A Blue Hampshire Endorsement

by: William Tucker

Thu Nov 17, 2011 at 14:52:54 PM EST

Smith, you may remember, was responsible for the single most immoral and offensive campaign ad of 2010. This year, despite claiming to not be focused on social issues, he pressured the legislature to defund Planned Parenthood, pass parental notification and roll back marriage equality. He was "a force behind the passage of right-to-work legislation."

But politics makes strange bedfellows and, hey, Smith knows a kick-ass web site and online, activist community when he sees one. We accept his endorsement.

"BlueManGroup"

by: Blue Hampshire

Wed Mar 16, 2011 at 15:00:00 PM EDT

It turns out our troll "BlueManGroup" was also calling from the house (of representatives) and could be employed by the House Majority Office.

Background

• Thursday March 10 @ 14:36 PM a new user by the name of "BlueManGroup" starts commenting on the Blue Hampshire Blog in a diary documenting the proceedings of a legislative hearing regarding Mike Brunelle
  
• Comments are derogatory, mean spirited, and bullying in nature
  
• One comment seems to make fun of a medical condition of former State Senator Fuller-Clark
  
• In a second thread the commenter gets his facts wrong regarding another State Rep.
  

Brunelle (0.00 / 5)
IP Address: 216.177.20.245
Is Mike Brunelle there or is he home hiding under the bed?
by: BlueManGroup @ Thu Mar 10, 2011 at 14:17:11 PM EST

Brunelle (0.00 / 7)
IP Address: 216.177.20.245
You didn't answer my question...is mikey brunelle there or is he home hiding under his bed?
by: BlueManGroup @ Thu Mar 10, 2011 at 14:30:32 PM EST

Brunelle (0.00 / 8)
IP Address: 216.177.20.245
So, for the third time...I realize you find it necessary to censure any comment that may be critical of our party...but is Mike  Brunelle there or hiding under his bed at home?
by: BlueManGroup @ Thu Mar 10, 2011 at 14:35:47 PM EST

Martha Fuller Clark (0.57 / 7)
IP Address: 216.177.20.245
Izzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Martha Fuller Clark there?  
by: BlueManGroup @ Thu Mar 10, 2011 at 14:38:58 PM EST

Blue Man Group blogging from Mike Brunelle's house. (0.00 / 6)
IP Address: 216.177.20.245
OMG there he is..Mikey is crawled into the fetal position under his bed...stand by.
by: BlueManGroup @ Thu Mar 10, 2011 at 14:40:33 PM EST

Foose (0.00 / 2)
IP Address: 216.177.20.245
It does sound a bit hypocritical on Mr. Foose's part. Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't he the same Randy Foose who sat on the Democrat-controlled House Finance committee that passed the "campground" tax and increased the Rooms and Meals tax (among others) WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF A PUBLIC HEARING?  
by: BlueManGroup @ Thu Mar 10, 2011 at 13:52:30 PM EST

The Rub

• The email address used creating the Acct. links "BlueManGroup" to an employee in House Majority Office (Should there be an official investigation of this incident we will provide this information to investigators.)
  
• "BlueManGroup"'s comments and User Registration happend from a State of NH network
  
• "BlueManGroup" comments happend during the workday
  

In the best case scenario we have a person with a mean streak working in the House Majority Office engaged in conduct unbecoming; in the worse, we have that, plus the House Majority Office intentionally and deliberately working to disrupt the information and news coming from the State House and using state resources to do so.

We hate this sort of stuff and take no pleasure in knowing that in sharing this information someone will have a lot of 'splaining to do, and could even end up out of work, but we can not abide these words and actions at the same time the Majority Party in the NH House is telling our kids its ok to call someone a fag, drop out of school at 16, and get a firearm without a permit when they turn 18 (they haven't lowered the age of that, yet).

They are turning us into a state of bullies, and the only way to deal with a bully is to stand up to them.

