Offering An Assessment Of Possible Gubernatorial Candidates

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Sat Apr 23, 2011 at 11:21:21 AM EDT

Since November, 2012 is just 563 days from now, or just over 80 weeks, it's not too early to consider their strengths or lack thereof.  Here are some of my initial thoughts, in no specific order:

1.  John Lynch. John Lynch should run for a 5th term.  While I didn't support his first race for the nomination -- I supported a lifelong friend, two-time Democratic Gubernatorial nominee Paul McEachern in 2004, Lynch has impressed me greatly.  McEachern didn't win in 2004, but I think he made John Lynch a better candidate, who went on to smash then-Governor Craig .... I forget his name.

Last November was John Lynch's toughest election, but he won, and he won well, and he won with class.  And thank goodness.  Can you imagine today, with this right-wing Legislature, if it was "Governor Stephen" or "Governor Kimball?"  John Lynch saved us from all that.  And his vetoes of horrible bills during the next few months, and next year too, will protect the lives of real people who would otherwise be hurt by some horrible legislation.  By those vetoes, Lynch will feel a renewed spirit of purpose and need.  He can win big in November, 2012.  Let's draft him.

Kevin Landrigan sees BASS as victim of PAC ad

by: susaninrindge

Mon Oct 25, 2010 at 13:37:17 PM EDT

This ad, running now, appears to state the truth.  It is not a negative, deceptive or a down and dirty ad. It is a clear and true ad about Bass's apparent unethical behavior. Bass himself has not been able to clear up the questions the ad raises.  He says the meeting didn't happen or he doesn't remember it, but the Sec of Energy at the time DOES remember it and there is evidence that it did take place. It seems to me that the story regarding this ad should be about its accuracy and its implications for our District -- rather than about who is paying for it to run.  

Annie and the Netroots

by: Mike Hoefer

Wed Sep 15, 2010 at 09:07:50 AM EDT

If you have not seen it already check out the 9:25 mark in Annie's Victory Speech when she uses Dean's Uniquely Unifying Candidate series by name to pivot into the next 7 weeks of campaigning. (See 1, 2, 3 4 in case you missed them.)

Annie was kind enough to record this short interview a thank you to all the support she got online (audio is a bit tough in a couple of places... it was a noisy room!)

Many Hampsters were in attendance. It was nice to see Bash regular and occasional diarist Paul Hodes there to support the candidate who will be running to keep his hard earned NH-02 seat a Democratic Seat. Jon Bresler, William Tuck, JDBlanch, Burt, and Jack were also in attendance (did I miss anyone?)

It was nice to see the staff of the hardest working campaign in show business together and enjoying the moment. The strategy, planning, and execution I've witness as a local volunteer for the campaign was really impressive, on par if not ahead of Presidential Primary efforts I have been a part of.

Only 7 weeks to the General Election. I'm Fired Up and Ready To Go, are you?

QOTD

by: Dean Barker

Sun Aug 08, 2010 at 21:18:14 PM EDT

"Every building that isn't weatherized costs us wasted heating and cooling costs. Every home and business that is forced to rely on dial-up Internet simply can't compete in today's economy.

These are projects that can't be outsourced to China, and they should employ well-trained, well-paid New Hampshire workers." - Ann McLane Kuster

Ann Kuster Stands with Carol Shea-Porter on War Vote

by: Dean Barker

Sun Aug 08, 2010 at 08:54:33 AM EDT

"I don't feel this is the best approach to keeping Americans safe from future terrorist attacks," Kuster said. "I think we need to have this narrowly focused counter-terrorism mission designed to disrupt al-Qaida."

Kuster said she would have joined U.S. Rep Carol Shea-Porter of the 1st District in voting against a bill the House passed last week providing $37 billion to pay for the two wars.

...Among Kuster's foreign policy advisers is John Hutson, dean of Franklin Pierce Law Center and retired Navy rear admiral and judge advocate general. Hutson, a former Republican who became a public supporter of Obama, said he and Kuster spoke about the plan to send more troops to Afghanistan.

Kuster's views on Afghanistan played a role in her endorsement by NH Peace Action, which release can be seen here.

Much of the rest of the Monitor article is devoted to Katrina Swett's early support for the Iraq war, which I spent some time looking at here.

More NH Democratic Prop 8 Reax

by: Dean Barker

Wed Aug 04, 2010 at 22:04:36 PM EDT

   The U.S. District Court of Northern California's decision to strike down Proposition 8 is a huge win in our ongoing fight for equality.

