Statement from NHDP Chair Regarding the Resignation of Kelly Ayotte

Deep thought: (4.00 / 6)

speaking of party chairs, do you think Pater Sununu has realized yet that Judd Gregg has taken over as party chair?

birch, finch, beech

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by: Dean Barker @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 13:33:48 PM CDT

Great point (4.00 / 1)

Judd, you usurper!

I guess Sununu pere has deniability, because he can say he's just staying above the fray, but I think you nailed it.

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by: JimC @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 13:36:38 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Any hot air balloon (4.00 / 5)

can stay above the fray.

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by: GreyMike @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 13:38:59 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Analysis by Jynifur Dawnawho needed (0.00 / 0)

She knows her monkey business.

www.KusterforCongress.com - www.paulhodesforsenate.com

www.nikitsongas.com - www.devalpatrick.com

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 13:43:43 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Right on the money, Ray. (4.00 / 2)

Pointing out this bailing-out trend is exactly where it's at, and one hopes it has exactly the same effect described in the Republican commentary I read earlier today, also linked in the Moose Lady thread.

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by: GreyMike @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 13:36:21 PM CDT

Gingrich all over again. (4.00 / 2)

We've seen it since the Dems took back Washington just like we saw it in the 90s.  When Republicans are not the dominant party, they feel no responsibility to govern.  Palin and Ayotte bailing on their jobs is no different than Washington Republicans whining about the budget and putting out their own proposal with a budget for no numbers, or Concord Republicans whining about the budget and putting out no proposal.

We have real problems in this country, and not only are Republicans refusing to participate in solving them, they are actively inhibiting serious consideration of solutions.  Step up or step aside.

The Republican Party, circa 2009:


--
"Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past; you must fight just to keep them alive!"

@DougLindner

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by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 13:51:58 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

in case you're wondering ... (4.00 / 4)

the one on the left is ray wieczorek.

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by: chris pappas @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 14:49:20 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Beat me to it! (0.00 / 0)

America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand. -Harry Truman

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by: Peter Sullivan @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 14:55:44 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

But what about Gatsas? (4.00 / 2)

He hasn't vowed to resign from the state senate, when he's Manchester mayor midway through his senate term. What's the trend there?

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by: MHT-ETD @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 13:57:06 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

At least Ayotte resigning doesn't trigger a special election. (0.00 / 0)

Those cost money.

--
"Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past; you must fight just to keep them alive!"

@DougLindner

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by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 14:15:12 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Paul Hodes Or Some Other Great Democrat... (4.00 / 4)

Nice post by the NH Democratic Party, but let's remember it's almost a full year before the filing period for United States Senate.  Paul Hodes might be our Democratic nominee, but it could be another great Democrat.  

We may yet have a primary race of our own, and I for one think that would be fine, especially in keeping with the fact that there are issues for us to discuss -- unfinished exits in Iraq and Afghanistan, and where all these Political Action Committee funds come from for candidates of both parties.  Plus, REAL economic recovery and a health-care-system-for-all that makes sense for all.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 13:49:34 PM CDT

I don't think so (4.00 / 3)

Jim at this point though your sentiments are well taken, your political instincts are off.

Have you written a letter to the editor today? Have you donated today? Have you put up signs? Have you made calls? Have you talked to your neighbors?  

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by: JonnyBBad @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 14:29:32 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I don't follow (0.00 / 0)

I took it that Jim was just making the point.

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by: JimC @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 14:33:43 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

"Democratic" Party... (0.00 / 0)

...means support for the concept of democracy.  No one -- NO ONE -- has yet voted for Paul Hodes in a primary to be our nominee.  So, if someone else decides to offer his/her candidacy, I for one don't want to prejudge too quickly.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 15:25:24 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

For the record... (0.00 / 1)

For those reporters and other observers who visit this site, it is important that it is noted that Jim speaks for himself and expresses his own personal views. Jim does not speak for the Democratic party at any level, other elected officials or for the progressive movement of New Hampshire.

Have you written a letter to the editor today? Have you donated today? Have you put up signs? Have you made calls? Have you talked to your neighbors?

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by: Ray Buckley @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 15:34:08 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'm puzzled (4.00 / 2)

Aren't Jim's statements merely factual? There has been no primary, and someone may challenge Hodes.

