John Sununu tells us how it is. NOT.

by: JillSH

Mon May 16, 2011 at 10:56:42 AM EDT

Years of sweetheart contracts have given public employees pension and health care benefits that are unsustainable.

Public sector salaries that lagged private sector earnings for decades, but offered the modest security of good benefits, didn't seem like such a bad deal for politicians for all those years. And if public sector unions are suppressed, what about the sweetheart deals that political patronage will pass out?

There IS A NH Democratic Gubernatorial Primary Race!

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Fri Sep 10, 2010 at 08:47:42 AM EDT

I helped Paul McEachern in his 2004 challenge to John Lynch.  I had known Lynch since the mid-1970s, but had known McEachern since the mid-1960s.  I had previously supported Chris Spirou over McEachern before backing McEachern in other races.  In other words, they were all good people, and any would have been great governors.  

Sununu's Petty Political Attacks

by: PaulHodes

Thu Aug 26, 2010 at 17:35:30 PM EDT

GOP Position on Health Care Reform, '01-'08, '09-'12

by: Dean Barker

Mon Mar 29, 2010 at 05:51:51 AM EDT

"This may be the most bizarre recommendation, but I am sincere," Sununu said. "I'm not saying it's not an issue or it's not important, but proportionally speaking, stop complaining about health care."

Sununu said business leaders would be better off putting their energy elsewhere. For starters, "if there was something that we could do about it that were quick or easy, it would be done," he said, predicting only marginal policy changes. "There is no solution" anytime soon, he said.

He cited the "opportunity cost" of business types squandering time debating health care issues instead of working on issues they could control.

If there's a glimmer of hope, it will come from open markets, said Sununu, who broke with the White House in 2003 to vote against the Medicare prescription drug bill because it restricted price competition.

Health care "is so darn expensive," he said, "because it's worth it."

1) STOP COMPLAINING
2) THERE IS NO SOLUTION
3) LEAVING EVERYTHING ALONE IS OUR BEST HOPE

1) REPEAL HEALTH CARE REFORM (i.e, bring back pre-existing conditions, recission, the donut hole, higher taxes for small business, millions of uninsured, etc...)
2) SEE OUR PLAN FROM 2001-2008

NH GOP Chair John H. Sununu Takes His "I Hate NH Tour" to NHPR's Exchange

by: HarrellKirstein

Mon Feb 08, 2010 at 15:42:02 PM EST

Concord - Today, Chairman of the Republican Party John H. Sununu took his "I Hate NH Tour" to New Hampshire Public Radio's program The Exchange.  Within the first 30 seconds of being on the air Sununu lied three times in quick succession.

He began by lying once again about the responsible and balanced budget passed by Democrats this biennium.  Sununu claimed that spending was up more than 10% when in fact, Democrats reduced general fund spending.  And during Sununu's tenure as governor, he raised spending by an average of 22.25% per biennium, increased taxes, and left the 1983 and 1984 budgets in deficit.

He went on to claim that Democrats implemented 38 to 45 new taxes and fees.   But in reality virtually every tax and fee in New Hampshire was implemented and raised by Republicans.

And once again Sununu claimed that New Hampshire is ruined.  He has repeated this outrageous attack on the Granite State for months, even though New Hampshire leads the country on virtually every key metric:

* Best Place to Raise a Family: According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation New Hampshire is the single best place to raise a family in the United States.

* Lower Unemployment: The unemployment rate is 30% lower in New Hampshire than it is nationally.

* Low Taxes: New Hampshire has one of the best business tax climates according to the conservative think tank the Tax Foundation.

* Low State Spending: New Hampshire has the 4th lowest per-capita spending of any state in the country.

* Safe: According to the FBI, New Hampshire is the 2nd safest state in the country.

* Well Educated: According to the U.S. census, New Hampshire graduates a greater percentage of its high school students than any state in the north east.  And the Department of Education ranks New Hampshire among the top 5 states in key measures of reading and math.

