Frivolous Lawsuits: O'Brien vs Buckley?

by: mevansnh

Mon Oct 03, 2011 at 12:07:11 PM EDT

The New Hampshire Democratic Party is accusing House Speaker William O'Brien of a publicity stunt after he filed a $1.2 million lawsuit against the party.  http://www.concordmonitor.com/...

The Concord Monitor reported that "In O'Brien's lawsuit, filed in Hillsborough County Superior Court, his attorney cites a state statute that says a person "injured by another's violation" of the law can sue for "the amount of actual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater."
We have several burning questions:

Is it possible that Speaker O'Brien wants to waste court resources?
Not only was the Speaker not harmed, he won his seat, and became Speaker to boot! Now he claims that voters were harmed. How?
And if so, why don't they sue on their own behalf unless the Speaker has decreed that he will use the Royal "we" and proclaim his paternalistic dominion over all things and people in Hillsborough's 4th District?
Further, we were wondering if the Speaker is aware of HB527, especially in light of this "frivoulous-like" lawsuit?
Or do the laws proposed by the representatives in his party only apply to the "little" people?

Is this just another example of IYARIIOK??

Quote of the Day: So Much More to Do

by: William Tucker

Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 08:22:45 AM EDT

Today I went to the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention, and hope was soaring in the room! The DNC Chair, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, spoke eloquently about the work the Democrats did for all Americans, and I was proud that I was part of that historic Congress.

Remember? We passed the Health Care Bill, which, among other things, allowed young people to stay on a parent's plan until age 26 and stopped treating women as a "pre-existing condition." We ended "Too Big to Fail" on Wall Street, passed the Lilly Ledbetter Act, tackled the Iraq War, voted for Credit Card Reform, and kept America from falling into a Depression after the October, 2008 Wall Street disaster. It was the most productive Congress since Roosevelt!

There is so much more to do...

NHDP should be ashamed

by: hannah

Mon Apr 11, 2011 at 10:39:27 AM EDT

Dear Friend,

Tomorrow is a historic day - the 5th Anniversary of Mitt Romney signing his Massachusetts health care reform plan into law.

Five years ago, Mitt Romney laid the foundation for President Obama's Affordable Care Act. Without Romney, it's hard to see how President Obama would have been able to provide quality, affordable health care for every American.

Take a second today or tomorrow to thank Mitt Romney for providing the critical momentum necessary to get President Obama's vision of health reform through Congress and signed into law.   Click here to tweet Mitt Romney and thank him.

Nationally, for more than 100 years, Americans and their elected leaders had debated how to reform a system that left too many people without care because of lack of access, soaring costs or unfair and discriminatory insurance regulations. It's hard to believe that it was only five years ago that then Governor Romney stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Senator Kennedy to sign Massachusetts' historic health care reform law.

It claims to be from the New Hampshire Democratic Party.

Open Thread: Ickes Workaround Edition

by: Jack Mitchell

Fri Nov 19, 2010 at 13:22:03 PM EST

Democratic Donors Plan to Bypass Obama

Frustrated by what they see as President Obama's weakness in battling Republicans, "leading Democratic donors and tacticians have begun independently plotting their political recovery -- including building a network of outside fundraising and campaign organizations to compete with those formed this year by Republicans," McClatchy-Tribune reports.

A dozen prominent Democrats -- led by longtime Bill Clinton adviser Harold Ickes and labor leader Andy Stern -- will meet next week "to discuss whether to form a new operation to combat the many outside groups launched this year by Karl Rove and other Republican strategists, according to multiple participants."

"Such a move by Democrats comes despite Obama's long-standing opposition to political spending by outside groups, particularly those that refuse to disclose their donors, and underscores the deep dissatisfaction with the White House's strategy on several fronts."

We already have a homespun version:
The "Big Difference" is It will be "Fact-Based".

Please take the poll and then proceed to maximizing the opportunity to explore a tasty Open Thread.
_

The 2010 ground game

by: judy stadtman

Sun Nov 07, 2010 at 08:13:52 AM EST

"Using the most effective get-out-the-vote strategy will not guarantee victory. All the other factors that shape the electoral fortunes of a candidate - persona, platform, party, and campaign management - are relevant as well. A spectacularly successful GOTV campaign might lift an overmatched candidate from 28 to 38 percent or a competitive candidate from 48 to 58 percent. Often, winning elections is only possible when voter mobilization strategies are combined with messages that persuade voters to vote in a particular way."

