Out in Left Field

There wasn't much going on for the recent primary on the Dem side of things, so I haven't had much to chew on.  But the morning after, I was listening to Dante on NHPR as I always do for election results, and something he said has stuck with me.  He was talking about Annie Kuster's 71% win over Katrina Swett in the NH CD 02 Democratic primary.  Now neither woman is new to NH politics, but Katrina had much greater name recognition, as both the daughter of and wife of former Congressmen and a former candidate herself.  He got my attention when he said, "Kuster put together the best campaign in NH this election cycle.  It had everything"...meaning: money, passion, and a great, grassroots field organization.  That was quite a compliment, and it stuck in my head. What did Annie have and how can it be replicated?

Shortly thereafter, and very randomly, a UNH student who pens a political column for our campus paper, TNH, posted a request for ideas on his Facebook page.  Kaitlyn Dowling, former UNH Dems president and current intern in DC with Rock The Vote, stated one simple idea that he should tackle:  "The importance of grassroots in fostering democracy, and the right's lack of field."

The topic popped up a third time, in the form of conversation at my house party for State Senator Amanda Merrill.  Turnout was small, and mostly political junkies, so we all just hung out on my patio and talked shop.  Mandy explained the NH Executive Council to me (finally, I get it!), then was asking questions of me and the UNH students in attendance.  I was telling her all about the interns I send to DC, and how I have to use different recruitment tactics to recruit students from the left vs. the right.  In doing so I came to this conclusion: Today's NH Democrats are really good at genuinely mentoring youth who in turn become their very loyal, very dedicated field staff.

Three points make a data set.  That's what my physicist friend Prof. Martina Belz Arndt likes to say.

Someone once told me that working on the Shaheen for Senate campaign was wonderful because Jeanne is a former field staffer, so she "gets it."  But, what makes a good field organization?  I looked to my two favorites:  Carol Shea-Porter and Annie Kuster, both excellent examples of the "under the radar" approach.  Old school knocking on doors and calling your neighbors.  Letters to the editor of small, local, print newspapers.  Hand written post cards and house parties at the homes of average, middle class community leaders and regular people.  Viz in your own downtown, waving to your neighbors and friends as they go about their Saturday errands.  Hanging out at the town recycling center.  It's not very glamourous, and it cannot be delegated. But clearly it can be the game changer when you are up against big out-of-state money, celebrity candidates, and national endorsements.  Small donations vs. huge PAC contributions.  Local newspaper endorsements vs. TV ads.  Inclusion vs. exclusivity. Investing in youth vs. top-down. 

Left vs. Right.

In New Hampshire, all politics is still local.

My Next Senator

Here's what I learned about Paul Hodes when I heard him speak last night in Dover NH:

• He has good taste in women's earrings
• He's learning to play the mandolin
• His first professional job interview was the David Souter
• He used to work for Shaheen & Gordon

Paul is currently the Congressman for NH-02, and is running for Senate to replace Senator Gregg.  He doesn't have a Democratic primary, but there are a jillion people running in a Republican primary which is taking place very soon.  A small community event was held in Dover last night at the McConnell Center, so I went to hear what he had to say and see who would come out.  It was a nice way to easy back into election season.

I learned other, more relevant things, about Paul as well, but you can probably find those during any Google search. I prefer the more interesting things, for this blog anyway.  Oh, and his wife Peggo has great shoes, once again!  I of course liked what I heard, but when it comes time to volunteer for a campaign, I have to admit that Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter has first dibs on my time.

Anyway, I sat at a table with a woman named Doris who is on Dover City Council AND is running for State Rep.  And, she's not even retired!  She teaches at SNHU part-time, as well.  Pretty impressive, and illustrative of how accessible politics can be in NH. 

As an aside, I have to say I love it that both my State Rep and my State Senator know me by first name (bother were in attendance last night).  I'm thinking of hosting a small house party for my State Senator, Amanda Merrill, in the fall.  Her campaign director is a former student/intern of mine and former President of the UNH College Dems, Brittany Weaver.  How could I say no to her?

Palin & PPP Poll

Since former Gov. Palin stuck her nose into the NH Senate race seemingly uninvited, it appears that I'm not the only one wondering what her true intentions are, and what her chances would be in a NH Primary race.  Salon.com has this great piece (h/t to BH as usual).  And a new poll is showing that she's running fifth in NH.  I do like those numbers.