Finally, when the host of The Exchange pointed out to Chairman Sununu that Democrats, including President Obama, have been trying to work in a bipartisan way with Republicans to move our state and country forward Sununu resorted to childish taunts.  He accused President Obama of being "Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire."

"Seriously?" asked Derek Richer, press secretary for the New Hampshire Democratic Party.  "This is a low point in New Hampshire politics - even for Sununu."

(Posted by Harrell Kirstein, Deputy Press Secretary of the New Hampshire Democratic Party)    

The Ray Buckley - John Sununu WMUR Showdown Was Dramatic, But...

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Sun Jan 10, 2010 at 11:27:52 AM EST

Okay, that would be sweet, and those of us in the stands would stay for all 9 innings.   And yes, this WMUR Closeup show was sweet, and worth watching until the signoff.  

The issues discussed were quite extensive for the half an hour format, including a discussion about process.  Sununu tried to accuse the Democrats of sneaking in an income tax in the LLC inclusion under the Interest & Dividends Tax.  Of course, the Republicans had put the state into a lose-lose situation with delay and an unwillingness to get to an agreement on the state budget, so we had to approve something.  And since Democrats fought for a balanced budget -- the responsible thing to do especially in this economy -- and much of the business community last June understood that, we got to "yes."  

Ray pointed out that Republicans have in past years supported dozens of new taxes and fee increases when they were in power.  Then Ray turned the discussion toward the really weird decision this past week by the State Senate Republicans to hold up financial aid for some 7,000 low income New Hampshire families struggling to pay their electric bills.  That was something that Sununu obviously didn't want to talk about, so somewhat bewildered, he stammered something and shook his head.  I don't know what that was all about, but it's probably that he can't believe there are low income people in New Hampshire.  

Sununu's blood pressure rose as he tried to say that the Republicans last year had introduced bill after bill to reduce or eliminate taxes and fees.  True.  They have their heads in the sand.  Now they're trying to repeal many of those taxes and fees, which will substantially unbalance a budget already in trouble because of revenue shortfalls -- this IS a downturned economy, after all.  

He then tried to accuse the Democrats of supporting some 41 taxes and fees.  Ray quickly reminded the former governor that every one of them except perhaps 3 had been proposed and created by decades of Republican gubernatorial and legislative rule.  You could see John Sununu being very pensive for a moment, perhaps remembering that yes, he himself had once been governor and supported most of those taxes.

John Sununu continued his barrage that Democrats are ruining the State of New Hampshire.  Then he zeroed in on gay marriage.  Getting into the topic of re-visiting House Bill 436 at the March 9th Town Meetings, and the petition drive to put the question on the ballot, Sununu said, "I cannot imagine anyone not allowing the public from voting on any important issue."  

Ray Buckley reminded John Sununu that this isn't a referendum state, and that we have 424 Legislators representing the people.  And that while the Republicans last year "bemoaned" that Democrats were talking about marriage equality, now they're dragging it out again.  A home run on that one for the home team.  We have the economy and jobs to focus on.  I guess Sununu forgot that fact while he was pushing his long-held anti-San Francisco Agenda

Current score:  8-0  THEN the discussion turned national.

Ray asked a simple question:  what will the Republican Party do for the 140,000 people in New Hampshire who don't have health care?  Fair question.  Next up, John Sununu:  (despite the fact that health care has been discussed in Washington since FDR's day) Sununu accused Democrats in Congress with pushing the health care bill through too quickly and too quietly. I guess he doesn't read his history, nor the newspapers.  

When Sununu was backed into the corner on his confusion about what the health care bill actually does, he fouled and said that it wasn't "real," and that Republicans aren't involved.  Ray responded by pointing out that the Republicans in Congress almost to a person have said "no" to any health care bill that isn't supported by the insurance companies, so they're not involved by their own position.

Updated score:  14-0.
 

"Stop Complaining About Health Care"

by: Dean Barker

Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 19:29:35 PM EST

"I'm not saying it's not an issue or it's not important, but proportionally speaking, stop complaining about health care."

