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On Thursday, July 3, Carroll County Democrats had the grand opening of our first office, on Main St. in Conway, next to the fire station, and across the street from the Chinook Cafe. In 2004, we had a tiny space in a building owned by a local Republican, and this year we have 2 big rooms and a bathroom, on the ground floor, with big windows. The southern county office will be opening this weekend, on Rt. 16 in Ossippee, near the John Deere tractor outlet. This is a HUGE triumph, to have 2 offices in Carroll County.
Ray Buckley, our NHDP Chair was all smiles as he remembered what Carroll County used to be like, in comparison to what it's like now, and he mentioned how happy he was in 2006 when former state rep. Henry Mock lost the election. (so were we, Ray!!) Ray is expecting another year of big wins for the Dems in NH.
Our special guest was Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, who spoke of her hopes for a real Democratic majority in Congress to work with President Obama. She also spoke about how hard we all must work to ensure that all of our candidates are elected or re-elected, and that the only excuse for having a tan this summer is spending time outside canvassing!
A number of volunteers (including myself) signed up to person the office, and we all snacked on the treats provided by County Chairwoman Kelly DeFeo. A splendid time was had by all.
The next day were the parades. Congresswoman Shea-Porter and NH Senate Dist. 3 candidate Bud Martin had a breakfast in Wolfeboro, before the parade, which they both marched in, as well as a host of county Democrats. I was womanning the Conway office, so I can tell you third hand that the parade was huge, and very well attended, and that the Democrats were not just well received, they were cheered!! As you probably know, Wolfeboro is home to former Congressman Jeb Bradley. That didn't seem to dampen the enthusiasm of the locals who were quite excited to see their Congresswoman.
In Bartlett, (home of corn roast king, Gene Chandler) the Democrats who marched were cheered - much to their surprise and delight. Bartlett has always been a GOP black hole in the county, but folks seem to be coming to their senses up there.
I was in Conway for the next parade, where a large contingent of our candidates and other local Dems marched. Nathaniel Gurien and I handed out red, white, or blue Democratic balloons with the names of our candidates emblazoned upon them. They were a big hit, and highly visible up and down the street. The local Republicans had a rather rag-tag lineup, with few candidates present. There seemed to be a little bitterness when former state rep. Henry Mock passed by the office.( Let's just say Henry isn't fond of me.) He spied me and was bellowing about no income tax, and the NH advantage, as his florid visage disappeared into the distance.
The Democrats were cheered, which is lovely to see. All of our local candidates were in the parade, along with a number of other Dems, with signs, banners, and good cheer. Both the Conway and Bartlett parades had GREAT turnout. I remember marching in past local parades where we were booed, and glared at. Things sure have changed in Carroll County. Incumbent State Rep. Ed Butler looked resplendent sitting high on the back of a convertible. It was great fun, and we scored some more new volunteers to help in the office, etc.
When I moved to the Conway area 25 years ago, I was hissed at when I asked for a Democratic ballot that year when I voted. We were the most Republican county in the state. That was then. Carroll County is becoming more and more progressive. If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere!
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