Sunday Columns: NH Changes, Town Halls, Candidates, Money, New Media

by: Jennifer Daler

Sun Aug 16, 2009 at 07:33:39 AM EDT

The state has moved miles on social issues since then, particularly on gay rights, with the Legislature passing civil unions and gay marriage in quick succession. The parental notification law on abortion is history. The state joined a regional greenhouse gas effort. A new school funding law was passed that Democratic leaders hope will finally end the legal saga that began with Claremont.

These are things to be proud of. And also things the Republicans will repeal if they ever win back majorities in both houses and get the corner office.

Dorgan continues:

You could actually argue that this state has become more libertarian over the past few years: Legislators nixed Real ID, eschewed major new taxes (while approving increases and fees), shot down multiple efforts to require seat belts, and, if you see it this way, widened the gap between church and state by expanding rights to same-sex couples.

But it does show that Republican political leaders approve of the tea-partier tactics and behavior.

Tom Fahey writes that Republican leaders are pressuring Hodes and Shea-Porter to hold "Town Hall" meetings to give tea partiers another forum to yell and scream and carry on. How that adds to intelligent debate, I do not know.

It wouldn't be a complete week without some political warfare. Last week featured Republicans accusing Hodes and Shea-Porter of hiding from voters by not holding more town hall meetings.

"They're supposed to be out there selling health-care reform," state GOP spokesman Ryan Williams said. "Well, they're all MIA on the issue."

The BIA came out with its state legislative ratings. Surprise, surprise, the Republicans get "A"s and Democrats get "F"s. No partisanship there.

Landrigan gives some fundraising numbers for leading congressional candidates

Kuster's first quarter was impressive, raising $163,097 and spending only $12,722.

Contributors included the top executives at the Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center,

Others chipping in were the widow of Republican Congressman James Cleveland, $1,000; Concord lawyer Bill Chapman, $2,400; ex-state Sen. Burt Cohen, $800; former Republican Senate President Ralph Hough, $500; and ex-Durham Democratic Sen. Katie Wheeler, $500.

CD-01 hopeful Frank Guinta brought in less than $100k, and had to kick in $20k of his own money.

Prominent donors included Manchester real-estate developers Shane and David Brady, $1,000 apiece; Auto Fair CEO Harry Crews, $2,400; ex-GOP State Chairman Steve Duprey, $2,400; Manchester Monarchs executive Jeff Eisenberg, $400; Pan Am Systems President David Fink, $250; retired BAE executive Walt Halverstein, $1,000; ex-U.S. Sen. and state Sen. Gordon Humphrey's wife, Patty, $250; and Manchester GOP state Rep. Will Infantine ,$250.

Landrigan also mentioned Katrina Swett and her huge war chest. The whole thing makes me wish for some kind of campaign finance reform.

A humorous aside in Dorgan was the mention that after saying cameras would be banned from Kelly Ayotte's roll out in Wolfeboro, her handlers relented, allowing WMUR access. But Granite Grok's Doug Lambert was heavily questioned before he was deemed to be worthy as a journalist. New media is getting noticed.