Sununu said business leaders would be better off putting their energy elsewhere. For starters, "if there was something that we could do about it that were quick or easy, it would be done," he said, predicting only marginal policy changes. "There is no solution" anytime soon, he said.

He cited the "opportunity cost" of business types squandering time debating health care issues instead of working on issues they could control.

If there's a glimmer of hope, it will come from open markets, said Sununu, who broke with the White House in 2003 to vote against the Medicare prescription drug bill because it restricted price competition.
Health care "is so darn expensive," he said, "because it's worth it."

Papa Sununu Finally Speaks!!

by: Putney Swope

Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 19:47:11 PM EST

"Mr. Lambert's comments were disgusting, inappropriate, and offensive. That is why I, as Chairman, asked for an immediate condemnation from our State Party - and that was done. I am encouraged that so many Granite Staters of all political persuasions denounced this vicious personal attack. We are all in agreement that what Mr. Lambert said is completely reprehensible and doesn't belong in our public dialogue."

WEMJ Radio Show Is Pulled, And John Sununu Is Asked To "Break His Silence"

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 18:45:09 PM EST

Mr. Rob Fulmer, Nassau's NH Regional Manager, said "Although the comments by Mr. Lambert were not aired on our station, we find the comments by him to be completely out of line and unacceptable and we will not allow Mr. Lambert the opportunity to continue to air his show on our radio station."  Pulling of the program is effective immediately.

Mo Baxley, the NH Freedom To Marry Executive Director, has also asked Republican Party Chair John Sununu to "...break his silence..." on the incident.  She pointed out that this is the man who called House Bill 436 and marriage equality "...a San Francisco agenda..." and "garbage."

Mo makes a good point.  Fortunately, some other Republicans have spoken out against Lambert's rant, although in somewhat qualified terms.  Let's hope John Sununu meets her call and comes out against discriminatory and hateful comments.  Doing so might be a bit new to him, but we can hope.  

This incident, at least, has reminded people of the way gays and lesbians are bashed in different ways every day.  Most New Hampshire citizens are on the side of love and acceptance.  Not too long ago, such a comment as was made last weekend would have drawn hardly a notice.  It takes a while, but the world is changing day by day.  

More (Dean): Paul Hodes released a statement tonight as well. I believe it's the first from a prominent NH Democrat (other than Jim, of course!):

Manchester, NH--- Paul Hodes released the following statement condemning Doug Lambert's offensive and hateful comments on Saturday.

"Doug Lambert's comments were hateful and have no place in our public dialogue. This isn't a matter of 'political correctness'. This is hate speech and it can incite violence. It's why I worked hard to pass hate crimes laws in Congress. It's wrong and should be condemned without hesitation or equivocation. My Republican opponents have condemned this hate speech but I hope they will go further and support laws that could prevent this type of hate speech from turning into violence against targeted groups of Americans."

Jeanne Shaheen's Victory was a Fluke

by: Dean Barker

Sat Jul 11, 2009 at 14:52:06 PM EDT

"He was the one guy with a lot of name recognition," Smith said. "He's just been through a race before. Well-known. Still liked. When he lost, he got swept up in a lot of the anti-Republican sentiment across the country in 2008.

As for Susan Collins, she must be superwoman or something, because according to the same Andy Smith, the electorates of Maine and New Hampshire are similar!

(banging head against the wall...)

Feeling like the joke is on us

by: Jeff Ballard

Fri Jul 10, 2009 at 13:08:30 PM EDT

ARG, FWIW: Hodes Besting Sununu by 6

by: Dean Barker

Tue Jun 30, 2009 at 12:45:10 PM EDT

Paul Hodes  40%
John E. Sununu  34%
Undecided:  26%

558 completed telephone interviews among a statewide random sample of registered voters in New Hampshire. Of the 558 interviews, 150 were among Republicans, 174 Democrats, and 234 undeclared voters. The interviews were conducted June 27 through 29, 2009.