Suggestion Box

by: Dean Barker

Sat Nov 13, 2010 at 07:13:46 AM EST

We'd love to have your input as well. No suggestion is too small or too big or "out of the box," so long as it's respectful of the community here, and mindful of the fact that BH is more or less a volunteer effort.

Oh, and: thanks for coming and being a part of this community.  I don't say that nearly enough.

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.

The Gatsas Files - Blue Hampshire Edition

by: Kathy Sullivan 2

Mon Apr 19, 2010 at 15:11:09 PM EDT

I'm still plowing through, but one item that was near the top of the pile in the mayor's files involved Blue Hampshire, so I thought I would share it. Back in March, kbartek posted a diary here about the school committee and the board of aldermen not keeping MCTV, the local education and government stations, under the auspices of the school district. I posted a comment.

Will Infantine, a Republican state rep, chairman of the board of MCAM, the public access station, and who was until recently chairman of the Manchester Republican committee, e mailed the whole posting to the mayor's assistant; in his e mail, he said, "This person has a history of writing things about MCAM and MCTV. We think they actually work for MCTV but cannot trace it back. This will let you know what they are thinking."

Kennedy Awards Recap & YD Farewell

by: Garth Corriveau

Sun Nov 22, 2009 at 18:49:04 PM EST

On a personal level, as I said at the Awards, I will not seek reelection as NHYD President in January 2010, so thank you to the NH Democratic Party, the Young Democrats of America and especially the NHYD Board & our members for the privilege of working both for and with you. Together, we've shared so much success on the national, state & local levels the past two years. NHYD is in very capable hands to help elect Paul Hodes, Carol Shea-Porter & our CD2 nominee, and of course, elect Young Democrats to the Statehouse in 2010. Blue Hampshire, on the other hand, is stuck with me, even if my posts become slightly more "Manchcentric" to use Jack's term of art.

Again, thank you Young Democrats and congratulations Blue Hamsters!

Paul Hodes' Live Blog at Blue Hampshire

by: Dean Barker

Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 07:25:35 AM EST

Tonight at 7 PM, I hope you'll join me in a live blog on www.BlueHampshire.com to discuss many things, including the most pressing issue facing our country: health care reform. Last week, the House of Representatives passed a historic health care bill. While I voted for this bill, I am fighting to have the Stupak amendment language removed.

We have a lot to talk about. I can't wait to hear your thoughts tonight.

Blue Hampshire: the Trifecta appearing in the Valley News

by: Ed Tracey

Sun Jun 28, 2009 at 10:05:41 AM EDT

First, on June 7th Blue Hampshire (along with other political websites in the Vermont/NH region) was mentioned for its impact on marriage equality.

Last week on June 21st BH was cited in an editorial (which actually was online).

... And now ...(more after the jump) ...

Now, Blue Hampshire cited in Valley News editorial

by: Ed Tracey

Sun Jun 21, 2009 at 14:31:33 PM EDT

Blue Hampshire makes "Valley News" front page

by: Ed Tracey

Sun Jun 07, 2009 at 09:41:35 AM EDT

NEWS:  Netroots Grow in Twin States
West Lebanon -- At 6:36 a.m. on April 24, the day after New Hampshire's Senate Judiciary Committee narrowly voted to recommend killing a gay marriage bill, the small but influential www.Bluehampshire.com Web site posted a call to arms.

And after citing the words that urged us to contact our legislators respectfully, Gregg began his next paragraph with:

It was a galvanizing moment.

(more after the jump) ....

HB 436: WWJD??

by: pdinardo

Fri May 08, 2009 at 12:52:45 PM EDT

In case you missed it...Chris Cilliza's list of top political blogs by State

by: JonnyBBad

Thu Apr 09, 2009 at 14:44:48 PM EDT

fwiw

Censorship on Blue Hampshire?

by: Digger

Wed Feb 25, 2009 at 11:41:47 AM EST

Then, a "contributing writer" from this blog happened along the fact that someone (not myself) dared defend our governor's actions.  That contributing writer (whose name starts with an "e") then stated this:

Please don't be insulting.