Somebody knows something, and aint saying it.

Ray, are you implying that Jim is carrying someone's water?

Jim, are you carrying someone's water?

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by: JimC @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 15:37:23 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Ummm, Strange Comment... (4.00 / 2)

...and I never said I did speak for anyone else.  And what's so bad about saying "Democratic" Party means support for the concept of democracy.  No one -- NO ONE -- has yet voted for Paul Hodes in a primary to be our nominee.  So, if someone else decides to offer his/her candidacy, I for one don't want to prejudge too quickly?"  

So for those reporters and other observers who visit this site, it is important that it is noted that a news release issued by the NH Democratic Party should not indicate that our nominee has been annoited without first having a primary, which is scheduled for September of 2010.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 15:41:04 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I vote - cease hostilities n/t (0.00 / 0)

www.KusterforCongress.com - www.paulhodesforsenate.com

www.nikitsongas.com - www.devalpatrick.com

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 15:43:44 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I Won't Be Intimidated... (0.00 / 0)

...into silence to make The Chairman happy.  Sorry.  I didn't start this hostility, but darn it's hard to get me to accept that we have a nominee already choosen when we don't.  I guess I missed that memo.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 15:48:24 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

what you imply (4.00 / 1)

is that someone anointed someone...far from the case, but to dare someone to primary our best candidate to make a point...ridiculous Jim.

Have you written a letter to the editor today? Have you donated today? Have you put up signs? Have you made calls? Have you talked to your neighbors?  

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by: JonnyBBad @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 15:53:35 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Ummm, Read The NHDP Release (4.00 / 4)

...it mentions just Paul Hodes, and that he'll be our next United States Senator.  A little presumptive, I would say?  I'm not daring anyone to primary "our best candidate," but I'm saying there is almost a year to wait until we know whether that will be the case.

I don't want to discount a couple of hundred thousand Democrats and hundreds of potentially great candidates for US Senate just because I want to have a name for the ballot yet.  My goodness -- isn't that fair?  Where am I offbase?  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 16:03:33 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Not offbase (0.00 / 0)

I agree with the sentiment. Hell, I'm looking forward to the NH2 primary. With the folks mentioned, it should stay civil and be fun.

It might be more productive though, if you address concerns with the PR privately.If I'm Papa 'nunu, I'm laughing my ass off at the gifts being delivered to me by this pissing match.

Your point is valid, but wildly "off message" at a critical point in the emerging news cycle.  

www.KusterforCongress.com - www.paulhodesforsenate.com

www.nikitsongas.com - www.devalpatrick.com

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 16:11:30 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I Have No Point... (4.00 / 2)

...other than that we have yet to have choosen our Democratic U.S. Senate nominee. In another post, I spoke not too highly of Kelly Ayotte as it applies to this emerging news cycle.  I'm going to enthusiastically get behind whomever is our nominee, but we don't know who that may be.

A good candidate has emerged, but just because a lot of us are saying no one else will run doesn't mean that we shouldn't welcome someone else to run.    

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 16:23:31 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Can't argue with that (4.00 / 1)

But I do think, Jim, that you are so important a figure that people read into your comments.

Once, at a wedding where I was an usher, the bride's father rose to speak. Almost immediately, he mentioned his son and daughter-in-law, who had gotten married a few years earlier. Even those of us who knew the family only peripherally got uncomfortable, because there seemed to be some awkward dynamics afoot.

Hodes is more than presumptive right now, he's alone. So your point, while correct, is obvious to the point of conspicuous.

Am I making sense?

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by: JimC @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 16:42:23 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

More Than A Mere Technicality (4.00 / 1)

I do think it is more than just a mere technicality that we don't have a US Senate nominee yet.  We don't.  If this was a day before filing deadline, I'd call him our presumptive nominee.  But goodness, we've got a year to go.

I remember in 2004, the "presumptive presidential nominee" was John Kerry, or many were saying so.  Howard Dean made it a decent race -- and made Kerry a better candidate.  I think I remember something similar about the 2008 cycle, when Barack Obama came "up" from almost nowhere to challenge someone who had been on the national political scene for almost two decades.