The theoretical margin of error for the sample of 558 registered voters is plus or minus 4.2 percentage points, 95% of the time, on questions where opinion is evenly split.

Of great interest (given the boundaries of the polling outfit) is that Paul scored 3% more undeclareds than John E., and 11% more women.  Good luck winning in New Hampshire without women and undeclareds!

That said, with numbers like these, I sure hope the Sprinter puts his sneakers on again and runs this race.

Adding: note carefully the timing of this poll.  Sununu Senior tells the world on Friday that Junior will make a decision in a week, and then the poll starts up on Saturday. ARG is (in)famous for no revealing who pays for their polls.  The results, while discouraging for Junior, benefit the Ayotte boomleteers. Hmmm...

CQ Defines the NHGOP 2010 Cycle in One Sentence

by: Dean Barker

Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 21:33:50 PM EDT

And the elder Sununu, a former governor, added that he expects the GOP field to clear for his progeny.

NH-Sen: Ayotte Trial Balloon Forces Sununu Duo's Hand

by: Dean Barker

Fri Jun 26, 2009 at 12:59:06 PM EDT

This news (h/t Pindell) confirms my suspicion that there is a skirmish going on in the state elephants between Sununu and others over control of the senate nominee:

He indicated that if his son decides to run - a decision the father expects within a week or so - Ayotte will step aside.

"I think, if my son runs, there will not be a primary," he said.

Charlie Bass for Senate (Nominee)

by: Dean Barker

Sun Jun 14, 2009 at 21:50:21 PM EDT

Here he is in front of West Virginia Republicans offering his so predictably bland ideology:

"We believe in the individual, we believe in opportunity," he said. "Government intervention doesn't work for the economy."

I think I'm rooting for the Sununus to take a pass so that Charlie can play at running for Senate. Three reasons: A) Sununu became deadly boring to blog about after a fairly short amount of time, B) a Hodes-Bass rematch would actually be kind of fun, and C) that would free up CD2 for Jennifer S. Horn-Palin, who would be as bad a fit for that district in 2010 as she was in 2008.

An Idea To Reduce Insurance Lobby Money In Politics: "Democrats Who Say 'No Thanks.'"

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Thu Jun 11, 2009 at 08:52:45 AM EDT

What I write here is about changing a political system regardless of who is in the majority, irrespective of whomever is "in power" at a given time, so that we can guarantee more honesty in our system of democratic government.  

There is no doubt, or there should not be, that political contributions = influence.  Do we REALLY think that $500 or $1,000 donations from a business or a corporation isn't considered by those donating as a cost of doing business?  Do they do this just for the cause of democracy? If they do, thank you very much.  But I can surmise that many do not -- that they DO want something for their checks, i.e. access, extra persuasion, perhaps even expecting a vote in favor of their position if all other things are equal, maybe even the perverbal political leg up on that push-comes-to-shove issue they want.  
 

On Smith's Cloud Hampshire, Sununu is Flying High

by: Dean Barker

Mon May 04, 2009 at 21:30:28 PM EDT

That's a fascinating result for the Sununu Dynasty to chew on as they decree whether or no The Younger shall be the nominee - on Cloud Hampshire.

When you add up the 111 registered Democrats, 137 registered Republicans, and 185 registered Undeclareds who were polled on this match-up, you get a remarkable picture of this fantasy state.  Let's compare it with the most recent data - November 2008 - from a real place that has elections called New Hampshire.

On Cloud Hampshire, Democrats make up only 25.63% of the electorate, Republicans dominate with 31.63% of the share, and the remaining 42.72% are Undeclared.

In New Hampshire, Democrats are actually the party in the driver's seat, with 29.44% of the people's choice, followed closely by Republicans with 29.26%. Undeclareds round it out with 41.27%

In Cloud-Cuckoo-Land, the Sprinter has a chance.  Here on earth, with 2% less Republicans and almost 4% more Democrats, it's harder to say.

