The LCV (League Of Conservation Voters) has an entity registered with the New Hampshire Secretary of State (here) called the LCV political engagement fund, whose stated purpose is "providing grants to other non-candidate New Hampshire Political committees."

Normally we would assume this is to funnel special interest donor money into the state to hide targeted issue or candidate advocacy because that's what all the other democrat fronts are for and Buckly loves to juggle the money back and forth through them so it's almost impossible to figure out how the system has been gamed.  But this is a bit more straight forward.

And after someone sent me this ad on Craig's List,(after the jump) it seemed very much like that could be exactly the purpose.

Continue reading "League Of Conservation Hodes-sters" »

Posted by Steve MacDonald at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Ovide Lamontagne, who GraniteGrok has endorsed, has just come out with his first TV ad:

I just wish that he had said what it contained, but since he didn't, YOU can just click here and saunter right on over and read it for yourself!

Add this from Erick Erickson of RedState to the thought train in your head:

Consider another fact: Conservatives, led by Jim DeMint and Sarah Palin, are potentially creating the most conservative Senate Republican Conference in the last thirty or so years: Sharron Angle, Ken Buck, Mike Lee, Joe Miller, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, and Pat Toomey will be joining Jim DeMint, Tom Coburn, and David Vitter.

I'm quite sure that Ovide will fit in very well with that group.  Michelle Bachman in the House with her TEA Party caucus, DeMint and his "Constitution Crew"; there can only be one message certain:

Progressives and Social Democrats (and thinkalikes like my two Congresscritters, Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter) - be afraid

BE VERY AFRAID!

The Constitution and the traditional Founder's Values are marching up the hill... the tide has turned outward on the Progressives and the pendulum is swinging back Rightly.

Posted by Skip at 12:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Heh! This was amusing.... GH = Guess who

    10.) <GH> and Biden both gave thousands to Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

    9.) <GH> and Biden both gave money to defeat former Sen. John E. Sununu (R-NH).

    8.) <GH> and Biden both supported Democrats for President in 2000.

    7.) <GH> and Biden both opposed President Bush’s reelection in 2004.

    6.) <GH> and Biden both support a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants.

    5.) <GH> and Biden both were open to backing the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

    4.) <GH> and Biden both oppose Arizona’s law cracking down on illegal immigrants.

    3.) <GH> and Biden both have expressed dislike for the Republican Party.

Continue reading "Let's play "Guess Who?"" »

Posted by Skip at 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Certainly, RedHampshire has the Letter from Uncle John NH GOP Chair John Sununu:

The first issue is to remember the value of winning the primary in a manner that makes the primary worth winning...Thus, the temptation to go negative is irresistible. It may seem to be advantageous to go negative to win the primary, but almost certainly going negative will make it more difficult to win the general election.

All during the hard parts of the Iraq War, we heard, over and over the Democrat call to arms in the ideological war here in the States:

Halliburton!

It was almost the worst epithet that the Liberals hurled at Republicans; it codified their hatred of capitalism, their disdain for profits, their anti-war loving sentiments, their white hot hate of Bush II, and I believe, America as well.  They wanted a takeover and a teardown.

So, as I was watching Special Report on Fox News, imagine my absolute astonishment and cringe when I heard Bill Binnie's latest attack ad on Ayotte. You have to listen closely, as it is quickly said at the end of the TV ad.  So, he's stooping to Democrat smears?

Now, it is not my place, not my intent, to defend Kelly - but I am.  Has Binnie absolutely lost all sense of what "reasonable" or even "just barely over the edge" is?  I know some of the folks in his campaign - I have the feeling they are being ignored.  He has GOT to be totally caught up in a rage that is only bounded by Kathy "Lawsuit" Sullivan's meltdown on WMUR's Closeup (except they could get her off the stage).

He is now seemingly out of control....to use that word, Halliburton?  He must think he's the NH political equivalent of Rambo, because he's burning a whole lot of bridges - and fields, homes, streets...you get the idea.

So, what's the difference, now, between him and the Democrats? Be pointed?  Sure.  Use records and history? Sure.  But to act like a Democrat with that?

No humor, that one, for sure - just white hot anger. All consuming.  Dude, yer past determined, past committed, and on the road to BEING committed.

Him and his money - put them together, place into the campaign mixer, be challenged on his stances (not unlike being challenged by a Board of Directors, except a lot of these folks know far more about politics and Conservative and Constitutional issues than a BoD knows about business - certainly FAR more than Binnie), shake well,  and we see what happens: the political equivalent of a bully.  People are noticing that he's getting unhinged quickly. 

Look, it certainly ain't beanbags, but unless your opponent is a Progressive / Socialist, it ain't hep to go General Sherman either.

Posted by Skip at 10:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Part 1 and Part 2 have already been posted...

...here's the final one - Part 3:

Once again, thanks to Diane Bitter and Sue Polidura from the Seacoast Republican Women for the invite!

Posted by Skip at 9:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Part 1 is here.  Enjoy this one!

The longer term goal is to take these questions and answers (and Part 3 will be up over the weekend) and match them with the Congressional Debate (waiting to upload those as well) ones as well.

So much, and so little....and you know what the missing words are....you're probably living it too!

Posted by Skip at 2:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This past Wednesday night, the Seacoast Republican Women (Portsmouth, NH) held a double header: a debate between the Republican candidates in NH's CD-1 and then those for Senate. The moderator for both debates was Nancy Stiles (NH House of Representatives, running for NH Senate). Candidates included (Senate): Kelly Ayotte, Gerard Belion, Jim Bender, Bill Binnie, Dennis Lamarre, and Ovide Lamontagne.

This is Part 1 of 2.

Notables: Jim Bender's opening remark (the Tweaking Award?), the Best One Word Response Award in the debate goes to Gerard Belion (which brought the house down), and the Best Non-verbal Response Award, again, goes to Jim Bender.

I will always point out one enormous fact that seems to elude most politicians: while showing that you are smart, while showing you are earnest, never forget: when people are laughing WITH you, they are paying attention.  This night, Jim and Gerard "got it" and were rewarded for it. 

Well done, gentlemen (from a former class clown....)! 

Posted by Skip at 12:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This may get a lot of motors running....printed with permission of Jeff Chidester from an email thread we are both on....and even a month later, this could invoke a bit of fireworks among the NH Conservative Folk...

and of course, I had an answer (after the jump).  We join the regularly scheduled show already in progress:

I have enjoyed your post and the all of the responses.

First let me say that that Bob (Bestani) is a great guy and solid candidate.  He has a great grasp on the issue, and as Fred said, has been very honest (even when people did not want to hear it) since announcing.  Bob is on my radio show this weekend (NH Perspective, Sunday 11am – 96.7 the WAVE). Sadly, this election has not really been about substance until now, and some candidates are talking more fluff than substance.

As to the Senate candidates. many people concur with your observations of Bill Binnie.  Some are concerned he is trying to buy the election (which never holds well with people). But seeking office is an expensive endeavor.

Kelly Ayotte is a solid conservative (Watch how the comments roll in on that statement - I know there are a lot of people who would disagree). Her position on Sotomayor was a non-political one, and based purely on the Constitutional responsibility a Senator has in the process.   We liberty-minded people get irked when liberals oppose justice nominees purely on ideological reasons, yet somehow expect the same behavior when we disagree with the nominee. The truth is elections have consequences, and the President gets to choose his nominees, and barring any revelations that disqualifies the nominee (which are few in nature), then all a Senator really can do is publicly state their concerns with the nominee.  The same Constitutional provision that applies to the Supreme Court applies to Ambassadors, Cabinet positions and other consuls and sadly has become too polarized (by those of the Left).

 Kelly has said numerous times she doesn’t agree with Sotomayor, and would have preferred a different nominee. But ‘prefer’ is not what a Senator is being asked to do in accordance with the Constitution. Kelly has been very clear...

Continue reading "Email doodlings - a back and forth with Jeff Chidester on Kelly Ayotte" »

Posted by Skip at 8:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

OK, blogging will be light for me this week (can'tcha tell already??) - decided that it was time to get away from the keyboard for a bit

Sidenote: playing with hardware for the new, well, see here...and just bought a bit more....and have a couple more little doo-hickeys plus....and that "look" is starting to appear in TMEW's eyes again.  If you would, hitting the DONATE button would make that wifely foot-tapping go away....for a while....Please?

But, when I returned, saw that Jim Bender has a new TV ad up.  UNLIKE those of Bill Binnie and Kelly Ayotte (boy, the Kevlar producers and loving this blunderbuss battle!).  Once again, a smile and a chuckle.  Perhaps NOT quite as amusing as the first, but if Jim was smart, he'd start driving that Tow Truck WITH the caddy and Uncle Sam in the parades going on as Towns all over are having their Old Home Days here in NH (for my outside-the-State readers, it's a tradition here in NH; for my Bible believing friends, think "census, Bethlehem", sorta).

Anyways, here's the ad:

So, what's next?

Hey Jim!  Question for you: can I make a suggestion for you for the next one?  Usually, someone comes along to pay the fine to get the car out of the TOW yard.  In this case of Federal Programs, Progressives will just want to "break the programs out of jail"; how about using this guy to keep the Progressives at bay?

Posted by Skip at 6:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Part 1                                                    Part 2

Posted by Skip at 6:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I continue to be amused by the Lefts obsession with the so-called GOP anointing of Kelly Ayotte.  Disregarding their anointing of Paul Hodes, we have Hodes anointing Ayotte with television buys to attack her.  We have Hodes paying for a push poll on Ayotte.  They can’t seem to stop talking about her or bringing up everything she may or may not have done as if they are already running against her. (They are doing the same thing in CD-2 by the way, having anointed Bass.)

Now we have Slate,  which--if this isn't telling enough--has recommended a 'local NH web site' with a pay-wall as their choice for people accross the nation to use to check out on key races and, the key race they chose was between Ayotte and Hodes.

Did I miss the primary?

No, this is just the left being the left.  But I've had quite enough of democrats and their fellow travelers thinking they can decide things for us.  Though we still have a way to go with election law and voter ID to really fix that problem when it comes to the ballot box in New Hampshire

So is this just another example of what liberals mean by choice?  They choose, and you just deal with it?

Posted by Steve MacDonald at 8:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kathy 'Lawsuit' Sullivan was bragging about the state of democrat fortunes in this morning's Union Leader.  

Then I ran across this from an August 5th survey by Rasmussen.

Fortunes indeed.

Posted by Steve MacDonald at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In yesterday's Union Leader (though reading it today) that questions what Bill Binnie is all about, I spotted this pretty good line:

On June 30 Binnie released a "plan for economic growth" that was so vague it sounded as though it might have been scratched on the back of a napkin in 30 seconds by the second assistant outreach coordinator of the local high school Republican club.

Now, scuttlebutt is going around that thin skinned Binnie is promising jihad against, well, pretty much everyone that opposes him (er, would that include the 'Grok?).  But will it matter?  Sure, some of the info may well be damaging to others, but his problem will be - will it double back around?

Sure, Pat Hynes can shop stories around for Mahoney and against his opponents within the blogosphere at the national sites - there was such an instant appearance of them against Guinta (yeah, that worked well at the NH Young Republican Picnic, as Tom noted, didn't it? Guinta 91, Mahoney 34) that anyone could figure out that they were not spontaneously written.  Does Binnie have that caliber of person - or can he purchase such to shop oppo research stories around?  And show up with credible sources?

The question is, what will the voters think of a high powered high dollar campaign pretty much sliming everyone else?  Pretty much, I think most will take it as it appears - another tantrum (albeit, with lots of dollars attached) from someone who may end up being perceived to be a nascent bully in the making, using dollars instead of fists to throw his weight around?

Can he withstand the urge to run amok?  Or will NH GOP Chairman Sunnunu have to step in and provide a little "counseling"?

And what could he do to the Union Leader?

Posted by Skip at 11:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Well, the blunderbusses have arrived and reinforcements for them are just coming up over the hill - and some are marked as "deliver to GraniteGrok" as well!  I think the rabble rousing  and poo slinging has ignited among the candidates...

...Break out the popcorn!  Hoses, bandages, and surgeries begin at 6pm...

I'd like to think that we make our own here at the 'Grok; yet, we are getting a number of blunderbusses from "Concerned Citizen"(s) who now are sending us stuff from all over the state - and who says New Hampshireites don't take politics seriously!  Blunderbusses were never known for great accuracy (a Kentucky Long Rifle was good for picking off opponents at long distance) but work well for close in-fighting!

First in line certainly seems to be Bill Binnie (and no, for millions of obvious reasons, the word "poor" is not moving past my fingers here).  Remember this where Binnie accuses Ayotte of colluding with Cornerstone on the ad smacking Binnie around with his own words?  

Well, yet another unforced error, IMHO, from Binnie's campaign when I read this (again, over at Drew Cline's) as Brooks (Ayotte's campaign manager) smacks Binnie around in return - but gives out an "attaboy" and lends a hand to Ovide for his "Pro-Life" stance in the process (links added):

As you are aware, the Chairman of Cornerstone, Shannon McGinley, has endorsed Ovide Lamontagne and serves on both his Women Leadership Team and Hillsborough County Leadership Team. Additionally, the Chairman of Cornerstone hosted an event for Lamontagne at her house, and just today Shannon posted on her Facebook page the following statement:

“ Ovide Lamontagne for U.S. Senate!! He shares my passion for the sanctity of human life at all stages or status and embraces the sanctity of marriage and that all children deserve a mother and a father.”

To claim that we are coordinating with an organization that is led by someone who is actively working against our campaign is not only illogical, but untrue. The facts in this case do not indicate any campaign is coordinating with Cornerstone or the National Organization for Marriage.