   There is much work still to be done, and many more battles to face - but the march toward universal marriage equality continues. It's time that the Defense of Marriage Act was repealed once and for all. When I get to the US Senate, I will lead the charge to repeal DOMA and ensure equal rights and protections for every citizen in this country.  

   I am thrilled with today's ruling, and more determined than ever to repeal DOMA and help achieve universal marriage equality for all Americans.

"I was pleased to hear that a federal judge struck down California's ban on same-sex marriages. Our Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law.  We need less government interference in our personal lives - in New Hampshire, in California, and in Washington, DC.  That's why I support marriage equality and why I am proud to have the endorsement of the New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition in my campaign for Congress."

(all via email unless linked; Katrina's is here.)

Swett Campaign Admits Republican Strategy

by: Dean Barker

Fri Jul 30, 2010 at 07:34:25 AM EDT

"The National Republican Congressional Committee is going to make her lobbying record an issue. I don't want to kid ourselves. That is a reality," said Coffman, who added that Swett would support Kuster in the general election if she was the nominee.

Coffman confirmed that the campaign had bought TV airtime on New Hampshire TV station WMUR beginning in late August, but declined to specify whether the ads would be negative.

The Swett campaign's attack on Kuster right now is essentially at one with what we can expect with Charlie Bass and the NRCC.

Everything You Need to Know About the UNH CD2 Poll

by: Dean Barker

Thu Jul 29, 2010 at 18:58:56 PM EDT

"Kuster again is largely unknown," Smith said. "Eighty-five percent of those polled don't know anything about her. They can't even say if they have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of her."

But the poll also indicates that while Bass has strong recognition, his unfavorable ratings have climbed sharply since February. Currently, 34 percent of those polled have a favorable opinion of him, but 34 percent have an unfavorable opinion, with 33 percent neutral or saying they don't know enough to say.

Bass' zero percent net favorability is down sharply from his 25 percent net favorability in February.

Over to you, DCCC!

Actually, there is one more thing to know about this poll when look at the .pdf: Swett's net favorability is down 1% to -5%, while Kuster's is +8%.

NH-02: Hotline Notes Bass' Anemic Campaign

by: Dean Barker

Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 13:32:11 PM EDT

Bass wants his old northern NH seat back, but it's not going to be cheap, and Bass hasn't proven he's on par with either of his Dem rivals' fundraising abilities. Bass raised $170K last quarter and had $360K in the bank. That's well below attorney Ann McLane Kuster (D), who raised $316K and has $745K lying around, and Katrina Swett (D), who pulled in $188K and has $1.15M, largely left over from an aborted Senate bid in '08.

Bass is going to face a big problem that every GOPer in recent years has run into -- a problem named John Lynch. The Dem governor has a great political machine, and that should help turn out voters for either Dem winner. The GOP needs to build a strong machine to get its voters out for competitive House and SEN races.

NH-02: Kuster, Swett, Differ on Nuclear Energy

by: Dean Barker

Mon Jul 05, 2010 at 06:56:00 AM EDT

Swett identified two policy points on which she differs from Kuster. While Kuster opposed President Obama's decision to send 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan, Swett said she reluctantly supported the surge. But she said that the country must begin withdrawing its troops on schedule next summer and that the people of Afghanistan must take responsibility for their national fate.

Kuster opposes expanding nuclear power because of concerns about safety and cost to taxpayers, while Swett said nuclear power should be among the country's low-carbon energy options.

NH-02: Kuster's Got The Big Mo(ney)

by: Dean Barker

Thu Jul 01, 2010 at 07:02:04 AM EDT

Campaign manager Colin Van Ostern said late yesterday that with "checks still being counted," Kuster expects to report raising more than $300,000 between May 1 and yesterday, for a total raised so far in the campaign of about $1.15 million.

Van Ostern said more than $1 million is available to be used in the primary campaign against Katrina Swett and estimated the campaign will report "well over $700,000" on hand.

...He said she has contributions from donors in 176 different cities and towns across the state, more than 100 in the 2nd District.