And I remember meeting a woman in March of 2006 who told me she thought she could be elected to the United States Congress.  Virtually everyone was assuming that our nominee would be Jim Craig -- including me.  It took me two hours at a one-to-one meeting at a Portsmouth Dunkin Donuts for her to convince me that she was on a long ride that would win the seat.  Wow Carol Shea-Porter!

So, I know it's not a mere technicality that we don't have a US Senate nominee today, and I do indeed take exception to an official news release of the NH Democratic Party to imply that Paul Hodes -- regardless of how good he may be -- will be our United States Senator.  Days, weeks, and months to go before that happens.  

I'm certainly not important but no one should read more into my comments than that we should not yet assume Paul Hodes will be unchallenged -- and if he is, just as we learned from Carol Shea-Porter's campaign, we should listen and watch and learn, then decide.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 17:21:53 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I disagree (0.00 / 0)

Kerry was not a good Presidential candidate, though he played well, and did well in NH. He let himself be defined by the swifties and never recovered...it started and was over within a week of the Convention. I love John Kerry and all the issues he stands for, but he sucked... losing to GWB.

Have you written a letter to the editor today? Have you donated today? Have you put up signs? Have you made calls? Have you talked to your neighbors?  

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by: JonnyBBad @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 19:59:31 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I Agree (0.00 / 0)

...John Kerry wasn't a good Presidential candidate.  I observed that he became a "better candidate," and by that I meant from bad to better, still not good.  It's amazing how he let such an opportunity slip by, much like Al Gore -- another man who would have been a great President -- in 2000.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 20:20:08 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Primaries aren't always good (4.00 / 2)

Someone else may or may not run, but primaries aren't always good, either. Hard to predict these things.

I think Raymond was just making the point that we have a great candidate, and that no one is saying that Hodes is not a great candidate, or that we need anyone else to run.  



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 05:24:05 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Well, I Perhaps May Be "No One"... (0.00 / 0)

...but I'll say that Paul Hodes might not be our "best nominee."  That doesn't mean I won't be enthusiastic if he is, but I wouldn't put all my eggs in his basket -- yet.  One can be a good Congressperson and yet not cut it for US Senate against a Republican barrage.  

At the very least, some 11 months before filing for US Senate even begins, I don't think we say that he's automatically our nominee by default.  I don't yet know the issues he will focus on, the alliances he will make with contributors, or how he will fare on the statewide campaign trail.  

As one voter, issues count to me -- even more than personalities.  I want to also see who the Republicans may put up, and how those issues evolve as well as how our potential candidate(s) respond to those issues.  That's called "campaigning."

No one of us in the Democratic Party is Kingmaker.  I've been actively involved in the NH Democratic Party since 1964 and I know that our strenth is that we DON'T have a Kingmaker.  Democrats throughout the state decide our nominees in something called primaries, not a few people sitting around looking at poll and fundraising data in Concord or Manchester.

It is unwise and improper for the NHDP to write official news releases or fundraising requests promoting a candidate who has miles to go before he/she even earns the Democratic nomination for anything.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 07:07:15 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

No, it isn't (4.00 / 2)

Paul Hodes is the only announced Democratic candidate, an incumbent congressman who has garnered support around the state while raising a million bucks in a short time frame.  Not only is he the only announced, there is no one on the horizon doing one of those silly public agonizing Hamlet-light "to run or not to run" acts. The act where someone claims to be getting calls about running, when the reality is most of the calls are from the person's cell phone to his landline.
This field hasn't been cleared by someone who decided to be kingmaker; this field has cleared itself because people are happy with Paul Hodes as the likely nominee.

It would be unwise and improper for the NHDP not to be enthusiastically supporting Paul Hodes right now. You can disagree, but you are holding the minority position. The party was very enthusiastic in supporting Jeanne Shaheen after the other announced candidates withdrew, even though there were several months before the filing period ended. That worked out pretty well.




"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 07:52:13 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

A Horrible And Divisive Precedent (4.00 / 2)

The precedent is frightening, at the very least.  Would Carol Shea-Porter have stood a fighting chance if this had been done to her in 2006?

There is no spin that one can put on it that it is proper for the NHDP to officially be "endorsing" and fundraising for any candidate at this stage of the process.  None whatever.