One could caustically ask:

Continue reading "Avast ye mates, political boarding parties abound!" »

Posted by Skip at 3:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As we consider the economic and political situation some folks are clinging to the 'Blame Bush' rhetoric while others are focusing on blaming Obama.  While there is blame aplenty in varying amounts, the one consistent factor they share is the one we have the best opportunity to resove in November.

They Both shared a democrat majority legislature lead by Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. Given that we have three branches of government, and no president can do much of anything without their approval--though that has shifted as congress allows the executive to accumulate billion dollar slush funds and shadow cabinets--the legislature is easily the most responsible party for the current state of our nation.

In January 2007 unemployment was at 4.3% and the budget deficit was but a fraction of its current balance.  Since the democrats took over the legislature the economy has crashed, the deficit has soared into the trillions and millions have lost their jobs.   Trust in that legislature is at 11% and for good reason.  But we have a very real opportunity for a change in leadership.

By removing the democrat majority in both Houses of congress the people who have been at the wheel for two presidents and one common catastrophic failure are Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi, will no longer be running congress.  But to remove them from leadership we need to remove all the complicit members of the democrat party who have championed their failure for the past four years. 

You can continue to Blame Bush.  You can continue to Blame Obama.  But if you don't make a change in congress, where the failure began and continues to perpetuate itself, odds are good that no matter who the president is, things will continue to stagnate and more thanlikely get worse.

Posted by Steve MacDonald at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Updated and bumped: we have a partial video of the event: a question asked of missing Kelly Ayotte.

(H/T: Tom)

============================================

Guest post by Matt Simon (cross-posted from NHinsider)

Until Wednesday night, Sandown was one of those sleepy New Hampshire towns I had heard about but never actually visited. What finally drew me to Sandown was my desire to witness a long-standing, almost legendary tradition in New Hampshire politics: the Sandown GOP Senate candidate forum. Five candidates were confirmed well in advance (the four major candidates plus a very annoying chap called Dennis Lamare), and expectations were high for a serious forum allowing voters to ask questions of the candidates.

New Hampshire politics at its very finest, right? Well, I for one was kind of excited, so I decided to make the trip and see for myself rather than simply watching on community access TV along with thousands of voters around the state.

Unfortunately, two candidates, the two so-called "front-runners," decided at the last minute to ditch the Sandown debate, leaving voters to hear only from the two candidates who have actually shown they are capable of meeting voters face-to-face and winning their support. Jim Bender and Ovide Lamontagne both looked and sounded like...

Continue reading "The Sandown Snub from Bill Binnie and Kelly Ayotte" »

Posted by Skip at 7:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Update:Well, THAT was quick! I just got polled - a lengthy one - by Kelly's campaign via the Terrence Group out of Texas (I believe). Certainly, Brooks wasted NO time in getting this done!

"You want a legal question, I call a lawyer. I'm not a lawyer." - I guess this is a general purpose line from Mr. Binnie - he's actually done so and it is turning out to be SUCH a hoot!  Here's Cornerstone's new ad:

Drew Cline's blog broke the story and I nearly bust a gut reading the "official" Letter from Mr. Binnie's lawyer he posted up.  It scolds the Ayotte campaign for colluding with Cornerstone (Really? Cornerstone is a "shadowy organization"?  Somebody isn't getting out much lately, are they?) on a "smear" of poor Mr. Binnie as he crows about these "demonstrated links".  Yeah, that amount of proof and a buck will get me a donut.

You know something? The real problem is that Mr. Binnie is rather upset that somebody decided to simply quote him. To challenge him. And I guess he has found his own words to be upsetting, less than of sterling quality in that it spoils his narrative.

Of course, when he said "I'd just call a lawyer", he was talking about a totally different topic (er, the Constitution?). It certainly seemed at the time that Mr. Binnie did NOT like being challenged for something HE said. Let me put up this reminder:

At the time, I heard the phrase "thin skinned" from the audience behind me at this micro-meltdown; after all, it really was an unforced error - NO one put him on the spot, twisted his words, or took him out of context concerning this most basic Constitutional issue.  Yet, a mild challenge from the Moderator gave us the first temper tantrum of the silly season.

Seems like this may be an on-going issue and that he has NOT learned the "Internet Lesson" - speak and act like you are...

Continue reading "Here's another thing Bill Binne has said: "I'd just call a lawyer" - I guess he did!" »

Posted by Skip at 7:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

From this  Conservative's view, this seems to fit well; from Kevin Landrigan's column of last Sunday, this caught my eye:

Binnie is socially moderate on abortion rights and related issues and if those dominate, he could get turned a shooting star that burns out fast, Scala continued.

"In some ways, Binnie is a throwback to the country club Republicans who ran New Hampshire for generations, very wealthy Northeasterners who worried about the bottom line but didn't care much about social issues," Scala continued.

"Ayotte could win this race if she turns Binnie into a country club Republican and she convinces voters that she's a Sam's Club Republican because that's where the mainstream of the party is."

On one level of reality, Binnie can't shake the country club tag.

He owns one.

Like I said, I've been out on biz travel, so I'm still paying catch up here and will be most of the week (there are a NUMBER of things I want to post up on but have not had the chance to do so - yet).  This was one - part of the separation between the candidates.

If there is a bigger split within the Republican Party right now, it is the faction with the money (aka "The Country Clubbers") and those more concerned with First Principles (the Conservatives).  I have no problem with Binnie and his money - we ALL should be so skilled to have earned what he has (and while luck can play a role, Luck helps those that are prepared for its visit).  Given his biz success, he (and Jim Bender) have the absolute right to tout their accomplishments.

But if you listen to the majority of the ...

Continue reading "It isn't JUST about the money..." »

Posted by Skip at 8:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Max Baucus, Democrat Senator from Montana, is the chairman of the Senate Finance committee and his Glacier PAC has donated $10,000.00 dollars to Paul Hodes for Senate.  Baucus may be best known for his influence on Health Care reform or Climate change legislation.  But what he should be known for is his relationship with lawyer/staffer Melodee Hanes, (here, here and here) whom he left his wife for, and also nominated for a job as US district attorney from Montana. (then there's this) Talk about inside baseball.  But banging a staffer, dumping your wife, and then trying to hook-her up with a well paying federal job--even if it is love--demands questions about your core values and integrity so it's a good thing he's a democrat.

If Baucus was Mark Sanford for example, the media would have hung him from the pillory by his man-parts and shamed him out of seeking higher office which makes you wonder if Mark Sanford would have faired better if he'd tried to get his Argentinean mistress a job at the State Department?  Buy her a blue dress and hello Oval Office?  I guess we'll never know, but since Baucus is a powerful Senator and a democrat, everything about it is a non-scandal-scandal to the unbiased media so he was never in any serious danger over that cozy relationship; but should it make Paul Hodes think twice?

Continue reading "Hodespocrisy--The Max Baucus Edition" »

Posted by Steve MacDonald at 6:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

...he thinks he might be able to beat in the New Hampshire Senate race.  Lord knows he can't beat anyone actually running.  She polls better than he does, but she's not from New Hampshire, so that improves his odds a little bit.   That's right, Paul Hodes is now apparently running for the Senate....against Sarah Palin.

He's got an entire page of his campaign website dedicated to defeating Sarah Palin.

So let me see if I have this right.

Attack adds against a single primary candidate months before the primary.

Push polling against the same candidate months before the primary.

And now he's running against the ex governor from Alaska.  Hey Paul, why don't you run against Rico Petrocelli? 

Wait.  I think he's polling better than you are as well. That's rough.

That's ok.  You just keep spending that out of state money.  It wont help you win this election, but then it's a lot like the stimulus.  That cost a fortune and didn't do much either.

Posted by Steve MacDonald at 5:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Paul Hodes, or more likely someone writing as Paul Hodes, took to the safe confines of the Daily Kos to pretend the CD-2 congressman and soon to be private citizen is in fact a vertebrate.  That is to say, he went to the socilist progressive locker room to talk smack about the opposing team.

That alone speaks volumes.

So here's an excerpt, (original KoS Kontent here)

“I’m sick and tired of Democrats getting weak knees every time the right-wing media flexes their muscles.”

...

And every time we respond to their attacks with weak knees and cowering in the corner, we give them credibility. Even worse – we encourage them to keep it up. When faced with a bully, we progressives should stand and fight - not run and hide.

 

Bully? Stand and Fight? Bwahahahahaha!

Continue reading "The Potemkin Congressman" »

Posted by Steve MacDonald at 7:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The rules are simple:

• One vote / week (at least, that's what PollCode says - but remember, this is an unscientific exercise).
• Two questions answer.

Let's get to them:

Posted by Skip at 8:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The real story starts at the bottom with the last line - here's the prelude:

Arrgghhh!  First it was the NRA and its special carve out with the Democrat crafted DISCLOSE Act (take the Big Dog out of the freedom fight by throwing it a BIG Bone, now go crush everyone else). Now they've been caught, by Erick over at RedState, in working with the Democrats to block Republican attempts to roll back restrictions in exercising our Right to bear arms:

Specifically, the NRA tried to weaken the guns in parks language working with House Democratic leadership (after it passed the Senate overwhelmingly). ...In some instances, this would result in park and refuge visitors being allowed to carry handguns and rifles in national parks. Ironically, the National “RIFLE” Association wanted to change it so that Coburn’s legislation did not include “rifles” or other long firearms.

Now another stupid move, as reported by Erick over at RedState:

The NRA is now openly floating, or at least allowing to be floated, its endorsement of Harry Reid, a man who voted for the Brady Gun Bill...

...So they have gone from denying they would endorse Harry Reid to “not tamping down speculation.”

When are these lunkheads going to learn that ALL of our Rights are interlocking, that defending ONLY ONE AT A TIME without taking the whole into account, is nothing but a losing proposition for them all, and for all of us?!?!?!  That either working directly with the Democrats or acting as their useful idiots is going to doom the strongest of the Conservatives that can fight the Liberty and Freedom battles for us in the House or the Senate.

And now there is yet another gun group here in NH, a micro-NRA wannabe to play the stage again.  In the past, they did in Jason Bedrick that raised a LOT of Conservative hackles for the hatchet job they did on him because he did not meet THEIR Politically Correct agenda .  A good enough job such that he lost to someone less supportive to Liberty and Freedom issues. Yeah, that helped a whole lot now, didn't it!

Now, they've decided to resurrect  an old, OLD (and untrue) story just in time  and just sufficiently distorted in an attempt to splash another - and may just replay the same result.

To be sure, they'll feel self-righteous about it...you Betcha!  But in the end, they'll be remembered by the Conservatives here in NH as the half-cocked group - not a good thing. 

The group: The NH Firearms Coalition

More tomorrow.

Posted by Skip at 11:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Those that came (in order of the straw vote results - after a while, alphabetical order just gets old....):

• Ovide Lamontagne: 109
• Jim Bender: 74
• Bill Binnie: 10
• Dennis Lamare: 4
• Chris Booth: 2

The videos!

Ovide Lamontagne

Continue reading "CNHT Annual Picnic - US Senate candidates turned out to speak and be seen too" »

Posted by Skip at 7:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Listening to twenty or so people give political speeches in succession may well be worse than being water-boarded. Listening to twenty or so political speeches in an air-conditioned room with close to 300 people who (more or less) are on board with just about everything that is likely to be said at that kind of event is choir practice. But having that kind of access to that many candidates for three hours is priceless.

That is the CNHT annual picnic, in a nutshell--plus an all you can eat buffet of picnic fare, with P.J. Rourke as a guest speaker right in the middle of it all. From noon to three today, at the VFW hall in Hillsborough New Hampshire, the 12th annual Coalition of New Hampshire Taxpayers picnic attracted dozens of candidates for every level of office and hundreds of people who were looking for an opportunity to meet and talk to the candidates who want to represent them. It's like a House party for every candidate all at once, and if you missed it you missed a chance to get personal attention in a very important election year.

Continue reading "Choir Practice" »

Posted by Steve MacDonald at 5:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Why would an engineering firm from Colorado employed to help clean up and rebuild after Hurricane Katrina be donating money to Paul Hodes 2010 campaign?  MWH America is, in their own words, a global leader in wet infrastructure, but MWH has recently been charged with poor invoicing practices and even overcharging the city of New Orleans for their work.

 

 

The report by New Orleans Inspector General E.R. Quatrevaux said the flawed contract with MWH Americas Inc. has hurt the city's recovery, placing blame on both the company and city officials. The city's slow rebuilding process continues to anger residents, and the uneven recovery was a major issue in the campaign leading up to last month's mayoral election.

 ....

The report also said city employees and elected officials may have violated ethics laws by accepting gifts or meals from MWH.

Could be nothing, but if a federal investigation is needed, it might pay to have friends in the US Senate.  And after American Sugar paid off congressmen Hodes with a $10,000.00 campaign donation for voting for and then voting to override two vetoes on the 2008 farm/renewable energy bill, a bill that that flooded hundreds of millions in special interest ethanol subsidies to an industry looking for a way to get past up front costs, we can’t be too careful about who is giving Paul Hodes their money.

Posted by Steve MacDonald at 8:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Strict diet - well, I'm supposed to be on one...but have been cheating a tad as of late - so this grabbed my attention. Diets are necessary, and I was out of control so food-wise,so I had to go (mostly) into "food austerity mode".

Posting from me will be rather light for a while as I go back to code-pounder mode and work under the hood here at the 'Grok.  So, slight to no chance at long and involved posts from me for a while - strictly lighter fare.  Like this!

