Stephen's Gang: "Mendacious from the Start"

by: Dean Barker

Sat Nov 06, 2010 at 18:45:44 PM EDT

In his concession speech Tuesday night, John Stephen said he was proud of his "positive" campaign for Governor. I was stunned to hear his characterization. The Stephen campaign has been mendacious from the start.  His statement put the final cap on the false narrative that characterized his entire effort.

Here is the truth: John Stephen and his storm troopers attacked Gov. John Lynch repeatedly for the past nine months, misleading the voters on the budget, on taxes and on public safety, lying about Gov. Lynch's leadership style, and telling whoppers about Stephen's own record.

NH-02: An Upper Valley Kuster-Swett Fault Line

by: Dean Barker

Tue Nov 03, 2009 at 19:12:53 PM EST

State Sen. Matthew Houde, D-Plainfield, is supporting Ann McLane Kuster, a Concord-area lawyer and longtime Democratic activists.

But Houde's mentor, former state Sen. Peter Burling, D-Cornish, said yesterday he is backing Katrina Swett, a former candidate expected to formally enter the race in the weeks to come.

This is a really fascinating fault line, imo.  It looks like both Kuster and Swett have wisely figured out that to win the primary, they'll need to reach deep into the base, and nowhere in this state is the Democratic base deeper than the Upper Valley.  Speaking of which, more Gregg:

University of New Hampshire political science professor Dante Scala said Swett has a reputation as more of a moderate-conservative Democrat than is Kuster. Early endorsements from the two Lebanon-area lawmakers indicate the growing clout of the region, a hotbed for progressive activists, in New Hampshire politics.

"What's striking generally is how important Grafton County has become for the Democratic Party, not just in primaries but in the general election," Scala said. "People used to say 'how Hanover went, so went Vermont.' Now, Grafton County has become a driving force in a way they weren't before, especially as Yankee Republicans have moved on or passed away."

And relatedly: am I the only one who suspects, given the recent Team Swett media tour, that Kuster's latest fundraising email cum action alert about reproductive rights was not coincidentally timed?

The Fight For Equality Continues At Home And In Washington

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Thu Aug 13, 2009 at 15:09:42 PM EDT

In 1997, New Hampshire became just the 11th state to prohibit such employment discrimination in legislation signed by then-Governor Jeanne Shaheen, but even today just 21 states have such protections.  Just 21.

That 1997 ahead-of-its-time legislation was put through thanks to leaders like Burt Cohen, Rick Trombly, Ray Buckley, Marlene DeChane, Peter Burling, Mo Baxley, Bill McCann and so many others.

In fact, until 1998 you could be fired from federal employment just for being gay, but President Bill Clinton issued an Executive Order prohibiting that, and the Order continues to be in force.  It is not, however, part of a law yet passed by Congress.

Thanks to now-Senator Jeanne Shaheen and almost forty other U.S. Senators, legislation has now been introduced into that body to formally prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

It is one more important step along with the hopeful elimination of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in the military, the repeal of the "Defense Of Marriage Act," and the cause for Hate Crime legislation, toward eventual equality in our country.   That Senate bill joins a similar effort in the House of Representatives which has 152 cosponsors, including Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes.

The two bills are:  

S.1584 - "A bill to prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity," introduced on August 5th has 39 cosponsors including Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Bernie Sanders Patrick Leahy, Olympia Snowe, Susan Collins, and lots of others.

H.R.3017 - "To prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity," introduced on June 24th, has 152 cosponsors including Representatives Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes.  The primary sponsor is Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank.  

Bob Odell, Republican Redistricting Welfare Beneficiary

by: Dean Barker

Fri Oct 24, 2008 at 21:58:16 PM EDT

And so we wouldn't even be having this discussion today.

Bob Odell, the beneficiary of Republican redistricting welfare.  Thanks, Governor Benson!

Oh, and: Jay Phinizy for State Senate!

SD-5: An Interview with Senate Candidate Matt Houde

by: Dean Barker

Wed Sep 17, 2008 at 05:00:00 AM EDT

Matt graciously agreed to answer a few questions for me that might be of interest to you. Personally, I think this district is a great springboard for even higher office for a Democrat, so this is a race and a candidate I will be following closely.

And it's important to remember, in light of all the work and time and money that we put into the POTUS and federal races, that the State Senate candidates need your help as well, which is why I just threw some (admittedly paltry) dollars Matt's way. You should too (except the "paltry" part)!