Kuster, Swett Differ on Af-Pak

by: Dean Barker

Fri Jun 25, 2010 at 11:15:54 AM EDT

While describing herself as "very loyal" to President Obama in general, Ann McLane Kuster said that she had disagreed with the policy of increasing troops in Afghanistan as part of a "failed mindset" towards the conflict. "I don't believe this is the best way to protect U.S. citizens," said Kuster. "I am convinced that we need to focus on better coordinating our intelligence capabilities against Al-Qaeda rather than building up our troop presence. We need to develop a more nimble approach and not get bogged down in large, long-term military endeavors."

Swett said that she had supported a temporary troop surge policy as a way of stabilizing and strengthening Afghanistan and giving the Karzai government a chance to succeed. She emphasized the geopolitical importance of the conflict due to its proximity to a nuclear armed Pakistan. "It would be unthinkable for the Pakistan nuclear arsenal to fall into the hands of terrorists," said Swett.

Ann Kuster, A Uniquely Unifying Candidate, Pt. III

by: Dean Barker

Thu Jun 24, 2010 at 08:22:34 AM EDT

Today, Ann Kuster is announcing the endorsements of Terry Shumaker and John Hutson, and that they will serve as her Advisory Committee Co-Chairs for International and Military Policy.  (I've got an early peek at the release, which I've put below the fold.)

First of all, having names that big to serve as foreign policy advisors for a first-time congressional run is something to behold all by itself.  Let that sink in for a little bit; the momentum and build-up of the Kuster campaign (which just announced their regional field directors a couple of days ago) continues to impress. At the risk of getting some friendly fire: has there been a more impressively run campaign on either side for any office in this state this cycle?

But more to the point. Admiral Hutson is a huge addition.  He was one of Obama's most important allies in 2008 in this state, representing the side of the military appalled at Bush's understanding of the Geneva Conventions.  His work on bringing us back from a nation of torturers can't be overstated.  And perhaps even more tellingly for the campaign, Hutson is a former Republican.  Once again, this speaks to Kuster's ability to bring together two camps who are far apart in perception, but in reality quite close together: today's Granite State progressives and yesterday's common sense Yankee Republicans.  This is something that drives today's fringe GOP crazy (and makes Team Bass nervous).  And it should, because it incorporates the people they chose to abandon in the era of the The Decider.  

As for former Ambassador Shumaker, this should put to rest the myth that the Kuster campaign is only centered among the Obama folks of '08.  Annie has received the support of lots of Clinton folks already, such as Molly Kelly and Ricia McMahon. Shumaker co-chaired Bill Clinton's 1992 and 1996 campaigns.  So what this tells me is that there is not some big division in NH between the Clinton Democrats of the 90's and the Obama folks of today, as some have hinted to me here and there.

Here are Parts One and Two of the "uniquely unifying" series.  

Bass on Barton: "A Man of Energy, of Integrity"

by: Dean Barker

Fri Jun 18, 2010 at 06:04:12 AM EDT

Making matters worse for Barton is the identity of the top contributor to his election campaigns. Since 1989, it has been the company Anadarko Petroleum, from which he's received $56,500 in PAC donations and another $90,000 in individual contributions.

...Anadarko has been making a lot of news lately, and none of it is good: they're a 25 percent partner in the Macondo Prospect, which was the site of the Deepwater Horizon explosion that is causing oil to spill into the Gulf of Mexico. Anadarko has also been sent a bill by BP and asked to pay its share of the cleanup costs.

Bass & Barton Fought to Decrease Oversight for U.S. Refineries

According to Environment and Energy Daily, "lead sponsor Bass and fellow Republicans called the bill a way to streamline the siting process for new refineries, noting that U.S. refining capacity is not meeting consumer demand for gasoline and other fuels. Bass and Barton told reporters the lack of an efficient permitting process is among the reasons why there is not more domestic refinery capacity today. 'The uncertainty as to how long it will take -- six, seven, eight, nine, 10 years -- makes it difficult,' Bass told reporters."  Environment and Energy Daily, May 4, 2006, "ENERGY POLICY: Defeated refinery bill could return to floor next week"

· Bass Criticized for Helping Burton to Protect MTBE-makers

According to Roll Call, "Bass was a key negotiator with Joe Barton on an MTBE deal and voted against a motion by Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.) that would have stripped MTBE liability protections from the House bill. Though the protections were removed in conference anyway, critics derided Bass for supporting Barton's efforts . . . "  Roll Call, February 21, 2006, "Environment May Resonate as an Issue In Some 2006 Races."