Most political commercials are downright awful; boring, poor production values, and a script that a high school kid could write - better!  Thus far this campaign season, I've tried to put up ones that have a hook to them - campy over the edge, blunt, guns, or simply just make me laugh!

This one, from Jim Bender (US Senate) did just that - laugh (remember, I blog about what amuses me - and this did)!  You see, when you're laughing, you're paying attention - success 1.  Two, you get the message: big fat government EATING your money.  Not spending it, not spending it wisely, but just gorging on it.

Nice swipe at at the Government Motors with the cake-that-is-Chevy too!

You know, seeing a message is FAR better than one where the candidate's name is pronounced over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and....I'm over it....boring.

Posted by Skip at 7:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

What does this tell us about Paul Hodes?  Nothing we did not already know.

He intends to distort the facts in pursuit of political power.  He will lie either by omission or just outright.  He is unwilling to listen or wait for the will of the public.  He is sticking to the party talking points.  His campaign is so desperate that it has to go negative before he even has an opponent.  He needs an ignorant uninformed electorate to win.

But this is exactly who Paul Hodes is.  He is the political rebound date no one ever really wanted; a congressman of convenience who simply had connections to the Shaheen cabal, and their big blue bug light to attracted enough out of state money to put up a fight.  He is a party hack who can neither claim to be an independent voice, nor a bulwark against irresponsible spending.  His charade at earmark, budget and ethics reform are entirely partisan and as thin as tissue paper.  He has run away from ethics, voted for other people’s earmarks, and added perhaps as much as a trillion in new “emergency” spending since the re-re-implementation of the sham known as pay-go.  He voted for all the “irresponsible spending” after 2006, and at least three times as much since Obama. He deems things passed, having no spine or principle to prove he cans stand up for what he claims he believes.   And then he hides from his own constituents unless they are “his” constituents, the less than one-third of New Hampshire and the left wing elites that protect his incompetence because the party has left them with no one else to back.

The Ayotte attack ads bring all of this to light.  Hodes has nothing else he can run on because the majority of New Hampshire does not like what he has done.  So he’ll have to do what he does best.  Play Hidey-Hodes, misrepresent his record, and lie about his opponents in the hope that people stop paying attention again long enough for him to squeak into the Senate.

Posted by Steve MacDonald at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Paul Hodes has a dirty little secret.  His ‘commitment’ to green energy has strings attached that lead directly to the sugar industry and a significant campaign cash “Thank You.” 

Back in 2007 and 2008 Congress waged an epic battle over the Farm Bill.  They didn’t call it the farm bill they called it the Food Nutrition and Bio-Energy Act.  What it was (or became) was a 288 billion dollar sop to the agriculture industry with a focus on approving billions into ethanol subsidies for the farm belt before the 2008 elections. 

To hide the real purpose the democrats tossed in money for food stamps and school lunches so that any effort to kill it could be spun as evil Republicans starving the poor and denying underprivileged students a hot nutritious lunch.   When some republicans balked, the left jumped.  And when George Bush, who was still friendly to the idea of ethanol mandates, vetoed both the bill (HR 2419) and the supplement that added in some items left out of the original (HR 6124) the democrat majority House overturned both vetoes. (Both henceforth to be referred to simply as the “farm bill”) 

So Paul Hodes not only voted for the hand outs, he voted for them four times: twice to pass the original bills and twice to overturn the vetoes. Does that show commitment?  I think it does. 

So what was so important?  NAFTA was about to remove the sugar tariff advantage for American growers of sugar beets and cane to competition from Mexico.   This would drive the price of sugar down removing a regressive tax on American families who have been paying as much as 11 cents more per pound for everything that has sugar in it as a result of US tariffs on imported sugar.  But Hodes farm bill fixed that problem for this favored special interest. 

From NPR

The sugar ethanol program…will cost the government money. Here's how. Instead of the old forfeiture program, the government will set up a brokerage, steering excess sugar into the ethanol market. Ethanol producers will make purchase bids, sugar processors will make sale bids, the government will put deals together. But these transactions will occur at prices below the federal floor price and the government will pay sugar processors the difference.

Some of the candidates have been running for MONTHS - and some are just starting.  That said, the only positions here in NH may be those where a person from a particular Party has not signed up - in NH, both the Republicans and Democrats will have a limited amount of time to browbeat, cajole, twist arms, or chat up potential candidates to be willing to run.  Some may need only be asked, but some may well get (on figuratively bended knees) "Oh PLEASE, PLEASE run - for the good of <affiliation> Party!".

And make no mistake, both will be doing so.

However, for political junkies, the scene is at the NH Secretary of State's office in Concord where all of the major offices have the candidates trooping through.  The candidate that the 'Grok is backing for that of US Senate is Ovide Lamontagne issued this when he laid down his filing fee and his John Hancock:

1. I pledge that I will use every means possible to repeal the trillion dollar Obamacare takeover of our country's health care system that will increase healthcare costs, harm small business and decrease the quality and availability of care;
2. I pledge that I will refuse any earmark requests, and lead the effort to enact a permanent ban on these corrupting influences, while fighting daily to cut federal spending and government waste at all levels. I further pledge that if elected, my office expenses and schedule will be transparent and posted for all to see, so the people of New Hampshire can trust that their Senator represents their interests alone;
3. I pledge that I will introduce legislation that will repeal the failed $787 billion stimulus, and use the unspent portions of it to reduce our bloated national debt and reduce taxes for hard working Americans;
4. I pledge that I will introduce legislation establishing a constitutional Line-Item Veto for the President. The Governors of 43 states have this essential tool to veto individual examples of wasteful pork-barrel spending. It is time the President is given the same tool, to help eliminate budget busting spending programs;
5. I pledge that I will work to amend the Constitution to establish term limits for all Members of Congress, to end the cycle of entitlement and inside dealing with the special interests. Our Forefathers envisioned a citizen Legislature, not a permanent political caste of powerful insiders insulated from regular Americans. In addition, I pledge to limit myself to only two terms in office, if elected;
6. I pledge that I will work to amend the Constitution to establish a Balanced Budget Amendment, a tool nearly every state has, to compel legislators and the government to balance its checkbook and end the all too familiar DC culture of debt, deficit spending and bailouts;
7. I pledge that I will work to fundamentally reform the IRS and scrap the incredibly complicated and loophole filled federal tax code, replacing it with a fairer, flatter, simpler tax code that frees families and small businesses held hostage annually by high tax rates and complicated rules and regulations;
8. I pledge that I will support the appointment of only those judges who have proven that they will adhere to the Constitution and rule of law, shown due regard and respect for private property rights, and who have shown that they will not legislate from the bench. With that in mind, I have publicly opposed the nominations of Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court without hesitation, because they are activists who do not pass this fundamental test;
9. I pledge that as Senator, one of my top daily priorities will be the security of our country and her people. In particular, I pledge: (a) to continue support for our operations against terrorists abroad, and provide support for our troops in the field with the resources they need to defend freedom, while ensuring that they receive the finest care and treatment possible upon their return home; (b) to work to ensure that we treat foreign terrorists as enemy combatants subject to military tribunal at Guantanamo Bay, not as criminal defendants; and (c) to stand firm against allowing a nuclear Iran to emerge, while supporting our proven allies throughout the world, including our staunch friend Israel;
10. I pledge that I will read and understand the legislation that I am asked to vote upon, to respect and advocate for the principles of federalism articulated in the 10th Amendment of the Constitution, and look first to the Constitution for guidance on whether any proposed federal legislation is constitutionally permissible;
11. I pledge that I will not move to Washington to become part of the establishment culture there. If elected, I will live in my home in Manchester - the same home that I grew up in - and commute to my job each week on behalf of the people of New Hampshire. I further pledge that I will hold regular town hall meetings with my constituents, understanding that elected officials must be held accountable to the voters and prepared to explain their actions to them;
12. I pledge that in all aspects of my job as U.S. Senator, I will work to uphold and support the dignity of human life, from conception to natural death;
13. I pledge that I will work tirelessly to end illegal immigration. While I support the recently enacted Arizona immigration law, the federal government must finally live up to its obligation to address this serious issue. As Senator, I will work to see that our borders are secured once and for all, that we turn off illegal immigration magnets by aggressively enforcing laws against employers who hire illegal aliens, and that we ensure there is no amnesty for illegal aliens;
14. I pledge to be a strong and unrelenting advocate for the individual right to keep and bear arms, as embodied in the 2nd Amendment, and to ensure that this fundamental right is not infringed upon;
15. I pledge to oppose any iteration of the 'Employee Free Choice Act' and its card check provisions, which would deny workers the right to a secret ballot when considering unionization. I believe inthe private ballot, and I further believe in right to work laws that give workers the right to decide for themselves whether to join a union or not;

Obama let everyone read into his his words what THEY thought they were hearing - and given the mood of the country, many believed that their understanding of his words WERE correct.  Alas, many are now thinking "this is NOT the change we can believe in - or want".

Ovide has made his stances clear in plain language - I would find it foolhardy for anyone to mis-categorize these stances or try to twist them other than what they here.  

The sad thing? That politics, and our lawmakers that implement such, have "progressed' to such a low level that what used to be of "common knowledge and practice" are not.  That a politician, even from the leading Conservative in the race, has to espouse them is an indication of how this country has drifted on a moral and Constitutional basis.

Posted by Skip at 5:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The capstone of the American For Prosperity/NH - Cornerstone-Action event this past Saturday was the Senatorial Debate between Kelly Ayotte, Jim Bender, and Ovide Lamontagne.  Questioned by Corey Lewandowski (AFP/NH), Kevin Smith (Cornerstone Action), and Jim Pindell (NH Political Report), the Candidates were once again put on the hotspot.

Originally, I had posted each question separately.  Well, it just got plain silly with respect to taking up the entire front page, so I am repackaging it now to be in order.  Question 1 will be on the front page; subsequent Questions are after the jump.

Question 1: In one or two sentences, define what you believe to be the role of a US Senator?

Continue reading "Americans for Prosperity/NH - Cornerstone-Action Senatorial Debate" »

Posted by Skip at 12:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Question: Did the Supreme Court do the right thing in overruling a lower court on the Mojave Desert War Memorial Cross?

Last week, the Rochester 9/12 (NH) group sponsored a US Senatorial debate for the Republican candidates. The major focus was not the candidates themselves; rather, this was a chance to see member submitted questions for the candidates around the US Constitution and how they would be viewing current events through the lens of the US Constitution. While the candidates knew of the concentration in advance, they were unaware of what the question would actually entail.

Please note: Apologies for the reduced quality of the image and audio of this video compared to the earlier ones (my Flip cam filled up and I had to switch to a backup webcam).

Posted by Skip at 8:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Question: Would you represent Congress, the USA as a whole, or the State of NH?

Last week the Rochester 9/12 (NH) group sponsored a US Senatorial debate for the Republican candidates.  The major focus was not the candidates themselves; rather, this was a chance to see member submitted questions for the candidates around the US Constitution and how they would be viewing current events through the lens of the US Constitution.  While the candidates knew of the concentration in advance, they were unaware of what the question would actually entail.

Please note: Apologies for the reduced quality of the image and audio of this video compared to the earlier ones (my Flip cam filled up and I had to switch to a backup webcam).

Posted by Skip at 8:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Each candidate was asked a series of "Yes / No" questions with no expository explanations allowed.  They covered:

• Support term limits
• Audit the Fed?
• In favor of a VAT (Value Added Tax)?
  
• Support Cap N Trade?
• Support TARP / TARP II?
• Support reforming entitlements (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid)?
• Would you come back here to debate your opponent in the general election?

Last week the Rochester 9/12 (NH) group sponsored a US Senatorial debate for the Republican candidates.  The major focus was not the candidates themselves; rather, this was a chance to see member submitted questions for the candidates around the US Constitution and how they would be viewing current events through the lens of the US Constitution.  While the candidates knew of the concentration in advance, they were unaware of what the question would actually entail.

Please note: Apologies for the reduced quality of the image and audio of this video compared to the earlier ones (my Flip cam filled up and I had to switch to a backup webcam).

Posted by Skip at 7:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Question - Your Understanding Of 2nd Amendment?

 Last week the Rochester 9/12 (NH) group sponsored a US Senatorial debate for the Republican candidates.  The major focus was not the candidates themselves; rather, this was a chance to see member submitted questions for the candidates around the US Constitution and how they would be viewing current events through the lens of the US Constitution.  While the candidates knew of the concentration in advance, they were unaware of what the question would actually entail.

Please note: Apologies for the reduced quality of the image and audio of this video compared to the earlier ones (my Flip cam filled up and I had to switch to a backup webcam).

Posted by Skip at 7:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Skip at 7:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Question: Your thoughts on the Supreme Court reversing a lower court decision to have the Mohave Desert War Memorial Cross removed?

Last night the Rochester 9/12 (NH) group sponsored a US Senatorial debate for the Republican candidates.  The major focus was not the candidates themselves; rather, this was a chance to see member submitted questions for the candidates around the US Constitution and how they would be viewing current events through the lens of the US Constitution.  While the candidates knew of the concentration in advance, they were unaware of what the question would actually entail. 

Posted by Skip at 12:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

OK, lots of video thus far (and more to come).  Here's a few stills:

What it is all about:

The Candidates:

The "Pledge Leader" with Moderator Jerry Delemus:

I had the chance to do a quick interview with Jerry after the debate - click on the image to listen in.

