listen to them, and they started winning elections.

After suffering back-to-back defeats, now New Hampshire Republicans need to adopt a similar strategy. When Republican candidates and activists focus too narrowly on taxes and social issues, most of our base wags its tail, but we aren't addressing the top concerns of the swing voters who decide elections in our state.
 
How much of a disconnect between New Hampshire voters and Republican candidates is there? It's worse than many activists think. According to exit poll data from last November, 31 percent of Republicans and 37 percent of self-described conservatives voted for Democrat John Lynch for governor. In the U.S. Senate race, John Sununu carried men, 53-45 percent, but lost among women, 60-37 percent -- a staggering 31 point gender gap.
 
Sure, all Republican candidates suffered collateral damage as voters expressed their disappointment in the Bush administration by voting for Democrats at all levels. But it's awfully hard -- no, make that mathematically impossible -- to win elections when we are only talking to base Republicans and ignoring the priorities of centrist voters.
 
To appeal to a broader segment of the electorate, Republicans need to talk about a broader range of issues that swing voters care about. Specifically, Republicans need to offer positive proposals dealing with education, health care and conservation.
 
I'm not saying we need to moderate our positions or move to the middle. We can talk about a broader range of issues while still offering conservative, free-market alternatives that are consistent with our principles. But it can't be all about taxes and social issues all the time.
 
A new GOP agenda for education needs to be emphatically pro-public education and transcend school choice by allowing students to get credit for real world, out-of-classroom learning. It needs to address the affordability of higher education that makes parents worry that even if they open a college fund and put money away, their kid who works hard and gets good grades still won't be able to attend the best school she can get into because of cost.

A new GOP agenda for health care would embrace the idea of universal coverage instead of defending a system in which people without insurance are left to hope they never get hurt or sick, and to go to the emergency room when they do. Republicans should fight for using market competition to control costs so more consumers shop for health care like we shop for other goods and services; Republicans can be for universal coverage and still oppose government as the single payer. Accessibility and affordability are the two health care issues voters care about -- for themselves, for their children and for their elderly parents.

A new GOP agenda for conservation and open space preservation -- which are fundamentally conservative ideas -- gives our party something positive to talk about with voters who have bought the left's theories about climate change and who are turned off by the GOP's perceived indifference to environmental issues.

Just six years ago, New Hampshire Democrats suffered huge defeats. They made changes, became relevant to voters and started winning elections and advancing their agenda on all fronts. New Hampshire Republicans can do the same thing and have the same success -- but first we must broaden our message.

Fergus Cullen's two-year term as chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party ends this month. He can be reached at ferguscullen@aol.com.
=============================================

WON'T YOU BE MY FRIEND?  As I prepare to leave the chairmanship in a couple weeks, I hope to stay in touch with many of you via Facebook.  If you are a user, please become one of my friends!
 
Fergus Cullen
Chairman, New Hampshire Republicans

The full Republican State Committee will meet on Saturday, January 17, at the new Bedford High School.  Doors open at 9:00 a.m. and the gavel will come down at 10:00 a.m.  Agenda items include electing our officers, including the new chairman.  We will likely have some presentations as well.  Members of the state committee - the nearly 500 people elected at 14 caucuses around the state in recent weeks - will receive a formal notice of the meeting via regular mail shortly, but for now you should save the date.
 
Please note that all New Hampshire Republicans will be welcome to attend the meeting as guests of the committee.
 
The new Bedford High School is located at 47B Nashua Road.  From the Intersection of Route 114 and Route 101 in Bedford, follow Route 101 West to the blinking yellow light. Turn left onto Nashua Road. Bedford High School will be approximately 1/4 mile on your right.
 

Just a couple items to bring to your attention before we all shift into holiday mode for a bit.  My family is grateful to have power/heat/water back after five days without, and we are mindful that many New Hampshire families are still without services as we head into Christmas.  A big thank you to the line crews and others who are working so hard to restore power and provide for those without.
 
WON'T YOU BE MY FRIEND?  As I prepare to leave the chairmanship in a couple weeks, I hope to stay in touch with many of you via Facebook.  If you are a user, please become one of my friends!
 