While I want to see her join the race sheerly for the spectacle of it all, I am reassured that my need for an exciting and entertaining race won't come back to bite me!

Early Action, Iowa v. New Hampshire

My dear old friends and colleagues, Kevin & Julie, are visiting from Iowa this week.  I was so happy to see them again; if it weren't for Julie I'd never understand the caucus system.  Naturally, I couldn't wait to corner Julie ask her if any presidential potentials have been showing up at small GOP events around the state, like Rudy's surprise visit-gimmick at the PHS graduation in June.  From what she has seen, nothing yet.  Of course, no one in the room knew that anyone was showing up in NH either, so I am still wondering about Iowa.

But there's no doubt action is picking up in NH:  Santorum is coming to NH to fundraise, supposedly, and tour TURBOCAM International in Barrington (a very successful, Christian-based tech business next door to Dover NH).  If they have a Google Alert on their name, well, howdy neighbors!  Welcome to my blog.

Half way through Game Change, still enjoying it.  Stay tuned for a full review.

Palin: The Gift That Keeps Giving

This is so TOTALLY New Hampshire...

I'm no fan of the Manchester Union Leader, but today I actually got a good laugh out of it.  Seems that the editors don't take kindly to Governor Palin poking her head into our business, telling Granite Staters who to vote for, when she's only been here once.  And on page one, above the fold no less! Butt out, basically.

So, 2012 contenders on both sides of the aisle should take note.  That's just how it works here.  Don't get all chummy and act like you know New Hampshirites.  You don't, especially if you are a candidate who hasn't spent much time here.  We are very full of ourselves, but I would like to think that most voters wouldn't like to be told by out-of-state pols what to do.  Ayotte's entire campaign seems to have been managed by outsiders from the start, and I'm guessing that the message was intended to tell her that the opponents aren't the only ones who think this is not cool.

Confession:  I am finally getting around to reading Game Change.  I started it today while at the beach (not this beach).  I'm loving it so far, and reliving some fond memories.  It reminded me how much I love NH Primary Politics, and how much I am looking forward to 2012.  But it's also serving to remind me how crucial NH & Iowa really are, whether you like it or not.

(Note on the link: I'd rather not link to the MUL if I don't have to, and HuffPo was my first source, so they get the link.)

Palin Endorses Ayotte in NH Senate Race!

Sarah says Kelly is a "Granite Grizzly".  Please tell me this means she's going to come to NH.  Pretty please!

The comments on Blue Hampshire regarding this are rather humorous.  But one linked to a new site I hadn't heard of, so I had to click.  Check it out:  Miscellany Blue.  Looks like my kinda blog!  Enjoy.

Told Ya...

I love how this always seems to work out for me.  I post a random rambling, something that has been stewing around in my head but I have absolutely no facts to support it, other than my gut, to make the case.

Then voila, the interwebs provide me with plenty of support to prove I'm not just making things up.  Two cases in point:

1. Further evidence that New Hampshire Republicans are not to be confused with Bible Belt Repubs.   Turns out that NH is the least god-fearing state in the union.  Drop dead last.  Add this to my growing list of things for which NH is either #1 or #50.  And furthering the argument that we just cannot be mediocre; we always have to be best or worst, FIRST or dead last!  (For the record, you will also see at this link that NH is #1 in alcohol sales, which may or may not be related to our godlessness.  Personally, I think it has more to do with our state run liquor outlet stores on the borders with MA and ME.)
2. Then, folks in Iowa make the same point I made a few days ago, about feeling entitled to some face time with potential candidates. Being first may be a privelige, but it's also a huge responsibility. Granite Staters and Iowans do not take this task lightly.  Sarah Palin, beware!

Just sayin'.

Hello, Blogosphere...remember me?

I have been MIA on FRS, but I'm still here in the Granite State, waiting for 2012 to kick into high gear.  Every once in a while, something small pops on my radar screen, like Rudy showing up at Portsmouth High School's graduation, or Dante being quoted making some speculations.  A few names have been bubbling around, and a few appearances at small town events are sure to pop up this summer.  But it's really not enough to get my heart pumping just yet.

What I am really waiting for is a visit from Sarah Palin.  Loyal readers will know I am no fan of the former Governor of Alaska, but I am oddly fascinated with her career, and her popularity (fascinated like the way people stare at train wrecks).  I fully intend to see her in person if the opportunity presents itself, and will be sure to report on everything from her shoes to her sentence structure. 

