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Granny D

Election Day Open Thread: "Of, By, and For the People"

by: Dean Barker

Tue Nov 02, 2010 at 06:03:49 AM EDT

(Bumped, because I voted and BOY did it feel good to vote! - promoted by Dean Barker)

Granny D, shortly before she was arrested at the Capitol:
Dear friends, we would never seek to abolish now what has become our dear United States. But it is our constant intention that it should be a government of, by and for the people, not the special interests. Our right to alter our government must be used to sweep these halls clean of greedy interests so that people may use this government in service to each other's needs and to protect the condition of our earth. This we declare.
In the end, that's what election after election in this country comes down to: You and I and the Rest of Us against the powerful interests of the super-wealthy.  They will always have a bigger and more expensive megaphone. But whether or not that megaphone drowns us out from time to time, there will always be more of us than them.

This is an Election Day Open Thread.  Please leave your thoughts, observations, last-minute info, etc... in the thread.  

And VOTE!

Adding: Until voting results come in, this is one of the least active days in political news, despite being our biggest traffic day on the site.  So if you are new here, please enjoy on the following links on our highest-profile races: NH-Gov, NH-Sen, NH-01, NH-02.

Discuss :: (6 Comments)

Your Friday Granny D

by: Dean Barker

Fri Sep 10, 2010 at 07:15:22 AM EDT

Granny D in 2001, from "Old Elijah's Tree (when life is too much)":
We have hard work to do in this life, and it can get very discouraging. It is hard work, loving each other, helping each other, protecting the people and the ideas we care about, preserving nature, helping the millions of people who need our help, taking care of our own needs. It is hard work. Let us meet from time to time under Elijah's old tree and rest our bones. God will give us what we need to carry on.
Discuss :: (1 Comments)

Hodes Introduces Granny D Constitutional Amendment

by: Dean Barker

Thu Apr 15, 2010 at 05:55:53 AM EDT

Doris "Granny D" Haddock's groundbreaking impact on campaign finance reform did not end with her passing.

Yesterday, Paul Hodes carried the banner further, and in her name (from an email release):

Today, Paul Hodes unveiled a constitutional amendment to protect New Hampshire citizens from corporate interests funneling unlimited money into federal elections.  In response to the outrageous Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court decision, Paul Hodes has introduced a constitutional amendment named after activist Doris "Granny D" Haddock which would stop corporations from using virtually unlimited spending to influence the outcome of U.S. elections.  

"The people deserve to decide our own elections, instead of having corporations dump millions of dollars into buying our democracy out from under us," said Hodes.  "An activist court wrongly allowed foreign corporations to infiltrate and pollute one of our most sacred American rights.  And, after discussing this issue with my fellow Granite Staters, I feel that this amendment is the only way to truly guarantee that the mistakes of the court are fully overturned. New Hampshire elections should be decided by New Hampshire people, not big corporations."

I really could put dozens of statements here from Granny D on the influence of big money on our political process, but here's just one sample:
They will cry into their million-dollar campaign troughs over the idea that any real reform might tilt the playing field unfairly. It doesn't matter how the field it tilted if no team is playing for the people. The playing field is up beyond the moon now, and it matters very little to ordinary Americans whether it is tilted in favor of the credit card party or the coal party. They are not playing for us anymore.

I am not discouraged. We the people can afford any such loss and yet we shall always overcome. We are the millions. Ours are those who have happily died to defend this country and its idea of a government of its people. We the people are generous in our sacrifice for democracy, and no one is rich enough or cruel enough to stand forever in the way of our sacrifices and our dreams.

I actually think the Obama Administration and the Democratic majority is quite serious about pushing back legislatively on the recent Supreme Court decision.  And I couldn't think of a more appropriate name to fly that mission in honor of than Granny D.  This is really win-win for We the People, and for an icon of New Hampshire.

Text of the joint resolution proposal is below, as well as the full release.