I know we're all anxious to get the campaign underway, and to do fundraising.  But we have little idea how Paul Hodes will assemble his camapign, what contributions he will continue to accept, and whether there will be a fellow Democrat or two who will say enough is enough.

We also don't know how he will address Afghanistan and Iraq, or Iran and Pakistan during the next few months -- and how he and the President acts on those matters may generate a candidate.  Those are important issues.  

Having a September primary ballot with only one candidate running for an office is one thing.  But having that ballot decided by the NHDP 13 months ahead of time is something else entirely.

This is wrong.  And very, very divisive.  Plus, it sets a horrible, frightening precedent.  Remember, those in "power" today in the NHDP won't always be in those positions, and the precedents you set today may come and haunt even you someday.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 08:10:42 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I completely agree!! (0.00 / 0)

I've heard these same arguments from local races on up and I'm sick of it! The Democratic Party is a big place with many views and we all deserve a little representation--that is what primaries are for! I absolutely love Paul Hodes, he's one of my favorite politicians and I will gladly go to work for him- after the primary! This does not sound like a democracy to me, and you are absolutely correct about dangerous precedents! RIGHT ON!

because who is to doubt the American Way is not the way?

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by: peacekeeper @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 15:45:12 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

And will there be plagues of locusts? (0.00 / 0)

Carol Shea Porter told me she was seriously thinking about running in the early fall of 2005, before anyone had announced. Very, very different situation, and not an apt analogy.  Right now there is no one else running but Paul Hodes, and no one making noises about running, either.




"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 15:45:19 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Or is there? (4.00 / 1)

I think use of "presumptive nominee" would be appropriate.

No, I am not running. I will accept a draft beer.

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by: JimC @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 15:57:50 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

granted n/t (4.00 / 1)

Have you written a letter to the editor today? Have you donated today? Have you put up signs? Have you made calls? Have you talked to your neighbors?  

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by: JonnyBBad @ Thu Jul 09, 2009 at 14:09:11 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Ohhhhh, I Get It... (0.00 / 0)

...in order for someone to be considered as a candidate before the door is closed, they have to tell the party highers-up?  And who sets that "schedule?"  They must have said so by now?

I don't buy that Kathy.  Just because someone hasn't dropped a dime to call you doesn't mean than as issues come up, and people see how Paul Hodes' campaign, contribution list, and issues shape up, someone might not be inclined to run.  

THEN what?  By then the NH Democratic Party will have already been promoting a specific candidate for weeks or months?  That's a process set for division, and disaster in November of 2010.

Goodness sake, we're 11 months from the filing period even opening up and because you or some others who are powers-who-be haven't "heard" of interest by other candidates you've decided for the rest of us already?

As Carol Shea-Porter indeed did say often, how about the rest of us?  Don't we have a say in who will be our nominee before it's a done deal or a closed door?

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 16:44:55 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

You are purposely misrepresenting what I said (0.00 / 0)

I don't know why you are in such a tizzy, but you are really over the top right now. You know I was saying that there was no point in the 2006 congressional race where there was just one candidate, unlike the current situation in the senate race.  

But as a matter of fact, yes, someone interested in running for one of the two congressional seats, or one of the two senate seats, or for governor, should be smart enough to tell the state party chair pretty early on, like both of our current congressmen did, so that the party can get the word out to the activists, and so the potential candidate gets whatever info/advice the party has to offer. If the potential candidate does not do that, then I have to wonder just how smart, or not, the potential candidate may be.

But it seems like there is no point in trying to have a civil discussion with you on this topic.  Even though you are wrong! :)



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 21:15:30 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yep, Others Are Always Wrong -- You're Always Right (0.00 / 0)

...and YOU get to decide early on the nominees for our party?  Nope, Kathy -- I don't buy that.  Yes, I'm in a tizzy, because "Democratic" Party means more than just a few people making the decisions.  The era of the smoke-filled rooms should not be replaced by the era of the smoke-free rooms.  We're better than that.

This is wrong.  It is WRONG for the NH Democratic Party to be sending out releases and doing fundraising proclaiming a nominee, some 11 months before the filing period even opens, and some 13 months before the primary even occurs.  

THAT is what's wrong.    

