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GraniteGrok

Quick take – enthusiasm gap in Gilford

Turnout was actually pretty good in my town yesterday, Primary Day here in NH.  There was a contentious issue in this town of 7,400- the purchase of yet another fire truck, to replace an engine that seemed not to get the correct maintenance, at the cost of $500,000.  This was an issue that was voted down during the regular town meeting but the Spenders in town decided not only that a used truck was “just not good enough,” but that they weren’t going to listen to the will of the people, and got a judge to authorize a Special Town Meeting to vote on the issue again – the proverbial “second bite of the apple”.

It lost by 10 votes in reaching a 60% majority – so it is dead and gone until the next regular Town Meeting.  Good.  It may be nice to have the best of everything but there is a cost to be borne – and some in Town have no cares about those who cannot continue to match the taxes for their spending.

At the same time, however, it showed a real soft underbelly for the upcoming November election – at least in my town; there is an enthusiasm gap between the democrats and the Republicans. Here’s a quick chart of the races and a comparison of the turnout:

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Good going Obama (and your pernicious pack of Progressives!)

The Global Competitive Report fr 2012-2013 has bad news for the US – it seems that Obama’s policy of Determined Weakness is succeeding:

…This year’s Report features a record number of 144 economies, and thus continues to be the most comprehensive assessment of its kind. It contains a detailed profile for each of the economies included in the study as well as an extensive section of data tables with global rankings covering over 100 indicators. This Report remains the flagship publication within the Forum’s Global Benchmarking Network, which produces a number of research studies that mirror the increased integration and complexity of the world economy.

And where is the US in all this?  I would say that this is a big “Oopsies” bordering on “Major FacePalm” – am betting Obama and his cohort that dream of a de-industrialized US are beaming with pride (“status OK, everything proceeding as planned!”):

We used to be first.  Last year: 5th.  Now: 7th.  Given the economy and the way that the Obamanauts go about setting their industrial policy (as IF the Government is SUPPOSED to set that – oh wait, that was in the former USSR, right?  THAT worked out so spectacularly well, eh?), we should be surprised?

What did they measure and what were those items that is causing us to have a less free economy?

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Economic Dunce!

Oh, that’s right – he is the Blameless One! (H/T: Liberal Logic 101)

Mid afternoon voting turnout in Gilford…

Well, at midway through the afternoon, voting is light by many measure of general elections.  However, cast in the light of the 11% estimated Primary Day turnout, it seems that voting locally will exceed that estimate.  There is a contentious issue on the ballot – the Selectmen were very unhappy with the vote of the … Read more

LIVE blogging – Ovide Lamontagne Victory Party

We are at the Grappone Center in Concord, NH and starting to yak with folks.  Given that the other Groksters are out and about at the different event / parties / gatherings,  go see the live stream after the jump!

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GraniteGrok Endorsement – Other NH House races

Time is short, and I do wish that I had started this process earlier and that “life” hadn’t interfered so often lately.  However, we’ve been told “hey thanks for letting us know who is worth our votes” so it is well worth the time to do this.  It is also important that those we endorse  and would represent us (if they succeed in running) know  that we’ll be watching them.  “Would represent us” – as opposed to those that would want to rule us (even if, from their view point) even from the best of intentions.  Remember, it was Democrat NH House Representative Kris Roberts of Keene that truly expressed how Liberal ReProgressives view citizens of our fair State:

“Government has to protect us from our own stupidity.”

 And we saw that again this week down at the DNC Convention in Charlotte – video to be posted later.  The folks that we list here ARE worth your votes – and we ask for your votes for each and everyone of them!

Belknap County

  • District 5:  Guy Comtois
  • District 7:  Kevin Leandro, Colette Worsman, Bob Greemore, Herb Vadney

Coos County

Grafton County

  • District 3:  Greg Sorg
  • District 10:  Paul Mirski

Hillsborough County

  • District 4: William “Bill” O’Brien
  • District 7: John Burt
  • District 7:  Mark Warden
  • District 17: Tammy Simmons
  • District 21: Lenette Peterson, Jeanine Notter, and Phil Straight
  • District 27: Jordon Ulery

Merrimack County

  • District 3: Greg Hill
  • District 6: Jenn Coffey
  • District 8 Dan McGuire
  • District 8 Carol McGuire

Rockingham County

  • District 3: Dan Tamburello
  • District 9: Dan Itse
  • District 33: Tim Comerford
  • District: JR Hoell (Bow / Dunbarton)
  • District 17:  Pam Tucker

Strafford County

  • District 1: Warren Groen
  • District 11: Sue DeLemus
  • District 1 : Laura Jones
  • District 3: Bill O’Connor

Sullivan County

  • District 3; Spec Bowers

Also, Joe Barton, running for NH GOP Delegate in his town of Newarket

There are MANY more that we have not mentioned yet – if they are a self-described TEA Party, 9/12 Project member, or Liberty&Freedom in outlook, they are probably fine with us.  We may well be adding to this as well as go “Oh dear, we DID forget about this person and that person”

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Get “Used” to This – Part 2

Steve just posted about the “Death Panel” deciding that women don’t need as many mammograms as folks have had in the past (and forget PSAs for prostate cancer protection for men).  These expert wondertwits have decided, most likely, that the cost to Government is not worth it (you won’t mind, will you?).  The Left is all about the Imaginary War on Women by Republicans – let’s all remember that it was ONLY Regressive Democrats that voted and passed this pile of crap called Obamacare!  And now they are responsible for the new phrase “Just say NO! to mammograms!”

