Primary Day Open Thread

I'll be voting even though (4.00 / 1)

there are no real contests on my ballot. The state reps, the Senator, the EC, even the county officer candidates here are unchallenged.

But I like voting, and I want the pundits to NOT be talking about how the Republicans have a higher turnout in September and isn't that worrisome for Dem chances?

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by: elwood @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 05:19:04 AM CDT

A FAQ for the elections expert: (0.00 / 0)

If an undeclared voter decides to vote in the Republican primary today, elwood, there is still time for him or her to change their registration back to undeclared or Democratic by election day in November?

And how do they go about doing that?

Wonder if Sununu's fired now.

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by: Dean Barker @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 05:36:59 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yes - better yet (0.00 / 0)

An 18+ year old resident who is NOT registered can register and vote today. S/he can register in a party or in none.

If you are an "independent" - formally, an "Undeclared" voter who is registered but declines to specify a party -you can vote in either primary.

Taking that ballot will register you in that party. You've got to be a Democrat for a least three minutes or so to vote in the Dem primary.

But, immediately after turning in your ballot, you can stop at the 'Undeclared Voter Re-registration" table and withdraw from that party, becoming Undeclared again.

If you don't do that, you'll stay in the Party until you stop at city hall / town hall and switch back. (No need to do that before November: your choices will be the same no matter your party affiliation. But you'll want to do that before the next primary, in 2010.)

Only people who were Undeclared before taking their ballot can change back. You enter the polling place as a Republican, take a Republican ballot, then change to Undeclared on the way out. Current law is a compromise between making things convenient for Undeclareds and promoting Party membership.

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by: elwood @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 05:52:58 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Arg - last para should say (0.00 / 0)

You CANNOT enter the polling place as a Republican, take a Republican ballot, then change to Undeclared on the way out.

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by: elwood @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 06:09:24 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

A more comprehensive FAQ (0.00 / 0)

Here.

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by: elwood @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 05:57:28 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Keene voters: some polling places have changed (0.00 / 0)

since the January primary. Ward 3 is Fuller School - NOT by Paul's Choice. Ward 4 is Symonds School.

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by: elwood @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 06:06:38 AM CDT

Katy Forry- Landrigan's column (0.00 / 0)

Sunday said that there is no "legitimate" race for governor today- but as a democrat, that is the only contested race with Katy Forry challenging to contest Lynch's "I have taken the pledge" stance.

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by: Kathleen O'Donnell @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 06:38:59 AM CDT

Why not vote for an excellent governor? (4.00 / 1)

John Lynch has done an excellent job as governor. At a time of economic problems, NH is in the best financial shape of any state in New England. He signed the minimum wage increase, and at some cost politically, also signed the evergreen legislation which mandates that public employees will continue to get step increases even when contract negotiations are on going. He signed civil unions legislation. He has been a steady hand at times of crisis - compare his performance during our string of floods to that of national and state leaders during Katrina's aftermath. Time after time, Governor Lynch has taken steps to move New Hampshire forward. Why would Democrats not vote to re-nominate someone with that record?    

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt   [I'm an advisor to the NHDP Coordinated Campaign]

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 07:17:42 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I Agree With Kathy About John Lynch (0.00 / 0)

I've known John Lynch for lots of time -- back to 1973, perhaps a year or two further back, I forget.  It happens.

I support an income tax based on ability to pay, dedicated solely to education.  I think it would be an investment in our future, our young people, making us more competitive in the world economy.  Our kids will face opportunities of which we can only dream -- and challenges that we only visit in our nightmares.  They will touch the 22nd Century.  We need to arm them with the very best education.  

But John Lynch does not agree about an income tax.  He says he'll veto it.  He happens to be representing more than half the voters of the state on that issue.  Most people in New Hampshire aren't there yet.  I wish they were, but they aren't.  It's not going to happen for a while.

I supported my House colleague, Paul McEachern, for Governor in the NH Primary of 2004.  John Lynch won that primary.  I then voted for John Lynch.  Paul McEachern would have been a great Governor.  But John Lynch is a good substitute.

In the past four years, he has shown me he is an excellent Governor.  He listens, he works hard, he does bring people to the table, and he does bring people together.   Against a lot of pressure, he thought about it and then agreed to sign the Civil Unions bill I sponsored last year.  That was tough on him.  He thought about it and then agreed to sign the "Granny D Commission" bill for creating a campaign public funding program that I sponsored this year. That, too, wasn't an easy call and it remains a controversial issue.  