There's More... :: (6 Comments, 301 words in story)

Open Thread: What Flint We Are Made Of

by: Dean Barker

Wed Apr 14, 2010 at 06:08:34 AM EDT

An excerpt from Doris Haddock's campaign announcement for US Senate, 2004:
Look at our beautiful state--its waters, its air, its great forests and mountains--and, oh, it's people! We do not need much to live well here. We need to be left alone in matters where our freedom overrules government meddling. We need to join together in matters where joint action can create great resources for our children and each other. We of this Granite State are blessed with common sense and a high sense of community. I should be most honored to represent these things of ours in Washington, and let them see what flint we are made of when they try to take away our peace, our justice and our common treasure.
Discuss :: (5 Comments)

Weekend Open Thread: A Radio in His Truck

by: Dean Barker

Sat Apr 10, 2010 at 07:24:26 AM EDT

Doris Haddock, 2002:
In this way, the right-wing leanings of a few people have distorted entire industries, including television news. Political leaders are quickly infected in this trickle down reptilism --trickling down from the people who write the checks for political campaigns and who control political news.

And the reptilism trickles down further, to the weaker minds listening to talk radio or silly enough to spend too much time watching cable television news  --people who buy the lies, who are simply suckered into forking over their own political best interests to the con artists who attempt to pick their pockets at the same moment they are pointing out others who, they say, are the real trouble makers. About twenty-five percent of our people are susceptible to this kind of con, and they then give us problems by standing against any reasonable reforms. They have been spiritually twisted by the cheap poison of a hundred Rush Limbaughs into the angry, unthinking agents of the superrich.

On my long walk across America, a man driving a garbage truck told me that the biggest problem facing America today was the inheritance tax. I didn't have to ask him if he had a radio in his truck.

This is an Open Thread.
Discuss :: (5 Comments)

Weekend Open Thread: Architecture of a Good Civic Life

by: Dean Barker

Sat Apr 03, 2010 at 07:37:16 AM EDT

Granny D, 1999:
After awhile, of course, we reformers are liable to start boxing at every shadow. It may become difficult to distinguish the critical fights from the meaningless ones. But we must make those distinctions --we must pick our fights carefully-- if we are to succeed in the vital areas.

In order to pick the best fights, we must be able to visualize a healthy democracy. We must understand the architecture of a good civic life, and focus our repair work strategically.

This is a Weekend Open Thread.
Discuss :: (4 Comments)

Sunday Open Thread: Smile To See It

by: Dean Barker

Sun Mar 14, 2010 at 08:53:55 AM EDT

Granny D, 14 May 1999:
Never be discouraged from being an activist because people tell you that you'll not succeed. You have already succeeded if you're out there representing truth or justice or compassion or fairness or love. You already have your victory because you have changed the world; you have changed the status quo by you; you have changed the chemistry of things and changes will spread from you, will be easier to happen again in others because of you, because, believe it or not, you are the center of the world.

...My dream of political reform will come true. I may live to see it from this side of life, or I will smile to see it from the other side. But it will happen. It will happen because people love this country so, and this democracy so, and because they have given their sons and daughters and the best years of their own lives to defend it. They will not let it be destroyed before their eyes by these obscene floods of special-interest money that come into our elections from big business. I know we will end that outrage and we will be able to run our communities and our nation to look after the interests of the common people, for that is what a democracy is all about.

This is a Weekend Open Thread.
Discuss :: (2 Comments)

Because All Eldery Women Are Exactly the Same

by: Dean Barker

Thu Mar 11, 2010 at 21:14:05 PM EST

Oh, please.

Look, obviously Drew plays for the other team, but he is rarely so far off the mark.  There is a difference.

That he is so here is, imo, another testament to how tightly wrapped the Thomson and Loeb/UL legacy is.

While it may be tempting for some to push back on Drew's post by comparing the accomplishments and legacies of Gale Thomson and Doris Haddock, I think that's just the kind of pointless rabbit hole the other side would relish. I think I'll stick to my customary M.O. of keeping a respectful distance from the families of politicians on either side of the aisle. And furthermore, nil de mortuis nisi bonum.

Here's what I do know.  Granny D had a bigger impact on getting me out of my apolitical comfort zone than anyone save Dr. Dean. As a speaker, writer, walker, and - most of all - thinker, she had no peer in either party.

Discuss :: (5 Comments)

Let's Keep Walking

by: eyore33

Wed Mar 10, 2010 at 16:27:48 PM EST

We are all deeply saddened by the loss of Doris "Granny D" Haddock. I don't know much about her, but I do know that she walked across the United States to talk to people about her vision for America.

And I know that part of her vision was for campaign finance reform, and publicly-funded elections.