· Bass Described as "Doing the Bidding" of Delay and Barton

"Democrats are licking their proverbial chops over" Bass' MtBE legislation fell through in July 2005.  The article stated that even Bass backers did not understand why he was involved in the legislation, as it put him in a position of "doing the bidding of the oil industry and oil-rich Texas congressmen Tom DeLay and Joe Barton by proposing liability protection for the industry and a cleanup trust fund partly funded by taxpayers" especially when he knew that the Senate would not go along with the plan.  The editorial claimed that his backers could "see no upside for Bass" in the ordeal, but said it wouldn't hurt Bass in the long-run. A DCCC spokesperson countered that the matter proved Bass "vulnerable and ineffective." The Union Leader (Manchester NH) July 28, 2005 Thursday STATE EDITION

"Over his six terms in Congress, Charlie Bass voted repeatedly to expand offshore oil drilling, he called for eliminating the entire U.S. Department of Energy, he attacked the Sierra Club a so-called 'extremist'" organization, and he did everything he could to help the big oil and power companies that gave him tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions.  It should not come as a surprise that the man he called a 'great member of Congress and a good friend' just last week is now catching heat for apologizing to the CEO of BP," said Kuster.

Blue Hampshire Endorses Ann McLane Kuster

by: Blue Hampshire

Thu May 20, 2010 at 05:13:20 AM EDT

Today, we believe the best person to continue the work in Congress begun by Representative Hodes is attorney and advocate Ann McLane Kuster.

As Laura Clawson pointed out on Daily Kos, Ann McLane Kuster "supports the public option, the Employee Free Choice Act, non-punitive immigration reform, and environmental regulation. Not only does she want to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell, she wants to repeal DOMA, and she worked to help bring marriage equality to New Hampshire."

In addition, Kuster has been a vigorous advocate for health care access and affordability, especially and unwaveringly so for women's reproductive health. From Ann's website: "Ann believes a woman and her medical care provider should be making decisions about her health care, not the politicians in Washington. She is committed to ensuring that the anti-choice movement doesn't use abortion to derail health care reform, and also that they don't use health care reform to restrict a woman's right to choose."

Ann McLane Kuster headed the Women for Obama organization in the state during the primary and presidential campaign. An early supporter of the President, she also disagrees with some of his policies: "While I am pleased that the President has decided to set a timetable for drawing down our troops in Afghanistan, I do not agree with the decision to first send 30,000 additional troops.  It is not clear that sending more combat troops is the best way to meet the real threat, as Al Qaeda disperses to Pakistan and other countries.  This is particularly important as our military has been strained by six years of fighting in Iraq and eight years of fighting in Afghanistan."

We believe that, in addition to her strongly progressive views, Ann Kuster also has the clearest path to victory in the fall. Her campaign arc thus far has been exemplary, demonstrating vigor, discipline, and attentiveness.  If Kuster runs her congressional office at all the way in which her campaign has been run so far, the citizens of New Hampshire's second district will indeed be fortunate.

Kuster has slowly but efficiently built up local grassroots support, viable fundraising, and national endorsements.  Of the former, we were impressed at how she had reached out to voters across the district with a "30 House Parties in 30 Days" tour.  Jennifer Daler, for example, decided on her support at a New Boston house party, where her warmth and ease with people were apparent.  Jennifer asked Kuster whether she could persevere through a grueling general election, as she's so, well, nice.  Ann handily convinced her she is tough enough to handle whatever Charlie Bass or Jennifer Horn can dish out.

Ann and her campaign have also openly engaged with the New Hampshire netroots, providing Blue Hampshire with a video introduction, for example.  It is clear she can navigate both the traditional world of door knocking and handshakes as well as the emerging political communities of new media.

Finally, we believe Ann Kuster's background and beliefs represent a uniquely unifying bridge between the common sense Yankee Republican that once used to populate New Hampshire and today's progressive Granite State values.  She can, and has already, brought together a wide coalition of supporters from the big tent of the Democratic party, while at the same time bringing over undeclared, and even Republican, voters who support middle class values and pragmatic solutions to our nation's problems.

We believe Ann McLane Kuster will be a clear and independent voice for New Hampshire citizens in Congress, and we are proud to endorse her.

Finally, on the basis of this endorsement, we have added Ann Kuster to our ActBlue Hampshire page.  Please consider clicking the link and giving to the Kuster campaign today to ensure a victory for progressive values in the fall.

