Congressional Races Heat Up for Winter

by: Jennifer Daler

Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 14:07:57 PM EST

What caught my attention was this:

DeJoie spoke of the importance of restoring consumer protection in financial services, creation of good paying green jobs, healthcare reform with Medicare for All, removing troops from Afghanistan and providing high quality services for all of America's veterans.

On the Republican side in CD-01, BAE executive Rich Ashooh is said to be exploring a run for the nomination.

Hat tip to James Pindell, New Hampshire Political Report

KUSTER and DeJOIE Hussle to Monadnock Country after Concord

by: kdhalloran

Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 04:05:32 AM EDT

Annie stressed her family's generational New Hampshire roots and lifelong commitment to public service, her career as family law attorney and health care advocate, as well as her own personal experience with her own mother's struggle to come to terms with Alzheimer's with whom she wrote a book with her about their shared experience. She demonstrated deep knowledge of the Health Care issues and options gripping Washington right now, as well as other human rights issues including the breaking developments in Afghanistan.

John stressed his working class roots growing up in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood and later a surrounding suburb, and his evolution from a graduate degree to human services director to hands-on firefighter. He shared his experience in introducing and passing Michelle's law in the NH Legislature against fierce opposition against from insurance companies and the unanimous passage in the House and Senate, and his commitment to incremental bi-partisanship in law-making even in these polarized political climate and times.

We were all impressed with their approachability, energy, passion and compassion for people, and decency.  Regardless of who wins or loses the Democratic nomination, we will all be winners.

NH-02: Pignatelli Sends Strong Signal She's Running

by: Dean Barker

Thu Apr 02, 2009 at 06:07:37 AM EDT

Pignatelli said she is being "encouraged by a number of people to run, as well as a group in Washington," which she would not identify.

She also noted that "34 percent of the Democrats in the 2nd Congressional District are in my Executive Council district," and, she said, "They seem to like me."

Question of the day: what percentage of voting age citizens of CD2 know what an executive councilor is?

BTW, in the same piece, John DeJoie reaffirms that he's "seriously considering" running.  

I'm actually really looking forward to learning more about him, Pignatelli, Larsen, Fernald and Kuster (and also what Katrina Swett has been up to lately).  Any and all NH-02 candidates are most welcome to (re-)introduce themselves here on BH.

NH-02 Straw Poll

by: Mike Hoefer

Tue Mar 03, 2009 at 06:00:00 AM EST

Paul Hodes has announced his intention to run for AWOL Gregg, "The Pork Profiteer's", Senate seat leaving the the NH-02 seat up for grabs.

This seat is ripe for a great Democratic Primary. In recent Presidential Primaries NH-02 has shown a slight preference for candidates such as Howard Dean and Barack Obama. Tapping in to that style of leadership and running that sort of a campaign may give newcomers a real shot. NH-02 is a couple of points in the D's favor out of the gate, so no need to be a centrist for centrism's sake.

It's time for the first Blue Hampshire Straw Poll on this race. Nascent campaigns hit your email list and post on your Facebook wall, let your supporters know that they should freep this poll!

This Poll contains names thrown around here that have not otherwise removed themselves from contention. Of course outcomes of this poll are not scientific as they only reflect the views of Blue Hampshire readers who choose to participate. Participation is free and easy (kinda like Sunday Morning) but you do need to be a registered user to play. Accounts in the upper 1800's are now available, get yours today.  

Half a Dozen for NH-02

by: Dean Barker

Fri Feb 20, 2009 at 21:49:37 PM EST

Raymond Buckley, chairman of the N.H. Democratic Party, said he has already spoken with half-a-dozen people interested in running for Hodes' seat in 2010.

Among the people Buckley said he could see campaigning for the 2nd District spot are Michael Atkins, a lawyer from Lyndeborough; State Rep. John DeJoie of Concord; Ann McLane Kuster, a lawyer from Hopkinton; N.H. Senate President Sylvia B. Larsen of Concord; Executive Councilor Debora B. Pignatelli of Nashua; and Katrina Swett, who ran for the same House seat in 2002 but lost in the general election.

NH-02: DeJoie "Reviewing All My Options"

by: Dean Barker

Sun Feb 08, 2009 at 20:18:51 PM EST

Word got to us from a Very Reliable Source that Concord state Rep. John DeJoie is among those considering a run for Congress now that Hodes has made clear that he's running for Senate. DeJoie neither confirmed nor denied those reports.

"You know me," DeJoie said. "I'm a firefighter, and I'm an elected representative, and I love serving the public. So I'm reviewing all my options."

And with ideas like this that offer real leadership on our Pledge-driven revenue crisis, I'm already interested in what John DeJoie could bring to the US House. That he's also a Blue Hamster is just icing on the cake.

Adding: can we start a Draft Phinizy movement too?

NH-02: Kuster, Karen & Co.

by: Dean Barker

Thu Feb 05, 2009 at 06:07:02 AM EST

Concord attorney Ann McLane Kuster confirmed she is "seriously considering" running. She didn't say so, but friends say it's unlikely she would run against Senate President Sylvia Larsen or Executive Councilor Debora Pignatelli, who are also weighing Senate and/or House options.

Concord state Rep. John DeJoie has also been making calls, and Nashua attorney Mike Atkins is being mentioned as a potential candidate, both for the House.

Others being recruited include former state Sen. Joe Foster, Lebanon Mayor Karen Liot Hill and Keene state Sen. Molly Kelly.