2010 is in Full Swing

Well, I hope you enjoyed your year off, because the 2010 cycle in New Hampshire has begun in earnest.  I told you things here in the Granite State were starting to pick up!

A few weeks ago, I was in the parking lot of a WalMart when a cell phone call came in from an unknown number.  It was a Facebook-friend Jack, and since I only friend people I know, I was really curious about what he wanted.  Jack is a fellow poster on Blue Hampshire, and he is much more active than I am.  turns out he was calling to invite me to a blogger get-together with Congressman Paul Hodes, who is running for Judd Gregg's Senate seat in 2010.  Sure, why not. 

Although it was a rainy fall day and the event was moved inside, it was still wonderful.  I left the kids at home and went alone--a bigger undertaking for me than it should be, but I am after all an introvert.  Incidentally, I think most new media types are.  We can be all "out there" on our own terms, without having to expend the energy to open our mouths or make eye contact.  It was nice to recognize a few friendly faces when I pulled in, none-the-less.

Anyway I was expecting this to be somewhat like the blogger/new media shin-dig I participated in with Elizabeth Edwards, back in the day (Nov. 2007), so I prepped myself for conversations about the blogosphere (not that I ever really ask questions).  But it ended up being more like a plain old house party, with good food, a quick stump speech by the candidate, and a little entertainment.  I was relieved and a bit proud of myself that I can at least follow along quite well now; the wonky stuff doesn't go over my head nearly as much as it might have two or three years ago.  Funny...when I decided to start this blog, I wanted to demonstrate how accessible politics were in New Hampshire for the average voter who seeks to be more engaged.  That, and I had the goal of getting into a house party.  Now, I guess, I need to set higher goals for myself.

The stump speech hit all the right notes: his support of the "robust" public option being the most important.  I liked Paul Hodes immediately and he had a good handshake.  It was clear that he was among friends, as he could be as direct and blunt as he wanted.  I can see why he works for NH CD 2; he was dressed casually and looked like this is his preferred mode.  He's a regular guy.  He doesn't have to try to be folksy.  New Hampshire likes that.  I like that he has a law degree, too, and is still "regular." 

The frosting on this cake came in the end.  Congressman Paul Hodes, as promised, picked up a guitar, and his wife "Peggo" started singing.  I was digging around for my camera, so I heard her before I saw her.  What a voice!  And, I have to add, what fabulous shoes!

I learned the next day that, Kelly Ayotte (R), our former State Attorney General, made it official that she is running for the same Senate seat.  While the NH GOP will have a primary, it seems like she has been annointed by the RNSC and NH GOP establishment as their next best great white hope. 

The battle has been joined.

Warming Up for 2010

Howdy, Strangers!  Have you been wondering where I went?  Well, nowhere, but I'm back.

Like everyone, ordinary folks in NH were happy to take a year off from heavy duty state politics for 2009, but that doesn't mean anyone has been asleep at the wheel, by any means.  The state is getting used to its new declaration as "solidly blue," and candidates are exploring and filing, one by one.  Like everywhere else, the state GOP is rutterless and idealess, but the Dems are organized and ready for the next campaign. 

Things are already heating up here for 2010, and by extension, 2012. 

A few weeks ago, my Primary Pal Laurie McCray invited me to a small fundraiser for Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter.  It was held in Laurie's gorgeous home in Portsmouth, NH, and was just a little coffee and muffin get-together with Carol, with a special plea for donations.  Her new opponent is the current Mayor of Mancherster NH, but the bigger worry is really Sununu the Elder who using what connections he has from his past to smear Carol whenever he can.  That plus our own fair share of right wing nut jobs & so-called Tea Baggers are making things a bit challenging these days for the rational, reasonable person.

In case I have never made it clear: My Congresswoman is amazing.  I don't expect to agree 100% with any elected official, and I pick the ones I want to support based not only on how close they get to 100%, but also on their personalities & style.  She scores pretty darn close to 100% all the time.  She's darn near perfect for me: supports a public option for health care, wants to repeal DOMA, believes in choice.  She's a dream come true for those of us who suffered under Jeb for too long!  And she's so gosh darn real.  I will be working very hard this election cycle to make sure Carol still represents me and CD#1 in the future.