Here's the interview; you'll see that Matt didn't shy away from my geeky policy questions:

Where do you see the education funding issue going, and how do you hope to get it there as state senator?

I think the Legislature did a terrific job of moving the ball forward last session by defining an adequate education, to include kindergarten, and costing it. SB 539 fulfilled the state's constitutional obligation to cost an adequate education.  (See * below for a comprehensive discussion of SB 539.) It did not, however, resolve funding for it, and that will be a challenge for the state in the next term. However, the Legislature understands the need to fund education, and will make it a priority to do so. It remains to be seen whether we will take up another proposal to amend the state Constitution to allow for targeted aid (before adequacy is fully funded per pupil). Two efforts failed last term, and I see the question as having been whether the state should target available funds or distribute those funds on a per pupil basis regardless of need (what we do now).

What can be done on the state level about the home heating oil crisis before it hits us this winter?

People should not have to choose between heating their homes on one hand and buying medicine and/or food on the other. Federal representatives from New England are seeking more federal funds (and even advocating for a release of amounts from the Home Heating Oil Reserve). Local agencies are also coordinating internally in order to be prepared to address increased need, and state representatives can not only facilitate that process, but also educate and inform people about available options so they know what resources exist. For example, forum are being held across the state to raise awareness and provide relevant information - such as dialing 2-1-1 in New Hampshire, which will connect callers to resources in their communities. Individuals should also consider acting now - whether to weatherize homes or determine whether they qualify for various assistance programs.

What would be your top legislative priorities upon becoming a state senator?

* Providing a solution to the education funding situation that has been an ongoing struggle for far too long.

* Expanding access to affordable health care (the House Commerce Committee, on which I served, recommended passage of several bills that expanded access to health care, including requiring coverage for dependent children up to the age of 26 and providing early childhood intervention therapy services). I am eager to continue looking for ways to expand access to health care in an affordable way.

* Economic security for the most vulnerable among us (the Legislature raised the minimum wage for the first time in 10 years, and capped interest rates on "payday" and title loan lenders - lenders that were causing too many NH residents to fall into a negative debt trap), and economic opportunity to keep NH strong.

* Environmental concerns. We took steps to protect and preserve our quality of life by finally providing funding for the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, banning the burning of toxic construction and demolition debris, and requiring the state to rely on renewable energy sources for at least a quarter of its energy needs by 2025. I believe there is an intersection of the environment and economy in moving toward renewables - which will benefit not only the environment, but provide high tech, high paying jobs as well.

When I ran for the House, I talked about the importance of community service.  Knowing this can take many forms, I pursued service in Concord because I believed that public service on that level could have a dramatic impact on policy as well as day-to-day life.  After this session, I feel even more passionately about that.  I want to continue my efforts to affect positive change in Concord - while preserving the best of what we have.  For more information about my Senate campaign, please visit www.matthewhoude.com

Senator Peter Burling Has Been And Continues To Be A Champion

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Tue May 06, 2008 at 11:24:22 AM EDT

Peter is always quick to "engage" and "go into action" for those causes in which he believes, and that's been one reason I've respected him through all these years.  I appreciate those who can put on a good fight, then win or lose go onto the next issue and perhaps -- perhaps -- on that next one you're on the same side.  With him, you win some and you lose some, and in politics and law-making that's all part of the process.

The New Hampshire Legislature is losing a good champion of working men and women, hopefully only for a while, in Peter Burling.  As State Representative then as Democratic House Leader, Peter worked during the more lean years and then some of the greener times of Democratic politics on issues for education, equality, tax fairness, and other Democratic Party ideals.

Despite not having the numbers of members in the House to his advantage, he many times was tremendously effective at taking the fight to the Republicans, catching them off-base, and stopping bad things from becoming worse.  He and now-Democratic Chair Ray Buckley, who also can put on a good fight, teamed up and put together a coalition of House Democrats who stuck tightly together on most good causes.  Democrats can't ask for much better service in leaders than that.

In 2002 and again in 2004, had circumstances been a bit different, Peter Burling would have, could have, been elected Governor.  In early 2004 I pledged to him I'd support him if he ran for Governor.  It would have been a good campaign, and Craig Benson had to be defeated.  Things turned out well for Democrats that year, as we all know -- John Lynch came forward with his candidacy, and Peter ran for the State Senate where again he's done some good things.  