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 21:24:10 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yep, I am, thank you! :) n/t (0.00 / 0)

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 21:30:42 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Well... (0.00 / 0)

...I have to give you an LOL on that.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 21:42:06 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I can't believe that I am hearing this cop out from Democrats (0.00 / 0)

So let's all blame a guy who did everything he could from Vietnam to serving in the senate etc. and was defeated by ............ well you fill in the blank. I don't know what he could have done or tried to do or however you would like to cast off blame, but it remains the case that we didn't elect him. He could have been crap on your shoe and we could have elected him if we had enough votes. Candidates have to pull but ultimately the voters decide and they have to push. Let's not get all rosey or even sanguine about what might have been. Kerry lost because we didn't vote him into office. King George went into office carrying baggage that would have sunk the Titanic, draft dogging, drugs, alcohol, campaign techniques, Swiftboat liers, academic history, Texas history and on and on. They got out their votes, we (not John Kerry) failed to get out enough of ours. This would have been nice, that would have been nice but this fact remains. Kerry had only one vote to cast. The missing ones were out here with us.

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by: xteeth @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 06:40:55 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

sorry toothie (0.00 / 0)

he blew it big time. Never pushed back...wind surfed instead...Bill Clinton showed how you deal with right wing sleaze machine...Kerry did not get it. People vote for the guy they want to have a beer with...that was not Mr. 57 Varieties..

Have you written a letter to the editor today? Have you donated today? Have you put up signs? Have you made calls? Have you talked to your neighbors?  

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by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 06:47:47 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Kerry was ill-served by his staff (0.00 / 0)

Just got around to read McAuliffe's book. He doesn't blame Kerry but sure did tear into Kerry's campaign staff.

Have you written a letter to the editor today? Have you donated today? Have you put up signs? Have you made calls? Have you talked to your neighbors?

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by: Ray Buckley @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 07:26:38 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

okay n/t (0.00 / 0)

Have you written a letter to the editor today? Have you donated today? Have you put up signs? Have you made calls? Have you talked to your neighbors?  

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by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 07:28:38 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Three cheers for post hoc ergo propter hoc - is that on our shield? (0.00 / 0)

Like I say, Baddie, always someone else's fault. I am pretty sure that we were voting for a someone to be president, not someone with whom to drink or wind surf. The reference to the Heinz fortune is beneath comtempt. I wonder who McAuliffe blames for his defeat in Virginia? It would be nice to always run "golden boys" but what we have is Democrats. I am actually quite impressed even with the flaws. Some can't keep their pants up, some don't care or are unable to squirm in the slime Republicanics use when they find themselves berift. We now have a whole bunch that have migrated a smidgen over from their natural right wing opinions to gain our support since we seem to be on the way back. I regret the phoniness of distance from losers after the fact. Problem is Jesus, though a Democrat is just not available for every office. Characterwise, Kerry shines. We failed to get him elected. He couldn't elect himself with his one vote.

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by: xteeth @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 11:43:18 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

OK, I get it (4.00 / 2)

Family squabbles.

I don't think anyone's trying to intimidate you, Jim.

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by: JimC @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 16:03:32 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I second that (4.00 / 5)

Someone very well may run against Hodes in a primary (I know nothing and carry no water! I am just a poor college student posting a comment while at work).

Anyone and everyone has the right to run for office (woo America!) and it's that competition for new ideas within our party that keeps us fresh, unlike those ancient legislative fossils called Republicans.

So instead of beating up on each other (figuratively), beat up on a Republican (literally).

Just kidding! Although, I'm sure many of you may fair well against Not Guts Guinta!

...To soon? Didn't think so.  

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by: StevenPlace @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 16:06:37 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

But yes... (4.00 / 3)

JonnyBBad makes a good point, needless contention within the party is ridiculous.

Unless of course, JonnyBBad decides to run for Senate, then maybe I would support a primary candidate!

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by: StevenPlace @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 16:11:54 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Umm... (4.00 / 6)

Jim does not speak ...for the progressive movement of New Hampshire.

As far as I'm concerned, Jim is a central figure among Nh progressives, so when he speaks, he's part of that movement.

That said, I wouldn't envision anything other than token primary opposition, if that.

I too, like primaries, but in this case I'm sold 1000 times over for Paul.