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,
 
Fergus Cullen
Chairman, New Hampshire Republicans
fergus@nhgop.org

Check out the Republican Office website at: nhousegop.com

Legislative Aides

• Jim Rivers     271-6277
• Paul Smith     271-3665

In what seems to be part of the changing of the guard at the GOP, the NH GOP December Newsletter had this news:

As we downsize after the elections, two of our staff members are moving on to new adventures.  Dean of the staff Pete Flynn, our Finance Director since 2007, and Political Director Tom DeRosa both served the party very capably and will be missed.

Meanwhile, the news from the Democrats is a bit more positive:

In addition to a new executive director, the New Hampshire Democratic Party has hired a field director and an office manager. A party newsletter says that Ryan Mahoney will be the party's field director and Alexis Chininis will be the office manager. Mahoney was the deputy director of the House Democratic Caucus during the 2008 general election and Chininis was the executive director of the Manchester city Democrats. Chininis is also a state representative from Manchester.

From the December Newsletter of the NH GOP:

Dear New Hampshire Republican:
 
In the weeks since the election, I have had an ongoing positive and collaborative discussion with former Governor John H. Sununu about the future of the New Hampshire Republican Party and what role Governor Sununu might play as we work to continue the process of rebuilding and strengthening the Party.
 
Governor Sununu has decided that he wants to apply his considerable experience, talent, and intellect to the job of state party chairman.  I have decided to step aside when my term ends in January and support his candidacy for this position.

I have enjoyed serving as chairman, and am proud of the progress the Party has made over the past two years.  I was prepared to continue in the position for another two years, and after consulting with many party leaders and activists in the weeks since the election, it was apparent that, absent Governor Sununu's willingness to serve, I had more than enough political support to do so.

Nonetheless, I don't mind being given the opportunity to refocus on other aspects of my life that have sometimes taken the backseat over the past two years.  When I became chairman, I was dating; since then I've become a husband and father.  I worked nearly full-time as the unpaid, volunteer state party chairman, but with a family now I need to give more attention to my financial responsibilities to others.  I wasn't as good a coach to the distance runners I work with at Kingswood Regional High School because I couldn't make all the practices.  I realized the other day that I hadn't gone hiking in the White Mountains once this year.  So I'm looking forward to having more time for other things again.
 
I will continue to be active in Republican politics moving forward.  What form that will take will be determined in due time.
 
Highlights of my tenure as Chairman include:

• Despite a terrible national political environment, New Hampshire Republicans gained 17 legislative seats in a year in which Republicans lost seats in every other New England state.
• Ably served as a steward of the First in The Nation Primary, including working with the National Committee on adopting protection for our primary in party rules for the first time.
• Completed the purchase of and transition into a new state party headquarters building.
• Gave the party a youthful face while serving as the youngest Republican state party chairman in the country.
• Placed special emphasis on recruiting qualified women candidates, which resulted in the party nominating a woman candidate for Federal office for the first time.
• Improved and increased communications with elected officials, activists, and the media.
• Stabilized state party finances.
• Modernized our computer and phone systems, and provided health care benefits for party employees for the first time.
• Restored a degree of civility to the discourse between the parties in New Hampshire.

It has been my pleasure and honor to serve you for the past two years, and look forward to seeing you on trail in the months and years to come.
 
Sincerely,
 
Fergus Cullen
Chairman, New Hampshire Republicans

=========================
Fran Wendelboe had this to add to the NH GOP Chair race when interviewed by Brian Lawson of PolitickerNH:

Fran Wendelboe, head of the New Hampshire Reagan Network, said that she "wholeheartedly" supports former Gov. John H. Sununu's decision to run for chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party.

"I've known that his decision was pretty much final for quite some time now and I actually encouraged him to run and wholeheartedly support him," Wendelboe said in an e-mail to PolitickerNH.com.

Wendelboe, who is also a state rep from New Hampton, said that she has been in touch with Sununu and will work to get him elected chairman.

