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Approximately 125 folks gathered at Portsmouth Gas & Light to see US Senate candidate Paul Hodes, and Dr. Howard Dean, former Governor of VT and one-time presidential candidate.
A whole lot of Deaniacs were in that room, wearing their old Dean buttons, and wistfully imagining what this country would look like if Dean had become president in 2004. Sigh.
Billy Shaheen introduced Congressman Hodes. He said a few things that resonated with the crowd, including: "If he wins, you win. If he wins, America wins." Shaheen also spoke of all the criticism he's heard about Democrats, and reminded us to think about how it would be right now if Sarah Palin was in the White House. That got a big round of boos.
This was an hour long event - so the guys kept it brief. Hodes sounded strong. In speaking of the new Republican role as the party of no, he said, "The GOP has given us the audacity of nope." He also said, "They've got fear - we've got hope." Hodes also quoted Harry Truman:
"America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and unbeatable determination to do the job at hand."
Governor Dean spoke mostly about health care, and how there is overwhelming support for the public option in NH. He said, "You can't trust your health care to the Republicans, but you can trust Paul Hodes.
The Q&A was brief:
Health Care
Kelly DeFeo, a nurse anesthetist from Conway spoke about how people aren't coming in for colonoscopies and similar testing, because so many people who have insurance have such high deductibles now that they don't bother with tests. They come in when they have cancer. The practice she is affiliated with is in danger of closing down, because people just aren't coming in.
Hodes emphasized that health care reform is a jobs bill. This cannot be said often enough - and really ought to be a national message.
Citizens United Ruling
Hodes said that Congress is working on ways to mitigate that decision in the upcoming election. He said that corporations are not people, and cannot be allowed to drown out democracy with their money.
NAFTA
Hodes said, "Its time for made in America to mean something again. He's working on a bill to help small businesses. He's also in favor of closing the loopholes that allow jobs to go overseas, and using that money to create jobs here at home. He said we need fair trade, not free trade - and reiterated that health care reform is a jobs bill.
Special Ed Funding
In response to a question from Laurie McCray (tireless advocate for folks with special needs) on special ed, and how the states suffer because of an unfunded federal mandate, Hodes said he is strongly in favor of the federal govt. ponying up the full 40% they are supposed to be giving the states for special ed.
This was short and sweet, and even nostalgic. It was good to hear Hodes sounding strong and decisive. Being endorsed by Howard Dean is a plus for Hodes in NH.
Speaking of the good doctor- he reminded us all that running for the US Senate is a costly business. Be sure to visit Hodes for Senate/ Act Blue to make a contribution. It's going to feel so good to say "Senator Hodes" instead of saying, "Senator Gregg" isn't it?
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