I also had the chance to catch another micro-interview with Jeff Chidester as well:

Then I also tried to catch up with all of the candidates but in the hussle and bustle that always happens afterwards, everyone was talking to prospective voters.  I finally corralled Jim, and then Ovide.  By the time I had finished with them and with Jeff and Jerry, Bill and Kelly had already left (yeah, I'm always one of the last ones to leave the room...just ask TMEW some time).

Click on the pics to listen to "the corralled Candidates":

Jim Bender                                                  Ovide Lamontagne

Posted by Skip at 10:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Last night the Rochester 9/12 (NH) group sponsored a US Senatorial debate for the Republican candidates.  The major focus was not the candidates themselves; rather, this was a chance to see member submitted questions for the candidates around the US Constitution and how they would be viewing current events through the lens of the US Constitution.  While the candidates knew of the concentration in advance, they were unaware of what the question would actually entail.

This video is the closing remarks by the Candidates and the Moderators.

More questions are still coming!

Posted by Skip at 10:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

OK, this week - but most folks won't see this until Monday, so last week fits the title of the post.....

Jerry Delemus just emailed me the results of the poll that was done after their sponsored debate last week - and Ovide Lamontagne has won by a large margin:

Rochester 912 Group Senatorial Primary Debates
May 6, 2010

I would like to first thank all candidates for attending these public debates hosted by the Rochester 912 Group.  Here are the tallies of the votes cast for each candidate for each particular question.

Question 1: Which candidate do you feel performed the best?

Ayotte:  10
Bender:  20
Binnie:   12
Lamontagne:  56

Question 2: Which candidate do you feel needs improvement?

Ayotte:  29
Bender:  9
Binnie:   41
Lamontagne:  7

Question 3: Which candidate surprised you the most?

Ayotte: 9
Bender: 45
Binnie:  17
Lamontagne: 22

Question 4: If the election were held today, who would you vote for?

Ayotte: 11
Bender: 16
Binnie:  13
Lamontagne: 61

For further questions, please contact Jerry.

Posted by Skip at 9:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Running late, Jennifer had a scant few minutes to spare after the event at the Barley House ended - but she did take a moment to yak with the 'Grok.

Here, a brief word on Charlie Bass, entitlement explosion, and a homework assignment from the 'Grok tasking Jennifer to return with an answer:

Posted by Skip at 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Luckily, I was able to attend the Senate Candidate debate last night in Rochester.

I watched last week's NHIOP "debate" (online) but heard that the Rochester event might be more of a true debate, where candidates actually engage each other.

Well, it didn't exactly go that way, but it was better than the 'infommerical" that the NHIOP conducted.  As you would expect from a 912 Group, the questions were more direct and interrogatory, and focused on the issues that are giving us the most heartburn.  They also focused heavily on our friend, the US Constitution.  I liked the questions - they came from the 912 community, not a moderator.  I would have asked similar ones myself.

I went to this debate planning to take an objective look at all four candidates.  I do have my favorite, but I haven’t pulled the voting lever yet, so any of them could still possibly pull me in their direction.

In all, I gave the Blue Ribbon to Ovide LaMontagne.  I picked Ovide as my favorite a few months ago, and I felt justified in that decision last night.  He had passion, sincerity, knowledge of the issues and a no-nonsense, comfortable approach to his replies.  In my opinion, he feels comfortable in a 912 group, because he's a Conservative and is doing this from the heart.  He has solid command of the Constitution, good legal, business and education backgrounds and seems to know how we feel.

I gave 2nd place to Jim Bender.  I never really gave Jim much credit or the chance to be taken seriously but he did show good poise, sincerity, and knowledge.  I think his business background is valuable and he could make a good Senator, although I am still a little hung-up about his past political contributions to Massachusetts Democrats when he owned a MA based company.  I do give him kudos for his performance last night.  He was the surprise of the evening.

I gave Kelly Ayotte 3rd place.  Personally, I like Kelly, but there's something about her that makes me uneasy.  She sounds unsure of herself, tentative and afraid.  She would be better off showing her (occasional) passion without coming across as frustrated or angry, like she did a few times last night.  She has good command of the issues, knows the Constitution (as a former AG, she should) and did show some signs of fire.  Yet, many people I speak to wonder if she really wants to be in this race.  It may just be her style, but if people are thinking that, it's an issue to be dealt with.  I can't imagine that a lawyer who pleaded and won her case in the US Supreme Court would be unsure of herself, unless she's running for Senate for the wrong reason.  Is she running because she was asked to, and dutifully agreed to do it?  This is just my wild opinion. She also did appear to contradict herself at least once, regarding the Arizona immigration law (watch the video and see if you can spot it).  She got poked a few times regarding her comments in support of nominating Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court (I hope she can get used to that happening but it will continue to haunt her).

I gave absolute last place to Bill Binnie.  Bill was the angry candidate.  At times condescending, he appeared to be miffed at some of the questions.  Sorry Bill, but it's going to be a LOT more difficult when you (potentially) face the Democratic candidate on WMUR in October.  Bill has clearly succeeded as a CEO during his lifetime, but I got the feeling that he has trouble being the one told to do something, rather than telling someone else what to do.  I sensed an arrogance that repelled me (like I see in Charlie Bass).  He did not have solid command of the issues and I heard the audience groan more than once at his replies; either we all mis-interpreted the AZ immigration law, or he did, since he said that he feels the AZ law "goes too far".  I understand that he feels the law could violate some Americans’ civil liberties (I disagree) but he should learn to be tactical when he expresses this.  I got the feeling that he was trying very hard to be a Libertarian.  It just didn’t resonate with the crowd.

Well, there you have it - my unfiltered opinion.  The videos should be available tonight or tomorrow, so you can form your own opinion.  I will send out a note with a link when Skip has posted it.
 
For now, Skip posted a short clip, "I'll get back to you on that",  showing Bill Binnie's frustration and condescension, when asked about the "separation of church and state" in the US Constitution.  He may have “created thousands and thousands of jobs”, but this was the wrong crowd to get uppity with over this particular issue, and that particular document.  I saw poor judgment on his part.  I learned a lot about Bill Binnie last night.

** The Cartoon below (from John D) highlights the odd interpretation that Bill Binnie appears to have regarding the AZ immigration law.

What was Binnie saying last night (at the 912-sponsored NH debates)? Hmmmm?

Posted by Tom Flaherty at 10:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Update:Tom just emailed that the video is not working - am investigating!

Last night the Rochester 9/12 (NH) group sponsored a US Senatorial debate for the Republican candidates.  The major focus was not the candidates themselves; rather, this was a chance to see member submitted questions for the candidates around the US Constitution and how they would be viewing current events through the lens of the US Constitution.  While the candidates knew of the concentration in advance, they were unaware of what the question would actually entail.

This video is of the Introductory remarks by the moderators (Jeff Chidester and Jerry Delemus), the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of the National Anthem, a Prayer of Invocation, and opening remarks by each of the four candidates: Kelly Ayotte, Jim Bender, Bill Binnie, and Ovide Lamontagne.

Posted by Skip at 8:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Question 1:  Do you carry a copy of the Constitution, when was the last time you read it, and why do we need a Constitution?

Last night the Rochester 9/12 (NH) group sponsored a US Senatorial debate for the Republican candidates.  The major focus was not the candidates themselves; rather, this was a chance to see member submitted questions for the candidates around the US Constitution and how they would be viewing current events through the lens of the US Constitution.  While the candidates knew of the concentration in advance, they were unaware of what the question would actually entail.

Posted by Skip at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Question 2: Do you support the Patriot Act, is it Constitutional, and if yes, where does the Constitution say it is?

Last night the Rochester 9/12 (NH) group sponsored a US Senatorial debate for the Republican candidates.  The major focus was not the candidates themselves; rather, this was a chance to see member submitted questions for the candidates around the US Constitution and how they would be viewing current events through the lens of the US Constitution.  While the candidates knew of the concentration in advance, they were unaware of what the question would actually entail.

Posted by Skip at 7:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Question 3: Do you support the Arizona law cracking down on illegal immigrants?

Last night the Rochester 9/12 (NH) group sponsored a US Senatorial debate for the Republican candidates.  The major focus was not the candidates themselves; rather, this was a chance to see member submitted questions for the candidates around the US Constitution and how they would be viewing current events through the lens of the US Constitution.  While the candidates knew of the concentration in advance, they were unaware of what the question would actually entail.

Posted by Skip at 7:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Question 4: Do you support Amnesty or other policies that reduce the number of illegal aliens?

Last night the Rochester 9/12 (NH) group sponsored a US Senatorial debate for the Republican candidates.  The major focus was not the candidates themselves; rather, this was a chance to see member submitted questions for the candidates around the US Constitution and how they would be viewing current events through the lens of the US Constitution.  While the candidates knew of the concentration in advance, they were unaware of what the question would actually entail.

Posted by Skip at 7:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Question 5 - Read in the Constitution:

• Article 1 Section 8 Paragraph 15
• Article 1 Section 10 Paragraph 3

According to these Constitutional definitions, does the current immigration crisis rise to the definition of "invasion"?

Last night the Rochester 9/12 (NH) group sponsored a US Senatorial debate for the Republican candidates.  The major focus was not the candidates themselves; rather, this was a chance to see member submitted questions for the candidates around the US Constitution and how they would be viewing current events through the lens of the US Constitution.  While the candidates knew of the concentration in advance, they were unaware of what the question would actually entail.

Posted by Skip at 7:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Question 6: Is Education a States' Rights issue?  How should Federal Education mandates be funded?

Last night the Rochester 9/12 (NH) group sponsored a US Senatorial debate for the Republican candidates.  The major focus was not the candidates themselves; rather, this was a chance to see member submitted questions for the candidates around the US Constitution and how they would be viewing current events through the lens of the US Constitution.  While the candidates knew of the concentration in advance, they were unaware of what the question would actually entail.

Posted by Skip at 7:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Question 7: Would you support abolishing of the Federal Department of Education, and if so, why?

Last night the Rochester 9/12 (NH) group sponsored a US Senatorial debate for the Republican candidates.  The major focus was not the candidates themselves; rather, this was a chance to see member submitted questions for the candidates around the US Constitution and how they would be viewing current events through the lens of the US Constitution.  While the candidates knew of the concentration in advance, they were unaware of what the question would actually entail.

Posted by Skip at 7:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I think I can truthfully say that it is going to start to become much more interesting here on out...they're all easing out of first gear and getting ready for the "second gear" of this race.

Just getting back from Rochester, NH where the Rochester 9/12 group invited me down to live blog the event.  Well, Sheridan Folger had been told that WiFi would be available at the Rochester Community center - it was not.  Thus, no tweets and no live stream.  Am processing video right now....have pictures...have audio...but most of it will have to wait until tomorrow.  But I will give you a "sense of the debate" and I believe the first "micro-incident" of the campaign may just have happened.

Sense of the debate?  Up until now, pretty much the four Republican candidates for the nomination (Kelly Ayotte, Jim Bender, Bill Binnie, and Ovide Lamontagne) have been polite and often sounding very similar in their answers (or if you are a Progressive, they ALL sound the exact same).  I could now see the separation starting to happen between the candidates (between the two biz guys and between the two lawyers).

Although I thought that Ovide Lamontagne did the best on Saturday's debate at St. A's, I think I would have to say that Jim Bender (with this crowd) may have carried this debate - not by much, but crossed the line first (having said that, TMEW isn't agreeing with me on this).

However, I thought that this was a much more interesting debate than Saturday's debate. Why?  It was a much more "technical" set of questions and in format.  These candidates were asked specific questions and were chided early on to stay on topic (which they did).  Sure, they all got a chance during the 2.5 hours to get their talking points out - but you could tell there was some "thinking on their feet" going on.

Why?  The nature and source of the questions.  The questions were pointed, they were technical, and they were specific.  They asked for relevancy in specific topics (like immigration, the Supreme Court, the Patriot Act, 2nd Amendment and Heller, Arizona immigration law, invasion, the Cross decision by the Supreme Court, the role of that body, and a further list "of stuff").  And they were made up by the members of the Rochester 9/12 and the moderators merely either selected specific questions or created composite ones from the submitted questions; the moderators themselves did NOT create the questions.  And both TMEW and I, and others I talked to right after, spoke admirably of the questions - they were quite good!

There was no waffling - and the audience was very knowledgeable concerning the answers.  One could tell by the level of applause (was it a "polite" one or a more raucous one?) whether or not the audience thought a candidate was giving an honest answer (agree or not), or was trying to "shade or tailor" an answer.  And a couple of times, the moderators DID ask the candidate for "amplification" or challenged their answer - like I said, this was not a regular kind of debate.  In fact, Jeff Chidester and Jerry Delumus (I have micro-interviews with them to process) are very knowledgeable "Liberty and Freedom" type folks themselves and did not let anything pass by.

Sure, each candidate, if one wanted to really nit-pick, probably did a "mis-spoke" (like the 27th Amendment instead of the 27 words of the 2nd Amendment).  That said, the one that will stick out that you will see tomorrow will be that of Bill Binnie - the first micro-meltdown of the campaign season.

Mr. Binnie was speaking about the Constitution and in with a number of things that are in the Constitution mentioned  the "separation of church and state" in such a way that gave the impression those words are in the Constitution.

NOW, this was a Constitutionally based crowd - THEY came up with the questions and NOT the moderators.  They KNOW this stuff better than the candidates - even better than most lawyers.  All night long we had, from the candidates, a battle of "who can read the Constitution right and better" - and I loved it and so did the crowd.  However, when Mr. Binnie implied that the "separation" was in the Constitution, I could feel the crowd go "Oh really?".

And then Jeff Chidester correctly challenged Mr. Binnie to explicitly state where in the Constitution those words are (note: they...