"The Governor and I have had several conversations and emails in the last couple of weeks," Wendelboe added. "I look forward to helping him get elected and assisting him in any way he wishes."

She added, "Remember I had said I really had no intention to run but was keeping my option open.  This was just in case something came up and the Governor did not run."

After being confirmed by House Speaker Norelli as the House Minority Leader, Sherm Packard has chosen his leadership team.  From PolitickerNH:

House Republican leader state Rep. Sherman Packard (R-Londonderry) has announced his leadership team for the upcoming legislative session.

Packard has decided to keep state Rep. David Hess (R-Hooksett) as the deputy republican leader. State Rep. Shawn Jasper (R-Hudson) will be the Republican whip and state Rep. Andrew Renzullo (R-Hudson) will be the deputy Republican whip. State Rep. Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett), who ran against Packard for House Republican leader, has been tapped to be the senior assistant Republican leader.

"I am very excited to announce the members of the House Republican Leadership team, who come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds, from various parts of the state and representing all the different opinions in the Republican Party," said Packard in a press release. "As I said when I campaigned for Republican Leader, we will work to ensure that every voice in our caucus is heard, and that starts right here with this leadership team. I am looking forward to working with so many dedicated public servants and am optimistic that our caucus will be united and stand strong for the taxpayers of our great state."

Below is a list of whom Packard as picked to be assistant Republican leaders and whips:

Assistant Republican Leader:

• Rep. Pamela Price (Nashua)
  
• Rep. John Reagan (Deerfield)
  
• Rep. Jim Rausch (Derry)

Assistant Republican Whip:

• Rep. DJ Bettencourt (Salem)
• Rep. Eric Stohl (Columbia)
  
• Rep. David Kidder (New London)
  
• Rep. John Graham (Bedford)
  

From PolitickerNH:

Wendelboe-Cullen spat spills over into UL comment section
By Brian Lawson, PolitickerNH.com Reporter

An argument between New Hampshire Republican Chairman Fergus Cullen and Fran Wendelboe, head of the New Hampshire Reagan Network, has taken center stage in the online comment section of The Union Leader.

The two were featured in today's Granite Status over allegations that Wendelboe is organizing an effort to replace state committee members with conservatives Republicans. It started earlier this week when Betsy Miller was replaced as the chair of the Merrimack County Republicans by Anne Copp, a prominent supporter of the Reagan Network.

"This isn't a fight between conservatives and moderates," Cullen wrote in the Union Leader's comment section. "Most NH GOP activists, including the ones Fran just excommunicated from the Merrimack Committee, accurately describe themselves as conservatives."

Cullen then went on to argue that this is an attempt by Wendelboe to become chairman of the state party.

"No, this is simply about Fran trying to line up votes in her Ahab-like effort to become state party chairman, booting conservatives who don't support her narrow, extreme view of who makes a good Republican," Cullen added. "If only Fran would put as much energy into fighting Democrats as she wastes plotting and scheming against fellow Republicans."

Wendelboe countered that she is looking out for the principles of the party.

"What Fergus doesn't understand is that I am not fighting fellow Republicans, I am fighting for the principles of the Republican party--those enumerated in not only our state platform but the national platform as well," Wendelboe wrote. "Yes, we have a big tent, but those who are ‘out of step' with the platform are the ones fighting to make those who do fully support the platform as the ones who somehow are divisive if they don't abandon the areas they don't agree on."

Wendelboe also said that it was the members of the Merrimack County Republicans that kicked out Miller and not Wendelboe.

From PolitickerNH (and here):

Newly elected House Republican leader state Rep. Sherman Packard (R-Londonderry) said that he was "humbled" to be chosen leader, but added that the next two years will be challenging for the state.

Packard was elected last night in a close vote against state Rep. Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett). State Rep. Fran Wendelboe (R-New Hampton) and state Rep. John Reagan (R-Deerfield) were also running for the leadership position but dropped out after the second ballot.