Go Hodes!!!  

birch, finch, beech

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by: Dean Barker @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 16:32:04 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Troll rated for being (4.00 / 2)

a pompous ass with a swollen head.

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by: elwood @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 18:03:29 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Up rated or... (4.00 / 3)

Keeping it real.

elwood, often you make me shake my fist at my monitor.

Thank you for that!

www.KusterforCongress.com - www.paulhodesforsenate.com

www.nikitsongas.com - www.devalpatrick.com

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 20:41:43 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Anybody see the "f" I dropped? (0.00 / 0)

Up rated for...

Found it, thanks.

www.KusterforCongress.com - www.paulhodesforsenate.com

www.nikitsongas.com - www.devalpatrick.com

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 20:55:47 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

No (4.00 / 2)

He was making the point that just because Jim Splaine is anxious to have a primary that the press who read this site shouldn't mistake his comments for dissatisfaction by the rest of the world with Paul Hodes.




"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 21:18:48 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Baloney. (4.00 / 2)

This was a troll comment, with a personal attack and claims to speak for a group that Ray does not speak for.

(The regional director of Lieberman for President is now telling us who speaks for progressives?)

And Jim did not express dissatisfaction with Hodes. Stop misrepresenting HIM, Kathy.

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by: elwood @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 21:24:48 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I didn't say he did (4.00 / 2)

Nyahnyah back at you, Elwood.



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 21:29:00 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

But Before A Primary... (0.00 / 0)

...we're to assume that the rest of the world, or the rest of the NH Democratic Party, has already chosen Paul Hodes to be our United States Senate nominee?  Ummmm.  I thought Republicans acted that way, not Democrats.  

Again, I like Paul Hodes, but no -- I'm not yet convinced he should be our US Senate nominee.  He might not be our strongest candidate.  I/we haven't seen his positions develop, as they will during the next few months, on how to get out of Iraq and Afghanistan -- each are in new territory now.  Nor do we know what he will do concerning Iran and Pakistan.  We don't know if he'll continue seeking and receiving certain contributions, which some of us might consider unwise.

We don't know how the Republican side shapes up yet.  

THAT is all the reason for a statewide primary, scheduled for September, 2010.  The filing period doesn't even open until June, 2010.  And yet we have "chosen" our nominee?  

No, I don't buy that.  And any news media watching this site should know that all Democrats don't walk in lockstep with the few powers-who-be in the upper parts of the party, and I doubt I'm totally alone.  Maybe in the minority, but I've been there before in this party.  I'm not causing the division -- this pre-emptive decision is.

And where does it stop?  Do a few powers-who-be also decide State Senate and State Rep. nominations well before the primary?  

This is a dangerous precedent.  

Am I anxious to have a primary, Kathy?  Well, I am anxious to be able to be asked for my vote in September, 2010.  If there's a contest, I'll have a choice.  If there's a contest, I might well vote for Paul Hodes.  But I want that choice, and not be told to do so because the NHDP hierarchy decided some 13 months earlier that the ballot would contain only one name.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 21:36:59 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Mixed Bag (4.00 / 3)

Jim, I've conceded that you have the moral high ground here:

THAT is all the reason for a statewide primary, scheduled for September, 2010.  The filing period doesn't even open until June, 2010.  And yet we have "chosen" our nominee?  

This is a dangerous precedent.  

But then you, imo, muck it up by injecting your stated preferences:

I/we haven't seen his positions develop, as they will during the next few months, on how to get out of Iraq and Afghanistan -- each are in new territory now.  Nor do we know what he will do concerning Iran and Pakistan.

You fall back into the mud when you assert your agenda. It looks like your first point is merely a mock up to push the other.

But then, you have made an art form out of wearing your heart on your sleeve. I've already heard, "Oh, that is Jim being Jim." It works for you politcally. If your constituents are happy, who the hell am I to sqauwk?

It's a free country. Enjoy your prerogative.


www.KusterforCongress.com - www.paulhodesforsenate.com

www.nikitsongas.com - www.devalpatrick.com

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 22:05:06 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

It's "Mud" To Talk About Issues? (4.00 / 1)

I guess I learn a lesson a day.  Deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan every day -- I'd like to have people in Washington who will get out.  I don't want to see us get into Iran or Pakistan.  We should have learned those lessons years, decades ago.