Continue reading "Live Blogging - after the Rochester 9/12 sponsored US Senate Debate (Republican)" »

Posted by Skip at 10:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Well, here are some of the tweets from Saturday's NH - US Senatorial Republican  Debate" produced by John Burt of "NH Politics with John Burt":

More after the jump:

Continue reading "Tweeting from Saturday's US (Republican) Senatorial Debate" »

Posted by Skip at 7:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Yesterday was the first televised US Senatorial Debate here in NH. It was produced by John Burt of "NH Politics with John Burt" who was kind enough to invite GraniteGrok to cover the event. All four prospects (i.e., Kelly Ayotte, Jim Bender, Bill Binnie, and Ovide Lamontagne) on the Republican side participated. Debate was civil and showed that they all are similar on the major topics of the day.

I apologize for the "distance" that you may see here (and in Part 2 and the Summary).  St. A's had set up the room and kinda forgot about bloggers needing a bit of space.  Also, I was a bit late in setting up the camera(s) - I spent way too long trying to get my FTP program to connect and schlep a simple pic up to the 'Net for posting - and THEN found out I had plum run out of time.

One of the nice things that happened yesterday was that I had the chance to meet Neil Levesque, the Executive Director of the NH Institute of Politics at St. Anselm's.  I had left the GraniteGrok banner in the car and went to fetch it; in doing so, I spotted Jim Bender sitting in "his" room before the debate.  I walk in and was having a quick chat with him when Niel walked in and got an introduction.  He gave me a quick tour of the parts I had not seen and talked about the on-going projects he and the Institute were involved in (just ripe for political junkies!).  

I made a suggestion: well, why not do a project on the political bloggers, especially those here in NH?  I could see the wheels turning for a bit, so who knows?   

Also, I apologize for the shakiness of the camera at the beginning. I had first put up the live stream from the Public access station, but then *I* had problems getting the necessary FireFox plugin to work correctly on my machine - with a bit of panice, I used good old duct tape to put the "Eye of Sauron" on top of my regular tripod and then used the Gorillapod to sideways mount the Flip cam - apologies! However, it may well be a setup that I'll use in the future - but I'll need to do something better than duct tape long term....

Posted by Skip at 9:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Here is the second part of the event from yesterday afternoon:

Quick shout out to the Ovide Lamontagne campaign- thanks for the water folks! Just before the debate actually started, my thirst went through the roof. DJ Bettencourt overheard me asking TMEW if she'd be willing to see if there was a "tonic" machine (er, that is old style Yankee for "soda pop" for the rest of you out there!), asked Jill from the Ovide campaign if they could spare a bottle of water or two for us, and immediately, water appeared for this lowly blogger!

Posted by Skip at 9:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Yesterday was the first televised US Senatorial Debate here in NH. It was produced by John Burt of "NH Politics with John Burt" who was kind enough to invite GraniteGrok to cover the event. All four prospects (i.e., Kelly Ayotte, Jim Bender, Bill Binnie, and Ovide Lamontagne) on the Republican side participated. Debate was civil and showed that they all are similar on the major topics of the day.

This is the Summarization: the candidates wrapped up with their final speech to the audience and John Burt closed the show with his thoughts.

Posted by Skip at 9:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.  - Pericles (430 B.C.)

Indeed - Elections matter.   I slowly became aware of politics some years after I was first married and we had the Eldest and the Youngest. Although I had always tried to vote intelligently at election time, but once over, it was merely a "headline" deal.  "Aware" means that I started to keep up with the issues, and then later, started to speak out on those issues.  Upon merely being asked by one person "Would you consider running...?", I did for a local slot in my NH hamlet.  Why?  To make a difference - not to BE someONE, but to do someTHING - in my case, to slow the rise of local property taxes to beneath that of the inflation rate....which I am happy to say, has happened.  No, I can't say that *I* did it, but I helped a bit.  Simply by getting off my rump and doing something.

This time in our lives, this time in our country's history, we are confronted with an enormous decision - what is our country is going to be like and what kind of country will we hand to our children.  Will it follow the model laid down by the Founding Fathers that realized that the true essence of Liberty was a self-responsible citizenry coupled with a limited government?  Or will we choose to give up that Gift of Liberty by outsourcing our responsibilities to an ever increasing, Obama & Progressive philosophy of Government that  makes and enforces decisions for us?

We are, in my opinion, past the tipping point - the election of Obama and a Democrat majority in both the US House and Senate has shown us what Progressives intend on doing if given the chance. We have seen the point of the spear in this politicial war in the US Senate.  I have made a choice on the person that I believe can best help turn that tide to one of a principled, Constitutionally based one.  Elections count; today, the 'Grok announces its endorsement in the Republican Senate primary:

I make no bones about it - I am a fiscal conservative and a social conservative and I look for candidates that match my philosophies.  Ovide, when I first heard him speak, spoke long and loudly of Liberty and Freedom first, and explained his rational if we were to lose those, the Founders vision,  to a Progressive philosophy.  In talking with others here in NH while researching his background, my first impressions were confirmed.  In watching him a number of times, he has confirmed it again and again.  He has also been endorsed by other folks whose I admire (re: the 'Grok's own Ann Marie for one!).  He has also attracted such nationally known conservatives as Erick Erickson, Laurie Ingraham, and Steve Forbes. 

Please hear me - I have become convinced that in order to be successful, one first must have a strong, learned philosophical based outlook so as not to be swallowed up by the maelstrom that is DC.  I want, nay, I demand, someone that will decide on a law not on the benefits that law bestows upon the citizenry - viewing that law from the lens of the Constitution as originally framed by the Founders.  Everything flows from that.

I ran in my local hamlet because someone simply asked.  Today, I simply ask that you consider Ovide in your decision making process, and then again, for your vote in the Primary.

Note: I am about to do something very foreign to most endorsements, but as I did in my endorsement for Jim Forsythe where I also said that his opponent in the primary, George Hurt, is a good and honest man whom I would support if he were to win, I am compelled and obliged to say something similar now.

There is another that is but a single slight step behind Ovide whom I would easily support if he were to win the Primary instead.  If (and only if) you have already decided that Ovide will not or cannot have your support or vote, I would urge you to investigate Jim Bender.  He has also proven to be a gentleman, a listener, has a good command of the issues, and has impressed me as he has never run for office before.  While not being as socially conservative as myself, he meets all of my other requirements - I would humbly ask that you consider him.

Posted by Skip at 8:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Like I said a while ago, it is time for the 'Grok to get busy in the NH races.  Right now, it looks like Ovide Lamontagne has picked up yet another nationally known Conservative: Erick Erickson from RedState:

Friends, we can change the Republican Caucus in the United States Senate. But we have to unite behind the real small government conservatives out there. We must get on the same page to improve our own.

Here is the list. We need these guys:

Ken Buck in Colorado
Chuck DeVore in California
Michael Williams in Texas
Marco Rubio in Florida
Rand Paul in Kentucky
Pat Toomey in Pennsylvania
Danny Tarkanian in Nevada
Marlin Stutzman in Indiana
Mike Lee in Utah

And if we can, I say we go with Ovide LaMontagne in New Hampshire and Christine O’Donnell in Delaware. Let’s go all and all in for small government conservatives. This year is our last best chance in a long time to get a slate of solid conservatives.

Erick, who I met at a Samsphere bloggers weekend a couple of years ago and I trade emails with him from time to time; he is one of the most fiercely conservative folks I know and is fearless in letting people know where he stands and what he thinks.  Like the 'Grok, he is unflaggingly committed to ideals of a limited Government that protects individual liberties, Republican platform, and tortures Liberal / Progressives for sport (and with him, it is like a panther toying with cornered rats).  He is also well known for going after Republicans that "sully the brand" when they act like Democrat-lites.  He just got a gig on CNN and has already inflamed Liberal sensibilities (such as they exist) for getting that gig.

For Erick to bestow his blessings on Ovide should be noticed here in NH.  Trust me, Erick suffers no fools or pretenders with his support, so consider this a Conservative stamp of approval.

Oh, Ovide?  Just a tiny word of advice: ALWAYS remember that Erick ALSO watches those he chooses - he, along with the 'Grok, loves the word "accountable".

Posted by Skip at 8:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Guest post by Jim Bender - candidate for US Senate from NH

WE THE PEOPLE have created a “Frankengovernment.” By that, I mean Frankenstein, not Al Franken. This is a monster that we the people created. We let it get too big. We let it get too powerful. We let it serve itself instead of serving us. We let it take our liberties.

Now comes yet another “final” push to force a government takeover of our health-care system. When the legislation was still only roughly 1,000 pages long, Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., said, “What good is reading the bill if it’s a thousand pages and you don’t have two weeks and two lawyers to find out what it means after you’ve read the bill?”

Like the other famous monsters before it (consider HAL 9000 from “2001: A Space Odyssey”), the monster is doing what it wants, despite furious opposition from its previous masters. At some point along the road, we lost control. Even though the clear majority of the people deem the legislation to be harmful, costly and likely to make their standard of care go down, the government doesn’t stop. It leaves many to wonder if the government even can be stopped.

The bill has ballooned to more than 2,700 pages, but, of course, there’s no room for tort reform. But, if there’s no tort reform, then what’s in it?

Massive expansions of government bureaucracy, unprecedented incursions into your privacy, and a litany of taxes on income, products and services that will combine to drive down the standard of living in America.

The Congressional Budget Office has predicted that even under the best scenario, “premiums in the new insurance exchanges would tend to be higher than the average premiums in the current-law individual market…” That’s no surprise to those who know the government well. Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security are already on the way to bankruptcy. This is a dysfunctional government of arrogance of superiority, self-assured incompetence, economic illiteracy, unconscionable partisanship and self-righteous corruption.

What is perhaps most telling about the debate is that President Obama has declared the debate to be...

Continue reading "Our ‘Frankengovernment’ is a monster out of control" »

Posted by Skip at 8:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Alexandria, VA- Americans for Job Security launched advertisements today highlighting Governor John Lynch and Former Attorney General Kelly Ayotte’s unconstitutional attempts to take private property.  

Governor John Lynch and his Attorney General Kelly Ayotte attempted one of the largest confiscations of private property in New Hampshire history. Together, they moved to drain the private medical malpractice funds of our doctors, nurses and healthcare providers. Thankfully the Supreme Court slapped down their $110 million raid of private funds.

“The people of New Hampshire deserve to know the truth about John Lynch and Kelly Ayotte’s unconstitutional attempts to take private property,” said Stephen DeMaura president of AJS.

“…the state’s move was an unconstitutional taking of private property,” Nashua Telegraph 1/29/2010

“The Lynch-Ayotte mindset of private property confiscation to feed a bigger and ever growing government is fundamentally misguided,” added DeMaura.  

“If John Lynch and Kelly Ayotte thought raiding the private accounts of Doctors, Nurses and health care providers was ok then what about the victims’ restitution fund, or College 529 savings plans?,” DeMaura said.

AJS’s initial effort includes a petition and website at www.HandsOffNH.com, as well as internet and direct mail advertising.

Americans for Job Security is a non-profit, non-partisan pro-business issue advocacy organization that promotes issues that strengthen the American economy. To learn more about AJS visit www.SaveJobs.org.

Full Disclosure: Yes, AJS has taken out ads on the 'Grok - just like PETA did once.  After all, we are capitalists in heart and spirit (although I will admit, having the PETA ad allowed us a few more jokes than normal...and paid for a GREAT Prime Rib dinner for me)

Posted by Skip at 6:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Steve MacDonald at 9:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

From the NHGOP:

Recall, GraniteGrok chased him up the steps of the LOB back during the end of summer recess...

Posted by Doug at 11:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

.   

So I'm reading the in-depth piece by John DiStaso in today's Union Leader on former Attorney General-turned Washington GOP darling and establishment-crowned US Senate candidate Kelly Ayotte, and was struck by her continued hesitance at answering many questions deemed important to Granite State conservatives.

Fresh on the heels of her disastrous appearance at the monthly meeting of the Belknap County Republicans where she remained unable to characterize where she falls on the political spectrum-- liberal like an Olympia Snow/Susan Collins type or a bonafide conservative in the style of a Jim DeMint-- Ayotte continues to bob and weave. Unfortunately for her, she is no expert like the known artful dodgers in the opposing party (Shaheen, Clinton, Obama, etc) and, thus, comes off sounding like she's avoiding the question... something that NEVER plays well here in the Granite State.

Ayotte in the interview would not say whether she voted for Lynch or his GOP challengers in 2008 and 2006. She explained that during her 11 years in the attorney general's office, "I worked very hard to make sure that politics didn't come into that office, even though people knew publicly I was a Republican. I don't think it would be fair now to revisit each candidate I voted for or supported because it would politicize the time I spent in the office."

What's so hard aboiut that? Just answer the question-- either you're a Republican and believe in Republican principles, or you don't. Both Kenney and Coburn were good and decent men, with ironclad Republican credentials. And now, you leave open the possibility you might HAVE VOTED FOR JOHN LYNCH?! The guy overseeing the systematic dismantling of the New Hampshire Advantage? The guy who promised to be against gay marriage? THAT Governor Lynch?

And Roe v. Wade? She's pro-life, but... Yes- there's a "but"

she would not say whether she personally believes that the 1972 Roe v. Wade decision by the U.S. Supreme Court legalizing abortion should be overturned because, she said, the issue has been decided and will not be taken up in the Senate

Say what? Isn't Roe v. Wade a creation of the Supreme Court? Don't Senators approve Supreme Court justices? Recall that Ms. Ayotte first revealed, in answer to a question posed by GraniteGrok that she would have indeed voted in favor of seating nominee Sotomayer-- another unknown with regards to the ruling making abortions the supreme law of the land. I would like it if MY senator believed in states' rights, and that Roe v. Wade, found in twisted interpretation of our Constitution, ought be removed from the federal level and left to the individual states.