"I am honored and humbled at being chosen to lead our caucus during the next biennium," Packard said in a statement. "Unfortunately, these are not going to be an easy two years for us or for the state as a whole.  We face staggering revenue shortfalls, a budget that is out of balance by at least $90 Million and more social experimentation that all smack in the face of the New Hampshire Advantage.  Our 176 member caucus will remain vigilant, stand strong against wasteful spending and work hard to protect the taxpayers of this state."

Packard added, "I look forward to putting together a diverse leadership team that will work to bring together the Republican ideals of less taxes and spending and keeping New Hampshire a great place to live, work and raise a family."

Over the next couple of days the House Republicans will announce who will be their deputy leader, assistant leader, policy leader and party whip.

============
State Rep. Fran Wendelboe (R-New Hampton) said that she will "honor" the vote for House Republican leader as she dropped out after the second ballot and threw her support behind Chandler who lost to state Rep. Sherman Packard (R-Londonderry) on the third ballot.

[snip]

Wendelboe also said that she has not determined whether or not she will run for chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party.

"I don't really know what's in store for Fran," Wendelboe said. "I've received a couple of calls this morning and I'm keeping my options open."

Wendelboe ran for party chairman in 2007 but lost to current chairman Fergus Cullen. Wendelboe is also head of the Reagan Network, a grassroots organization for Granite State conservatives.

Bragdon topples Gatsas for GOP senate leader

State Sen. Peter Bragdon (R-Milford) has been elected the new Senate Republican Leader.

Bragdon defeated state Sen. Ted Gatsas (R-Manchester), who was the Republican leader last legislative session. According to a press release, all 10 Republican state senators supported Bragdon's bid.

"I look forward to having the Senate Republicans work as a team along with the Democrats as we tackle some of the serious challenges facing the state," Bragdon said in a statement.

State Sen. Mike Downing (R-Salem) said the Republican caucus wanted a "new direction."

"It was the caucus's feeling that we needed a new direction, a new focus especially with the budget problems we face, and that we needed to open up the channels of communication between the minority and the majority and the governor's office," Downing said.

Bragdon's selection will be made official on Dec. 3rd when state senators are sworn-in.

U.S. Senator     Former Governor Shaheen (D) has defeated incumbent
                         Senator John E. Sununu (R)

U.S. CD-1          Incumbent Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (D) has defeated
                         former Congressman Jeb Bradley (R)

U.S. CD-2          Incumbent Congressman Paul Hodes (D) has defeated
                        Jennifer Horn (R)

Governor           Incumbent Governor John Lynch (D) has defeated
                         NH Senator Joe Kenney (R)

Exec. Council   Incumbent Exec. Councilor Ray Burton (R) has defeated
                         Mike Cauble (D)

NH Senate D-4  Incumbent NH Senator Kathleen Sgambati (D) has defeated
                         Laconia City Councilor Greg Knytych (R)

NH Senate D-2  Incumbent NH Senator Deb Reynolds (D) has defeated
                        NH Representative Bill Tobin (R)

NH House Races

Belknap County District 1    Incumbent Representative Fran Wendelboe (R)     unopposed

Belknap County District 2    Dennis Fields (R) elected
                                         Liz Merry (D) elected

Belknap County District 3    Incumbent Representative Steve Nedeau (R) elected
                                         Kate Miller (D) elected

Belknap County District 4    Incumbent Judy Reever (D) elected
                                         Incumbent Don Flanders (R) elected
                                         Incumbent Beth Arsenault (D) elected
                                         Richard Stuart (D) elected
                                         John Veazey (R) elected

Belknap County District 5    Incumbent Doc Pilliod (R) elected
                                         Incumbent Alida Milham (R) elected
                                         Jeffrey St. Cyr (R) elected
                                         Bill Johnson (D) elected
                                         Incumbent Laurie Boyce (R)  elected
                                         Peter Bolster (R) elected
                                         Elaine Swinford (R) elected

Belknap County District 6    Incumbent Representative David Russell (R)     unopposed

Belknap County

Commissioner:   Ed Philpot (D) elected
                         Incumbent Commissioner Brad Long (R) elected

Sheriff:               Craig Wiggin (R)

Treasurer:           Mike Muzzey (R)

Attorney:            Jim Carroll (D)

Register of Probate: unknown at this time

Register of Deeds:   unknown at this time.