Excuse me, or not, for wearing my heart on my sleave.  I'm here on this planet just a little longer, and I want to be included in the process of elections so that I can help choose our leaders who will change the country, not feed the military-industrial complex.  

Forgive me for that if you wish.  

And yes, I'm very concerned about where the campaign contributions feeding the current decision-making in Washington come from.  We need a discussion about that, and pre-empting a primary race for the sake of raising more millions for our "chosen candidates" impresses me not.  

If that's being me, I'll plead guilty.  But this isn't about me.  I suspect I'm not alone.  Much of today's politics leaves much to be desired, especially when the few make decisions for the many.  

I value my votes, and my choices.  In the end, that's about all we have in a democracy.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 22:29:41 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Hmmmm.... (4.00 / 1)

Yet, you so enthusiastically supported Hillary Clinton.

I'm getting lost in your convolutions.

www.KusterforCongress.com - www.paulhodesforsenate.com

www.nikitsongas.com - www.devalpatrick.com

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 22:40:05 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

And I Enthusiastically Then Supported Barack Obama... (4.00 / 2)

...and we're still stuck in the sands of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan.  

That's perhaps why more than even I'm quite fed up with the military-industrial complex and their hold on Washington, D.C.  We need the discussion.  Kids are being killed in those two countries every day -- our own, and others.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 23:28:52 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

A wonderful point (4.00 / 2)

Though I don't agree in full, it is great that you care enough to keep pushing for a hearty debate.

However, imo, you would do well to separate your specific concerns about,
-how the NHDP words it's press releases
-the sanctity of the democratic process
-campaign finance reform
-US involvement in the GWOT
-the "undue influnce" of the military industrial complex
from local political discussions about challenging the NHGOP's field of hopefuls. Certainly, your party is highly unlikely to put forth a candidate that is "more wrong" on the issues than the NHGOP.

Blog Well!


www.KusterforCongress.com - www.paulhodesforsenate.com

www.nikitsongas.com - www.devalpatrick.com

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Thu Jul 09, 2009 at 07:00:18 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Ayotte's decisive role... (4.00 / 1)

Which seems to escape notice, was to kill the death penalty abolition bill this year...This and the support of most policemen and law & order types gives her a big lift.

Kelly "Sweet Deathshead" Ayotte will make hay from this.  Mark my words.  That cop-killer from Manchester will be accompanied to the gurney by the howls of many outside the gates of Concord Pen.  Her legacy?  Right here.

---SWL

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by: TaxiManSteve @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 14:41:27 PM CDT

And more on Ayotte's role (4.00 / 4)

One other point I hope will be remembered about death penalty cases and Kelly Ayotte's role therein, is the staggering cost to the state of each of these trials and associated appeals.  

The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony this term on behalf of Ms. Ayotte about how concerned she was about the lack of funding for court security.  Had she chosen not to seek the death penalty in either case, the savings would have paid for needed security and more.  

At a time when court resources are strained to the breaking point, I think the choice to commit significant resources sums to two high profile cases does a disservice to every  other litigant in the state.  

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by: Lucy Weber @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 17:57:44 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

excellent point Lucy n/t (0.00 / 0)

Have you written a letter to the editor today? Have you donated today? Have you put up signs? Have you made calls? Have you talked to your neighbors?  

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by: JonnyBBad @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 20:01:11 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

so... (0.00 / 0)

even though she was Lynch's #1 aide for all these years, she is running as a Republican.

I think that Lynch and Hodes will win this war :-)

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Thanks for all the fish

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by: TimothyHorrigan @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 14:52:16 PM CDT

Politico on the NH 2010 Beat: (0.00 / 0)

http://www.politico.com/blogs/...

Connecting Ayotte to Palin

Democrats are wasting no time in comparing New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte, who will be resigning her office to run for the Senate, to another female Republican who will also soon be resigning from her office.

Here's New Hampshire Democratic party chairman Ray Buckley tying Ayotte to Sarah Palin in a fundraising e-mail:

   Kelly Ayotte made a pledge to serve out her term as attorney general and has now turned her back on her responsibilities. We now know that she is deserting the people of New Hampshire in favor of personal ambition.