It's one thing to say that the people who disagree with you about whether the DSCC would fully back the nominee are wrong.
It's a different matter to tell us that campaign funding is important, as though we are slow students.

You really are not in a position to educate Blue Hampshire on that.  

Allow me to set the scene.

I come here to read the blog; if it's something of interest I follow it "below the fold", but I'm typically busy reading between 4-10 online newspapers/magazines, so I don't often post.  Also, I'm a lifetime Democrat, never voted GOP ever, and I work with and donate to Democratic campaigns.

Well, I admit, the above post from a "contributing writer" ticked me off.  It was not the first time I had seen this person get unnecessarily snippy and deliver an incredibly patronizing and arrogant retort to someone simply for disagreeing them.  Why not simply refute the post with facts or opinion?  Why the need to get snotty?

So I posted something back to this "contributing writer".  Something along the lines of "Wow, I can't decide whether that was arrogant or simply patronizing", with a post that defended what Lynch was doing.

Later, I returned to check my posts, and when I clicked on two of them, they were gone.

I didn't go over the line or use innappropriate language so I was very surprised, and concerned.  I made inquiries.  I was told that, if I was a registered user, I would be able to see them.  I checked again, and I couldn't see them.

Finally I was told that they 1) either were deleted or 2) they are hidden forever because they got some "1.00" ratings.  To this moment, I don't know what was true.

As a Democrat, I'm really surprised that what I have termed as "soft censorship" is allowed on a Democratic blog.  Keeping people in line with hardcore tactics is something I associate with Republicans; Democrats support debate and the free association of ideas, don't they?

So I raised the censorship issue.  If you have ever seriously disagreed with someone here, or stood up to the "bullying" or patronizing behavior of one of the "contributing writers" here, you know what likely followed.  The accusation that I was a (please choose 1 or more of the following):

1) a GOP operative
       or
2) a troll whose only aim is to "disrupt the blog"

Accusing someone of being an "enemy", simply because they disagree with you, is variously hilarious, pathetic, and honestly very strange, not to mention indicative of a potentially weak argument by the accuser.  Consider that I have Obama memorabilia and a picture with him in my house, making it particularly surreal to be accused of being an "operative" for the enemy.  Maybe I was a participant in the phone jamming scandal and I can't remember it?  Am I the Manchurian Operative, activated by seeing the "Ellen" TV show?

Seriously, a mindset here has been constructed that (perhaps unconsciously) ends up putting people on the "enemies list" simply for raising a question about the conduct of the "contributing writers" or for arguing for a moderate Democratic position.  Why?  Please, show my posts (with their context please) where I have been consciously disruptive and adovcated Republican opinions.  I don't believe they exist.

These "contributing writers" have developed a tendency to be very agressive in their disagreements with people, and what I object to is that there is a double-standard at work; if you respond aggressively to one of these people it seems your posts dissapear.  Isn't that just a little scary?

I understand that this blog is a liberal Democratic blog, and that the idea of what Lynch had done would not be universally welcomed by readers here.  But where's the ideological tolerance?  How do you have a free exchange of ideas with this type of restriction of the exchange of ideas?

Also, I think it's appropriate to raise a censorship debate here.  Were my posts deleted or are they hidden?  Was the blog involved in the deletions or was it solely based on "troll" ratings by a few hardcore posters here intolerant of different views, or of someone willing to stand up to the a few bullying "contributing writers?  

What Happened to Politicker?

by: pdinardo

Fri Jan 30, 2009 at 13:42:55 PM EST

WHOA!!  What happened?

The Blue Yorker

by: Dean Barker

Mon Jan 12, 2009 at 06:08:52 AM EST

Instead, our trip to the best of Old Media was because we were hacked. Life is so weird.