Because of all of the work that Greg did in helping the campaign staff, Secret Service advance team, and the myriad of other people and organizations, He was asked to be the Master of Ceremonies for the event.  Below are a few pictures that were taken:

Date:                October 14, 2008

Contact:           Fergus Cullen, Chairman, New Hampshire Republican Party
                        603-225-9341 office, 603-520-5450 cell


CONCORD – In an interview with the Keene Sentinel last week Executive Councilor John Shea admitted that his main reason for running for office is to maintain a Democratic majority on the Council so he can be a yes man for Governor John Lynch’s appointments and proposals.

Shea also indicated in the interview that Governor Lynch’s staff are calling the shots for his campaign, including setting up his campaign committee for him and raising money for his re-election efforts. Discussing the change in campaign strategy this year, Shea said “This year the governor’s staff has told me I don’t understand the situation here - ‘We want this seat.’”

Explaining himself to the Sentinel, Shea said “The Governor, of course, wants to keep those three seats,” continuing to add, “When you’ve got three Republicans, he cannot get people through.”

“I’ll bet that voters across the state from Brookfield to Chesterfield will be surprised to find out they elected John Shea to be a rubber stamp,” said Fergus Cullen, Chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party.

“In fact they will probably be as surprised as John Shea was when he got the call in Belgium notifying him that he’d been elected in the first place. Voters in the Second Council District deserve to be represented by an independent watchdog of taxpayer dollars, not someone who describes his job as doing Governor Lynch’s bidding,” Cullen said.

“That’s why voters will reject John Shea and elect an independent voice in Dan St. Hilaire on November 4,” Cullen added.

The Executive Council is a part of the executive branch of New Hampshire government and is intended to serve as a check on the power of the Governor.

BACKROUND

Shea Sees his Role on the Council to be Lynch’s Puppet: “The once-mystery candidate who two years ago won a seat on the N.H. Executive Council says he is running for re-election for two reasons — he loves his job, and his party loves having a majority… ‘The governor, of course, wants to keep three seats,’ Shea, a Democrat from Nelson, said Tuesday afternoon in a meeting with Sentinel editors.” (“Executive Councilor John Shea runs an activist campaign this time around,” by Dan Greisman, The Keene Sentinel, 10/8/08)

Shea’s Priority, Getting Lynch’s Appointments Through: “‘When you’ve got three Republicans, he cannot get people through,’ Shea said of Democratic Gov. John H. Lynch.” (“Executive Councilor John Shea runs an activist campaign this time around,” by Dan Greisman, The Keene Sentinel, 10/8/08)

Lynch’s Staff is Pulling the Strings on Shea’s Campaign: “‘I had never taken a contribution up to this year,’ Shea said. ‘I refused them. And then this year the governor’s staff has told me I don’t understand the situation here — ‘We want this seat. You can’t do it without raising money. We are going to form a Friends of John Shea committee.’” (“Executive Councilor John Shea runs an activist campaign this time around,” by Dan Greisman, The Keene Sentinel, 10/8/08)

Read the Entire Article Here: http://sentinelsource.com/articles/2008/10/08/news/local/free/id_326529.txt

Michael Hamilton
Executive Director
New Hampshire Republican Party
10 Water Street, Concord, NH  03301
603-296-5116 (c)
603-225-9341 (o)
mike@nhgop.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       CONTACT: David Chesley

October 3, 2008                                                                         (603) 212-9888

press@JenniferHorn.org

JENNIFER HORN STATEMENT ON HOUSE BAILOUT VOTE

NASHUA –Jennifer Horn, Republican candidate for Congress, released the following statement following the passage of the economic bailout bill by the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Jennifer Horn: “The Bush/Paulson bill was a bad bill. I applaud Sen. Gregg’s leadership in trying to make a bad bill better.  I agree that we have to do something to ease the credit crunch, but the premise is wrong that the American taxpayer has to pay the bill - they did nothing wrong.

