GraniteGrok

Jack Kimball, Lynne Blankenbeker, Shannon Shutts work Merrimack District 11 polls on Election Day

All in all, it was a pretty good day for Republicans in yesterday's "off-year" elections. With success in two major governorships nationally, and victories for smaller government candidates and the Manchester spending cap here in the Granite State, there is a glimmer of hope that people are no longer so easily swayed by the soothing siren's song of government largesse in exchange for ever-higher taxes.

Here is a sampling of what people were saying following last evening's results.

On the Tax Cap victory in Manchester

NHGOP Chair John H. Sununu-“The voters of the city of Manchester have shown that they want smaller government, lower taxes and reduced spending. Their support for the tax cap reminds those who think New Hampshire has lost its conservative commitment that this is still a state that demands fiscal discipline from their elected officials.”

Jack Kimball, exploring a run for Governor- "Tonight was a major victory for tax payers in Manchester. Their vote sends a clear message that they believe in the New Hampshire tradition that low taxes are the result of low spending. The vote also sends a clear message to Governor Lynch and his tax and spend Democrats in the legislature that this state has grown tired of their fiscal recklessness."

Roger Wilkins, President of The New Hampshire Advantage Coalition-  "Finally, after almost two years of legal maneuvers and back room deals by spending cap opposition leaders, the taxpayers of Manchester have spoken.  Their message was loud and clear; low taxes are the result of low spending. Our only wish is, as this new board begins to craft next year's budget, they remember the will of the people and adhere to the spending cap."
 
"A special thanks goes out to the countless taxpayers that collected signatures, the tea party movement that rallied behind our cause and groups like Americans for Limited Government and Coalition of New Hampshire Taxpayers that provided guidance and support. I would also like to especially thank Attorney Joe-Kelly Levessaur for working to protect the taxpayers right to vote on this issue.  I personally want to also give a special thank you to our former Honorary Chairman Frank Guinta for the courage to stand-up and fight for what is right."

On Lynn Blankenbeker, an unabashed conservative winning in a traditionally liberal-leaning district:

Jack Kimball- "It was a pleasure for me to stand with Lynne at the polls this morning in Concord. I could not be happier for her in her victory. Lynne ran a campaign that was built on strong, conservative principles. With the help of her supporters, Lynne achieved a victory that few thought possible. Her determination translated in to an upset victory that should send a clear message to Governor Lynch and Democrats in the legislature that their agenda of big spending and social experimentation are coming to an end."

Kevin McHugh, The New Hampshire Republican Volunteer Coalition (NHRVC)- "Congratulations to Lynne and all of her supporters for overcoming the odds and winning the election! She'll be a great State Rep who truly represents the taxpayers of her district.The voters of NH sent a loud and clear message to the Democrats yesterday that their days as the majority party are numbered. What an election!"

Kevin Smith, Executive Director, NH Cornerstone-  "Tonight's win by the conservative Lynne Blankenbeker should send a loud message to the legislative leaders in Concord that the people are once again rejecting their radical out-of-touch agenda.  Lynne's win represents a victory for traditional New Hampshire values, low taxation, and limited government.  We will welcome her presence in the State House."

This is what the the NH Democrat Party had to say about it all, via press secretary Derek Richer:

"Tuesday's results offers further evidence of the emerging permanent Democratic majority in the Granite State. If the trends continue, 2010 will be yet another great year for NH Democrats."

We'll see about that...