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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.