I enjoy Peter, although we've had some battles lately, as we did when he was in the House.  We differ on some approaches toward government.  Either of us might be right, or wrong -- I try to always keep in mind that although I think I'm correct on an issue, I could be wrong and the other person might be right.  But that also means I have to give my "opponent" on an issue that same kind of leeway.  What is most important is that then you go onto the next issue and realize it's a new day and the battle you just had is in the past.  Peter Burling has been that kind of leader.  

I expect he'll return to elected politics again.  In the meantime, he'll be working the next few years as a Democratic Party National Committeeperson to keep the national Democrats recognizing New Hampshire's First-In-The-Nation Presidential Primary lead-off status for 2012 and beyond.  Perhaps on some strategies to do so, we'll again disagree on approaches.  It happens.  But I trust we'll be teaming up on the goal.  He's that kind of man.

SS-05: One Door Closes, Another Opens

by: Dean Barker

Sun May 04, 2008 at 20:03:20 PM EDT

State Sen. Peter Burling (D-Cornish) is expected to announce that he will not seek re-election in November.

Burling's tenure as a state legislator began in 1988, when he was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives. Since that time, he has been a faithful advocate for women's issues. In 1990, he sponsored legislation repealing the 1848 anti-abortion laws. His legislation led to a six-year struggle, which was finally settled by passage of the bill and signature by then-Gov. Jeanne Shaheen.

... Over the six-year span of Gov. Shaheen's administration, Burling was the prime sponsor of most of her initiatives, including the kindergarten bill, the Advancing Better Classrooms plan, school-funding proposals, budgets and other significant pieces of legislation.

Thank you for your service to New Hampshire, Senator Burling.

One door closes, another opens.  State senate district 5 is pretty familiar territory for me (though a bizarrely shaped district, cutting across the Upper Valley but then heading due east and south, hitting Andover and Franklin but leaving New London alone).  I've lived in three of its towns, and worked in two of them:

Andover, Cornish, Croydon, Danbury, Enfield, Franklin, Grafton, Grantham, Hanover, Hill, Lebanon, Plainfield, Springfield and Wilmot.

There's some really fertile ground here.  This will be a race I will be watching closely.

Saturday's Delegate Selection and State Committee Meeting

by: Douglas E. Lindner

Sat Apr 26, 2008 at 23:21:34 PM EDT

Congratulations to the new delegates and DNC members (and to both of the new DNC members, who were each chosen to be a delegate today as well), and don't forget to pre-register for the State Democratic Convention, coming up on May 17.

Nice to meet those of you I saw today, and sorry to those I saw and didn't get to introduce myself to--I'm sure everyone here is looking forward to next Saturday.

Edit: I had forgotten to reflect that Sen. Burling, too, was chosen to be both a DNC member AND a delegate today--I fixed it after being reminded by the Chairman's comment below.

There Have Been Suggestions

by: Dean Barker

Sat Apr 26, 2008 at 07:09:24 AM EDT

But the post for national committeeman is hotly contested. State Sen. Peter Burling is challenging two-term incumbent Gaetan DiGangi, who is a Clinton supporter.

Although Burling is a John Edwards supporter and is a candidate to become an Edwards delegate to the national convention, there have been suggestions this week that he has cut a deal with Obama supporters.

p.s. Go Peter! (full disclosure: I struck a deal with my former neighbor that if he gives his Edwards' delegate vote to Chris Dodd, I'd promote his candidacy this morning on BH).

Update: Both Peter Burling and Kathy Sullivan won their races.  The 'Ticker has a good run-down.  

Update On The Legislation Allowing 17 Year Olds To Vote In New Hampshire Primaries

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Wed Apr 23, 2008 at 19:50:30 PM EDT

The legislation, Senate Bill 436, sponsored by several Democrats including Senators Joe Foster, Peter Burling, and Lou D'Allesandro as well as Representatives Carol Gargasz and Jane Clemons, has been "tabled" by the House so that the State Supreme Court will answer questions as to whether it is constitutional to allow 17 year olds to vote in primaries.  

IF the Court opines "yes," the legislation could be taken from the table before the end of this Legislative Session in June, but that is unlikely.  It will take perhaps until mid to late May for the Court to offer an opinion,  and it will take a 2/3rds vote to remove it from the table.  The Republicans, generally, seem opposed to passage.  NH Republican Chair Fergus Cullen made some weird comment about this being a "pumpkin bill," some reference to legislation from a couple of years ago.  I responded that he's comparing apples to oranges.  I guess he likes fruit.