In other words, when the mood of the national electorate favors the opposition party - as was abundantly clear going into this election cycle - executing a flawless field campaign can narrow a strong candidate's loss margin to a few points but it won't necessarily deliver a win.  

WMUR's Coverage of the US Attorney Request on Guinta

by: Dean Barker

Fri Oct 29, 2010 at 21:03:49 PM EDT

NHDP Asks USA for Criminal Investigation into Guinta

by: Dean Barker

Thu Oct 28, 2010 at 18:03:20 PM EDT

CONCORD, N.H. --The director of the New Hampshire Democratic Party is asking for a criminal investigation into Republican Congressional candidate Frank Guinta's (GYIHN'-tah's) financial disclosures.

In a letter provided to The Associated Press, Mike Brunelle asks U.S. Attorney John Kacavas to investigate whether Guinta lied on his financial disclosure statements, a crime punishable by up to five years in prison.

Guinta, who has loaned his campaign $355,000, added a previously unreported bank account to a financial disclosure form in July.

QOTD

by: Dean Barker

Wed Jun 30, 2010 at 18:29:03 PM EDT

"Congratulating a student on their graduation from high school is a crime, but verbal assaults against single mothers, gays, and lesbians [in front of high schoolers] are perfectly fine?"

(Full release below the fold...)

We Are Who We Take Money From Part 2

by: susanthe

Tue May 18, 2010 at 20:02:56 PM EDT

New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley Lauds Job Creation in Month of April

by: HarrellKirstein

Fri May 07, 2010 at 11:01:02 AM EDT

Concord - Today, the Labor Department released its April jobs report, showing that 290,000 jobs were created last month - more than 100,000 new jobs than analysts had expected and the largest monthly jobs gain in four years.  In response to this news, New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley released the following statement:

"The new jobs report is great news for the people of New Hampshire and the nation.   The country is adding jobs at a record pace and it's clear we've turned a corner."

"The remarkable turnaround in the economy was accomplished without any help from Republicans.  At every opportunity, they stood in the way of progress - hoping that the economy would languish and they would gain politically."

"Their crass focus on political gain over the well-being of our state and county must end today.  It is undeniable that Democratic policies are responsible for cleaning up the mess created by 8 years of failed right wing economic policy.  Republicans drove our economy into a ditch, but President Obama and the Democrats in Congress have pulled it out and got us back on track."

"In light of the incredible progress we've made in just over a year, even the staunchest right wing partisan can no longer deny this simple fact."

"It's important to remember that just one year ago, the country was losing nearly 800,000 jobs every month.  President Obama and New Hampshire's congressional delegation - Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Congresswoman Shea-Porter, and Congressman Paul Hodes - have been working tirelessly in Washington to undo the mess created by Republicans."

"With this latest report, our country has added jobs in five out of the last six months.  In addition to the 290,000 jobs added in April, job creation in March was even better than originally projected.  232,000 jobs were added in March - 70,000 more jobs than the 162,000 originally projected."

"Here in New Hampshire, Governor Lynch and Democrats in the House and the Senate have also been working hard to implement New Hampshire Working - a program designed to protect Granite Staters who currently have jobs, help those without jobs find work, and ensure that the New Hampshire workforce has the training and skills necessary to compete for the best jobs available."

Below is a graph of job growth and loss from the Obama and Bush administrations.

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

We Are Who We Take Money From

by: susanthe

Wed May 05, 2010 at 19:50:44 PM EDT

In 2005, Abramoff's money, via Tom DeLay's ARMPAC , caused considerable stir. J. D. Hayworth, the Republican primarying McCain in Arizona kept his Abramoff money.  Pressure exerted by NH Democrats forced Jeb Bradley to return his $15,000 from ARMPAC.  Ron Paul came under fire in 2007 for refusing to return donations from Neo-Nazi Don Black, the creator of StormFront, a white nationalist website.  Former Speaker of the NH House, Gene Chandler, got in big trouble for taking donations and not reporting them.