Note: This endorsement represents the full and unanimous support of Blue Hampshire's managing editors and contributing writers: Dean Barker, Laura Clawson, elwood, Jennifer Daler, Mike Hoefer, and susanthe.  Furthermore, we strongly acknowledge what a step backwards it would mean to New Hampshire's second district to be represented again by a nominee from today's Republican party, and so we look forward to working for whoever is elected our Democratic nominee.

Charlie Bass' Stealth Campaign Against... Charlie Bass

by: Dean Barker

Sat May 15, 2010 at 09:27:47 AM EDT

Look at his campaign calendar, for example.  And The Almighty Google Alert only picks up the slightest traces of breadcrumbs now and then that there might be such a person who is also connected to a congressional race in New Hampshire.

At first I thought it was because he, a double legacy pol, traditionally has been a reluctant campaigner.

But really he's just doing what he needs to do to secure the GOP nomination.  That is to say: Former congressman Charlie Bass is running a stealth campaign against... former congressman Charlie Bass.

All signs point to anti-incumbent cycle.  Charlie Bass has a long career in office, concluding with six-terms** in the seat he wants again. In this open seat race, that makes him the incumbent in all but name.

Adding to his problem is the primary.  He knows he is distasteful*** to the base GOP voters of the 2nd district.  But he's banking on them being statistically inconsequential compared to the number of undeclared mainstream voters he can rely on through name recognition alone.

So he's got to lay low until September.  Not remind everyone too much of his career as Washington insider. It's the path of least resistance.

Kind of a sad way to run a campaign****.  But it's clearly the best way for him to get the GOP nomination with the least amount of ruffled feathers.

____________________
* George W. Bush's friendly nickname for him, not mine.

** Bass and the other "Contract with America" Gingrichites pledged only to serve six terms when he first won the office back in the 20th century, but he's counting on you forgetting that, as he did in 2006.

*** Remember the "I Heart the Tea People" flop?

**** Compare, e.g., to Kuster's 30 house parties in 30 days.

The Talking Point Two-Step

by: Dean Barker

Tue May 04, 2010 at 21:37:35 PM EDT

Coffman said that Swett, "as a pro-choice candidate, is disappointed not to have their support. But she is not surprised given that Annie has been a paid lobbyist for NARAL and possibly for Planned Parenthood over decades of working and lobbying in Concord."

State records show that Kuster lobbied for NARAL Pro-Choice New Hampshire in 2008 and 2009 but not for Planned Parenthood.

Kuster's campaign manager, Colin Van Ostern, said Kuster has never lobbied for Planned Parenthood.

But the goal is not to throw stones at random and get corrected.  The goal is to find an avenue in which to include the word "lobbyist" next to Kuster's name in print.

TPM today demonstrated just this technique being used by Heckuva Brownie.

NH-02: In-State Money

by: Dean Barker

Sun Apr 18, 2010 at 08:50:30 AM EDT

During her first quarter as a declared candidate, Swett raised $323,000, which is a significant sum. A review of her report, however, concludes about 14 percent of that money - $44,000 - came from New Hampshire donors.

...By contrast, Democratic rival Ann McLane Kuster got about half of her $840,000 from New Hampshire residents.

If in-state money is an indicator of primary voter enthusiasm, Kuster leads considerably.

One Month of Handshakes and Living Rooms

by: Dean Barker

Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 20:27:53 PM EDT

That's a lot of handshakes and living rooms.  It's also a clever way to package day-to-day grassroots campaign work.

If Ann Kuster can run a congressional office the way she's running this campaign, I think our lil' country district would be getting some good representation down there in the Village.

The Money's Not on a Republican Resurgence in NH-02

by: Dean Barker

Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 06:11:05 AM EDT

Today, buried towards the bottom of today's Republican status (just underneath the vital news that Pawlenty consultant Pat Hynes will stop working on FauxHampshire so he can get paid by some local campaign), DiStaso was given the scoop for Swett's and Bass' numbers.  Swett earned $325K with over $1 million CoH.

Bass? $155K, with $262 CoH.

Of course, money is not a definitive indicator of an election (see Shea-Porter, Carol, 2006, 2008).

But, despite the appearance of a structural advantage for the GOP in the 2010 election cycle, it's not showing up in the money race for the second district (unless Jennifer Horn is going to surprise us with a significant haul).  Which is interesting given how Very Serious Election Pundits like Stu Rothenberg have declared NH-02 in very serious play this cycle.