I'm going to put out my prediction for Sarah now, just to have it on the record so I can hopefully say I TOLD YOU SO! She will NOT do well in New Hampshire, and if she's smart (ha!) or her staff does their homework (ha ha!) she will not even attempt to enter the primary.  No, it's not wishful thinking because truthfully, it would be a whole lot more fun for me if she does run. 

My number one reason for predicting her failure in NH is this: every candidate's staff spends a lot of time on the ground trying to gain endorsements--aka grovelling--from our 400+ citizen legislators, state senators, local newspaper editorial boards, local party organizations, unions, non-profits, and grass-roots organizations.  If the staff is successful, then the next step is some quality candidate access.  Seriously, can you see  her sitting down with the editorial board of Portsmouth Herald or Concord Monitor to answer policy questions??  She'd need to have house parties that are somewhat public, or policy forums, or town halls.  And she's have to take questions, both from the public AND the press...and ANSWER THEM.  And not just questions about dressing moose or being a hockey mom.  May the gods help her if she tries to plant questions at a New Hampshire town hall meeting!

My other reason, though secondary, is still a very strong one.  Her brand of conservatism is not the same as that of what's left of the NH GOP.  NH Republicans are not part of the religious right, and they are fairly well educated.

So, who DOES stand a chance in NH?  It think Mitt will be back and will be stronger, if only because he the benefit of name recognition (meaning he may be the least of all evils).  Barbour, Jindal, Huckabee, Pawlenty??  Fourth of July parades are coming up, followed closely by Labor Day events.  I expect to get a bit busier as the summer of 2010 progresses. 

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”

Only In New Hampshire

File this story under "You Can't Make This Stuff Up!"

It's too good to just post the link, so here's the full text from the Union Leader:

DOVER, N.H. (AP) -- There's been some sort of confrontation between two notorious New Hampshire inmates in Dover.

Officials say Gary Dodds and Leeland Eisenberg were involved in a jailhouse altercation on Friday.

Dodds is the former congressional candidate convicted of faking his own disappearance and Eisenberg is the man who held volunteers hostage in Hillary Clinton's Rochester campaign office.

Eisenberg says Dodds hit him in the face, but investigators say it's too early to say exactly what happened.

Strafford County Attorney Tom Velardi says there's a preliminary report of an act that could be charged under state law as an assault. A sheriff's department investigator plans to interview both men on Monday.

Eisenberg told WMUR-TV in a phone interview that it started as a "silly conversation" about who appoints certain county officials.

"He was asking me questions about the structure of the county government. ... I gave him the answers," Eisenberg said. "He didn't like the answers, he started taunting me and teasing me."

Is this how I will keep myself busy until 2012 candidates start coming, in 2010?  Pathetic!

Update: Foster's has a nice twist on the story, even better than the UL!  

Change Agent

Were you wondering, like I was, how the transition to a new, Presidential brand was going to be managed, or how the old candidate-Obama brand would be replaced.  Wonder no more.  Introducing www.change.gov.  

Brilliant.  There's even a jobs section.  Nice touch, since as of Friday there are hundreds of unemployed community organizers who are chomping at the bit to work in the Obama Administration. 

The Day After

Let the post-mortem begin!  A few weeks ago, Colleen had the brilliant idea to watch the documentary The War Room, about the 1992 Bill Clinton victory.  All throughout, we wondered aloud what was really being said and one behind the scenes in the current campaigns, and were eager to get past the election to learn the real story.  

Voila: Newsweek comes through again.  And we can't wait.  If these early snippets are any testement, this should be juicy.  This is the stuff I love!!  I am so very eager to read more about how rogue Palin really went, who bought what to wear when, and of course, and all that truly useless political gossip.  

Other Monday morning quarter-backing: HuffPo has a final word on the brilliance of Obama's 

branding, which you know I love.  I'm wondering if, in the effort to begin appearing Presidential, we will see all these logos disappear...like Houdini 

magic.  ;-)

And, in a final, full-circle kind of way, my old pal from the days of the NH Primary, Susie, sent me a link to this photo.  It's from an Edwards Town Hall event in Dover in the summer of 2007.  We got there early, and I was letting the twins run around as the advance staff set up shop, until they became absolutely out of control and had to be reigned in.  This campaign has lasted almost 2/3rds of my kids' lives!  