I've never found a Governor with whom I agreed all the time.  Jeanne Shaheen and I disagreed now and then, and she vetoed the bill I sponsored in 2000 to abolish the death penalty.  But she talked with me, listened, and told me why.  I'm voting for her for US Senate today because we need her to get us out of Iraq.  

John Lynch deserves our vote.  He has earned it.  And he's got lots more to do.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 07:51:05 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

All true. Nonetheless (4.00 / 1)

The single most important and intractable issue facing New Hampshire is school funding. His approach to that issue has been Constitutional amendments that dilute the state's responsibility without reassigning it to anyone else. The Pledge seems to ensure that this will continue to be his approach.

The result is continuing crises in local communities that cannot afford to let their schools deteriorate further and cannot afford still higher property taxes.

I think that's why some people will vote for Ms. Forry today.

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by: elwood @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 07:57:21 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Republicans and Phones - Part 327 (4.00 / 2)

What is it with Republicans and phones?  Jeb Bradley had to shut his system down because of what may be a "prank":

http://www.politickernh.com/br...

The Stephen campaign denies any involvement.    


"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt   [I'm an advisor to the NHDP Coordinated Campaign]

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 07:29:06 AM CDT

We got a strange call last night, let it go to the voicemail (0.00 / 0)

It was a human, not a 'bot, on behalf of the Republicans, and they wanted us to call them back! Will try to report actual message and post later .


It's time for a change and I need a nap. Or is it the other way around?

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by: GreyMike @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 09:25:41 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

sorry, message got erased (0.00 / 0)

caller ID "Unknown", but the gist was "call us to see how you can help McCain and Sununu". Apparently they didn't know who they were calling.

It's time for a change and I need a nap. Or is it the other way around?

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by: GreyMike @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 10:30:08 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Interesting datapoint (4.00 / 1)

While filling out my ballot today I realized that there has never been a "straight ticket" option in the state primary. So, it would be interesting to see what the participation rate is for (e.g.) County Register of Deeds or a contested state rep race versus a contested Governor's race. What would that tell us about upcoming general election voting behavior?

Of course the primary electorate is smaller and different, and choosing good sample districts might be a coin flip...

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by: elwood @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 08:35:06 AM CDT

Sure was quiet in Peterborough at 8 AM (0.00 / 0)

Just Walt Peterson chatting with Ann Marie Irwin on the town house steps, only 3-4 voters aside from myself in the polling place.

Q: Why is Stebbins listed before Shaheen on the ballot? Didn't make sense to me, how is the order decided - in order of filing date?  

It's time for a change and I need a nap. Or is it the other way around?

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by: GreyMike @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 09:13:34 AM CDT

Big issue in D10 land (4.00 / 1)

is the teachers contract. Not sure what this rain will do to turn out.

Held a "Vote Today" sign for about an our during drive time on Rt. 32.

Sen Kelly included support for the contract in a newspaper ad on Sunday and during a phone bank into the the school district. Thanks Molly!

Cross you fingers for the teachers and children of Monadnock.

Mike

Hope > Fear

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by: Mike Hoefer @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 11:10:04 AM CDT

Sentinel Photog (0.00 / 0)

grabbed a photo and made it into today's edition

Hope > Fear

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by: Mike Hoefer @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 14:04:55 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

"Can I crash on one of your couches?" (4.00 / 1)

A take off on the beer commercials

Real McCain of Genius


The giant finds its gait.

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 11:39:52 AM CDT

There were four Democrats holding signs for Dem candidates (0.00 / 0)

near our polling place; one woman for Bradley and Sununu.  The Republicans fielded no candidates for our six house seats.  
A group of high school students was challenged to contact their 18 year old friends to register and vote in November.
I'm not sure how the harangue went over, but it was a valiant effort.  

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by: hannah @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 12:11:53 PM CDT

Cheshire Co Signs (0.00 / 0)

It seems that both party's have sign vis in Keene, from what I hear only Dems in the smaller surrounding towns....

Hope > Fear

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by: Mike Hoefer @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 13:49:22 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

See Mini-Article (0.00 / 0)

I have not seen things this dead since the 2005 special election for Charter Commission here in Merrimack.

Even the contested races have barely anyone there doing visibility.

The rains have stopped, i'm going back to the polls.  

