Greener Pastures?

You may know by now that I am sorta obsessed with the next phase of the New Hampshire primary. No, not so much the national nomination process (I'm bored with that). But rather, what happens to everyone who invaded my state, or those locals who seem to put their lives on hold or their political (or academic) careers on the line for a candidate, party, or press.

First I watched the invaders, mostly through Facebook stalking, I'm afraid. A bunch of them went on to other campaigns for US Congress, mostly. Some went on to Washington DC where I hope to visit them soon. A few are traveling, taking time to reevaluate, or just catching up on sleep. Some went back to their parents' home.

Now, I'm on to the Granite Staters. Looks like the thing to do around here for the natives is to start your own political consulting firm.

First that I was aware of was Steve Marchand, former Mayor of Portsmouth who was a Richardson supporter. He was going to run for US Senate, but he dropped out when Jeanne Shaheen jumped in. And he threw himself behind her & her campaign, and is working for her now while starting up his new firm, The Marchand Group.

Just this week, WMUR's Scott Spradling did the same thing. Spradling was the station's Political Director. As reported on PolitickerNH:

As the station's political director he has moderated political debates at every
level including nationally televised presidential debates. He was also granted
the first oval office interview with George W. Bush. In a state were a political
press secretary's day can be defined on whether or not WMUR covered their event,
it was Spradling call whether to send a camera.

But I think the biggest success story is Brian Lawson, the Saint Anselm College student who founded & ran NH Prez Watch from his dorm room. He's made a name for himself in the state, and is now a full-fledged political journalist at PolitickerNH. His story is every college career counselor's dream--do what you love, network, play nice, and you can make it happen.

So, this is what I learned: you make the inroads, get to know the movers & shakers in your own backyard (or adopted state). Then you sell out or cash in as the case may be, and hang out your own shingle.