Granny D has passed away before she could see this vision, but those of us who are left have work to do. She walked her message over 3200 miles. We must keep it moving forward.

I would suggest that in honor of Granny D's life, Bluehampshire should organize a walk across America in honor of her life - and continue spreading her message.

It's just an idea, I would not go too far into detail at this point, but we could consider a relay-style walk that incorporated other states. Or we could simply do a Memorial Walk down Main Street in a New Hampshire town.

Please comment if you're interested.  

Discuss :: (0 Comments)

Statement from NHDP Chair Ray Buckley on the Passing of Doris "Granny D" Haddock

by: HarrellKirstein

Wed Mar 10, 2010 at 08:50:23 AM EST

Concord - New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley issued the following statement on the passing of Granny D.

"Today is a sad day for New Hampshire and for the country.  Doris "Granny D" Haddock always stood for Granite State values."

"She dedicated her life to progressive causes and at the age of 90 walked across America to reign in the influence of money in politics and return the democratic process back to the people.  Her commitment to fair and open democracy should inspire us all to work even harder for reform."

"She will sorely be missed and always remain in our hearts."

(Posted by Harrell Kirstein, deputy press secretary for the New Hampshire Democratic Party.)

Discuss :: (0 Comments)

Memorial Open Thread: Sit Together at the Table of Power

by: Dean Barker

Wed Mar 10, 2010 at 06:16:07 AM EST

Doris "Granny D" Haddock:
There can be no true equality in America so long as only the rich are represented at the table of power. That is no democracy. There can be no true justice in America so long as only the privileged make the rules and build the jails for those outside the rooms of power. That is no democracy.

Only when we sit together at the table of power can we do the right things by our communities.

Going through her speeches, it is easy as pie to see why Granny D was a giant inspiration to so many people (me included).

This is a Memorial Open Thread.  

Discuss :: (2 Comments)

Granny D's Comments About US Supreme Court Corporation Donations Decision

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Thu Jan 21, 2010 at 14:17:38 PM EST

( - promoted by Dean Barker)

As I have mentioned here a number of times, I and a non-partisan group of people have been working on a legislative study committee called the "Citizen-Funded Election Task Force."  Senator Martha Fuller Clark is our chair, and on the task force in addition to myself are Attorney David Allen, Professor Abigail Walton, Senator Sharon Carson, Rep. Kathy Hoelzel, Concord City Councilor Bob Werner, former Gubernatorial candidate Jim Rubens, Rep. Bob Perry, former Governor's Councilor Peter Spaulding, and Gordon Allen.

We have been meeting every one to two weeks for the past three months, and during the next several months our mandate, as stated in the legislation that created the task force, is to "develop a detailed plan, including proposal for specific legislation, to implement the recommendations" of a previous group, often called The Granny D Commission, which last year studied the concept of voluntary public funding of campaigns in New Hampshire.  

That Commission, chaired by Manchester Attorney Brad Cook (this cause is bi-partisan -- former Governor Walter Peterson and former U.S. Senator Warren Rudman support it), had done an exhaustive year-long study of other states, about a dozen, which have limited public funding of campaigns to balance the need of candidates to seek big money contributors in order to put on a competitive race for office.  Maine has such as system and it has worked well for the past decade.  

Former Democratic U.S. Senate nominee John Rauh, a leader in the national effort for public funding and founder of Americans For Campaign Reform, also was a member of that Commission, and supports current efforts of the Task Force.

Granny D has issued the following statement concerning the U.S. Supreme Court 5-4 decision that allows corporations to flood political campaigns, parties, and candidates with funds from their treasury.  

I agree with her sentiments, and the fight for proper disclosure, better transparency, and some saneness in the political fundraising process goes on.

--------------------------------------

January 21, 2010 statement from Doris "Granny D" Haddock in response to the Supreme Court's decision today to kill campaign finance reform.  

There's More... :: (6 Comments, 820 words in story)

Something New (yet so old): Anti-War Rally In Washington On December 12th

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Thu Dec 03, 2009 at 20:11:13 PM EST

Here's something new to talk about for those who haven't liked my questions about "How Many Deaths Are Enough," yet unfortunately it is so old because I remember many of these, quite a few which I attended, during the Vietnam Era.  

There's a giant "No You Can't" Rally in Washington, D.C. at the White House on December 12th.  It will be attended by a number of peace movement groups against the Afghanistan War escalation announced by President Obama.