Now what?  Well, it shouldn't be long until local small town Republican community groups start holding their own meetings in the living rooms of Concord, testing the waters for 2012.  

For once, I'm in no hurry for that.

Good Morning, America!

Well, what a difference a day makes!

Greetings from Blue Hampshire!  Is there anything I can say, without getting choked up?  Quite a night last night!

My party was small but spirited.  We never managed to get cable worked out, so we stuck with the NH ABC affiliate mostly, so we could check in on all the state & local races, and supplemented with three laptops.  New Hampshire is now very solidly blue, and we are very psyched for Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter and Senator-Elect Jeanne Shaheen!

In my household, much of the talk of the night was fashion-related.  The shiny blue suit seemed to be all the rage for women:  Carol Shea-Porter, Jennifer Horn (R, who lost NH CD2), and Sarah Palin!  Is shiny the new wool??  

Now, onto the Obama women.  What the HELL was Michelle thinking??  She's so striking and attractive, but that dress was hideous.  It did not flatter her one bit.  Lucky for her, my eyes were on Sasha & Malia.  I LOVE that they always coordinate colors with each other & their mom.  Sasha's dress was adorable.  She's such a spit-fire.  I can't wait to see pictures of her and her new White House puppy.

And, someone please send me a link with a close up picture of their matching necklaces!!  Are they new?  They look to be in the shape of an O.  Is it the Obama Symbol??  When did they get them??

So this morning, I can't look at any pictures of any non-Caucasian person or child without crying.  I loved the shots of Huffington Post of the celebration in Kenya, or the kids from Obama's former schools in Indonesia and Hawaii.

This is truly a global victory.  

Anyone up for a roadtrip to the Inauguration??

Evening Election Edition: 6:00pm

Just after that last post, things got a little hectic.  2pm was database-switch time.  Canvassers were called back, and new voter lists were distributed that would show only those who hadn't voted yet.  They were probably accurate as of noon or 1pm, so to me it didn't seem worth the chaos it caused as we had to swap out lists but keep maps and other info in the canvasser packs.  Just as I was packing up to leave at 3pm, I heard someone lament..."Good, that went ok.  And, we will do it all again at 5pm."  

I got home in time to start some decorating and cleaning.  Sure enough at 4pm a canvasser walked by.  He gave me the thumbs up and I tried to save him the walk to the end of the street by telling him the neighbor's already voted.  At 6pm the phone rang, and I laughed as I reported, "yes, we voted already!"  I've always said that Obama has the superior ground game, but now it's a little bit of overkill. We're all ready for the craziness to stop, and the polls to close.  

Two more hours.  Let's REALLY get this party started!  (How do you like our dessert??)

OK, so an update from Colleen at the office around 5:30pm:  database refresh at 5pm was cancelled and all hands on deck for GOTV phone calls to Dover, Rollinsford, and surrounding area, due to lower than expected voter turn out so far.  

Midday Update: Election Day 2008

Midday update from Durham/UNH NHDP HQ:

We've got so many vols here that parking is getting to be an issue.  The office is in a small plaza with a grocery store, Rite Aid, two banks and a few other small businesses.  Since we are adjacent to the university, the businesses usually get an "after work rush,' starting around 3:30pm.  Too many vols isn't much to complain about at all, so a bunch of us who work at UNH moved our cars onto campus lots to keep the community happy.

My job so far has been to give out canvasser packets as vols come in, and pass the people down the line to get instructions and materials to hit the road.  The message is just this: VOTE.  They are only hitting known supporters and keeping it short & sweet.  A few neighbors close to campus have been complaining about too much attention, so now I'm sending vols further afield. 

In a slow moment earlier, I did data entry as well.  The fancy system of entering voter IDs by cell phone seemed to be overwhelmed by 11am, so we had to enter the ID of folks who've

 already voted directly by hand.  Not difficult at all, and I nice diversion.

As I said, the place is crowded, and while there is enthusiasm and good energy, it's calm.

  Confident.  Even the two women in charge aren't frazzled or exhausted-looking.  The food here is great.  I bought some of my less-attractive Obama cupcakes (photo to come), and there is a huge table of donated goodies, lots of healthy choices, and around noon a yummy shipment of pasta alfredo arrived, in individual containers.  Rumor has it that it was supplied by the campaign.  Thanks, donors!

At 2pm our gears will shift here, and new canvass packets will be printed off & readied for going out. Those who have voted already will be purged, just to keep on the GOTV theme.