(Ed Naile, Chair of Coalition of NH Taxpayers)
Well, as I had I posted here, and Steve has started on, the ‘Grok went to the CNHT picnic today (Tom showed up as well, TMEW helped out with the Flip Cam, and poor Tim was feeling left out as there was no WiFi or ‘Net connection).
Ed opened up the picnic with some pithy words (videos will be coming later on) and was followed by most of the higher profile candidates coming to Hillsborough’s American Legion hall. However, truth be told, this is a PICNIC and not a campaign rally for any Party or Candidate – it IS the place, however, for Conservative activists to assemble each and every year – almost an "Old Home Day" for the Right in NH.
Sure, this year many of the activists ARE active in helping out campaigns (or running for office themselves) – but that’s what activists do – be active (and it is great sport for me to watch who is helping or working for whom or what. Sometimes, the head goes up and down and sometimes it is a raised eyebrow with a "WHAT? Really?")
The main speaker was NH’s own PJ O’Rourke who caught the crowd’s attention (that’s saying something with this assemblage!)
More pix after the jump!
Brett Bosse served as the MC for day:
Certainly, non-politicians were present in force: former NH Senator, George Lovejoy, Chair of the NH Advantage Coalition, spoke as well.
Ann Marie, who has become an Education go-to-lady and writes for GraniteGrok on an occasional basis was there representing, well, those that want better Educational standards, more choice, and better curriculum:
Jane is one of the driving forces behind CNHT and a lot of other organizations:
Howard Dilworth, budget reading and teaching whiz ( a former Chair of the Hudson Budget Committee), also spoke to the crowd (H/T: Steve H for some "info correction"!):
Happy warrior, Mike Castaldo was there (helping out the Jim Bender campaign):
Long term activist Paul Mirski was taking in the speeches and making the "friend rounds":
And more folks working for the campaigns:
And of course, the candidates were there – and no, I didn’t get pics of all of them. Jack Kimball (NH Governor) was one:
Jennifer Horn (US Congress, CD-2) was there:
Bill O’Brien (Speaker of the NH House) was talking with NH Senator Dave Boutin (re-election):
John Hikel (NH House) yakking with Andy Sanborn (NH Senate):
Mark Warden (NH House):
Heh! If I had to pick taking either Jim Bender’s (US Senate) picture or his much better other half – well Jim – you lose! Sue – his graceful better half!
Rich Ashooh (US Congress, CD-1) was there, and having just come in from the outside where it was pouring, we shared the obligatory "all wet" joke (yes, I could not help myself):
Peter Bearse (US Congress, CD-1) also talked:
Dennis Lamare (US Senate):
Sure, there were LOTS of others, but today, I decided that I wanted to schmooze a bit too. Thanks for all that came over to say hi at the ‘Grok Lounge at CNHT!
Sigh…videos are next…