Some fun things are coming up in the near future, too.  First is a family/work trip to Washington DC.  I am attending the Liaison Advisory Board meeting of The Washington Center, and plan to do a site visits of my awesome UNH students now interning in DC.  But before that, we've got some family fun planned at the National Zoo, and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. 

In the distant future--well, December--I have tickets for the NHDP Jefferson/Jackson Dinner, which is featuring a keynote by President Bill Clinton! My polical junkie pal Colleen and I are going together, and I can't wait.  Maybe I will get to see some of the Blue Hampshire folks whom I know by screenname only, in person.  In my head, this will be the kick-off, rally the troops event for the 2010 cycle.  Bring it on!

NH Passes Marriage Equality Bill

I've been meaning to post something here so long, just to keep things alive and active. I'm still here!! Sorry to disappoint. Here are some highlights of life and politics in New Hampshire lately:

Gay Marriage Passes the NH Senate! While it's not a done deal, it's much closer to done than I ever expected. If truth be told, I have never been an activist for gay marriage. During the last election cycle, while I was psyched that NH Freedom to Marry endorsed my guy, I was very adamant in stating that I could never be a one issue (LGBT) voter. With the amazing list of horrible things our country and our leaders are facing growing exponentially (pandemics, unemployment, climate crisis, wars, terrorism), fighting for marriage rights seemed selfish to me. I would tell anyone who asked that I cared more about poverty and lack of health care than about getting married. So, I am, admittedly, late to this party.

About two weeks ago, I took a day off from work to take my twins, now 6, to the NH State House to hear some of the public hearing regarding HB 436. It was fun to be out & active again, to see some familiar faces and all that. But I wasn't expecting the nastiness, and had to leave so as to not expose my children to some truly bone-chilling testimony. At least I exposed them to the State House and the process, and we had a very fun adventure.

The State Senate Judiciary Committee, sadly, voted not to support the bill, but in true Granite State fashion, every bill reaches the floor for vote, and nothing can ever be killing in committee. (cue School House Rock "I'm sitting in committee...") I love that! So, on Wednesday, the State Senate finally voted. I was unable to attend on such short notice, but I was lucky enough to have found a new UNH College Dem who was live-Tweeting from the scene. Got nothing done all day as I flitted between Facebook (for status updates), Blue Hampshire (for live blogging), and Twitter. Facebook won, thanks to a post from NHDP Ray Buckley at 2:22pm that said "Ray Buckley wants you to know that the NH Senate just passed marriage equality by 13-11." It was David, my new College Dem pal, who informed me of the technicalities: back to the House to approve amendments before passing the bill on to Gov. Lynch. But still, a huge hurdle was passed. Wow!

Everyone I know was frantically researching to see how their Senator voted, and to see if the next email was to be a thank you note or not. For most of us here on the Seacoast, it was a thank you note. Since I personally know my senator, Amanda Merrill (who used to work upstairs from me), I got a quick and personal reply of appreciation for my thank you. A few days later, she sent out a mass-reply to everyone who had written, less personal and much more formal, emphasizing how this bill is respectful of religious differences and protects religious freedom:

"The bill provides equal access to marriage for New Hampshire couples, regardless
of gender. The legislation also clarifies that marriage may be solemnized
in a civil ceremony or a religious ceremony, and affirms that no one shall be
required by law to officiate at a marriage in violation of his or her right to
free exercise of religion. The amended version of the legislation was
accepted by the majority of senators after hours of public testimony and
personal reflection upon the correspondence we received from all corners of the
state. "

So, back to the House then on to Gov. Lynch. I'm not worried about the House and I don't think anyone is. My State Rep is UNH Prof. David Watters, who lives down the street from me and someone I see frequently in the UNH MUB. (I really do love our citizen legislature.) My prediction is that Gov. Lynch will not veto. He released a cryptic statement right after the vote, which talked about federal recognition of civil unions and marriage. So, my prediction is now official...we'll see how this one goes!

Since my political junkiness is more of a national level, the question rolling around in my head is how will this effect the 2010 Senate race, and the next presidential primary cycle!? If both Iowa and NH--firsts in the nation--are both places where the elected legislature voted in favor of gay marriage how will a candidate who opposed it manage the message here vs. their national message. Oh, I love this stuff!