Even as oil devastates the seafood industry and the coast of Louisiana, Senator Mary Landrieu is calling for accelerated offshore  oil drilling. Mary Landrieu is the top recipient in Congress of donations from BP.

A recent press release from the NHDP criticizes Kelly Ayotte for taking some $150K from Wall St. execs, including a billionaire hedge fund manager.

Given that we watch and we criticize - it was especially painful to learn that one of the sponsors of the recent NHDP 100 Club Dinner was Wal-Mart.  As we all know,  Wal-Mart has long been criticized for their shoddy business practices, including not paying overtime, not providing health insurance for employees,  and paying so poorly that many employees are eligible for food stamps and Medicaid. They are anti-union. They are anti-women. Wal-Mart pharmacies do not stock the morning after pill. Wal-Mart engages in censorship. Books, movies, and  CDs purchased at Wal-Mart may be censored for bad language.  Wal-Mart is an evil empire in many, many respects.

I'm dismayed that the NHDP accepted money from Wal-Mart. Not only are their  ethics non-existent, taking money from them will lead to speculation about what they got in return.

Aren't we handing them enough ammo already?

Easter Bunny Delivers Basket Full of Democratic Accomplishments to NH GOP

by: HarrellKirstein

Fri Apr 02, 2010 at 13:46:27 PM EDT

Concord - Arriving a few days early, the Easter Bunny delivered a basket full of eggs, each one touting one of the New Hampshire Democrats' major accomplishments, to the Republican Party.  Initiatives like the W.A.R.N. Act and New Hampshire Working on the state level, and comprehensive health insurance reform on the national level, are just a few of the many items on the list that have benefited hundreds of thousands of Granite Staters.

"Hopefully seeing all the great things Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Congressman Paul Hodes, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, Governor Lynch and all the Democrats in the state House and Senate did, will serve as inspiration to the Republican Party," said the Easter Bunny.

The recently passed comprehensive health insurance reform legislation will lower insurance premiums for New Hampshire Families by nearly $3,000 over the next six years, immediately provide tax credits of up to 35% of premium costs to small businesses that offer health insurance to their employees, and extend coverage to nearly 150,000 New Hampshire residents who are currently uninsured.

At the state level both the W.A.R.N. Act and New Hampshire working programs have taken effect, protecting Granite Staters who currently have jobs, helping those without them find work, and ensuring that the New Hampshire workforce has the training and skills necessary to compete for the best jobs available.

"The New Hampshire Democratic Party was very busy this year," continued the Easter Bunny.  "I have been an admirer of their work for generations, but this year I decided I had to recognize all they have accomplished."

A video of the Easter Bunny delivering his basket to the Republican Party is available here.  And a full listing of all the major Democratic accomplishments contained in the eggs is below.

List of Major Democratic Accomplishments:

Implementing New Hampshire Working

Passing the W.A.R.N. ACT

Passing Healthy Kids & Health First

Passing National Health insurance reform

Providing Equality for All Our Citizens

Ending the Education Funding Crisis

Raising the Minimum Wage

Passing a Responsible and Balanced Budget

Cleaning Up the Republican Economic Mess

Making New Hampshire One of the Safest, Well Educated, Best Places to Raise a Family

Ensuring New Hampshire is one of the Lowest Taxed and Most Fiscally Responsible States in the Country

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

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer to Headline First Annual NHDP McIntyre-Shaheen Dinner

by: DRicher

Fri Mar 12, 2010 at 13:45:06 PM EST

United States Senator Thomas J. McIntyre first served the people of the Granite State as mayor of Laconia in 1949 before being elected to the United States Senate in 1962.  As the only three term Democratic senator in New Hampshire history, Senator McIntyre was a champion of progressive causes and helped establish the foundation for the current Democratic Party in New Hampshire. Senator McIntyre's wife, Myrtle, served many years representing the Granite State on the Democratic National Committee and was a key advisor and strategist for the party and her husband's campaigns. Together, Tom and Myrtle McIntyre served our nation, state and party while nurturing a generation of successful Democratic leaders starting in the 1940s lasting through the 1970s.