Anyway, this isn't really a delay, because the bill would as recommended by the House Election Law Committee have an effective date of the end of this year, making it applicable to the September 2010 state primary at the earliest.  So a Supreme Court opinion as to constitutionality is a wise thing to request since when the legislation is reintroduced later this year for the 2009 Legislative Session, it can be properly written, and if it needs to be a Constitutional Amendment instead of a statutory change that can be accomplished at that time.  

I hope we'll see eventual passage of this bill, despite the opposition it has received from some quarters.  The fact is, 17 year olds can join the military to be trained to fight in the American wars that our President and the Congress commits our nation to.  They at least should have the right to vote in the primaries where the political parties decide who to put up as nominees.  Besides, I think a lot of 17 year olds are less biased and are a lot smarter than many of us who are two, three, four times their senior.  

A No Joke Roundup

by: Dean Barker

Tue Apr 01, 2008 at 22:04:52 PM EDT

*  Kathy Sullivan and Peter Burling are running for two at-large DNC seats.  I can't imagine two people more committed to maintaining the tradition of the New Hampshire primary this side of Jim Splaine.

*  Dean Spiliotes argues that the way Obama can reach working class Democrats in the remaining primaries is to go more retail.  And it looks like that very phenomenon is playing out.

* Fergus & Co. would love for this one to be an April Fool's joke, but it's true. ActBlue rocks.

* The Monitor writeup of Spc. David Selmat's funeral yesterday contains this fascinating tidbit which explains his transition from the Army to the NH National Guard:

Stelmat enlisted in the Army in 2003 and was soon deployed to Afghanistan. He had hoped to become a medic but was instead an infantryman and, at times, conflicted.

"Deeply patriotic, even more deeply humanitarian, he made the fateful decision to lay down his arms in violation of an order to shoot into an area that he feared might have civilians," Bascom said. "He was stripped of his status and was sent home with a general discharge."

Stelmat returned to New Hampshire, enrolled at New Hampshire Technical Institute and pursued training as an emergency medical technician. He began lobbying to return to service with the National Guard.

SEX. Just Why Are Some Republicans So Preoccupied About It?

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Sun Mar 16, 2008 at 18:49:45 PM EDT

By the way, New Hampshire adopted a similar law way back in 1997, with the help of visionaries like then-House Democratic Leader Rick Trombly, along with Ray Buckley, Mo Baxley, Bill McCann, Marlene DeChane, Martha Fuller Clark, Terie Norelli, Peter Burling -- and the list goes on. Each worked in different roles on the march toward greater equality -- a march that continues today.  That law was signed by Governor Jeanne Shaheen.  Compare ANY of our leaders to those Oregon Republicans and you'll see the difference between, well -- visionaries and reactionaries.  

In 1997, New Hampshire became just the 11th state to adopt such protections for gays and lesbians.  Unfortunately, even today only 20 states provide such a provision in their state statutes, including Oregon last year.  We have lots further to go, but we're getting there.

Just WHAT don't the Republicans in Oregon, or anywhere else for that matter, get about equality issues?  Just WHAT is wrong with preventing discrimination based on sexual orientation in areas of housing and employment?  

The Associated Press actually reported an answer to that question.  It seems that Oregon State Senator Gary George and State Representative Kim Thatcher just feel that "perverts" shouldn't be out about their "perversion."  They don't think that the workplace is the place to discuss gay sex and that if they do they should be able to be fired.

Simple enough.  Just gay sex though, I guess.  If you talk about straight sex, or have pictures of the Mr. or Mrs. on your desk and mention your kids, that's okay.  

Senator George was a little more specific.  He is quoted as saying "If you walk around talking about what you do in the bedroom, you should be on the pervert channel."  He told Oregon's biggest gay newspaper, Just Out, "As an employer, I don't wanna hear about it.  This workplace is for work purposes. My advice to the gay community is shut up, just don't talk about it. If you walk around talking about what you do in the bedroom, you should be on the pervert channel."

Glad we've got that straight.  Whoops, can I say that?

I'd like to hear more about why some Republicans are so preoccupied about the sex lives of their constituents.

In the meanwhile, I'm going to call my cable company and learn more about that Pervert Channel which Senator George seems to know about.  

Democrats Vs. Republicans: Contrasting "Values" And "Priorities" In The NH State Senate

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 08:36:55 AM EST

The first bill is sponsored by a longtime Republican State Senator.  It deals with getting people to talk all the same way.  I guess "accent" doesn't matter in his bill -- I hope not, because some people I talk with don't quite get my accent and I'd have to work on that if his bill passes.

