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.  

About Paul Hodes And Offshore Oil Drilling And Carol Shea-Porter And Seniors

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Tue Jul 27, 2010 at 10:31:12 AM EDT

TO THE PORTSMOUTH HERALD ABOUT PAUL HODES:

"In a recent letter to The Portsmouth Herald, a writer from Greenland criticized the position taken by Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Paul Hodes in opposing New England offshore oil drilling.  I'd like to offer a different point of view in favor of Hodes position, on which he is joined by Congressperson Carol Shea-Porter and Senator Jeanne Shaheen.

"It wasn't too long ago that a rich man wanted to build an oil refinery in New Hampshire's Seacoast.  I remember it well, because I was in the Legislature at the time and saw the immense and intense efforts to make his plan a reality.

"Aristotle Onassis had a vast oil shipping fleet, and he wanted more sales in the United States market.  He came up with a grand idea that potentially would include a tanker terminal at the Isles of Shoals, and a refinery at Durham Point.  Pipelines would flow the oil to and from his refinery to nearby truck depots, and roads would be widened for his vast fleets that would then deliver his product north and south, east and west.  

"Then-Governor Meldrim Thomson strongly supported the idea.  He thought it was just great.  So did many others, and I'm not being partisan in saying this because it's true -- so did many Republicans.  The opposition primarily came from Democrats.  Sometimes, there really is a partisan divide on business and environmental approaches.  

Splaine, McEachern Call for Investigtation

by: Dean Barker

Tue Feb 23, 2010 at 05:46:26 AM EST

We ask you to authorize the House Commerce Committee to begin a formal inquiry into the process of the inner workings of state government that allowed the situation of a Ponzi Scheme relating to Finance Resources Mortgage, Inc., to evolve.  As an alternative, we would suggest you create a special bipartisan legislative committee to undertake the inquiry.

Below the fold is the full text of that letter, as well as the original letter sent by Reps. Splaine and McEachern, and the letter sent to them by Al and Susan McIlvene. The issue at stake here is a bit complex, so rather than my trying to summarize it all (poorly), I leave it to you all to look over.

George McGovern: A Man Who Saved Lives And Changed A Nation's History

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Sun Jul 19, 2009 at 11:06:14 AM EDT

All those go back in my memory to the 1960s or early 1970s.  Each in their own way had a major positive impact on what New Hampshire or America is today.  I've talked or written about each of them, and others, through the years.  

George McGovern is turning 88 years old this weekend, and he's going to be in New Hampshire -- not really to "celebrate" his birthday as much as to continue his cause of being a great leader.  Unfortunately, since I work my Summer job at the time of his Portsmouth public event on Monday when he is signing his new book I won't be able to see him, but nevertheless I'll benefit -- we all will -- from the visit from this very good man, since he will touch yet more people and get them to think -- about peace, about war, about our choices.

The late 1960s and early 1970s was a true "watershed" and "crossroads" for this nation.  While those words are overused and connote different meanings, they apply to that era when America could well have become a much different country than it is now.  Rebellion was in the air, and for good reason.  Many in our country wanted to expand the Vietnam conflict into China.  Marches and demonstrations in Washington threatened our government.  The military was used on our college campuses against our own kids.  Race was a divider in more than just areas of discrimination.  It was a scary time.

Senator George McGovern saw the problems, especially in Vietnam, and after the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968 he began his own march for the 1972 Democratic Presidential nomination.  The New Hampshire First-In-The-Nation Presidential Primary brought him here, and as a UNH student and Portsmouth political activist of sorts, that's when I first met him.  I was impressed -- not so much at first with him as with his message.  He wanted to stop a war.  I had already lost a couple of friends from UNH in that war, so he had me right from the beginning.  

My experience during that primary when I supported him and made my first financial contributions to a Presidential candidate solidified my interest in keeping our First-In-The-Nation Presidential Primary status.

That election year here in New Hampshire was quite divisive result, and many of the activists who were involved in both Democratic and Republican party politics during both the 1968 and 1972 primaries in New Hampshire had second thoughts about wanting to keep our lead-off status.  

Statements Of Support For HB 436 And The Governor's Language

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Tue May 19, 2009 at 07:10:52 AM EDT

Governor John Lynch took a big step last week in coming down on the side of marriage equality.  He will sign House Bill 436 if we put into another part of state law an additional and clearer protection of the independence and freedom of religious organizations and Churches.  His language follows some wording of Connecticut's marriage equality legislation, as well as Vermont.  

The language will appear as an amendment onto House Bill 73, which will come in from the Senate.  We'll see it in final form after the Senate Judiciary Committee considers it tomorrow, but it follows the wording that the Governor requested last week.  I have included his news release, and the draft language being offered by Senator Deb Reynolds.  