Take this opportunity to acknowledge BH's trip to the big-time by sending our Soapblox fundraiser over the top.  We are soooo close.

Note: the "questionnaires" quoted in the piece referred to Mike Caulfield's Policy Straw Poll series.  For those of you new to us, they are definitely worth a read.  And for those of you who were around, remember what a game getting to be first became? And how Team Hillary wouldn't submit to the format?

Blue Hampshire Meta: Your Feedback is Requested

by: Mike Hoefer

Sun Dec 28, 2008 at 16:08:56 PM EST

In the comments section of this diary you will find four threads, please take a few minutes to comment on the following questions:

  1. What do you like most about Blue Hampshire? (Strengths)
  2. If you could change one thing about Blue Hampshire what would it be? (Weaknesses)
  3. What ideas do you have for Blue Hampshire in the year ahead (Opportunities)
  4. What could "move Blue Hampshire's Cheese"? (Threats)

Corporate types will recognize this as a thinly disguised "SWOT Analyisis".

Please feel free to comment briefly (one or two word responses are acceptable and encouraged)and openly (no sacred cows here).

You can "Ditto" or "Me Too" a comment by voting it up with the ranking tool.

It will be interesting to see what folks have to say, and we'll use this info to plot our course for the next two years.

Thanks in advance for your comments!

Update (Dean): Just want to say that this is a great idea from Mike, and that except for cracking a few jokes here and there, I'm going to make myself scarce from the thread so that y'all can feel more comfortable about saying whatever comes to mind, good, bad, and ugly.

Two Years, Two Days: Happy Birthday to BH

by: Dean Barker

Thu Nov 20, 2008 at 21:11:59 PM EST

So, who remembers the shark fin logo?

Anyway, I feel like I'm stuck in a time loop.  Our first post highlighted the UL telling the NHGOP that they need to remake their party after getting pwned in the election. Sound familiar?

Happy Birthday to Us!

And many thanks to all the Hamsters here who make this place the vibrant community that it is.

Thank You, Blue Hampshire

by: Kathy Sullivan 2

Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 11:03:38 AM EST

It was great last night to see all the Blue Hampsters who made it to the Radison for the celebration - people I have known for a long time like Jon Bresler, people who have come back to the state to volunteer the past week, like DartmouthDem, and those I met for the first time, like Kelly Nordstrom and Jack Mitchell. Susan Bruce, thank you for the e mail last night -becoming friends with you through the magic of the internet has been great. And Elwood, your opinions and perspective are always valuable, even it I don't always agree.

Thanks to all of you for all that you have done.

And Dean Barker, your effort to help elect Jeanne Shaheen and defeating John Sununu has been incredible. The research you did, like coming up with video no one else knew about it, was top notch, and your pieces on him just excellent.  Thank you!!  

Sunday Morning Coffee Talk: Gore/Lieberman Edition

by: Mike Hoefer

Sun Mar 02, 2008 at 08:24:16 AM EST

Talk amongst yourselves.

NH Obama Site: Gives Props to Blue Hampshire

by: Sleeping Giant Stirs

Sun Dec 23, 2007 at 10:21:27 AM EST

Two Bloggers Endorse Barack on Blue Hampshire
by Tim Foley, NH Obama StaffSunday, December 23, 2007 at 09:01 AM
____________________________________________________________________________________________
For news and discussion of progressive politics in the Granite State, Blue Hampshire is the place to be. Two of its regulars have recently come forward to endorse Barack for president.

Andy Edwards is a founding member of the NH Democratic Majority. He was elected as a State Representative in New Hampshire in 2006. He writes:

Edwards for Obama
by: Andy Edwards

I am endorsing Sen. Barack Obama for President. He is the only one who presents a real departure from conventional thinking inside the beltway and who will act as a catalyst for change both within the American political system and with our image abroad.
-snip