Ayotte's potential competitors were quick to respond. James Pindell's NHPoliticalReport.com reported Sean Mahoney's reaction:

"I was proud to vote for both Rep. Coburn in 2006 and Sen. Kenney in 2008," said Mahoney. "In fact, I went even further and supported each of their campaigns with $500 contributions because their Republican message of lower taxes and less government spending resonated with me, particularly as it was in it was in direct contrast with Gov. Lynch's record. I commend and thank both Jim and Joe for stepping up and fighting for Republican values and was proud to have voted for both of them."

And an email came from the Ovide LaMontagne people, indicating how HE voted in the past two NH gubernatorial elections:

"In 2006 and 2008 I supported and voted for Jim Coburn and Joe Kenney for Governor.  I know what it means to be the nominee of my Party and fight for Republican principles of smaller, more efficient government, lower taxes, reduced spending and individual freedom and liberty.  For me, I had deep reservations about the Democrats in Concord who, like Paul Hodes and the Democrats in Washington, have embraced increased spending, higher taxes and bigger government as the solution to our current economic crisis.  This is entirely the wrong approach, and the concerns that I had in 2006 and 2008 are shared by many more people today."

Poor Kelly. The more we know about her, the more we don't know...

Posted by Doug at 9:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

                         .

Sean Mahoney has an excellent Op-Ed in today’s New Hampshire Union Leader in which he lays out five principles that should guide the Republican Party as it climbs its way back toward relevance in political life.

In it, Mahoney also lobs a salvo at the candidate of the Washington establishment, Kelly Ayotte:

Republicans in New Hampshire, actually most voters in New Hampshire, still cherish the values that brought me to the party. For too long, Republican candidates have spent too much time worrying about what people in Washington think and not enough time listening to what the people of New Hampshire have to say.

If Republicans in New Hampshire are ever to reclaim majority status, we need to stop playing the D.C. game and start recommitting ourselves to the people of New Hampshire. We need to stand firm against the "go along to get along" mentality of too many Washington Republicans.

Testify, brother! Read the whole thing by clicking here.

As it happens, Ms. Ayotte was in Washington this very week raising lobbyist money. According to the Union Leader’s John DiStaso, the event was a huge success. A source sends along the following video which appears to show footage of lobbyists entering the National Republican Senatorial Committee on Tuesday evening to pony up for the Ayotte campaign. Did my eyes deceive me? Is that really Planned Parenthood on the list?

Posted by Doug at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With yesterday's news that Sean Mahoney is looking at taking a run for NH's soon to be vacated US Senate seat presently held by Judd Gregg, we now have a two man race... A REAL one.

"Doug, you must mean between Mahoney and Ayotte-- a man and WOMAN race, right?" Er, not really. I was kinda talkin' about Mahoney and Ovide LaMontagne. THAT two man race [Note: do not misconstrue any of my sentiments expressed here as being in any way anti-woman] . How long has it been since Republicans had to make a choice between what most can agree are top-shelf candidates? For me, I am going to be in a quandary, as I know and respect both men, and at different times in the past, I enthusiastically supported each one.

The simple fact about this race is that, while the Washington poobahs may have decided that Kelly is their gal for the GOP nomination and will try to shovel enough money her way so that she might somehow purchase victory, the stark reality is that she was wholly untested and unknown in her leanings before that decision was made. Now that she's been out there a bit, this lack of any real political experience is sorely apparent.

Consider the video Skip took of Ms. Ayotte at last week's appearance in front of the Belknap County Republicans at their monthly meeting. In addition to sounding nothing close to a level of real passion as a speaker, she could NOT answer a simple question as to the type of Republican she might be. If she's this bad in a roomful of fellow Republicans, how on earth will she handle a mixed crowd of Independents and Democrats during the general campaign, should she win the primary?

Compare and contrast that to Sean Mahoney's commanding performance during a recent WMUR CloseUp  program where he spoke specifics on healthcare, or to Ovide's studio visit during our MTNP radio program [download podcast here] and his speech given Saturday in Nashua, peppered with references to the Constitution and liberty and freedom. What was the NRSC thinking when they made their pick? How long before they will admit buyer's remorse in the face of the truly excellent opportunities afforded in the announced potential alternatives of Mahoney and LaMontagne? Is it time to send the supposed savior of the NH's Republican team down to the minors for some needed rehab?

Posted by Doug at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (1)

Here's a video showing NH's 2nd Congressional District representative Paul Hodes taking heat before and after press conference for not allowing constituents accessibility in an open town hall style meeting. With the canned response obviously stuck in his head, the hard to find Democratic Congressman claims he has "spoken to thousands of constituents in a variety of forums." Yeah right. Just ask some of his constituents who were told at the beginning of the recess he was going to hold many forums. Now, still waiting, they are told they somehow missed them all.

Incredibly, Hodes told the gathered interested citizens and reporters that he believes "it's important to be open and accessible and" he "always has been and always will be" just prior to turning his back and walking away from a woman he obviously didn't want to speak to.

2nd CongressionalDistrict Representative (and aspiring US Senator) Democrat Paul Hodes continues his elusive ways as he seeks to avoid getting "whacked" by angry constituents. From the NHGOP:

HODES LETS DOWN NEW HAMPSHIRE, WON’T HOLD TOWN HALL MEETINGS

Embattled Congressman Won’t Hold Traditional, Face-To-Face Meeting With Voters

CONCORD – The Union Leader (9/2) reports that Paul Hodes announced today that he will not hold traditional New Hampshire-style town hall meetings with voters during the Congressional Recess. Instead, he will host contrived, restricted “forums” that are not “fully open to the public.”

“Paul Hodes has let down New Hampshire by refusing to hold a single face-to-face town hall meeting on health care during the Congressional recess,” said NHGOP Communications Director Ryan Williams. “His failure to meet with his constituents in an open and unrestricted format shows that he is out of touch with New Hampshire traditions and values.”

Democrat State Party Chairman Ray Buckley blasted the idea of health care “forums” in a statement released on Monday. Buckley erroneously criticized Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta for holding a “forum” instead of a “real town hall.” According to the Portsmouth Herald (8/31), Guinta actually hosted a traditional, unrestricted New Hampshire-style town hall meeting instead of the phony forums that Congressman Hodes is planning.

“We agree with Chairman Buckley. A forum is not a ‘real town hall,’ and if Paul Hodes was actually serious about hearing from New Hampshire voters he would host open and unrestricted meetings,” said Williams.

 

Posted by Doug at 10:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Pulp?  

From the NRCC: 

Washington- With two weeks left in the summer recess and one step closer to the possibility of a government- run healthcare system, has Carol Shea-Porter read the monstrosity that is the Democrats 1,018- page healthcare bill? Has she read about the job-killing, tax-hiking, and government-run mess that is HR 3200? Well, for New Hampshire residents’ sake, they better hope so.

HR 3200: printed BOTH sides

“If Democrats like Carol Shea-Porter have yet to read the writing on the wall that Americans are opposed to government-run healthcare, the least they can do is promise to read their party’s unpopular bill,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Given the Democrats’ track record, a bill that large could have anything in it. Shea-Porter has a responsibility to hold her party bosses accountable for the content.  After blindly supporting a wasteful $1 trillion stimulus package, Shea-Porter owes it to her constituents to demand that Nancy Pelosi doesn’t strong-arm a massive healthcare takeover through Congress without giving lawmakers the chance to read it in its entirety.”

In one the worst recessions in history, the Democrats’ healthcare takeover could lead to even higher unemployment rates:

Continue reading "Summer Reading Assignment" »

Posted by Doug at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It may be time for Kelly Ayotte to get a new spokesman.

Last week we dinged Ayotte’s campaign manager Brooks Kochvar for attempting to convince the Union Leader’s John DiStaso that a National Republican Senatorial Committee fundraiser in DC for Ayotte wasn’t really being hosted by the NRSC.

This week it’s Kevin Landrigan’s column in the Nashua Telegraph where Kochvar is selling something we don’t quite understand.

Having taken heat from state Democrats (and GraniteGrok) for claiming the stimulus act is bankrupting our economy after paradoxically having used stimulus cash to fund a cold case program at the Department of Justice and encouraging eager government entities throughout the state to feed at the trough, Team Ayotte appears to abdicate the GOP frontrunner’s chief qualification for high public office. In this Sunday's Nashua Telegraph, Kevin Landrigan noted he spoke with Kochvar, who explains it like this:

“She was attorney general and responsible for administering tens of millions of dollars in federal grants,’’ Kochvar said. “She can’t be held responsible for all those choices that are made, because they aren’t hers."

Leave aside for the moment the fact that in the above statement, Kochvar is saying Ayotte was both responsible and not responsible for those federal grants.

The only thing that legitimizes Ayotte’s candidacy is her tenure as attorney general. She can either embrace that or reject it, but she cannot do both.

It would be dishonest for Ayotte to claim credit for putting a cop killer on death row on the one hand while disavowing any responsibility for less popular actions by the Department of Justice on the other.

Ayotte announced her resignation as AG on July 7. We are now at the end of August. Ayotte has received high-level endorsements from national Republican figures and a fundraising commitment from the national party. And yet we still have no clear understanding of the justification behind her candidacy. We thought it was her record as AG, but her campaign manager has just taken that out of the equation.

Posted by Doug at 8:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

That's right. I'm perusing the liberal Blue Hampshire blog, our always worthy counterparts on the left, and came across this video put out by New Hampshire Democrats. Now don't get me wrong, by "worthy counterpart" I mean the ying to the 'Grok's yang. We stand poles apart on most issues, especially when it comes to the role of government in our lives, and the funding thereof. Then I watched this posted on the site. Quite frankly, there's little to disagree with here, save for its negative characterization of our friend Karen Testerman.

While I admit that the sentiments expressed by Kelly Ayotte shown in the video certainly cater to a conservative point of view, I am suspicious as to whether it's real. Let's not forget that she told GraniteGrok she would have voted yes on the Sotomayer confirmation had she been in the Senate in Judd Gregg's place (who voted in the affirmative), despite the strong conservative case that had been made in the contrary.

The other interesting point-- one which comes close to home, btw-- is what candidate Ayotte says regarding "stimulus" versus what she was saying a scant few months back. Is she REALLY opposed to stimulus now? Is stimulus bad... for everybody else, but ours GOOD? This raises the legitimate question as to whether she will REALLY shrink government, having been a creature of same for many years, or simply pay lip service to such notions? A Nashua Telegraph story appearing today on Drudge reports that that stimulus money created or saved 796 New Hampshire jobs,

Continue reading "Hell freezes over. Pigs have taken flight. The moon is blue. Corpses have spun. There is a topic on which this Grokster and Blue Hampshire are one!" »

Posted by Doug at 1:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

Kochvar and Ayotte

Kelly Ayotte’s mysterious campaign manager Brooks Kochvar, the same gentleman who tells Ayotte when to stop talking, is in John DiStaso’s Union Leader column today attempting to argue that the National Republican Senatorial Committee fundraiser for Kelly Ayotte in Washington, DC on September 22nd isn’t really an NRSC fundraiser. "It's our event. We're paying for it and we're hosting it,” he tells DiStaso. And Senators Mitch McConnell and John Cornyn will only attend as “invited guests” of the campaign.

Forget for a moment that NRSC Chairman John Cornyn has already acknowledged his role in the Ayotte fundraiser telling both the Washington Times and Roll Call that he had promised to raise money for her. Consider this instead: The contact on the invitation if you want to give Kelly Ayotte money?  Paula Dukes, the PAC Director of the NRSC.

Note also that Cornyn evidently told Roll Call that the money raised for Ayotte on September 22nd in Washington, DC is intended to be used in the General Election against Paul Hodes (provided Ayotte makes it that far), not in the primary against Republicans.  We wonder if Ayotte will honor that caveat.

Why not just deny the fundraiser is happening altogether?

Oh, that would be “misleading.”

Posted by Doug at 8:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Fox News is reporting that Carol Shea Porter and Paul Hodes, NH's House representative have turned up missing...

This is, of course, a result of the stories originally running here and here. I would add our two US Senators Shaheen and Gregg to the list of those among the missing.

Just as I got ready to post this, the NHGOP forwarded the following statement:

PHONING IT IN: SHEA-PORTER REFUSES TO FACE HER CONSTITUENTS

Only Days After Meeting With Liberal Bloggers, Shea-Porter Announces She Won’t Host In Person Town Hall Meetings With Constituents

CONCORD – The Union Leader reports today that Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter will not host in person town hall meetings during the August recess, and will only participate in controlled, telephone “town halls.” Her decision to refuse all face to face contact with New Hampshire residents comes only days after she appeared at a liberal blogger convention in Pennsylvania.

“If Carol Shea-Porter can find the time to meet face to face with far-left bloggers, there is no reason why she cannot extend the same courtesy to the people who elected her to the United States Congress. Her decision is a slap in the face of the First District residents who rightfully expect the opportunity to question their Congresswoman in a traditional, New Hampshire town hall format,” said NHGOP Communications Director Ryan Williams. “If Ms. Shea-Porter doesn’t have the courage to answer tough questions from voters about her support for higher taxes, reckless spending and the Democrats’ disastrous health care agenda, she should not be running for reelection.” 