There are things that I like about the bill; removing golden parachutes, authority to suspend mark to market accounting and increasing the levels of FDIC insurance.  But this bill is nothing more than $700B of taxpayer money to try and artificially prop up the economy.   When the government tries to manipulate the free market, it always has unintended consequences – usually costing us money and costing us jobs.  
 
On the most important issue facing us, this Congress couldn’t even be trusted to pass a bill without pork-barrel giveaways for special interests, including money for wooden arrows designed for use by children, Puerto Rican rum, wool research, and film and television production. This just further illustrates the broken Congress that has failed to act until there is a crisis and has chosen to risk taxpayer money in the hopes that it will go away.

Congress was not debating bailing out Wall Street; they are trying to bail out themselves.

At its core, this is a failure of government – a failure of government oversight, a failure of Representatives to put the voters above the special interests, a failure of leadership.  It is unconscionable that tax payers are now being called upon to pay for the failure of government to the tune of $700 billion.

It was on Paul Hodes’ watch and under his party’s leadership that we got into this mess.  This Congress turned a blind eye to this impending economic crisis for two years.  Paul Hodes and the Financial Services Committee have failed to provide any oversight and protection to the American people and their money, instead taking campaign handouts from the special interests regulated by his committee. 

We should have considered options that protect the integrity of the free market and protect the American taxpayer from more debt.  We need solutions that address the problem so that we don’t find ourselves in this situation again.”

###

ABOUT JENNIFER HORN:

The voters have spoken....though with a very low turnout, perhaps it could be phrased "not many spoke". 

The slate of candidates that have been chosen by Republican voters that should represent us after the November elections are:

President of the United States:

Senator John McCain (R-Arizona)
Governor Sarah Palin (R-Alaska)

US Senator:

John E Sununu (R)

US Representative, NH-1:

Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro)

US Representative, NH-2:

Jennifer Horne (R-Nashua)

NH Governor:

Joe Kenney (R-Wakefield

NH Senator, District 2:

Bill Tobin (R-Sanbornton)

NH Senator, District 4:

Greg Knytych (R-Laconia)

NH Representative, District 1:  

Fran Wendelboe (R-New Hampton)

NH Representative, District 2:

Denis Fields (R-Sanbornton)
R. Larry Scott (R-Tilton)

NH Representative, District 3:

Richard Juve (R-Meredith)
Steve Nadeau (R-Meredith)

NH Representative, District 4:

John Veazey (R-Laconia)
James "Olie" Anderson (R-Laconia)
Tom Brown (R-Laconia)
Glenn Dewhirst (R-Laconia)
Don Flanders (R-Laconia)

NH Representative, District 5:

Laurie Boyce (R-Alton)
Alida Milham (R-Gilford)
Jim Pilliod (R-Belmont)
Peter Bolster (R-Alton)
Jeffrey St. Cyr (R-Alton)
Kevin Christiansen (R-Alton)
Elaine Swinford (R-Barnstead)

NH Representative, District 6:

David Russell (R-Gilmanton)

Belknap County:

Register of Deeds:             Barbara Luther (R-Laconia)
Register of Probate:           Karen Brickner (R-Center Barnstead)
County Commissioner:       Frank Tobin (R-Laconia)

Richard Long (R-Belmont)

Sheriff:                              Craig Wiggin (R-Meredith)
Treasurer:                          Michael Muzzey

Editorial comment:

The voters have spoken....though with a very low
turnout, perhaps it could be phrased "not many spoke". 

This in itself that we should take on in the future by reversing the meme that partisan ("sticking up for your principles") politics is bad and politicians of all stripes are worse.

UNH POLL POSITIVE NEWS:  Last week’s UNH polls showed both the McCain-Obama and Sununu-Shaheen races to be statistical dead heats, and showed Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes mired in the 40s. The more voters hear Jeanne Shaheen and the Democratic message of high taxes and big government the more likely they are to vote Republican. Jeanne Shaheen spent over $1 million in the past quarter to watch her once comfortable lead over Senator Sununu shrink to a statistical tie at 46% to 42%.