Also on Cloud Hampshire, young voters (ages 18-34) are picking Hodes over Sununu by 9 points (47%-38%) - wow!  What a pity that in the clouds, people aged 18-34 only make up 9.75% of the voting electorate.  Now I know that young people are the hardest to get to the polls, but sheesh, Cloud Hampshire, you have a serious civics problem there. Especially since in a real place called the United States of America, exit polls show that 52% of voters aged 18-29 turned out for the election. I'm guessing that translates into something a little higher than 9.75%. And in fact, a little bird tells me, voters age 18-29 made up 17% of the electorate in NH-Sen for 2008.  I wonder what 18-34 would be?

Adding: And what elwood said about CDs 1 and 2.

Poor John, Good Ray

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Sun May 03, 2009 at 10:34:00 AM EDT

In everything, John Dad Sununu talked about his old memories, missing a few of the finer points of fact in his confusion.  In everything, Ray Buckley talked about the future.  

Ray's observation to Sununu that "You would rather play politics and endanger people's lives..." in the way the latter dealt with the transgender protections bill seemed to hit the Dad especially sharply, because it is so true.  Nice bullseye.  Shame on the Republicans.  

And when talking about the budget, has John Dad Sununu even seen it?  It sounded like he was repeating some old speech from his first term as Governor.  I guess he doesn't get it that New Hampshire has grown this past quarter of a century, there are more problems today when he was a middle-aged Governor long ago.

As I've often expressed in www.BlueHampshire.com, I'm a bit concerned about November, 2010 because of that being an off-year election, and the continued problems we are facing on Iraq, Afghanistan, the economy, and the fact George W. Bush isn't on our ballot as he sort of was in 2006, and Barack Obama won't be on our ballot as he was in 2008.

However, with John Dad Sununu as Republican Chair and Ray Buckley as Democratic Chair, it's obvious the advantage lies with Democrats.  

Some of us at times are slightly critical of Ray, and at times he gives some of us reason to be slightly critical of him.  All that's okay, and I'm sure he puts that into perspective, as we do when he shares criticism of us.  

But in painting the contrast between the two political parties, Ray Buckley does mighty well.  And in showing the contrast between Chair John Dad Sununu and Chair Ray Buckley, this WMUR CloseUp forum did a great job -- like night and day, past and future, yesterday and tomorrow.

Stop Complaining About Health Care, Sununu

by: Dean Barker

Mon Apr 27, 2009 at 06:19:24 AM EDT

Late last week President Barack Obama and Democratic congressional leaders agreed to use "budget reconciliation" if necessary to jam a massive health-care bill through Congress.

Most Americans probably greeted this news with the glazed eyes and yawns that should rightfully accompany any discussion of "the federal budget process" longer than 30 seconds. But this decision is a deeply troublesome attempt to circumvent the normal and customary workings of American democracy.

It's a radical departure from congressional precedent, in which budget rules have been designed and used to reduce deficits, not expand the size of government. And it promises bitter divisiveness under an administration that has made repeated promises to reach across the partisan divide.

My favorite part is how he manages to insult the intelligence of the electorate just one paragraph in.  That's eerily reminiscent of dad's "sheep" remark.

My second favorite part is how nowhere in the piece does he disclose that he sits on the board of a medical technology company.  

Just Around the Corner

by: Dean Barker

Sun Apr 19, 2009 at 07:06:16 AM EDT

BRITISH scientists have developed the world's first stem cell therapy to cure the most common cause of blindness. Surgeons predict it will become a routine, one-hour procedure that will be generally available in six or seven years' time.

The treatment involves replacing a layer of degenerated cells with new ones created from embryonic stem cells. It was pioneered by scientists and surgeons from the Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London and Moorfields eye hospital.

This week Pfizer, the world's largest pharmaceutical research company, will announce its financial backing to bring the therapy to patients.

He said he has supported embryonic stem cell research under existing guidelines, and he dismissed claims that such research would mean cures are "just around the corner."

"Federal and privately funded research on embryonic stem cells has shown promise, but after years of research, not a single therapy has been approved for clinical trial," Sununu said.