I received a news announcement of it today.  Over 100 leading peace activists will been participating in the rally from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM "to reject President Obama's planned military escalation in Afghanistan."

The Rally is being organized by "End US Wars," which is a coalition of national and grassroots antiwar organizations.  The Coalition has said that unless the President changes course, "efforts will begin to cut short his term in office, along with Congress, and protests will intensify against the United States war involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq."

Speakers will include a variety of nationally-known anti-war speakers, including former NH State Representative Betty Hall, who in her 80s has seen a number of wars, and "Granny D," who is turning 100 next month.  
 

There's More... :: (6 Comments, 177 words in story)

The "Granny D Commission" Is Now Law

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Fri May 16, 2008 at 20:04:42 PM EDT

( - promoted by Dean Barker)

The "Granny D Commission" bill signing on Friday afternoon was done with whoopee -- as a group of a couple of dozen fourth graders touring the State House joined Granny's volunteers and friends and cheered as soon as Governor John Lynch signed House Bill 794, then presented Doris with the pen he used to sign it.  

The Commission will consider how to create and fund a system for New Hampshire similar to the "clean election" laws already in place in 12 other states, including Maine and Arizona.  It's not easy, but if we can find a way to fund campaigns for Governor, Governor's Council, and State Senate in a way that allows for candidates who don't want to go to lobbyists or other big contributors to raise money, our democracy will be all the better for it.  

A large bipartisan group of House and Senate members have supported the concept, including some previous candidates for major office, including John Rauh, Walter Peterson, Jim Rubins, and Paul McEachern.

Also, a lot of things are happening in the Legislature -- in the House and the Senate -- concerning some of the other issues that all of us are concerned about -- such as lobbyist disclosure and influence, campaign finance, and the state's code of ethics.  

As an update to what I've written about in previous Blog posts, House Bill 91 -- which would have allowed lobbyists a 10 day or two week "grace period" before even having to register, and allow some lobbyists 75 hours of free lobbying before they even had to register (lobbyist registration by the "honor system") --was defeated on Wednesday.  Thanks to  Secretary of State Bill Gardner and Paul McEachern who joined me on fighting that one.  We stopped it.

And on Thursday, part of another bill -- Senate Bill 482 -- which would have repealed most of the state's code of ethics law and allow lobbyists to be placed as voting members onto state boards, committees, and commissions was taken out.  After nearly a two hour debate, the vote was 163 to 100, with the majority representing a bipartisan coalition of Democrats and Republicans supporting an amendment I offered to "repeal the repeal" of the state's code of ethics.  So, the majority of the House once again stood for honesty and openness in our state government.
 

Discuss :: (0 Comments)

HR24 Impeachment Rally

by: rambler american

Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 09:45:43 AM EDT

( - promoted by Dean Barker)

I spent Monday evening at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord where there was a rally in support of Betty Hill's HR24 which, if passed when it is voted on Wednesday, will go under state seal to the US House of Representatives demanding that Congress begin impeachment hearings immediately. (My friend Bert was at the last minute unable to attend and I was disinclined to go alone. Fortunately despite her marginal interest in things political, my lovely wife agreed to accompany me for which I here express my gratitude.)  I attended because I passionately believe that impeachment is the first necessary step to bring our country back from the abyss, if, in fact, we have not already fallen in. I should point out before I go any farther that I do not take good notes, am afflicted with Attention Deficit Disorder, and have a failing memory, traits which helped me to graduate dunno how cum. Please bear with me and I will try to hit the highlights.
There's More... :: (8 Comments, 738 words in story)

Granny D: A New Hampshire Treasure Made Of Gold

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Sat Mar 29, 2008 at 21:03:37 PM EDT

I first met Granny D -- just a few quick times -- in 1999 and 2000.  I saw her again, and more often, in 2004 when she ran for United States Senate.  For those who might forget, she was our Democratic Party nominee against Judd Gregg.  Yes, he won, but she took the challenge to him.  It was generally a tough year for Democrats.

Back then, I was fascinated by this somewhat short and unassuming woman who seemed to have a lot of get-up-and-go.  I enjoyed campaigning for and voting for this visionary, very positive human being.