I have added comments about HB 436, and the Governor's requested language, from our friends of marriage equality.  We can put this issue behind us, successfully, by supporting HB 73 as amended.  This is about, and for, our young people of New Hampshire -- for our future.

HB 436 - Marriage Equality: The Best Public Hearing Ever!

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Wed Apr 15, 2009 at 20:11:07 PM EDT

I left Portsmouth driving West with the bright early Springtime sun to my back at 6:12 AM.  I wanted to arrive in time for a 7:15 AM rally in front of the State House that was to be held by opponents of House Bill 436, the full marriage equality bill.  

It was a nice ride.  I hit some traffic, and got to Concord a little late at about 7:30 AM.  After parking at the Legislators' parking garage, I turned a corner and saw the signs:  "Marriage:  1 Man - 1 Woman", and assorted variations of the theme of how gays and lesbians are out to destroy marriage, and that God doesn't condone gay marriage.  

The Marriage Equality Discussion: A Good Day In The State House

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Thu Feb 05, 2009 at 21:53:35 PM EST

Thursday was such a day.  Four bills were up for public hearing about LBGT equality.  Two would reduce our Civil Unions Law, and the other two provide full marriage equality and fighting discrimination based on gender identity.

The bills were in front of the House Judiciary Committee, chaired with the element of class by longtime Nashua Representative David Cote.  Dave's a Democrat, and a mighty good one.

One of our proudest accomplishments in the 2007 Legislature was the passage of Civil Unions, a move toward full equality for our New Hampshire gay and lesbian friends, family members, and neighbors.  It was fantastic to see Governor John Lynch sign the bill into law in May of that year.  During the past 13 months that Civil Unions have been allowed, 621 couples have made their commitment to share their love, caring, and lives together.

The "Granny D" Campaign Public Funding Idea: Toward A Better Democracy For New Hampshire

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Wed Oct 01, 2008 at 20:41:06 PM EDT

At a large public ceremony in May, Governor John Lynch signed House Bill 794, which created a seven-member commission to examine the concept of public funding -- or alternative funding -- of some state campaigns, similar to what is working well in a dozen other states, including Maine.   That Commission has been meeting for the past couple of months, and by December will be making its report to the next Legislative Session.  

The simple idea is to allow candidates to receive limited public funding if they voluntarily agree, under strict guidelines, not to seek or accept special interest donations.  This alternative funding will probably not match dollar-for-dollar what the opposition can raise and spend, but it will allow candidates agreeing not to accept special interest donations to be competitive and have a chance.  

I was primary sponsor of  HB 794 (with State Representatives Dana Hilliard, Barbara Richardson, Peter Allen, and Betty Hall, and State Senator Jackie Cilley) and joined with a number of other people in and out of politics at over twenty meetings during the past year studying the idea, and establishing the commission.  One of those people is especially well-known -- Doris "Granny D" Haddock, who has walked across the United States on this cause.  Granny D is 98 years old now, but continues to be a strong voice for honesty in our democracy.  She's amazing.

The commission itself includes Republicans and Democrats, and the idea of finding an alternate way of funding campaigns has support from a broad array of New Hampshire leaders, including former Governor Walter Peterson (R), former gubernatorial candidates Jim Rubins (R) and Paul McEachern (D), and former U.S. Senate Democratic nominee John Rauh.

There are three reasons why I think limited alternative funding in some campaigns could work well here.

1.  Preservation Of Our Democracy.  Some NH State Senate races are approaching $200,000 for a two-year term.  Running for Governor can cost well over $1 million.  Giving a limited source of alternative funding to candidates who agree not to take special interest donations gives them a chance to compete against those who do, and that makes for a stronger democracy for all of us.  Right now, we as voters often only have a choice between the very wealthy and the quite wealthy, or the well-connected and the well-networked.  In ten years, if we don't make a change the situation will be even worse.  At least here in New Hampshire, running for office should never be just a rich person's opportunity.  We as voters deserve better than that.

...continued below fold...

The "Granny D Commission" Is Now Law

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

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

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.
 

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

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.
 

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

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.  

In Future NH Presidential Primaries, Should 17 Year Olds Be Able To Vote?

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Wed Jan 09, 2008 at 20:56:28 PM EST

I have requested legislation to be prepared on this concept, but would like to consider pros and cons before formally introducing it.  I do know that it is very important for young people to be involved in the political process, and I was especially delighted to see the awesome participation of young people in Iowa and New Hampshire, particularly on the Democratic side.  I'm sure a lot of those out canvassing for candidates and attending rallies and other events during this year's New Hampshire Primary were under 18, and they probably got to know the issues and the candidates as well or better than a lot of us over 50.  