The other bill is sponsored by several good Democratic State Senators.  It deals with allowing people to be able to afford a place to live in this day and age when it gets more expensive to do that.  

Yes, a difference in priorities.  A difference in values.

Thoughts?

SB 388 - AS INTRODUCED

2008 SESSION

08-2684 - 03/09

SENATE BILL 388

AN ACT relative to commercial driver license qualifications.

SPONSORS: Sen. Barnes, Dist 17

COMMITTEE: Transportation and Interstate Cooperation

ANALYSIS

This bill requires that commercial driver license applicants demonstrate English language skills.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eight

AN ACT relative to commercial driver license qualifications.

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

1 New Paragraph; Commercial Driver License Qualification Standards; English Language Skills. Amend RSA 263:87 by inserting after paragraph II the following new paragraph:

III. The department shall require all applicants for commercial driver licenses to demonstrate English language skills sufficient to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

SB 421-LOCAL - AS INTRODUCED

2008 SESSION

08-2785 - 06/10

SENATE BILL 421-LOCAL

AN ACT requiring municipal land use regulation to provide reasonable opportunities for the creation of workforce housing.

SPONSORS: Sen. Fuller Clark, Dist 24; Sen. Larsen, Dist 15; Sen. Reynolds, Dist 2; Sen. Burling, Dist 5; Sen. DeVries, Dist 18; Sen. Foster, Dist 13; Sen. Hassan, Dist 23; Sen. Cilley, Dist 6

COMMITTEE: Public and Municipal Affairs

ANALYSIS

This bill declares it to be the policy of planning and zoning regulation in the state that:

I. Municipalities have an obligation to provide reasonable and realistic opportunities for the development of workforce housing.

II. Such obligation extends to regional as well as local needs.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eight

AN ACT requiring municipal land use regulation to provide reasonable opportunities for the creation of workforce housing.

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

1 Workforce Housing. Amend RSA 672:1, III-e to read as follows:

III-e.(a) All citizens of the state benefit from a balanced supply of housing which is affordable to persons and families of low and moderate income. Establishment of housing which is decent, safe, sanitary and affordable to low and moderate income persons and families is in the best interests of each community and the state of New Hampshire, and serves a vital public need. Opportunity for development of such housing, including so-called cluster development and the development of multi-family structures, should not be prohibited or discouraged by use of municipal planning and zoning powers or by unreasonable interpretation of such powers;

(b) The state of New Hampshire has experienced a shortage of housing which is affordable to working households. The shortage of housing affordable to working households poses a threat to the state's continued economic growth. This housing shortage presents a serious barrier to the expansion of the state's labor force, undermines state efforts to foster a productive and self-reliant workforce, and adversely affects the ability of many communities to host new businesses. Achieving a balanced supply of housing requires increasing the supply of workforce housing, serves a statewide public interest, and constitutes an urgent and compelling public policy goal. Municipalities should meet regional as well as local needs in providing reasonable and realistic opportunities for the development of workforce housing.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

Draft Shaheen Reels in a Big Fish - Peter Burling

by: Dean Barker

Mon Jun 18, 2007 at 16:47:01 PM EDT

State Senator Peter Burling, a Cornish Democrat, is among those who want Shaheen to run, the Globe learned. His endorsement matters because it comes just a day after Jay Buckey, a Burling constituent, announced he was officially in the race.

"I think Jay is a terrific guy, but I made it clear to him that I think Governor Shaheen would be a better candidate," Burling said in an interview.

While this is undeniably a blow to Buckey's nascent campaign, I'm actually not at all surprised. Burling was Democratic Leader in the House when Shaheen was governor (check out the pic that goes right below this quote):

In the legislature, Peter has also been a faithful advocate for women's issues. 1990, Peter sponsored legislation repealing the 1848 anti-abortion bills. This legislation led to a six year struggle which was finally settled by passage of the bill and signature by Governor Shaheen.

NH-Sen: Peter Burling?

by: Dean Barker

Tue Mar 06, 2007 at 22:05:04 PM EST

Democratic state Sens. David Gottesman and Peter Burling also have both indicated they are considering running for Sununu's seat.

Is this more bona fide news for a news packed day, or am I reading too much into this?

Buckley Cleared: "Absolutely No Evidence"

by: Dean Barker

Thu Mar 01, 2007 at 14:26:35 PM EST

Longtime state Democratic power broker Raymond Buckley today was exonerated of all allegations he possessed child pornography, state Attorney General Kelly A. Ayotte announced at an afternoon press conference.