But only in the past two years or so have I seen her quite up close (REALLY close when she gives you the patented "Granny D Hug"), and come to know, better understand, and even get to love this 98 year old New Hampshire treasure who is made of gold.

I could write so much about her, but watching her for a couple of hours this past Thursday as she experienced one of her greatest victories -- the New Hampshire State Senate approving a bill that she and her cause has inspired -- kind of sums up all about her.  

That legislation, House Bill 794, called "The Granny D Bill," creates a seven-member Commission to craft and recommend a public financing program for New Hampshire.  Whether that can be done is not the question -- some dozen other states have similar programs for at least some of their candidates, and Maine, Arizona, and Connecticut have rather complete systems.  And whether it WILL be done here is not the question -- it will be someday, because it is at least a partial answer to improving democracy and making it more accessible by more of our citizens.  It will happen.  It has to.

And all that is Granny D's cause.  She says the same thing -- that this will happen -- that we must do this not for ourselves, but for our future, and our children.  To hear her say that makes you believe that it will be done.  Because it has to.  

But what was remarkable this past Thursday was to see this energetic woman walk the halls of the New Hampshire State House, a building only a little more than twice her own age, with just a cane while leading her troop of supporters at a fast pace.  More on that walk in a moment.  

After being introduced to the Senate by Keene Senator Molly Kelly and Senate President Sylvia Larsen, she sat for close to an hour in the historic chamber for her bill to come up and be voted on.  It passed unanimously after two speakers, one a Democrat (Senator Jackie Cilley of Barrington) and one a Republican  (Senator Peter Bragdon of Milford) recommended passage.  Then Granny D stood to the applause and thanks of a gallery full of her longtime supporters who came from throughout the state to cheer her on.  

Then she stepped -- "ran" might be a better description -- out of the Senate into her crowd of backers while she answered questions from reporters.  In the midst of all this commotion Governor John Lynch walked up the stairs going toward his office.  He stopped for a moment to say hello to Granny D.  It gave her a chance to corner him on her cause...(more below fold)

There's More... :: (1 Comments, 600 words in story)

The "Granny D. Bill" Passes The New Hampshire House And Senate

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Thu Mar 27, 2008 at 18:31:01 PM EDT

( - promoted by Dean Barker)

A potentially far-reaching bill (presented below the fold) has passed the State Senate and is on its way to Governor John Lynch for his signature.  

House Bill 794 creates a seven-member group which will consider public funding options of certain campaigns in New Hampshire -- possibly Governor, State Senate, and Governor's Council.  So, this legislation could eventually dramatically affect for the good the way that democracy is exercised in our state.

After a public hearing early last year the bill was sent to a House Election Law Subcommittee which I chaired.  There I saw first-hand the enthusiasm for the concept of this bill that Granny D and others brought to her cause as we held a dozen work sessions on the bill.

The Subcommittee even met with Maine State Representatives to learn more about how public funding of certain campaigns works in that state.  Altogether, we had over 35 hours of discussion on this bill in the Legislature. HB 794 passed the House on January 16th on a roll call of 199 to 121.

I have dubbed House Bill 794 as "THE GRANNY D BILL," because this is her cause.  She walked across America in support of "clean elections."  In light of the ever-increasing costs of running for public office and the reliance on personal wealth or extensive fundraising in order to run for public office, this bill seeks to allow for a different approach to funding campaigns for potential candidates without such financial sources.

Legislation similar to the original version of HB 794 was almost passed by the 2000 Legislature.  A bill creating public financing of campaigns passed the State Senate that year, and came within 28 votes of passage in the then-Republican controlled House after a lengthy discussion.   GOVERNOR JEANNE SHAHEEN was prepared to sign the bill.

The people on the bipartisan Commission created by HB 794 will dedicate dedicate themselves in the next few months to the task of identifying alternative ways to fund state campaigns.  The  Commission will examine potential revenue sources for funding and develop recommendations to the legislative session of 2009.

This Commission, under the directives of the bill, may consider voluntary contributions, in-kind donations of services, and other means to generate revenue.  The Commission will include not more than three members of a political party.   No Commission members can currently hold elective office.   Two appointments are to be made by the House Speaker, two by the Senate President, two by the Governor, and one by the Secretary of State.  The Commission will report back by December 1, 2008, in time for legislative action in 2009.  

