Ann Kuster, A Uniquely Unifying Candidate, Pt. III

by: Dean Barker

Thu Jun 24, 2010 at 08:22:34 AM EDT

Today, Ann Kuster is announcing the endorsements of Terry Shumaker and John Hutson, and that they will serve as her Advisory Committee Co-Chairs for International and Military Policy.  (I've got an early peek at the release, which I've put below the fold.)

First of all, having names that big to serve as foreign policy advisors for a first-time congressional run is something to behold all by itself.  Let that sink in for a little bit; the momentum and build-up of the Kuster campaign (which just announced their regional field directors a couple of days ago) continues to impress. At the risk of getting some friendly fire: has there been a more impressively run campaign on either side for any office in this state this cycle?

But more to the point. Admiral Hutson is a huge addition.  He was one of Obama's most important allies in 2008 in this state, representing the side of the military appalled at Bush's understanding of the Geneva Conventions.  His work on bringing us back from a nation of torturers can't be overstated.  And perhaps even more tellingly for the campaign, Hutson is a former Republican.  Once again, this speaks to Kuster's ability to bring together two camps who are far apart in perception, but in reality quite close together: today's Granite State progressives and yesterday's common sense Yankee Republicans.  This is something that drives today's fringe GOP crazy (and makes Team Bass nervous).  And it should, because it incorporates the people they chose to abandon in the era of the The Decider.  

As for former Ambassador Shumaker, this should put to rest the myth that the Kuster campaign is only centered among the Obama folks of '08.  Annie has received the support of lots of Clinton folks already, such as Molly Kelly and Ricia McMahon. Shumaker co-chaired Bill Clinton's 1992 and 1996 campaigns.  So what this tells me is that there is not some big division in NH between the Clinton Democrats of the 90's and the Obama folks of today, as some have hinted to me here and there.

Here are Parts One and Two of the "uniquely unifying" series.  

Kuster Names Admiral John Hutson and Ambassador Terry Shumaker As Advisory Committee Co-Chairs for International and Military Policy

CONCORD, NH - Congressional candidate Ann McLane Kuster today announced that former U.S. Rear Admiral John Hutson and former U.S. Ambassador Terry Shumaker will serve as senior advisors on international and military policy issues, in the volunteer role of Advisory Committee Co-Chairs  for International and Military Policy.

"We are fortunate to have experienced, respected leaders here in New Hampshire like Admiral Hutson and Ambassador Shumaker, and I am proud to turn to these two men and other experts for their thoughtful advice on critical foreign policy, military, and human rights issues that face our country," said Kuster.  "Unfortunately, our country's reputation around the globe was deeply scarred this past decade, and I look forward to receiving counsel from John, Terry, and others as I work to help President Obama strengthen America's global leadership."

"Annie will make an excellent member of Congress and be a strong representative for the people of our district," said Admiral John Hutson, who lives in Bow, NH.  "In this campaign, she has already displayed a serious approach to complex issues, like her thoughtful voice of warning against the rising costs of our engagement in Afghanistan.  She knows, as President Obama does, that our country can be safe and free at the same time, and she is committed to the importance of our country leading by example when it comes to human rights issues."

"Annie will approach foreign policy issues in Congress with the realistic pragmatism our country needs, consistent with the example set by our superb Secretary of State," said Ambassador Shumaker, of Concord, NH.  "One of the things I most admire about Annie is that like all good leaders she recognizes that she does not know everything about every issue, but through a lifetime of working with people across New Hampshire, she knows how to listen and where to turn for advice and counsel."

John Hutson served as Rear Admiral and former Judge Advocate General of the United States Navy, and currently works as Dean and President of the Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord, New Hampshire.   A longtime Republican, he publicly endorsed President Barack Obama, switched parties, and was a featured speaker at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.  He has testified repeatedly before the United States Congress, including in opposition to President Bush's appointment of Alberto Gonzales as the Attorney General of the United States.  Hutson has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (with three gold stars), Meritorious Service Medal (with two gold stars), Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal, and served as the Department of Defense Representative for Ocean Policy.

Terry Shumaker served as an United States Ambassador from 1997-2001 and as a Captain in the U.S. Army in the mid 1970s.  In addition to his firsthand experience executing U.S. foreign policy, he has a long history of leadership roles here in New Hampshire, including as Co-Chair of President Clinton's campaigns in 1992 and 1996, serving as a member of the Democratic National Committee, and working as Executive Director of the National Education Association of New Hampshire.  He was also appointed by President Clinton to serve as a Commissioner on the National Commission for Employment Policy.

Born and raised in Concord, Ann McLane Kuster has a long history as a community activist, author, public policy advocate, and attorney with deep roots in the Granite State.  She worked with New Hampshire colleges to help create the UNIQUE 529 College Savings Program to help families save for their children to attend college, and worked with a coalition of health care providers to help create the Medication Bridge Program that distributes free medication to New Hampshire families and seniors who cannot afford the high cost of prescription drugs.  She has served as a board member or advisor to the NH Charitable Foundation, the Trust for Public Lands, Child and Family Services of New Hampshire, the United Way, and many other community groups.