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by: Andrew Sylvia @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 12:46:18 PM CDT

CSP: Fighting For Full Service VA in NH (0.00 / 0)

Release: Shea-Porter Stands Up for New Hampshire Veterans During Committee Hearing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Shea-Porter Stands Up for New Hampshire Veterans During Committee Hearing, Insists on Access to Full-Service, In-State Health Care During Testimony

Washington - Today, at the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter testified about the urgent need for New Hampshire veterans to have access to full in-state health care.  The Committee was reviewing Shea-Porter's legislation, "The Veterans Equity Act," which ensures that veterans in each of the 48 contiguous states have access to at least one full service hospital of the Veterans Health Administration or receive comparable services provided by contract.  New Hampshire is the only state in the country that does not have a full-service VA hospital or access to comparable care at a military facility.  There are currently more than 130,000 veterans living in New Hampshire.  

"It is disgraceful that many of our oldest and sickest veterans are forced to travel out of state for medical care," said Shea-Porter. "I urge the Committee to support my legislation so we can ensure New Hampshire veterans have the care they need and deserve."  

Ensuring New Hampshire veterans have access to in-state medical care has been a top priority for Congresswoman Shea-Porter. Earlier this year, Shea-Porter met with VA Affairs Secretary James Peake and spoke to him about the difficulties many New Hampshire veterans faced because of the lack of in-state care.  Last month, at Shea-Porter's request, Congressman Chet Edwards, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Military Construction, traveled to New Hampshire to tour the Manchester VA hospital.  Congressman Bob Filner, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, has also visited the Manchester VA hospital at Shea-Porter's request.

 

The NHGOP won't produce an opponent that can match Carol's commitment to supporting troops, vets and military families.


The giant finds its gait.

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 14:09:55 PM CDT

Hodes Statement on the Manchester VA (0.00 / 0)

Congressman Paul Hodes Statement on the Manchester VA Hospital Legislation

For Immediate Release

Congressman Paul Hodes Statement on the Manchester VA Hospital Legislation

Congressman Paul Hodes submitted the following statement for the record for the House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter's legislation to upgrade the Manchester VA to a full service veteran's hospital.

"I strongly support my colleague Carol Shea-Porter's bill, H.R. 6629, the Veterans Health Equity Act.  Her bill would ensure that New Hampshire's veterans have access to the health care they have earned.   I thank Chairman Michaud for holding this important hearing that highlights the lack of adequate access to health care for New Hampshire's veterans.  

New Hampshire is the only state in the continental United States that does not have a full service Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC).   In my district alone, there are over 66,000 veterans, making up 13 percent of the population.  New Hampshire's many veterans deserve the same access to health care services as veterans in other states across the country.

Seven years ago, the Manchester VAMC suspended various inpatient and outpatient services and was downgraded from a full-service VAMC.  Now, veterans in New Hampshire must travel to surrounding states like Maine, Vermont or Massachusetts to receive VA health care services.  

This travel causes both physical and financial hardships for our wounded veterans.  Without a full service VAMC in state, New Hampshire's veterans are forced to drive across state lines, traveling farther and paying more at the pump with record gas prices to access the health care they earned.

Recently, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs James Peake visited New Hampshire and announced that the VAMC in Manchester will not return to a full service VAMC.  I was extremely disappointed in Secretary Peake's shortsighted remarks.  More wounded warriors are returning home from the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as veterans with physical and mental wounds, with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury, stretching our veteran's health care system.  

With so many soldiers fighting abroad, we should not be turning our backs on veterans at home when they need it most. New Hampshire is the only state in the continental U.S. without a full service VA. With record high gas prices, we shouldn't ask Granite State veterans to drive long distances just to get the care they have earned. I strongly support H.R. 6629, the Veterans Health Equity Act, which would ensure that veterans across the country will receive the same access to health care that they deserve, no matter which state they live in."

The giant finds its gait.

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 21:14:14 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Extremely Light Turnout in Durham (4.00 / 1)

577 votes had been cast for both parties in Durham as of 4:10 this afternoon with veteran observers saying we'll have to struggle to beat 700.

For comparison, 1,480 (766 Democrats)voted in the 2006 state primary highlighted by the Shea-Porter/Craig primary. In 2004, 1,046 voted.

The weather certainly hasn't helped - we really got belted by rain at midday - but it looks like fewer than 400 Democrats will cast primary ballots today.

Any numbers from elsewhere?

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by: Tim Ashwell @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 15:51:13 PM CDT

very light turnout (0.00 / 0)

in Carroll County. Only about 200 in Jackson. At 2pm in Conway there were 700+ votes cast.

Some independents I know voted GOP to vote against Stephen.  

Netroots Outreach Director for the Carol Shea-Porter campaign

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by: susanthe @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 19:23:38 PM CDT

M/P running ads on WMUR (0.00 / 0)

The original "Mavricks" They must be getting ready for Sunday.

Mavwrecks!

The giant finds its gait.

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 22:36:36 PM CDT