United States Senator Jeanne Shaheen - a nationally known campaign manager, former three term governor, and current United States senator - was instrumental in making Democrats the majority party in the Granite State.  Senator Shaheen's unwavering commitment to building the Democratic Party and her leadership for progressive values makes her a national role model. In less than two years, Senator Shaheen has established her herself as an articulate, effective and accomplished Senate leader. Senator Shaheen's husband, Bill, has served New Hampshire as a US Attorney, state judge, and was the state chair for Jimmy Carter, Al Gore, and John Kerry's successful presidential primary campaigns. Nearly everyone involved in today's Democratic majority Party has either worked with or for Bill and Jeanne Shaheen at some point from the 1970s to today.

"The first ever McIntyre - Shaheen Dinner is shaping up to be a truly memorable event," said Ray Buckley, chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party.  "Governor Schweitzer is a fantastic Governor, great Democrat, and incredibly dynamic speaker and we are honored to have him as the special guest."

In his five years as governor, Brian Schweitzer has done more to move Montana forward than any other governor in his state's history.  He is credited with creating more jobs at higher wages in Montana than ever before, championing major new investments in both K-12 and higher education, and expanding health insurance coverage to more than 3,000 additional children.  

But Governor Schweitzer is probably best known for being a tireless advocate of ending our country's dependence on foreign oil.  In 2008, he gave a riveting speech at the Democratic National Convention where we he called on America to "declare energy independence" and proclaimed that "the petro-dictators will never own American wind and sunshine."

Governor Schweitzer is also an active member and former chair of the Democratic Governors' Association and the current Chair of the Western Governors' Association.  

Event Details:

Who: Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer & New Hampshire Democrats

What: First Annual McIntyre - Shaheen 100 Club Dinner

When: Thursday, April 29th

Where:  Grappone Conference Center in Concord NH

Background: The 100 Club Dinner has been the NH Democratic Party's largest annual fundraising event since it was established in 1959. Since then, every Democratic President, Vice President and presidential candidate has spoken at the dinner.

(Posted by Derek Richer, Press Secretary of the New Hampshire Democratic Party)  

Rhode Island Lt. Governor Urges Law Change in Response to John Stephen's Paid "Volunteer" Work

by: DRicher

Fri Mar 12, 2010 at 13:42:42 PM EST

In response to $370,000 in questionable payments made to John Stephen and the Lucas Group for so-called volunteer work, Rhode Island's Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts is calling on lawmakers to fine public officials who violate bidding laws. The Rhode Island Attorney General has also been investigating the payments.

John Stephen, working for the Lucas Group, consulted with Rhode Island on its Medicaid program. Rhode Island officials - including secretary of the Office of Health and Human Services, Gary Alexander, who campaigned with Stephen and held a fundraiser for him - publicly stated for months that the work was on a volunteer basis.

It was later publicly revealed that John Stephen and the Lucas Group received $370,000 for this so-called "volunteer" work - money that was awarded without any competitive bidding process.

Rhode Island's Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts yesterday urged the Rhode Island Assembly to put in place stiff penalties for violating the state's competitive bidding requirements.

"I was shocked to learn that a company that offered services voluntarily to the state, that never went through an open, public-bidding process and never had a contract from the state, was able to turn around and secure payment, and the state had no recourse," Roberts said, according to the Providence Journal.

"John Stephen charged Rhode Island taxpayers $370,000 for volunteer work?" asked  Raymond Buckley, chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party.  "If that's what John Stephen charges for 'volunteer' work there is no way New Hampshire taxpayers can afford to elect him Governor."

"It is not surprising that the Rhode Island legislature has to consider changing its laws because of John Stephen's behavior. New Hampshire taxpayers can't afford John Stephen's type of no-bid, no-ethics arrangements that benefit him and his political cronies."  

"John Stephen worked for state government for years. He should know about competitive bidding. He should also know that volunteers are not supposed to get paid for their volunteer work for the state.  John Stephen obviously doesn't think those laws apply if they stand in the way of his personal gain.  New Hampshire can't afford someone like John Stephen who thinks ethics and the law doesn't apply to him."

The scandal is reminiscent of those in the Administration of Stephen's mentor, Craig Benson. Benson paid tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to a so-called volunteer named Linda Pepin.

"John Stephen apparently learned everything he knows about ethics from Craig Benson - something that should scare the people of New Hampshire," Buckley said.

Click here to read he Providence Journal Story in full.