One last note: I'm still loving following The Blogette. She's the only sane Republican left on Earth! Meghan: Please come to UNH next year.

NH is Center Stage Again!

Oh wow, what a weekend.  I'm BAAAaack!

On Friday evening, I dragged my pal & fellow junkie Colleen out into the frigid night, to go to the Dover Dems' Second Annual FDR Dinner.  I want to get more involved, but the real reason I wanted to go was to schmooze and hear the Judd Gregg possible Cabinet appointment gossip.  Plus I learned that the guest speaker would be Dr. Jill Silos, whom I know from my days as Residence Hall Director at UNH when she was first working on her PhD.  Well worth the $12.

It was a very small venue, and a small crowd.  I'd say less than 50: a few UNH Dems, plus state reps, our State Senator Many Merrill, and other committee members.  Colleen immediately spotted Senator Jeanne Shaheen chatting with old friends while her husband Billy was working on a plate of spaghetti.  Senator Shaheen was wearing a very cool purplish suit and fabulous pointy-toes black boots.  She was informal in the company of old friends; Dover is Bill's home turf.  When she stepped up to give some quick remarks, she was still informal.  She told stories about the Inauguration, and Senate Orientation, with Billy yelling from the back, "Tell them the story about the guy from Nigeria!"  

The Shaheens didn't stick around after that, but the event was still wonderful.  Jill was an appropriate mix of reverence & irreverence.  But, there was no real gossip regarding Gregg to be had.  

That is, until today (Sunday). It's looking more likely that Gregg will be nominated tomorrow.  Blue Hampshire has been full of speculation and theories (will Gregg accept??  who will be appointed to replace him??), some lighthearted, some confused, and some angry.  But today HuffPo has a story stating that NH Gov. Lynch is considering Bonnie Newman for a replacement senator.  Wow.

Bonnie has a long & impressive resume.  But one of the parts I like best is that she's the former Dean of Students at UNH, and was an interim president for us a few years back.  She was a fabulous president--got along well with all constituents, was visible, got to know students, and also valued the staff (we are often 2nd fiddle to faculty).  She'd be a friend to USNH and higher education in the Senate, and I really like that.  She personally hired the woman who proceeded me in my job, and they remain good friends.

I do also like her personal qualities: a woman, and a MODERATE Republican.  Obama is clearly making a place at the table for reasonable & smart moderate Republicans, and not the right-wing nut jobs.  Lynch would follow suit.  I like that a lot.  I like the old NH-style repubs a whole lot more than I like the Sarah-Palin wingnut religious fanatical type.

Stay tuned; this could be interesting!

Oh Happy Day: 1/20/2009

I can certainly not even begin to put into word the feelings about today. So I think right now I won't even try. Just Happy Inauguration Day to anyone who's checking out my site.

What a long road this has been. I couldn't be more pleased with the results. More than once this morning, I have been moved to tears, and nothing official has even happened yet.


Several of the UNH College Dems, many former staffers and press I met during this cycle, and many colleagues from TWC are in DC today, among the throngs taking in this historic day. To them: Be safe, and have a wonderful wonderful time. You have earned this day of celebration.



As for me, I will be sitting warmly among the other UNH staffers in the MUB, watching on the large screen TV and pretending to be working. If I'm able, I might do some live blogging here or on BH. I might be too choked up to type.

First Day Jitters

Yes, I am still here. Not much to report other than ice and snow in NH, until this week that is!!

Welcome back! And so, it begins. Yesterday was the swearing in of the 111th Congress, which included Senator Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH! I watched the silly ceremony on C-Span with two colleagues during our lunch hour, in a very empty UNH MUB. We did plenty of heckling and commentary, but I have to admit I was rusty. It's been a few months. Anyway, it was nice to see a few women in the mix, but oh the US Senate is amazingly white!

Senator Shaheen looked great. No scarf, thank goodness. We all predicted green, but she wore a reddish/maroon jacket that was a good color for her. I read on Blue Hampshire a few days back that she's the first woman in the US to be both a state governor AND a US Senator. Go NH!!

Quote of the Day comes from Politico's Shenanigans:

“Like the first day of middle school, except no cool Trapper Keepers and the
dorks have the best lunch tables.”— A freshman House COS on yesterday’s “first
day”