Some twelve states already have "clean election" laws at one level or another, with Maine, Arizona, and Connecticut having statewide versions affecting most elected offices.  This concept has been publicly endorsed by leaders and people who have run for "higher office" from both parties:  former GOVERNOR WALTER PETERSON, former Gubernatorial candidate JIM RUBINS, former Democratic U.S. Senate nominee JOHN RAUH, former Gubernatorial nominee PAUL McEACHERN and former State Senators CLIF BELOW and RICK TROMBLY, among others.  

In addition, SECRETARY OF STATE BILL GARDNER has been a strong advocate of the legislation and the public funding concept.  A number of other long-time supporters of the Granny D cause who have worked with her for the past decade also contributed to the success of the legislation to this point. Representatives of the League of Women Voters, NH Citizens Alliance, Americans for Campaign Reform, Public Action for Clean Elections, and Veterans for Peace NH have also supported the legislation.

I think the Commission will do its job well, and that it will come up with inventive, innovative ways to implement the concept here "The New Hampshire Way."  

House Bill 794 was cosponsored by Representatives PETER ALLEN, BETTY HALL, DANA HILLIARD, BARBARA RICHARDSON, SENATOR JACKIE CILLEY, and myself.   Several members of the House Election Law Committee worked especially hard on making the bill succeed, including DAVID PIERCE, who prepared the amendment creating the Commission, CLAUDIA CHASE and CHUCK WEED, who were on the Subcommittee which I chaired, along with David Pierce and Betty Hall and went to a number of meetings on the bill, and COMMITTEE CHAIR JANE CLEMONS, who helped in passage on the House Floor.

But this one really is a great victory for Granny D -- who repeatedly would tell us this isn't "about her," it's not even "about us," it's about our children, and our future.  

She's right.
 

There's More... :: (2 Comments, 700 words in story)

Granny D's 98th Birthday This Thursday!

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 07:44:58 AM EST

Just a brief Blog post to mention that Doris "Granny D" Haddock will be having her 98th birthday this Thursday, January 24th, and her friends are planning a brief lunchtime reception for her at the State House.

Please come by if you can, to get the Granny D Hug and say hi.  It will be in the office of State Senator Molly Kelly, Room 105 A of the State House -- directly under the State House Golden Dome. Everyone is welcome.  (If you're a BlueHampshire Blogger, we can put faces to names!)  Former Governors Jeanne Shaheen and Walter Peterson will try to drop in.  It's 12:00 Noon until about 1:00 PM.  

Last week the House passed HB 794, which will create a Commission to develop a public funding law for New Hampshire, which has been Granny D's cause for the past decade.  She walked across the nation for election reform a few years ago, and an HBO movie was released in October detailing her walk and her race for United States Senate in 2004.  

Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of her life, so celebrate it with Granny!

Discuss :: (3 Comments)

The "Granny D Bill" Passes The House, Commission To Study Public Funding Of NH Campaigns

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 00:05:49 AM EST

( - promoted by Mike Caulfield)

A potentially far-reaching bill (appears below fold) was passed this Wednesday by the New Hampshire House of Representatives.  It could eventually dramatically affect for the good the way that democracy is exercised in our state.  It passed by a roll call vote of 199 to 121 -- with virtually all Democrats voting FOR the legislation, and almost all Republicans voting against.  It happens.

The legislation, House Bill 794, has gone through a thorough review during the past year.  After a public hearing last March it was sent to a House Election Law Subcommittee which I chaired.  We held a dozen worksessions on the bill.  The Subcommittee even met with Maine State Representatives to learn more about how public funding of certain campaigns works in that state.  

House Bill 794 is dubbed "THE GRANNY D BILL," because this is her cause.  She walked across America in support of "clean elections."  In light of the ever-increasing costs of running for public office and the reliance on personal wealth or extensive fundraising in order to run for public office, this bill seeks to allow for a different approach to funding campaigns for potential candidates without such financial sources.

Legislation similar to the original version of HB 794 was almost passed by the 2000 Legislature.  A bill creating public financing of campaigns passed the State Senate that year, and came within 28 votes of passage in the House after a lengthy discussion.   GOVERNOR JEANNE SHAHEEN was prepared to sign the bill.

Under this legislation, a bipartisan Commission of seven public members will be created to dedicate themselves to the task of identifying alternative ways to fund state campaigns.  The commission will examine potential revenue sources for funding and develop recommendations to the legislative session of 2009.