# # #

(Posted by Derek Richer, Press Secretary of the New Hampshire Democratic Party)  

NEW VIDEO: Kelly Ayotte and the Sound of Silence

by: EBrowne

Tue Mar 02, 2010 at 13:34:03 PM EST

Check it out here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/NH...

Republicans Continue to Choose Partisan Attacks on Health Reform Instead of Offering Real Ideas

by: DRicher

Tue Jan 12, 2010 at 14:28:20 PM EST

Concord - Today, Republicans held yet another press conference attacking efforts to make sure more Americans have access to health care and once again, they've failed to offer any real ideas on how to address the serious challenges facing New Hampshire and the country.

"Republicans need to explain to the people of New Hampshire why they refuse to offer any ideas on how to cover the 140 thousand Granite State citizens that are without health insurance," said Derek Richer, press secretary for the New Hampshire Democratic Party.

"They also need to explain to the voters why they don't have a plan to deal with health care costs that continue to spiral out of control, or why they oppose the efforts in this legislation to lower prescription drug costs, make sure seniors can afford their prescription drugs, or prevent insurance companies from denying coverage to anyone with a pre-existing condition like breast cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, or asthma."

"Republicans are happy to issue partisan, political attacks. But their silence on any real solutions is deafening," Richer added.

The federal health insurance reform being debated would dramatically improve health care both in New Hampshire and across the country.  In addition to covering 140 thousand uninsured citizens and dealing with ever rising health care costs, the legislation includes a number of provisions that would directly benefit the people of the Granite State including: prohibiting insurance companies from dropping coverage when individuals get sick, banning lifetime limits on coverage, and giving individuals the right to appeal unfair insurance company decisions to an independent party.

The legislation would also establish affordable options in insurance exchanges - a new marketplace where individuals and small businesses can compare cost and quality and pay for the plan that is right for them.  These exchanges would include a guaranteed package of benefits, including free preventive care.  

"Health insurance reform is complex, but critically important," said Richer.  "And if the Republicans really wanted to help the people of the Granite State they would offer real solutions instead of constant partisan attacks.  At the very least, they need to answer why they oppose many of these key provisions in the reform package that would dramatically improve our health care system and help rein in costs."

(Posted by Derek Richer, Press Secretary of the New Hampshire Democratic Party)    

More of This, Please

by: Dean Barker

Fri Dec 11, 2009 at 18:37:46 PM EST

(via email):

House Republicans Propose Eliminating Funding for Prescription Drugs, Wheelchair Vans, Mental Health Care

Would Also Force Seniors Out of Their Homes into More Expensive Nursing Homes

CONCORD - New Hampshire House Republicans are proposing legislation to radically cut services to New Hampshire's seniors, children and needy citizens, introducing legislation that would eliminate funding for prescription drug coverage, wheelchair vans and mental health care, among other services.

The legislation (HB1587) would also eliminate the state's home-and-community-based care program, forcing seniors out of their homes into more expensive nursing homes. And it would eliminate funding for home-based programs for people with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries, forcing them into more expensive care.

Findings from ABC News /Washington Post poll includes exciting news for Democrats

by: DRicher

Fri Nov 20, 2009 at 12:51:50 PM EST

Despite their best efforts, the Republican Party's attempts to sabotage President Obama are backfiring.  Not only do an overwhelming 6 in 10 Americans (61%) have a favorable opinion of him, but 56% approve of the job he is doing as president.  

And the public trusts Democrats, not Republicans, to address the problems our country will face over the next few years.  There is a 16 point margin between the percentage of Americans who trust Democrats (47%) and those trusting Republicans (31%)

Why does the public trust Democrats?  Because Democrats share their values.  Half of Americans (49%) say Democrats better represent their values compared to only 39% who point to Republicans.  That's a 10 point gap!  But the gap is even larger when you ask the public which party cares the most about their needs.  Over half (51%) say Democrats are more concerned about "the needs of people like me" compared to only 36% who say they same about Republicans.

Given these findings, it's no wonder more Americans identify themselves as Democrats (35%) than Republicans (21%).  None of this means we can rest.  It's essential that we continue to work hard to get our message out and push back against the Republican attack machine.  As long as Democrats continue to effectively communicate our values and priorities to voters we will succeed in holding our majorities in 2010.  And the party of "No" will remain the minority party.  