But wait! – they are turning to that wonder phrase of infomercials everywhere: “But WAIT!  There’s MORE!” (or NO, there is “no more”).  From Instapundit, we see that just having Govt control what Govt spends on healthcare is NOT ENOUGH!  NOW, these control freaks are talking about making illegal for YOU to spend more of your OWN money to keep yourself healthy :

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Jerry Thibodeau – interview from our endorsed Candidate for NH Executive Council, District 1

Normally WE are the ones that are doing the interviews – partly because we like to yak, partly because we like to yak with interesting people, and partly because, well, we like to yak.  And in interviews, we love to listen to what the interesting folks have to say.  Sadly, though, with real jobs and even more real lives with stuff that can be put off for only so long, time gets short.  Thus, getting all the interviews we’d like to doesn’t always work out as we’d like.

So, in this case, Jerry was on a public access show, New Hampshire Issues with Peter Martin, and has graciously sent this one over.  It goes, in total, just under an hour so I’ve chopped it up.  Part 1 here and the rest after the jump.

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New Hampshire Republicans for Freedom & Equality – without outside gay money, you’d have nothing!

Grokster Steve has the deserved outrage from Cornerstone here – they are claiming that $100K contribution to New Hampshire Republicans for Freedom & Equality from Peter Singer is an illegal contribution to this PAC.  My take is:  So, taking Big Bucks from the Big Time moderate is YOUR end to his means?  Or is this merely gay politics per usual under the guise of “a Republican flag”?

After all, way back in 2009, I pointed out that it was outside gay money that got civil unions and then gay marriage into NH. It was NEVER an ground swell for this generated organically in the State – it was planned years in advance with gay millionaire and billionaire shoveling cash to fundamentally transform (er, where have we heard THAT before??) NH.  Steve has also been all over this topic as well – the end justifies the means as long as the outside money cash was inbound  (as shown by prior posts here, here, here, here, HERE, here, here, here, and here).  Without that, gay marriage in NH was NOTHING but a fraud.  No outside money = never would have had a vote.

Still is.  From their website:

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GraniteGrok Endorsement – NH House District 8: Jane Cormier

Jane Cormier for NH House Belknap 8Lively doesn’t begin to describe  Jane Cormier , who is running for the NH House in Belknap 8 – (Alton, Barnstead, and Gilmanton)- to depose Democrat-running-as-Republican Peter Bolster.  Over the last couple of months, I have come to know Jane and know that she is scared for both her State and her Country; she sees the harm that Liberals / Progressives (actually, Regressives) in their attempts to move us all “forward” – but that direction forward is nothing more than moving away from our Constitutions that value Individual freedoms and liberty and back to the ancient paradigm of “we rule, you live with the decision we give you” aristocracy.

Our interview series with her (see after the jump) makes this abundantly clear and in our discussions with her afterwards, she has only confirmed that our feeling that she is a “real deal” Conservative that will better serve the long term benefit of NH citizens (versus Peter Bolster, who is aligned with the notion of Progressive Govt is one that will give you lots of “free” stuff – at the expense of your freedom to decide things for yourself.  Have any doubt?  Go here).

Also, see again her video “Mythology 101: The Imaginary War on Women“.

We fully endorse Jane for NH House in Belknap 8 and ask for your vote for her.

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GraniteGrok Endorsement – NH State Senate District 23, 11, and 29: Dennis Acton, Dan Dwyer, Phil Greazzo

As I said it my last post, it’s time to hurry up and get these out before it is too late.  In finishing up in the NH State Senate races, we are making two endorsements:

  • Reduce and eliminate burdensome taxes and regulations to create jobs here in NH.
  • Fight federal health care mandates and work for a system that puts the patient first.
  • Unlock the power of innovation to improve our schools. A skilled workforce attracts business.
  • Protect NH citizens & businesses from federal government overreach and abuse of power.

In each case, the individual is more empowered to make the decisions that best fits him or her, more freedom in education, and act as a barrier to those in government that believe that Government knows what’s best for us all – even when they don’t.

He will be taking on long term Liberal dinosaur Lou D’Allesandro in the general election.  Phil has performed well in the NH House on a variety of issues and has our full confidence that he is the person that will carry out the mission of rightsizing NH State Government and protecting NH taxpayers and their rights.

And a recommendation:

Yes, not quite to the level of a full out endorsement but we believe that Dan is a better choice for those most interested in enhancing individual liberty and freedoms which necessarily roll back the size and intrusion of NH State Government.  While the Senate did pass a fair amount of good legislation this past session, many of the grassroots were sorely disappointed by the many pieces of major legislation that did not pass or that was bottled up or tabled; we lay that at the feet of Dan’s opponent (who, btw, lost to Dan in the NH Young Republicans straw poll big time).