   We're seeing a national trend where Republicans have abandoned their responsibilities to their constituents in favor of political gain. From Alaska to New Hampshire, Republicans just can't seem to honor their commitment to the public. Not unlike Sarah Palin, Kelly Ayotte has broken her promise to the people she represents and put politics before public service. Send Kelly Ayotte a message and donate to Paul Hodes now!

"If the Republicans will stop lying about the Democrats, the Democrats will stop telling the truth about the Republicans" -- Adlai Stevenson  

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by: VABBY @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 15:06:38 PM CDT

NRA Kelly (0.00 / 0)

Three points:

#1. Gov. Lynch left his post as Chair of the state college system board before his term was up to run against the man that re-appointed him.

#2.  There just aren't enough gun nuts to elect Ayotte

#3.  What we really need is a 'real democrat' as Governor, one who will lead the House, Senate and public to make our stupid tax system fair for all.  Yes, a progressive income tax, a progressive sales tax, which will reduce those regressive fee hikes and the property taxes.  Mark Fernald, we need you now!

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by: SafeDriver @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 15:37:29 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Chairing the (4.00 / 3)

state college system board is not the same as being the state AG, IMO.

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by: Jennifer Daler @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 16:17:14 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Who's Got Nuts? (4.00 / 1)

People respect courage and actually do vote for same. But the race for governor is not the question right now (Mark has turned his focus from the corner office and is one of many great Democrats now running for congress).

But Ayotte's replacement is a great question, though. The governor has many genuinely superlative attorneys in NH, especially trial lawyers, who would make an outstanding AG.

Are there enough gun nuts, anti-choice, death-penalty advocating, science-hating voters in NH to elect Ayotte? I doubt it, but we must always run like we're ten points behind.

The Palin comparisons will haunt Ayotte, appropriately, from this point on.


No'm Sayn?

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by: BurtCohen @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 17:10:25 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

CNN: Ayotte/ Palin Seperated by 4,600 miles and not much else... (0.00 / 0)

New Hampshire Democrats using Palin in fundraising appeal

WASHINGTON (CNN) - National Democrats wasted no time in accusing Sarah Palin of abandoning her state after the Alaska governor revealed Friday that she was resigning from office.

Five days later and 4,600 miles away, the New Hampshire Democratic Party chairman is leveling the same charge against New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte, who announced Tuesday she would soon leave office to explore a Senate bid in 2010.

New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley's sharp criticism of Ayotte is not surprising - he is trying to discredit, perhaps, the strongest candidate the Republican Party could field in this open seat race next year. But what is interesting is that Buckley compared Ayotte to Palin.

"We're seeing a national trend where Republicans have abandoned their responsibilities to their constituents in favor of political gain," Buckley wrote Tuesday in a fundraising message sent to the state party's e-mail list. "From Alaska to New Hampshire, Republicans just can't seem to honor their commitment to the public. Not unlike Sarah Palin, Kelly Ayotte has broken her promise to the people she represents and put politics before public service."

While Republicans debate what role Palin might have in the party, some Democrats believe that she is a political liability for the GOP. And a top Democratic operative, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that going forward Democrats "won't be shy in tying Sarah Palin to other Republican candidates where it makes sense."

"If the Republicans will stop lying about the Democrats, the Democrats will stop telling the truth about the Republicans" -- Adlai Stevenson  

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by: VABBY @ Tue Jul 07, 2009 at 17:40:30 PM CDT

This message won't work, in my opinion (4.00 / 1)

I get it, we want to set the meme early: Ayotte is just like Palin. But to work there needs to be a reasonable facsimile of a hook to hang the meme on.

Ayotte did not make a commitment to the voters to serve as AG the way Palin did in Alaska. NH voters didn't elect her to the job. A reasonable person would say she should step down from her AG job if she wants to run for office. Weren't people on this site making just that point last week? I don't think most voters will hold this against her in November 2010.

The Kelly = Sarah line will work only until people get to know Ayotte. Then it will be clear by temperment and capability that Ayotte is no Palin.  

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by: Michael Marsh @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 09:10:45 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I agree (0.00 / 0)

And hence it could backfire, making her look better by comparison.

But for a one or two day story, it's good.

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by: JimC @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 09:58:45 AM CDT

[ Parent ]