I got involved in politics at a young age.  In 1960 as a young pup I distributed flyers for John F. Kennedy.  One of my very favorite memories was meeting Bobby Kennedy in Portsmouth as he was campaigning for his brother.  In the mid-1960s while still in high school I was selected Portsmouth Young Democrats President and as such met someone who would be a lifelong friend who is now my seat mate in the New Hampshire House -- Paul McEachern.  In 1969 I was elected President of the NH Young Democrats, and we became the first "arm" of the Democratic Party nationwide to formally oppose the Vietnam War, much to the chagrin of some of the powers-who-be in the New Hampshire Democratic Party.  See, I've been challenging conventional thinking and been an irritating guy for a long time.  

I mention all that because I think it is so important that young people feel they do count, because they do.  And to allow them to vote in the New Hampshire First-In-The-Nation Presidential Primary if they will be 18 by the time of the November General Election -- and have their votes counted -- would be a good thing to do.

Thoughts?  

"Granny D's" Cause Might Be Coming To New Hampshire In 2008

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Fri Aug 24, 2007 at 09:15:37 AM EDT

And it could change the way Concord does business.  It would change the way New Hampshire candidates go about their fundraising.  It would reduce the rush for cash that we've seen in recent election cycles.  It will make it possible for more candidates of "limited means" -- whether personal finances or "contacts" -- to be able to run for office.  Those would all be good things.

"Granny D" is a national treasure.  She's walked the nation, walked on Washington, and now she's walking on Concord.  Again, actually -- she's done so several times before. 

During the past 18 months or so I and others have been working alongside Granny D on her concept of "Clean Elections."  Essentially, it is the idea that people running for office should be able to get funding from sources other than lobbyists and other special interests.  Many Democratic and Republican Presidential candidates visiting New Hampshire have been strongly critical of the influence of financial donations from lobbyists and big money in national elections.  That problem, of course, occurs in state elections as well.

The cause of Granny D should be high on the agenda for New Hampshire Democrats and Republicans during the upcoming Legislation Session.  A bill is currently in the Legislature, and a special subcommittee of the House Election Law Committee has held meetings on it during the past several months, including some hot days of Summer.  A citizen group has also been working on the bill.  Three meetings are planned for September -- more on that soon.

Update: Supporters Drop SB 91, The Anti-Disclosure Bill. Plus Bill Gardner's Op Ed

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 21:37:25 PM EDT

This legislation will come up Wednesday in the House and Senate, and would allow contributions to political candidates and office holders directly from the treasuries of corporations, partnerships, and unions, without disclosure required by them.  It would open the floodgates for much more money into the political system of our state, without disclosure by those making contributions.

The good news is that after a week of hard work by opponents of SB 91, and citing "an inadvertent error," members of the Committee of Conference that had worked to pass the  bill are pulling their support and are now saying they will recommend the legislation be killed. 

That "inadvertent error" was among some of the parts of this legislation that required us to work hard to stop this bill.  It looks like that part of our job has been accomplished, and I thank those who made that decision to pull their support. 

But the News Conference is still needed because there is other legislation we will address that is pending that attacks some of our long-held election traditions that have guaranteed the people's right to have a say in their government, and which affects disclosure of contributions to political candidates. 

More Information About A Disturbing Attack On NH Campaign Finance Laws.

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Fri Jun 22, 2007 at 00:18:41 AM EDT

For decades, New Hampshire has had the concept of "transparency" about campaign donations.  Contributions given by any source other than by an individual have had to be reported to the Office of Secretary of State, and by the candidate receiving the donations.  This has guaranteed a double-check of such contributions, and thus a higher degree of honesty.

The high standards that have helped to keep scandals out of New Hampshire State Government are about to change.  We cannot let this become an agenda of the 2007 Legislative Session. 

A Committee of Conference made up of House and Senate members has come up with a version of Senate Bill 91 that is an attack on our long-held campaign finance disclosure laws.  The bill will come up for floor action next Wednesday, June 27th, in the House and Senate.  Here is a summary:

The NH Death Penalty: A Worthy Discussion

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Sun Mar 25, 2007 at 09:07:33 AM EDT

AN ACT relative to the death penalty.

SPONSORS: Representative Jim Splaine, Rockingham #16; Representative Gail Morrison, Belknap #2; Representative James Pilliod, Belknap #5; Representative Anthony DiFruscia, Rockingham #4; Representative Paul McEachern, Rockingham #16

COMMITTEE: Criminal Justice and Public Safety

ANALYSIS

This bill removes the death sentence from the capital murder statute and replaces it with life imprisonment, until death, without the possibility of parole.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Homicide; Capital Murder. Amend RSA 630:1, III to read as follows:

III. A person convicted of a capital murder [words eliminated from current statute:  "may be punished by death"] shall be sentenced to life imprisonment, until death, without the possibility of parole.

