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!