On Sunday, the Portsmouth Herald (8/16) blasted Shea-Porter for ducking her constituents and refusing to defend her support for the Democrats’ disastrous health care agenda. The paper also slammed her participation in telephone “town halls,” saying that the artificial format is no substitute for a traditional, face to face, New Hampshire town hall meeting.

“The whole concept of a telephone town hall meeting is flawed. We live in New England, where the town meeting form of government originated and where it still thrives. We know how a town meeting is supposed to work, and it certainly isn't by telephone.” writes the Herald. “[Shea-Porter] doesn't want to face questions from people who disagree with her positions, particularly on health care. We find this curious and regrettable, especially given her history of challenging her predecessor, Jeb Bradley, for nearly two years during his town hall meetings.”

While Shea-Porter has declined to meet with New Hampshire voters, she has managed to find time in her “busy” schedule to meet with far-left bloggers. On Friday, Shea-Porter ditched the Granite State to attend the “Netroots Nation” conference in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and address a friendly crowd of liberal bloggers. She has also committed to appear at the “Blue Hampshire Bash” on August 24 in Concord and mix and mingle with Democrat Party insiders, more far-left bloggers and liberal activists.

 

 

Posted by Doug at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (1)

Ayotte chats with party faithful in Wolfeboro

Despite earlier reports to the contrary, cameras were indeed rolling at tonight's Winnipesaukee GOP social gathering in Wolfeboro when former Attorney General Kelly Ayotte made her first official public appearance on the ground in New Hampshire, starting her quest for the Republican nomination for the US Senate seat being vacated by Judd Gregg.

Following an introductory speech to the gathered crowd of local Republicans, [and one by Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta, also in attendance] Ayotte spent some time mingling with people and answering some of their questions. GraniteGrok caught up with her and asked how she would have voted on elevating Justice Sotomayer to the US Supreme Court:

While that's not the way I would have voted, I did appreciate her honesty and taking the time to answer my question. I will post her actual speech, also caught on tape, in a separate post later.

Posted by Doug at 9:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Official game of NH politicians?

[UPDATE] GraniteFrok cameras will be on the scene for this, along with other media including WMUR, apparently. Hopefully this represents a new trend of welcoming those who wish to cover politicians and events for people who cannot attend. The technology is here to stay. Get over it!  

Cross-posted at NowHampshire.com:

The Silence of the Politicians

New Hampshire. The Granite State. Where Jimmy Carter famously slept at supporters’ homes during the 1976 Democratic presidential primary. Where Ronald Reagan told John Breen, “I paid for this microphone, Mr. Green.” Where Bill Clinton became the “Comeback Kid.” Where John McCain spoke seemingly to every voter in the state and upset the GOP establishment to beat George W. Bush. Where John McCain downsized his Straight Talk Express to an Econoline van to cut costs and mount his comeback-from-the-grave to defeat the Candidate from Central Casting, Mitt Romney. The land of 400 state representatives.

It is American political legend that New Hampshire is different. We’ve built a presidential nominating monopoly around the idea that we deserve primacy on the presidential primary calendar because here people don’t just know politics, we live it. We can smell a slimy politician a mile away. We know what to ask for, what to look for and how to give ‘em the what for.

As the old joke goes: You voting for What’s His Name? I don’t know. I’ve only met him twice.

No longer, apparently.

In a distressing new development the politicians in New Hampshire no longer seem interested or willing to talk to the people. New Hampshire’s congressional delegation has exactly zero town hall meetings with constituents planned for the August recess.

Cowed by news stories of town “hells” in other states, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Reps. Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes (who is running for U.S. Senate) have apparently opted to take the idea of a summer break literally and avoid direct personal engagement with the people who voted them into office—and, it must be said, reserve the right to vote them out if necessary.

And this isn’t just a Democrat thing. Sen. Judd Gregg has no town hall events planned, either. As a key Republican player on the Senate Finance Committee Gregg plays a major role in shaping the health care legislation, which is the cause of all the bother this August recess.

But Gregg is retiring at the end of his term. He may very well be unmotivated by what’s on the minds of voters. He’s got a legacy to consider. More distressing is that his hand-picked replacement Kelly Ayotte has yet to hold a single public event with voters or articulate herself on a single issue of import. Despite this, Ayotte has managed to pull off the near impossible. She has somehow earned the endorsement of the entire Republican establishment in Washington, DC.

Ah, but her silence will soon be broken, right? She’ll be the featured guest at the August 11th Winnipesaukee Republican Social in Wolfeboro. She’s finally ready to face those inquisitive New Hampshire voters, right?

Think again. The Concord Monitor reports on Sunday that “Winnipesaukee GOP Leader Chris Ahlgren said that while reporters and photographers are welcome to their meeting with Ayotte on Tuesday night, he wants to keep out video cameras.” Interestingly, Ann Romney will be the guest of the the “Winnipesaukee Republican Social” on August 14th and–surprise!–there is no ban on video cameras for that one.

It may not matter anyway. NowHampshire.com has learned from a highly placed Republican source that Ayotte won’t be taking questions about issues at the event in Wolfeboro. She’s just going to socialize.

It remains to be seen if this new velvet rope strategy will benefit the politicians or further enrage a disenchanted public. But one thing is for sure. When state party leaders dust off their talking points to lobby the national parties to preserve our First in the Nation presidential status, they might as well bust out the White Out while they’re at it.

“[T]he unscripted, face-to-face grass-roots campaigning that has been the trademark of the first-in-the-nation primary for generations,” as former state Democratic Chair Kathy Sullivan once characterized it, no longer passes the giggle test.

Posted by Doug at 9:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Ayotte

James Pindell is reporting that probable US Senate candidate Kelly Ayotte, free of the NH AG's office, has hit the road as she starts her quest to replace Judd Gregg.

I can hear them now: "See Doug, we told you," the Ayotte acolytes will say... "NOW you'll see why she's a good choice for conservatives!" Yeah-- perhaps when she actually campaigns on the ground here in the state. But really, who are we, just mere voters, when there are bigger fish in Washington, to fry? You see, it appears that perhaps Ayotte has launched her campaign-- but not in the cities and hamlets of the Granite State. Oh no... the little people can wait. From NHPoliticalReport.com:

The Hill's Walter Alarkon spotted Republican U.S. Senate candidate Kelly Ayotte in Washington today with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Sen. John Cornyn.

A source told the Hill that she is "introducing herself to Senators, committee staff and others as part of the exploration process."

Read post

She sure sounds like a woman of the people, doesn't she? Why, as an active NH conservative, I ALWAYS want my candidates to be vetted by the likes of John Cornyn...

Posted by Doug at 7:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

James Pindell is reporting at NHPoliticalReport.com that businessman Fred Tausch, head of the grassroots group STEWARD of Prosperity has announced he will  NOT run for office in 2010, allaying rumors and speculation of a run for the US Senate seat being vacated by Judd Gregg...

That still doesn't take away from Fred's message decrying the wasteful "stimulus" spending, which is doing a great service to the citizens of the state...

Read Tausch's statement here.

Posted by Doug at 9:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ayotte

As reported yesterday by James Pindell at NHPoliticalReport.com, the now former NH Attorney General Kelly Ayotte has

filed papers opening up an exploratory committee for the U.S. Senate, a source close to Ayotte said. 

The source said Ayotte will begin raising money immediately and begin a conversation with New Hampshire Republicans.

Regular readers know that this conservative blogger remains skeptical of both her candidacy and her conservative credentials. Bolstering my concern, Pindell's report further noted

As a first time candidate Ayotte has advantages and unknowns. Her advantages include the backing of U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg and much of the Republican establishment, good name recognition, and a bi-partisan resume.

Does anybody really think this sounds like a candidate that will go to Washington with a single purpose of reducing the size of government thereby putting a halt to the socialism starting to engulf us? And really, as a conservative, what has the so-called Republican "establishment" done for ME lately?

I'm not just some lone guy in the wilderness on this one. Former state representative and one-time fill-in Union Leader Editorial Page Director Dean Dexter of Laconia has a few questions and observations, too:

Continue reading "Ayotte jumps in. Color me unconvinced..." »

Posted by Doug at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Tausch at Concord Tea Party June 24

Following on the heels of this week's latest anti-Obama, andti-"stimulus" mailing from STEWARD of Prosperity's Fred Tausch, the Nashua businessman weighs in on the Sotomayer Supreme Court nomination:

SENATORS MUST REJECT SOTOMAYOR’S JUDICIAL ACTIVISM

CONCORD, NH – STEWARD of Prosperity founder Fred Tausch, of Merrimack, released the following statement today as the Senate Judiciary Committee launches hearings on the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court:

“Chief Justice John Roberts opened his confirmation hearings by saying that a judge should act like an umpire – applying rules but not making them. Senators must bear that in mind as they examine and evaluate Judge Sotomayor’s long record of judicial activism. With the nation’s highest court having reversed her reasoning in six out of seven opportunities, Committee members will be hard-pressed to deny that she doesn’t inject her personal views into her rulings.

“Senators have a solemn ‘advice and consent’ duty that charges them with the important job of evaluating the President’s judicial nominees. If their intention is to put the Constitution first and protect the Supreme Court from becoming an extra-legislative body, they will reject Judge Sotomayor’s nomination.”

I'm wondering where our present Republican Senator stands on this-- My bet is he acts like a well-behaved politician seeking not to make waves or ruffle feathers (as usual) and follows the tired mantra of "giving the President his pick." You know-- like the Dems have always done.

Also, does anybody know if the presumptive favorite of the GOP country club crowd, Kelly Ayotte, would be bold in this instance and take a stand against an activist judge like Sotomayer?

Posted by Doug at 1:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

In a September 2006 post here on the 'Grok I wrote:

When I  look at a candidate for any office, I always look behind the scenes to see who is in their circle of supporters, when they joined the team, and why. Senior Political Correspondent for the Union Leader John DiStaso writes of Tom Rath

Since 1980, Rath has advised the Presidential campaigns of former Sens. Howard Baker and Bob Dole, former President George H.W. Bush, Sen. Lamar Alexander and President George W. Bush. He has also been a strategist for current and former U.S. Sens. Judd Gregg and Warren Rudman.

This guy Rath is a big party guy, eh? He must be quite the conservative with this resume. Well, er, maybe not- Lamar Alexander? Warren Rudman? Bob Dole? Conservatives? Not hardly. And neither is Tom Rath. He's what I would describe as a "country club" "Rockefeller Republican". Always looking for the deal. The consummate party man. I guess I'm a bad Republican to feel a "party man" loyalist is in some way bad- so be it. When have I heard Rath say anything in defense of Republican principles lately? Has he defended the war? Supported the troops? Written a letter? Of course not- he's too busy being that genteel diplomatic, deal making sort. Don't rock the boat.

At the time, this was against the context of Rath being a key figure for the Romney camp, which, if you recall, was actively seeking to recreate its candidate as a plausible conservative figure following years of being known as a typical Eastern "moderate" Republican. We all know how THAT went...

Fast forward to today...

Republican sources have told GraniteGrok that Tom Rath will help lead her effort, but it's unclear at this point what title he might retain within the campaign.

Uh-oh! As I implied in my previous post about Judd Gregg's compromising with the liberals on nationalized health care, I am ALL SET with getting hosed by moderate Republicans driving us down the road to socialism, albeit a little bit slower than the Democrats. I want Republican candidates and politicians that will UNDO the damage being wrought, not "go-along to get along" types seeking "common ground" and "compromise." The time for that is over--We are on the brink. 

Candidate Kelly Ayotte, with the support of people like trusted turncoat Sen. Susan Collins, faux-partisan hacks like Tom Rath, and the stimulus-supporter-loving NRSC led by the likes of Sen Cornyn, just doesn't do it for me as a conservative. Sorry. Show me some solid proof that a "Senator" Ayotte will NOT hang me and my smaller-government friends out to dry, much like Judd Gregg has been wont to do as of late...

Oh, and as to Rath's political prowess, ask President Alexander, President Dole, and President Romney how that all worked out for them.

Hmm. I wonder if Rath's dancing abilities have improved any since he last cut some moves on the campaign trail?

Posted by Doug at 1:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

The more one learns about Kelly Ayotte, the more worrisome the prospect becomes of her gaining the GOP nomination for the crucial Senate seat being vacated by present Senator Judd Gregg. Following the initial stumble (as first reported in this GraniteGrok exclusive) when the New Hampshire Attorney General reneged on her acceptance of a keynote speaker's gig at a prominent GOP function-- which insiders claim was at the request of Governor Lynch himself-- the most recent "buzz" surrounding her potential candidacy is a mixed bag at best. Given the far-ranging damage being wrought by President Obama and the Democratic majority in Congress, New Hampshire  needs a Republican that can get elected, and, more importantly, that can be counted upon to go to Washington and undo the destruction as quickly as possible. With John E. Sununu and former Gov Merrill both out of the picture, it’s questionable-- from a conservative point of view-- as to whether Ms. Ayotte becomes the next best choice, despite what some are saying...

"But Doug, look at today's polling-- SHE CAN BEAT DEMOCRAT HODES! Surely you want to win, right?" Whoa, there now. While I certainly note that the UNH survey shows Ayotte the only Republican beating likely Democratic nominee Paul Hodes in hypothetical "trial heat" matchups, I agree with the authors of the survey in that we are still a long ways off, and only a small number of Republicans have made up their minds, given the wide open nature of the upcoming primary. And don't fail to account for the fact that Ayotte, while certainly a savvy player with regards to how she performs in an appointed position free of the usual politics and muckraking, has yet to stand up to the scrutiny and open commentary a political campaign will no doubt bring. Despite the initial knee jerk exuberance on the part of some Republicans at the prospect of a young, female candidate with little to no political track record, there are a few items that others, giving this a little thought, view as potential problems for a candidate Ayotte down the road.