IF YOU GET POLLED THIS CAMPAIGN SEASON:  Have the presence of mind to get out a pen and paper and write down the questions that are being asked, then call our office.  This is especially helpful information when candidates are “testing” issues, like “If you knew Jeanne Shaheen tried to impose a 2.5 percent sales tax on New Hampshire, would you be more or less likely to vote for her?”

JUDGES MATTER:  The scary thing about the recent Supreme Court Heller case upholding the right of individuals to bear arms is that the vote was only 5-4.  Judges matter!  Vote McCain!

THANK YOU:  To the Tobin family of Sanbornton, who recently lent their time, sweat, and property maintenance expertise to spruce up the grounds of our headquarters.  Looks great, and much appreciated.

HOLDING HODES ACCOUNTABLE:  For abusing tax dollars to send more than 1 million pieces of campaign mail.  Video

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CAMPAIGN SIGN STOLEN?  Check out tolerantliberal.com

HUMOR:  Send your family-appropriate political jokes to Fergus for possible inclusion in a future newsletter, and annoy a mirthless Democrat at the same time.

"Well, the Democrats are now preparing for their convention in Denver, and they have hired the first ever director of greening. They say that this year that everything about their convention will be green, including nominating a candidate who's only been a senator for a couple of years." --Jay Leno

"It was quite a weekend, politically. Yesterday, an estimated 75,000 people attended a Barack Obama rally on the banks of the the Willamette River. ... And if you believe the media, listen to this. After the rally, Barack Obama fed them all with just five loaves of bread and two fish. Amazing!" --Jay Leno

The Democrats continue to raise out of state money from ultra left-wing groups that will serve as the personal smear machines of Jeanne Shaheen and other Democrats in New Hampshire.

The most generous of late have been the abortion rights group Emily's List, $84,731; the left-wing Moveon.org, $47,721; Act Blue, $21,167; and the Council for a Liveable World, $18,632. Citizens for a Stronger Senate, which in 2004 raised and spent more than $11 million to help elect Democrats, gave $18,700 to Shaheen in the second quarter.

Now, more than ever, we need your help in order to combat the smears and lies that will be hurled our way over the next 97 days.



 

Date:              July 22, 2008
Contact:          Fergus Cullen, Chairman, New Hampshire Republican Party
                      603-225-9341 office, 603-520-5450 cell


CONCORD – Fergus Cullen, Chairman of the New Hampshire Republican party made the following statement today:

“Barack Obama’s comments about the surge last night either display a profound misunderstanding of what’s happening on the ground in Iraq or an inability to admit mistakes when it might hurt him politically. There is only one candidate in the race who has always put the national interest ahead of his political ambition, and that’s John McCain.”

Last Night, Obama Said That Even Knowing What He Knows Now, He Would Not Have Supported The Surge:

Obama Told ABC's Terry Moran That, Despite The Progress That Has Occurred In Iraq, He Would Not Have Supported The Surge. Moran: "'[T]he surge of U.S. troops, combined with ordinary Iraqis' rejection of both al Qaeda and Shiite extremists have transformed the country. Attacks are down more than 80% nationwide. U.S. combat casualties have plummeted, five this month so far, compared with 78 last July, and Baghdad has a pulse again.' If you had to do it over again, knowing what you know now, would you -- would you support the surge?" Obama: "No, because -- keep in mind that -" Moran: "You wouldn't?" Obama: "Well, no, keep -- these kinds of hypotheticals are very difficult . Hindsight is 20/20. I think what I am absolutely convinced of is that at that time, we had to change the political debate, because the view of the Bush administration at that time was one that I just disagreed with." Moran: "And so, when pressed, Barack Obama says he still would have opposed the surge." (ABC's "World News," 7/21/08)

 
When The Surge Was Announced, Obama Said It Would Not Work And Would Potentially Increase Sectarian Violence In Iraq:

In January 2007, Obama Said He Did Not Know Of Any Middle East Expert Or Military Officer That Believed That The Surge Would "Make A Substantial Difference On The Situation On The Ground." Obama: "We cannot impose a military solution on what has effectively become a civil war. And until we acknowledge that reality -- we can send 15,000 more troops, 20,000 more troops, 30,000 more troops, I don't know any expert on the region or any military officer that I've spoken to privately that believes that that is going to make a substantial difference on the situation on the ground." (CBS' "Face The Nation," 1/14/07)