(Posted by Derek Richer, Press Secretary of the New Hampshire Democratic Party)

Ayotte Brings Establishment Friends To New Hampshire To Promote "Kellycare"

by: EBrowne

Fri Nov 13, 2009 at 15:49:58 PM EST

CONCORD - Tonight, House Republican Leader John Boehner, one of Kelly Ayotte's DC establishment friends, will be attending an NHGOP fundraiser in Concord. Both Ayotte and Boehner support a risky healthcare plan that would eliminate protections for New Hampshire families and empower big insurance companies.

"KellyCare" - Ayotte's plan to take control over healthcare away from Granite Staters and put it squarely in the hands of insurance giants - was manufactured by Boehner and the Republican establishment in Washington. By eliminating essential state-level protections that require insurance companies to remain accountable to the consumers they serve, "KellyCare" lets insurance bureaucracies decide what they will or will not cover. Without these crucial safeguards, insurance companies are free to cover only the most profitable services for themselves, leaving women, children and those with pre-existing medical conditions particularly at risk.

"Kelly is calling in her establishment friends to do the dirty work she keeps avoiding - defending and discussing her disastrous plan," said Emily Browne, Press Secretary for the New Hampshire Democratic Party. "New Hampshire has created rock-solid consumer protections to ensure that no insurance bureaucracy can choose not to cover something just to protect its own profit. To do away with these would not only threaten the ability of Granite Staters to keep their families healthy, but would allow insurance bureaucrats to deny New Hampshire its right to decide how to care for its residents. 'KellyCare' lets insurance companies call the shots - and leaves New Hampshire families in the dust."

Earlier this month, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that "KellyCare" would leave 53 million Americans without healthcare. When pushed about this massive shortfall, Boehner said: "What we do is try to make the current system work better...We do not attempt to cover 46 million more Americans" [Roll Call, 11/2/09, CNN, 11/1/09; CBO Analysis, 11/4/09].

The New York Times said that the Ayotte-Boehner plan would "do almost nothing to reduce the scandalously high number of Americans who have no insurance...and isn't health care reform." (New York Times 11/6/09)

# # #  

How Quickly Bass Forgets

by: DRicher

Fri Nov 13, 2009 at 13:25:57 PM EST

Concord, NH - Former Congressman Charlie Bass has apparently forgotten his own record when it comes to government spending - a record that was defined by his support for reckless spending, record deficits, and tax breaks for the wealthy.  

Appearing on MSNBC yesterday to discuss the 2010 political climate, Bass shockingly declared, "I wouldn't want to be an incumbent congressman who had raised spending," ignoring the fact that his role as a rubberstamp for George Bush's reckless spending turned a record surplus into a record deficit.  Bass not only repeatedly voted for Bush budgets that ballooned the deficit, but he also supported making permanent the Bush special interest tax breaks that benefited the wealthiest Americans. Those tax policies would cost the Treasury approximately $4 trillion.

"Charlie Bass has no one to blame but himself when it comes to the federal deficit," said Derek Richer, Press Secretary for the New Hampshire Democratic Party.  "In Congress, Bass was nothing more than a rubberstamp for George Bush's reckless spending that turned a record surplus into a record deficit, and that Bush-Bass agenda helped create the mess our economy is in right now. Instead of trying to shift the blame, Bass should take a look in the mirror."

BACKGROUND:

The Real Charlie Bass: A Rubberstamp for George Bush's Reckless Spending
Deficit Exploded Under Bush. Although President Bush had hoped to preside over a deficit reduction in his last year in office, the New York Times reported that the FY2009 budget he sent to Congress in February of 2008 would raise the federal deficit by nearly $250 billion- bringing it to $410 billion in 2008, up from $162 billion the year before. [New York Times, 2/05/08]

In 2007, the Washington Post reported that Bush "inherited a budget surplus when he took office, but it disappeared amid a recession, the 2001 terrorist attacks and his massive tax-cutting program. By 2004, the deficit had soared to $413 billion...but it fell to $248 billion [in 2006]." [Washington Post, 10/16/07]