2 Repeal. RSA 630:5, relative to procedure in capital murder, is repealed.

3 Applicability. This act shall only apply to those persons charged with capital murder on or after the effective date of this act.

4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2008.

Put very simply, this legislation provides for a death penalty.

It says "A person convicted of a capital murder shall be sentenced to life imprisonment, until death, without the possibility of parole."  While our state has not had an execution since 1939, it remains an option, and should not be part of our New Hampshire society. 

European countries, and many of the nations of this hemisphere, have abolished the death penalty.  Currently we are in league with Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, North Korea, and China with the death penalty.  We should be better than that. 

The House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on the bill, and the majority are recommending that the bill be defeated, while a minority support passage.  The Committee vote was 10-7.  Here are their reports:

House Resolution On Iraq Changed - A Lot

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 20:30:50 PM EDT

Introduced by Portsmouth State Representative Paul McEachern and myself three weeks ago, HR 10 originally opposed President George W. Bush's Iraq policy and urged the President and Congress to take actions relative to veterans' benefits and the war in Iraq.  It also called for "timely withdrawal," and asked for conferences with the neighboring countries. 

The Committee amendment took out references from our Resolution that opposed President Bush's surge of 20,000+ troops, which was part of the Congressional Resolution opposing the surge that was approved in Washington last month.  The amendment also calls for remaining in Iraq until the mission or the "task" is accomplished, whatever that means.

But, all this isn't a lost cause for us.  Paul McEachern and I introduced the Resolution to generate the discussion, and that discussion will continue.  A "minority report" has been written by those on the Committee who are opposed to the amendment.  The issue will be discussed next week on the floor of the House, and we will make an effort to defeat the amendment, and pass HR 10 as originally drafted.  If we're successful, we will have made our point stronger than ever. 

House members need to hear from readers who would like to express their feelings.  Again, thanks to nhcollegedem and other Bloggers on www.BlueHampshire.com for promoting this issue.  We're going to try to win this one.

Update On New Hampshire Iraq Resolution

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Mon Mar 19, 2007 at 22:11:02 PM EDT

There were three times more supporters of the Resolution than opponents at the hearing.  The House State-Federal Relations & Veterans Affairs Committee will vote on the Resolution on Tuesday afternoon.  A listing of members of that Committee appear in a previous Blog post under my name.

The Resolution itself, regardless of the Committee recommendation, will be debated on the House floor next week sometime.

Contacting House members, especially in your part of the state, is important -- you can find the names and contacts of Legislators by visiting the State of New Hampshire WEBSITE:  nh.gov.  Go to "Legislative," then click on "House," then you will see links to identifying Legislators.  We're all receiving lots of E-Mails about a number of issues, and it does help to communicate your views. 

To nhcollegedem, who initiated the call for this Resolution on www.BlueHampshire.com, and to others who have promoted it -- good work, and thank you.  Work continues to need to be done. 

Help Needed On Iraq Resolution

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 09:13:26 AM EDT

I expect a number of opponents to the Resolution to speak, and House members have been receiving comments in opposition.  It would be helpful for those supporting the Resolution, which is essentially based on the Congressional resolution of several weeks go, to make their views known.

The Resolution is cosponsored by Rep. Paul McEachern and myself, and will be voted on by the House State-Federal Relations & Veterans Affairs Committee on Tuesday at 1:00 PM.  A list of the Committee members appears in a previous Blog post under my name.  The initiative for the Resolution came from discussion on www.BlueHampshire.com.

The Resolution appears in full below, and will likely be voted on by the full House next week. 

Resolution About Iraq War Introduced Into NH Legislature

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Wed Mar 07, 2007 at 22:01:02 PM EST

I did some extensive collection of ideas, and researched similar resolutions elsewhere.  I know it might not satisfy all input I've received, but it is specific, calls for orderly withdrawal, emphasizes our support for our brave troops, discusses benefits for veterans, asks for talks among neighbors in that region, and emphasizes the New Hampshire interests.  Overall, I think it matches other resolutions I have seen. 

After a suggestion in www.BlueHampshire.com from "nhcollegedem," I asked for permission to introduce a late resolution into the NH House of Representatives.  The House Rules Committee, by a 5-3 vote about two weeks ago, gave me permission to do so. 

I am encouraging a similar effort in the NH State Senate, and asking for "co-signers" among members of the House -- as many as wish to join on. 

A special thanks, by the way, to commentators in www.BlueHampshire.com, "nhcollegedem," and Raymond Will of Portsmouth.

(more info and resolution text after the flip)