This Commission, under the directives of the bill, may consider voluntary contributions, in-kind donations of services, and other means to generate revenue.  The Commission would include not more than three members of a political party.   No Commission members would currently hold elective office.   Two appointments would be made by the House Speaker, two by the Senate President, two by the Governor, and one by the Secretary of State.  The Commission would report back by December 1, 2008, in time for legislative action in 2009.  

Some twelve states already have "clean election" laws.  This concept has been publicly endorsed by leaders and people who have run for "higher office" from both parties:  former GOVERNOR WALTER PETERSON, former Gubernatorial candidate JIM RUBINS, former Democratic U.S. Senate nominee JOHN RAUH, former Gubernatorial nominee PAUL McEACHERN and former State Senators CLIF BELOW and RICK TROMBLY, among others.  I think the Commission will do its job well, and that it will come up with inventive, innovative ways to implement the concept there "The New Hampshire Way."  

The original version of House Bill 794 was cosponsored by Representatives PETER ALLEN, BETTY HALL, DANA HILLIARD, BARBARA RICHARDSON, SENATOR JACKIE CILLEY, and myself.   Several members of the House Election Law Committee worked especially hard on making the bill succeed, including DAVID PIERCE, who prepared the amendment creating the Commission, CLAUDIA CHASE and CHUCK WEED,who were on the Subcommittee along with David Pierce and Betty Hall and went to a number of meetings on the bill, and COMMITTEE CHAIR JANE CLEMONS, who helped in passage on the House Floor.

But this one was really a great victory for Granny D -- who repeatedly would tell us this isn't "about her," it's not even "about us," it's about our children, and our future.  

She's right.  Now it's onto the State Senate.  

There's More... :: (4 Comments, 670 words in story)

Run Granny Run- Event Review

by: Mike Hoefer

Wed Oct 10, 2007 at 23:37:34 PM EDT

( - promoted by Mike Caulfield)

(It's late, and rather than put this off another day I will post this as a quickie)

I attended the the HBO "Premiere" of Run Granny Run at the Colonial Theater in Keene Tuesday Night.

It was a great crowd and I found the film to be very inspirational and timely as campaigns heat up for the NH Primary. I left feeling more motivated to get involved for the first in a while.

While the film spends some time on campaign finance reform and her walk across America and voter registration efforts, the film is primarily about Granny's run for the US Senate against Judd Gregg in 2004. It showed well all of the in and outs, ups and downs, excitement and the fear of a campaign.

As was to be expected it was a partisan crowd which reacted loudly at several moments in the film. One in particular when Judd expressed his support to GWB.

Howard Dean (my hero) did not fair well in the film, after giving a speech about running dems in races no matter what the outcome was, he seemed to blow off a photo op with Granny.

The film also showed an awkward debate "Gotcha" moment with Benson asking Lynch if he supported Judd. Then candidate Lynch spent several moments supporting the work of Judd vis-a-vis the NH University System and failed to come out say the Granny would make a better Senator than Judd. There was some footage of the aftermath of that with Granny D's son on the phone with bargining from support. Not sure if it was from the NHDP or the Lynch Campaign but it was a good example to the hardball that has to be played from time to time.

As mentioned above there was great attendance at the event with most of the main level full, I know there were people in the balcony as well but not sure how many folks were up there.

Jay Buckey, SoS Bill Gardner, NH Sen Kelly and Bill Siroty  were in attendance as well as many staffers and volunteers from the various campaigns. (Granny seems to be supporting Kucinich and other DK supporters were very visible)

HBO were gracious hosts. As I understand they footed the bill for the entire evening. Admission was free and a nice reception with wine, beer and deserts was served on the stage after the screening and gave people a chance to mingle and meet the 97 year old phenom.

What did I take from the evening?
1. A great Granny quote (perhaps it is an old yarn, but was great coming from her) "Democracy is something you do, not something you have." Love that, Democracy is a verb.
2. Time for me to make up my mind and get active!
3. You can do what ever you set you mind to
4. With such a strong candidate in Shaheen this year, I can't wait till we can take on Gregg in 2010 in this BlueHampshire

"Run Granny Run" will be broadcast at 9 p.m. Oct. 18 on HBO. The Boston Globe has a good review/synopsis of the film.

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