Voted to Make Bush's Tax Breaks Permanent. In 2002, Bass voted to make the fiscally irresponsible Bush tax breaks permanent. In the first decade after 2012, the tax breaks would cost the Treasury approximately $4 trillion. When it is fully phased in, the cost of the tax breaks over the next 75 years will be more than twice as great as the entire 75-year shortfall projected in the Social Security Trust Fund. Additionally, when all of the enacted tax breaks are fully in effect, the benefits will flow disproportionately to those with the highest incomes. The 1.3 million tax filers who make up the most affluent one percent of filers will receive more than one-third of the tax breaks. At the same time, the 1.3 million tax filers in this elite group will receive about twice as much in tax breaks as the 78 million low- and moderate-income filers who comprise the bottom 60 percent of filers. The proposal passed, 229-198. [Associated Press, 4/19/02; Center on Budget & Policy Priorities, "The Administration's Proposal to Make the Tax Cut Permanent," 4/16/02; HR 586, Vote #103, 4/18/02]

Supported $70 Billion in Bush Tax Breaks That Benefited the Wealthiest Americans. In 2006, Bass voted in favor of $70 billion tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. The bill extended the Bush tax breaks on capital gains and dividends for two years, but only included a one year patch for the Alternative Minimum Tax, a tax that was particularly painful for millions of middle class families. The Washington Post called the bill a "windfall for the rich, and a hole in the federal budget." According to a study by the Brookings Institution Tax Policy Center, Middle-income households would receive an average tax cut of $20, while the 0.2 percent of households with incomes over $1 million would get average tax breaks of $42,000. The bill passed 244-185. [Washington Post, 5/11/06; HR4297, Vote #135, 5/10/06]

Voted For Budget that Would Spend the Social Security Surplus, Increase the Debt. In 2004, Bass voted in favor of the FY 2005 Budget Resolution that spent $174 billion of the social security trust fund would pay in part for $55.2 billion in additional tax breaks. The agreement also increased the public debt limit by $690 billion. The plan includes much weaker rules against red ink than the Senate approved budget. The $ 2.4 trillion, one-year agreement would require any new tax breaks to be offset by spending cuts or tax increases elsewhere in the budget. But that "pay-as-you-go" rule expires in a year under the final version, instead of five years as in the original House bill. The measure passed 216-213. [CQ House Action Reports, "The Budget Agreement," 5/19/04; USA Today, 5/20/04; SCR 95, Vote #198, 5/19/04]

Bass Voted for FY 07 Budget that Hurt America's Working Families. In 2006, Bass voted in favor of a $2.8 trillion budget that is fiscally reckless and harmful for America's working families. The budget adds hundred of billions to the already record budget deficit and includes a provision to increase the debt limit by $653 billion to $9.6 trillion. It cuts key programs like education, health and veterans programs. It does nothing to help lower gas prices and does not provide a permanent fix for the Alternative Minimum Tax, which hurts millions of middle class families every year. The budget includes a projected deficit for 2006 of $372 billion, and a deficit for 2007 of $348 billion. By 2011, the deficit could total $1.1 trillion. The budget resolution contains no plans to balance the budget, and, in fact, the Republican policies make the deficit worse by $410 billion over five years relative to current budget policies. The bill passed 218-210. [House Budget Committee, Minority Staff Analysis of the FY 07 Budget; HCR 376, Vote #158, 5/18/06]

Supported Final $40 Billion Budget Cut Bill that Cut Billions from Medicaid and Student Loans. In 2006, Bass voted for the conference agreement to cut mandatory spending programs by $39.7 billion over the next five years. The measure cut a record $12.7 billion from federal student loan programs, $7 billion from Medicaid that included increased cost-sharing and premiums for the poor, $1.5 billion from child support enforcement and $2.7 billion from initiatives that help the nation's farmers. The bill also repealed a program - known as the Byrd amendment - that helped local employers injured by unfair trade. The measure did not touch a $5 billion HMO slush fund established by the 2003 Medicare bill, and after intense lobbying from the health insurance industry, the budget saved HMOs $22 billion dollars by maintaining Medicare reimbursement formulas that favored the industry. The bill passed 216-214. [House Budget Committee Minority Staff, "Key Provisions in the Conference Report on the Republican Spending Reconciliation Bill." 12/19/05; CQ Today, 2/1/06; Washington Post, 2/1/06; HRS 653, Vote #4, 2/1/06]

(Posted by Derek Richer, Press Secretary of the New Hampshire Democratic Party)