The attorney general said there was "absolutely no evidence" Buckley ever possessed child pornography.

...Vaillancourt later conceded he had no "hard and fast proof" to corroborate his claims.

EVENING UPDATE: Media roundup below the fold.  Click on "There's More."

Dodd: Escalation is "Insane", Non-Binding Resolution does "Absolutely Nothing"

by: Dean Barker

Sun Jan 21, 2007 at 22:33:26 PM EST

I think people expect us to do more than just express our opposition to the surge or the escalation in Iraq.  And so I'll be offering on Wednesday or Thursday, whenever this comes up in the Foreign Relations Committee, language which will require that there be no additional forces sent at all to Iraq at this point.  Freeze that number... In my view, it's now.  I know you can get more votes on a "sense of the Senate" resolution, it may be more bipartisan, and I love bipartisanship.  But we've got to get over this notion that losing is a failure.  Making the debate and making the point to me is far more important than whether or not I get a bunch of people to sign onto a resolution that means absolutely nothing at this juncture.  And I think that people who voted for change about 8 weeks ago in this country, in this state, in mine, and all across the country, are going to be terribly disappointed in Democrats that can't do a better job than just a resolution of disapproval.  I think we ought to have an actual vote, up and down, on whether we think this ought to move forward.  And we'd better do it soon.

And on the McCain Doctrine of Bushcalation?

People who are on the ground, working at this, every day, in uniform, will tell you that the only resolution of this is a political, diplomatic one, and that our continued military presence exacerbates the ability to do that.  And so we've got to get over this notion somehow that our continuing presence there is somehow a security for providing that umbrella protection for this.  The Shias want us there because they can consolidate power.  The Sunnis want us there to protect them from the Shias... I'm not only worried about this not working, there's part of me that worries about that is may work and further keep these people apart instead of getting together.  There are 23 militias in Baghdad. There are Baathists, insurgents, apparently al Qaeda elements as well.  Asking 17,000 kids in a city of 6 million people to become a referee in that is insane.

(Dodd's remarks on Iraq in the video below begin at the 20 minute mark:)

Oh, and Dodd the candidate? Smart, often funny, a good talker, and a better storyteller.  He hit the right notes on a number of issues.  He's been in the military, and the Peace Corps, the House and the Senate.  He authored the Family Medical Leave Act. But only time will tell if he can work enough living rooms and debate halls to share some oxygen with the media darlings. 

Many thanks to Senator Burling for opening up his home to these events; we are really spoiled in this state.

Peter Burling: State Over Party

by: Dean Barker

Fri Dec 15, 2006 at 17:20:59 PM EST

"I've been trying to get rid of it for 10 years and I think I finally have a shot," Burling said.

Now, I'm still maddeningly undecided on this issue, but I have to admit, this kind of leadership is influencing my thinking. Basically, he's very publicly putting the interests of voting integrity over the interests of his party.  And, he manages to play the statesman while still getting a well-deserved dig into the other side:

"Republicans viewed the ballot as an instrument of the Republican party, not as a right of the American people," Burling said.

Just the kind of smart double punch strategy I would expect in, e.g., a US Senate candidate. :)

Blue Hampshire Exclusive: Evan Bayh in Cornish, Pt. 2

by: Dean Barker

Wed Dec 13, 2006 at 09:40:44 AM EST

I'll start with the superficials, because as much as we don't like to admit it, they matter.  Evan Bayh is tall and handsome, and his gentle, plainspoken demeanor fit well to a New Hampshire crowd.  He knows how to work a rural audience.  He came right up to me before the talk to shake my hand and say a word or two, and there was none of the slickness I've come to expect from politicians.  Moreover, he has a genuine kindness and love for children that works very well in a small setting.  Whether that will matter during a TV debate, I don't know.  I could see him losing the spotlight quickly to more rhetorically charismatic candidates.

On substance: well, this was certainly a crowd pleaser for a candidate who is presumed to be moderate and business friendly:

"'If I were President, where would I begin?' You know what I would say? I'd begin with this energy issue, including global warming... [applause] ...because it affects so many important things.

Much more below the fold...click on "There's More"

Blue Hampshire Exclusive: Evan Bayh in Cornish, Pt. 1

by: Dean Barker

Sun Dec 10, 2006 at 23:15:03 PM EST

Part two will include an audio clip of the question and answer period and my impressions of the event.