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GraniteGrok Endorsement – NH House District 7: Susan Olsen

Susan Olsen for NH HouseWe now switch our attention to the NH House and our first endorsement is for Susan Olsen.  We met via Smart Girl Politics / NH – she started to link up and comment on posts from GraniteGrok.  Since then, we have come to know this smart, determined lady and utterly dedicated to the premise that the best government is one that knows it bounds, respects the citizens that it should serve (vs the other way around), and will make sure that it will do those few tasks it should in a spectacular way.  Problem often is, Government agencies seem to have a far different view of that.

I pity them.

As I have said before, this is not the shy retiring type that most would mistakenly take her for – make no doubt, this is one lady whose calm, low voice  and drive eviscerates those that believe they can have the best of her.  We can stand easy knowing that this lady will be leading the rough politics needed to skewer the continued collectivistic attitudes of Progressives, Democrats, and RINOs of those that place their trust in Government instead of Individuals.

We fully endorse Susan for NH State Senate and ask for your vote for her.

We did do an interview series with Susan earlier this summer – please see it after the jump:

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Endorsements – Hillsborough 21 (Merrimack)

Steve picks his preferences for the NH House in Merrimack, (Hill Dist 21)The town of Merrimack (Hillsborough District 21) has been my home for 17 years.   And this year Merrimack (still) has eight house seats but ten Republican candidates running to fill them.   As a Conservative I feel compelled to select the eight who I feel will best represent the New Hampshire Republican Platform and the interest of my town and State as I view them.

So I’m no different than the rest of you, except that I may be paying a little bit more attention (maybe), I vote principle before party–though I will not bite off my own nose to spite my face, and my soap-box…well, it is just a little bit big bigger than that of the average voter.

So these are my personal endorsements for Hills-21, though I can assure you that my A-Team picks are all GranitGrok Worthy.

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Mythology 101: The Imaginary War On Women”

All we hear nowadays from the Left is that Republicans are waging a war on women; the logical fallacy of the premise escapes most of them (and those driving this meme merely smile behind closed doors): really, would even the Stupid Party really decide to wage a war on 51% of the US population?  Well, … Read more

GraniteGrok Endorsement – NH State Senate District 4: Phyllis Woods

Phyllis WoodsSometimes you like the stances that  politician has.  Sometimes, you may not like the stances but like the person.  In this case, I am happy to say that I get to do both!  I’ve known Phyllis Woods (running for NH State Senate in District 4) for a number of years now (since becoming politically active) and have found her to be a nice, thoughtful, caring lady with a spine of steel when it comes to standing tall.  Over the last few years, she has worked on to recruit other Conservative ladies to run for office, encouraging with help on issues, campaigns, and other details necessary to be successful.  She has been a constant face at Conservative events for years, lending her reputation, her presence, and (again) her encouragement to “the grassroots” in the Liberty & Freedom area as well. She is one of the hardest working folks I know – and she has been a mentor to me, at times, as well – always having a willing ear at the ready. She also has been a tireless worker within the Republican Party, having recently served as the RNC Committeewoman from NH (and helping to maintain NH’s stance as the First in the Nation Primary).

I can’t think of much in the way of issues in which the ‘Grok and she part ways (yes, there are always the little things, but in the grand scheme?).  Thus, it is easy for us to say:

We fully endorse Phyllis for NH State Senate and ask for your vote for her.

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Federal Government: Reduced to being an Entitlement Processor?

From the Wall Street Journal:

“In 2010 alone, government at all levels oversaw a transfer of over $2.2 trillion in money, goods and services. The burden of these entitlements came to slightly more than $7,200 for every person in America. Scaled against a notional family of four, the average entitlements burden for that year alone approached $29,000.

A half-century of unfettered expansion of entitlement outlays has completely inverted the priorities, structure and functions of federal administration as these were understood by all previous generations”

“.. approached $29,000“.  That is set against the average income of the American family around $54,000 – and it becomes easy to see why families are paying 50% of their income in taxes (or more) to all levels of government (local, county, state, and Federal).  Is this what the Founders wanted to create – families paying half of what they have labored for to fund Government?  I think not.

Is it really the role of Government to take care of us?  Or is it the role of Government to simply set a floor so that we can take care of ourselves? Or has something happened to our national psyche such that our formerly “con-do,  self-reliant” outlook has been reduced to a “take care of me!” mentality?  In looking at the chart, I fear that the answer is yes.  Have we gone from a general Society that depends on Individuals voluntarily banding together to solve problems in helping others to one where Individuals have outsourced that responsibility to Government?

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Just listen to his own words – nothing new….

One of the most devastating and humiliating things that can happen to a politician is to use their own words against them.  It’s rather easy to do nowadays – the Internet forgets NOTHING and the barrier to play this game is about zilch. “By their words, ye shall know them”

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