Connolly Will Not Run, Supports Hodes

by: Jennifer Daler

Tue Jun 08, 2010 at 09:03:24 AM EDT

For the past few days I have talked with  friends, family-and friends new to me- about the idea of running for the Senate. I have  decided not to do so and will support Paul Hodes. Let me say that everyone has been respectful to the process and no one at any time suggested it was wrong and no one told me what to do. The input was revealing and helpful.

First, for me, it is best to stay the course in terms of helping those harmed by the Financial Resource Mortgage fiasco. The time is ripe for meaningful regulatory reform in this state, and I have long advocated that we need to diminish the influence of those who do not believe in active regulation. The days of a regulatory-lite culture in New Hampshire are over.  I understand the issues at hand here and while am tempted to put my long-standing work with regulators in other states to continue to  help fix a Wall Street mindset of financial exploitation, the first step really begins at home, and I feel this is the time to make it happen here. Now.

Second,  I support Congressman Hodes because he is best positioned to take on all the issues that are important to Democrats. He has paid his dues to run. Bill Binnie has not, and I just believe it wrong to attempt to spend one's way to Washington. That is part of the problem and meaningful campaign finance reform is long overdue. Kelly Ayotte has received a lot of money from special interest sources, like the oil and gas industry-- interests who do not represent what is best for New Hampshire or our nation. She also talks about transparency and action, but her tenure as Attorney General oversaw regulatory matters that went unaddressed, and the management of that office resulted in important matters having been missed.

Thank you for taking the time to let me know your thoughts, and I thank all those who reached out to say, "let's take on Washington." Paul Hodes is best able to do that now. Not me.  Over the past few days, I have had the opportunity to talk about issues with people like Jay Surdukowski and Dave Allen. These young people are our future-energetic, honest  and thoughtful-and who will  continue to make a difference and are a huge part of the reason why this country still has brighter days ahead.  Happy Birthday, Jay, you have the pragmatic idealism of JFK and the impish smile of Hugh Gallen. And  a special thanks to Ray Buckley, who leads a great state party and has long advocated a robust and open dialogue. It is now time to close ranks. Thanks for listening.  Mark