 
Obama: "I am not persuaded that 20,000 additional troops in Iraq is going to solve the sectarian violence there. In fact, I think it will do the reverse." (MSNBC's "Response To The President's Speech On Iraq," 1/10/07)


After The Surge Was In Effect, Obama Said It Had Potentially Worsened The Situation In Iraq:

In July 2007, Obama Said The Surge Had Not Worked In Iraq. Obama: "Well, actually, I think there was a very serious debate, and it's based on some fundamental differences. I think reasonable people can differ on this issue because there are no good options in Iraq. We should not have gone. At this point we have bad options and worse options. But we are facing a choice. My assessment is that the surge has not worked and we will not see a different report eight weeks from now." (NBC's "The Today Show," 7/18/07)

In November 2007, Obama Said The Surge Has Not Worked, And Had Potentially Worsened The Situation In Iraq. Obama: "Finally, in 2006-2007, we started to see that, even after an election, George Bush continued to want to pursue a course that didn't withdraw troops from Iraq but actually doubled them and initiated a search and at that stage I said very clearly, not only have we not seen improvements, but we're actually worsening, potentially, a situation there." (NBC's "Meet The Press," 11/11/07)


A Year After The Surge Was Announced, Obama Admitted That It Had Improved Security And Claimed That He Always Said It Would Do So:

In January 2008, Obama Claimed That He Always Said That Increasing The Number Of Troops In Iraq Would Improve Security. Obama: "Now, I had no doubt, and I said at the time when I opposed the surge, that given how wonderfully our troops perform, if we place 30,000 more troops in there, then we would see an improvement in the security situation and we would see a reduction in the violence." (Sen. Barack Obama, Democrat Presidential Candidate Debate, Manchester, NH, 1/5/08)

In February 2008, Obama Said That It Was "Indisputable" That Violence Had Been Reduced In Iraq." CNN's Campbell Brown: "Senator Obama, in the same vein, you were also opposed to the surge from the beginning. Were you wrong?" Obama: "Well, I think it is indisputable that we've seen violence reduced in Iraq. And that's a credit to our brave men and women in uniform." (Sen. Barack Obama, CNN/ Univision Democrat Presidential Debate, Austin, TX, 2/21/08)  

 
Despite Admitting That The Surge Had Reduced Violence, Obama Said That "We Don't Need More Spin About How The Surge Is Succeeding":

In May 2008, Obama Said "We Don't Need More Spin About How The Surge Is Succeeding." Obama: "We don't need more spin about how the surge is succeeding in doing what it was supposed to do which is to get the Iraqi's to stand up and take responsibility for their own future, so we can start sending our troops home." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At A Town Hall, Rapid City, SD, 5/31/08)

 
Obama Recently Admitted That The Surge Has Improved The Situation In Iraq:

In July 2008, Obama Said He Was "Pleased To See The Reductions In Violence That Have Occurred" In Iraq. Obama: "Now, that does not detract from the extraordinary work our troops have done. They have performed brilliantly throughout the process. And obviously, I am very pleased to see the reductions in violence that have occurred over the last several months. There's no doubt that because of their heroism and their outstanding work, we had the opportunity to salvage the situation in Iraq." (Sen. Barack Obama, Interview With Military Times, 7/2/08)

From PolitickerNH:

Mike Hamilton named new NH GOP Executive Director

Mike Hamilton has been hired has the new Executive Director for the New Hampshire Republican party.

Hamilton is a former field representative for Mitt Romney's campaign and a graduate of Dartmouth College. He replaces Steve DeMaura who left the position to take a job in Washington D.C.

"Mike has practical campaign experience in
New Hampshire and has deep roots in the state," Republican Chairman Fergus Cullen told PolitickerNH.com.

A New Hampshire political strategist said, "Mike is a highly organized individual and will be great for the party."

The Executive Director is responsible for day-to-day operations of the state party.

We wish him good luck!