First of all, conservatives and Republicans seeking real "change" with regards to the present economic situation that understand all of the problems built into the so-called "stimulus" package and what it will do to us down the road, ought to put great care into who they pick to take Judd Gregg's place. Do they want a Republican in the mold of Mainers Olympia Snowe or Susan Collins, both of whom VOTED FOR THE STIMULUS stinker, turning their backs on fiscal sanity and party? Of course they don't! Most true conservatives I know DESPISE these constant Republican traitors from the Pine Tree State. That is why they should take note of who is among the so-called Party bigwigs promoting Kelly Ayotte…

In an exclusive story found today at James Pindell's NHPoliticalReport.com, it being reported that Ayotte has been talking with Judd Gregg, Sen John Cornyn, and, SUSAN COLLINS about a possible run for the NH seat. Yes- THAT Susan Collins. I challenge ANY good conservative to tell me that Collins has done anything good for the cause lately, or even ever. I am skeptical of anybody that, given the present times of economic upheaval and the rise of the Tea Party movement, is associated with the likes of stimulus-backer Collins. This could spell trouble in lost enthusiasm for a base seeing little difference between a squishy moderate in the mold of a Susan Collins versus a Paul Hodes. I know I would rather vote for nobody, given that option. Why endure the heartache and heartburn of entrenching such a Republican empowered with incumbency status forever? Is it not better to work on the up and coming prospects for the NEXT opportunity?

Then there's the Lynch connection. The sign at the June 24 Concord Tea Party said it all:

I'm sure that, given his latest stretch of broken campaign promises and a lack of effective leadership through the perilous economic straits, many Republicans now agree that John Lynch is indeed, when you look at the lasting damage he has allowed, the worst governor ever. What should be made of the fact that Kelly Ayotte was reappointed to the Attorney General position by this governor? As the state's top lawyer, she has been defending his programs and policies, including the present debacle involving the JUA funds some say have been "stolen" to balance the not-so-frugal state budget.

Pindell's aforementioned exclusive story also reports that

Continue reading "Do Republicans, Granite Staters really want a Lynch protégé for the US Senate?" »

Posted by Doug at 4:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Guest post by Fred Tausch

“We must push to bring fiscal responsibility to Washington”

LIKE MOST Americans, I’ve always believed hard work, self-reliance and integrity are all you need to succeed in America. We don’t believe government owes us a living, just the opportunity to succeed or fail by our own initiative, hard work and talent.
 
We want a government that shares our convictions; that does its work, not ours, and does it competently; that manages its budget as responsibly as we manage our own budgets; a government that doesn’t play favorites or use our money to reward the failures of others; a government that earns our trust by trusting us and leveling with us about the cost and performance of its programs.

All we ever seem to get, though, is a government that increases its own prerogatives and power rather than the liberties and opportunities of the people it serves; a government with little accountability and less transparency; a government that tries to do things it was not intended to do and has no idea how to do. And many of the things it must do, it does not do well.

The Republican Party is the party of fiscal discipline, the party that trusted Americans to make their own decisions about how to use their money to build their dreams.  But, when Republican leaders lost their way, they lost me. I voted for George Bush in 2000 because I believed he would be a careful steward of our prosperity. Instead, he and Republicans in Congress turned a budget surplus into a huge deficit. They cut taxes but didn’t make the spending cuts necessary for the government to live within its means. They spent record sums on a bailout of the financial industry that I knew from the outset would be an expensive failure, without giving us any clear idea what the money could be used for and how it would be paid back.

Barack Obama promised to change that, and I hoped he would. He promised to put government on a budget that didn’t exceed its revenues, to be as careful with our money as we are and to take the best ideas from both parties and offer new solutions to the challenges of our time. But as soon as the applause at his inauguration subsided, he began to break his promises.

Continue reading "ATTENTION! Message of "change" ends up meaning what it always has: Government knows best" »

Posted by Doug at 6:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Former US Senator John E Sununu (GG file photo)

In an emailed statement, Senator John E. Sununu announced today that he will not run for office in the 2010 election cycle.

“Representing New Hampshire in the United States Senate is a great honor, but effective public service is much more than just a desire to hold office.  It’s essential that the timing fit both personally and professionally.

This year I’ve made commitments to serve several technology firms, begun working with a number of non-profit policy groups, and continue to serve on the Congressional Oversight Panel for the TARP.

Equally important, campaigns require great sacrifice from family.  After running in seven primary and general elections over twelve years, my family still means more to me than anything else.  I very much intend to keep it that way.”

Sununu currently serves on the boards of Time Warner Cable, Boston Scientific, and ConvergEx Group.  He is a member of the Congressional Oversight Panel for the Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program.  Earlier this month, Sununu led an international delegation monitoring the Lebanese Parliamentary elections.  He also serves on the Middle East Working Group for the U.S. Institute of Peace.

 

Posted by Doug at 5:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leaving no media aside, Fred Tausch's STEWARD of Prosperity fiscal restraint message machine now hits the TV airwaves. If there was anybody left in the state of New Hampshire that HASN'T heard the anti-stimulus, anti-spending, pro-transparency, anti-Obamanomic perspective being delivered with the cold hard economic facts and reasoning combined with a somewhat biting sense of witty sarcasm, a new TV ad set to hit the Granite State starting tomorrow will seek to change that.

Building on a series of mail pieces and a recent flood of radio ads [Full disclosure: STEWARD has purchased ad space here on the 'Grok and on MTNP radio], Nashua businessman Fred Tausch, through his grassroots organization, STEWARD of Prosperity, as reported on WMUR TV, will air an ad entitled Taxpayers First. Here is the WMUR report:

And this is the ad itself that will be broadcast:

I know that the mmessage is getting out there, as I have been running into people here and there that ask me, "Hey Doug, what do you think of that Steward guy... what's his name, Fred Tausch, or something?" And then they usually tell me how much they agree with what he's been saying...

Posted by Doug at 7:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With the announcement that NH Attorney General Kelly Ayotte was to be the featured speaker at an upcoming GOP event before backing out, it appears she is at least taking the first initial steps to a possible run for NH's US Senate seat being vacated by Judd Gregg. This further raises expectations that were first hinted at last week. With Paul Hodes taking a swipe at Nashua businessman Fred Tausch (Steward of Prosperity) in a recent fund-raising letter (reacting to THIS mail piece), given that the former is definitely --and the latter is rumored to be-- a candidate, one cannot deny that the position jockeying has begun.

Drew Cline, apparently having sat down with Tausch recently, Twittered:

“Just spent an hour with the mysterious Fred Tausch, founder of STEWARD. First impression: This guy is for real.”

Paul Briand, writing in the Manchester Examiner writes, on Ayotte:

 the candidacy has a certain amount of curb appeal for the centrists in both parties. She was appointed to her post by former Republican Gov. Craig Benson and was reappointed by current Democratic Gov. John Lynch.

She is the type of Republican that Colin Powell says the GOP desperately needs -- moderate, not strident in the mode of Rush Limbaugh, Dick Cheney ... and the Sununus.

Regarding another name being bandied about as "not ruling out" a Senate run, in 2006, Republican analyst Liz Mair wrote about Charlie Bass' performance as NH's District 2 Congressman, noting he was

a key moderate, with a strong record of supporting the war in Iraq, pursuing tax cuts benefiting the middle class and small businesses, and working to protect New Hampshire's environment.

Let's not forget that should John E. Sununu decide to take another crack at a Senate seat, he would be hard to beat in a primary, given his popularity is still high among Republicans. Also, other names I've heard bandied about are BAE Systems' Rich Ashooh, who is active in numerous groups and boards across the state, and former Governor Steve Merrill.

OK GraniteGrok readers, what do YOU think? Can any of these guys and gal cut the mustard in a general campaign against the likely Dem nominee Paul Hodes? Have I left somebody out? Feel free to vote "none of the above" and leave your choice in the comment section below.

Who do you support for the GOP nomination to NH's US Senate seat in 2010?
	Rich Ashooh
	Kelly Ayotte
	Charlie Bass
	Steve Merrill
	John E. Sununu
	Fred Tausch
	None of the Above (leave comment)
pollcode.com free polls

Posted by Doug at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

GraniteGrok has learned from GOP sources that NH's Attorney General Kelly Ayotte, rumored to be considering a run for the Republican nomination for the US Senate, has pulled herself from the keynote speaker role at the Winnipesaukee GOP's annual Fourth of July breakfast.

This comes on the heels of several reports earlier in the day heralding the recently reappointed Republican's scheduled appearance at the event.

Veteran observers have taken note of this apparent disarray within the budding campaign, it obviously not being the way her supporters had hoped to begin a possible race. Against the backdrop of a potential field of talented and well-funded opponents, time will tell if this early snafu has any chance of inflicting permanent damage.

DEVELOPING...

Posted by Doug at 3:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

.

   Brother Reid, can you spare a dime?

After a disappointing first fundraising quarter as a candidate for the U.S. Senate, Democratic Rep. Paul Hodes (NH-02) is turning to embattled Senate Majority leader Harry Reid for fundraising help. Reid will headline a June 3rd Hodes fundraiser in Washington, D.C., the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call is reporting.

Hodes is the only announced candidate from either party vying for New Hampshire’s open Senate seat being vacated by Judd Gregg.

Sen. Reid himself is up for re-election in 2010. A recent poll shows him to be viewed as unpopular by most voters in Nevada, his home state. A poll released earlier this month by Mason-Dixon for the Las Vegas Review-Journal shows that fully half of all Nevadans have an unfavorable view of Reid while only thirty-eight percent have a favorable view of him.

Still, Reid holds the reins of power in the U.S. Senate and by headlining the event he sends a clear signal to lobbyists in Washington that Hodes is the Democratic Party’s choice to fill Gregg’s seat.

Fred Tausch, the founder of the government watchdog group STEWARD of Prosperity, was unimpressed.

“The same old fundraising game being played by Rep. Paul Hodes and Sen. Harry Reid is a clear example of what is wrong with our system,” Tausch said. “We don’t need the power elite in Washington, DC deciding who our next Senator should be. We don’t need out-of-state special interest money influencing the process.”

NH GOP Communications Director Ryan Williams also took exception to the Beltway attention being ladled on the Senate race.

“It’s not surprising that a political insider like Paul Hodes would turn to Harry Reid and the Washington political establishment to help boost his floundering Senate bid,” said Williams. “At a time when New Hampshire families are struggling to make ends meet Paul Hodes should be working to fix our economic crisis instead of focusing on his self-serving political ambitions.”

I suppose, though, if Hodes is at some party with Harry Reid, that means they won't be raising taxes, spending money we don't have, or dissing the troops and their mission-- at least for a few hours. Every cloud has it's silver lining...

Posted by Doug at 7:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Really?!

"why did Paul Hodes give them millions in bonuses?"

That is the question Fred Tausch asks in yet another clever STEWARD mailer destined for the mailboxes of Granite Staters. On the heels of the hard-hitting direct mail piece slamming Obama for comparing the ill-conceived Air Force One NYC flyover photo-op and his spending program,

Tausch turns his sights on Paul Hodes-- Democratic candidate seeking the nomination to run for Judd Gregg's seat in the 2010 US Senate election. And, in targeting the present congressman from NH's 2nd District, he skewers him in fine fashion-- using his own words. The STEWARD mailpiece points the bony finger and calls Hodes what he is:

A Hypocrite on the AIG Scandal

Steward explains. Working off the above-noted March 18, 2009 statement by Hodes, the mailer shreds his supposed concern: 

Continue reading "Tausch Targets Hodes With New Mailer" »

Posted by Doug at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

A great place to start would be to send long-time Connecticut Senator Dodd packing, and this could be just the man to do it:

Visit his website at http://www.joinrobsimmons.com/ or you can also follow him on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/robsimmons

Posted by Doug at 7:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

US Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH)

Regular readers know that from time to time, we have been quite critical of Senator Judd Gregg's performance both as a Republican and as a supposed conservative. We're happy to note that in the short time since his flirtation with the Magic Obama, the Senator has regained his footing and has been as strong in his criticism of the proposed taxpayer-busting budget as anyone. This week, our senior Senator provided the Republican weekly radio address and provided some much-needed detail and words of caution regarding the Magic Obama's budget. I appreciate this, and would further add that, given Gregg's attempts at bipartisan cooperation with the Democrat-led Executive Branch, he has a degree of credibility on these fiscal issues that cannot be tagged simply as partisan rhetoric...

GREGG: Hello, I’m Judd Gregg , Senator from New Hampshire. We all know these are difficult times. People are worried about keeping their jobs, paying their bills, the value of their homes and the cost of sending their kids to college. It’s hard.

Thus I appreciate, as do all Americans, the efforts being made by our President and his seriousness about addressing these issues.

But what concerns many of us are his proposals in the budget he recently sent to the Congress that dramatically grow the size and cost of government and move it to the left.

It is our opinion that this plan spends too much, taxes too much and borrows too much.

You may have heard this before that the budget of the President spends too much, taxes too much and borrows too much.

What do we mean? Well, let me give you a few examples.

 

Continue reading "Judd Gregg: The budget of the President spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much."" »

Posted by Doug at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Following on the heels of Congressman Paul Hodes' announcement of his intention to seek the Democratic nomination for NH's US Senate seat (presently held occupied vacated in limbo thanks to Judd Gregg's imminent departure) in 2010, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has just released an ad in response:

Ah... I'm lovin' every minute of it! The endless campaign rolls on. I'm glad to see "our guys" are in the game.

Posted by Doug at 9:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)