Honorable Mary P. Chambers

by: Ray Buckley

Mon Nov 29, 2010 at 18:24:46 PM EST

Good afternoon.
Thank you Hank, Jim and Janie for allowing me this honor to say a few words about your mom.
She loved you and your family very much.  
But to the benefit of so many of us, her heart was so big that she had more than enough love to give us all that we needed too.
Often times, thirty plus years ago, when Mary and I were traveling to one thing or another, folks would assume that I was Mary's son.  At first I was a bit put out, I prided myself in being a professional staffer, not a tag a long son.  After a while, I realized it was because people could see the caring way  we interacted and that she was very much my political mother.  It has been decades since I stopped correcting anyone, I am proud to have received her boundless love.
Her twenty years in the legislature, and as she once proudly pointed out to me, every one of those twenty years she was in a leadership position. First as an assistant leader, then as Chris Spirou's deputy leader and then serving as the first woman to hold a top leadership role in the NH House of Representatives.
Her nearly forty years on the Democratic State Committee, her years as state party vice chair and as a member of the Democratic National Committee. Her leadership protecting the NH primary as a member of the DNC Rules Committee.  A delegate to five national conventions, delegation chair  in 1984 and 1988. Playing a leading a role in the NH campaigns of  McGovern, Udall, Carter, Mondale, Dukakis, Harkin, Clinton, Gore, Dean and Hillary.
Appointed by President Carter to the National Council on the Handicapped and by Governor Shaheen to the NH Sweepstakes Commission.  Receiving countless awards for her many achievements. These are all reasons to admire and honor Mary's legacy.
But Mary Chambers was far more than a list of titles.
Mary was a strong, determined, principled, talented, loving and thoughtful person.
A few weeks ago I asked Mary what she thought her greatest achievement was in the legislature. She replied "special education".  When you look back over the past 50 years, special education was more than just an issue to her, it was a passion.  And tens of thousands of children with special needs were given a better future because of Mary's passion.
I think just about everyone's favorite story about Mary was how she got Bert.  Although, Mary's version was great, I loved hearing Bert tell it even better. He would grin from ear to ear and with that amazing twinkle in his eye, he told how Mary spotted Bert on a train and determined that  very instant that she was going to marry him, and to hear him tell it with such great love, about how he finally just gave up and married her.  Bert learned that when Mary had made a decision, that was simply it. Time for discussion was over.
So many of us were so lucky to have Mary's strength guiding us. Of course, for me it was a two-fer, because just as Mary was my political mother, Chris Spirou is very much my political father.  Which should have tipped me off when they asked to have lunch with me in the midst of that terrible situation four years ago.
Just the three of us.  We sat in a booth, they sat next to each other-facing me, even though that never happened before, it was always Chris on one side and Mary and me on the other, but still, my mind and emotions were whirling about so I didn't catch on.
Chris started off with "How are you doing?" I started to ramble out an answer when Mary suddenly jumped in and said "You ARE going to run for state chair next month, alright?" as I began to tell her that I just didn't want to go through anymore attacks, Mary gave me one of her looks and said "Oh for goodness sake, get yourself together and snap out of it. You're running for state chair and that's it." I looked over to Chris and he gave me the look of "listen to 'Mother Mary' Raymond".  So once again, I did as I was told by Mary. And because of that I stand here as the Democratic state chair and also as a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee.  
The truth is, a version of that story could be told by everyone here today and thousands of others who were touched by Mary.  All of our lives are remarkably better because Mary took the time to reach out and help.
Mary Peyton Chambers was a remarkable woman.  The world is a better place because of her.  
Over twenty years ago I had the honor of introducing Mary at a Democratic event and I called her my hero. She will always be my hero.
Thank you.

Chris' remarks were great, the minister gave great remarks too, as did a young woman who spoke of Mary and sang a beautiful song for her.

It was great to see so many people gather to honor Mary.

The Lesson Of Mary Chambers

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Tue Nov 23, 2010 at 07:19:13 AM EST

It describes how she was a strong voice for the "minority" in Republican years -- the "loyal opposition" that was combative when necessary, but knew how to work around those in power to accomplish important work people despite the odds.

The final paragraph sums up her talent very well, and reminds us of the lesson she taught us that can prove effective for the next two years:  "If you relied solely on the math, you might conclude that the Democrats will be largely irrelevant at the State House for the next two years. What Chambers taught by example was the importance of a brave and vocal minority."  

Of course, she had a great teacher herself -- Chris Spirou, who like her has been one of my New Hampshire heroes -- and she had Ray Buckley and others who knew how to manage with small numbers.  But we have similar quality people in the House and Senate now.

We will smile again.  

The NHDP, 2012, Ray, Kathy, Terie, Etc.

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Thu Nov 11, 2010 at 00:05:37 AM EST

I'm a bit depressed still, as I'm sure all Democrats are.  Even though last June I wrote a column with my early-warning projections that we'd have 250 House Republicans and 16 Republicans in the Senate after November 2nd, and called all the other races as they turned out -- and I got blasted by some of my colleagues for saying so -- I was still unprepared for the depth of our losses.  

Many good friends, many hard-working Democrats are being replaced by Republicans who have a view of government that most people really don't share -- but people voted for them anyway.  

Government should work for people, and there is a role for government in finding solutions to our problems.  From the post-election interviews, it's clear that too many of the newly-elected Republicans think government is itself the problem, and they want to use it for their own purposes.
 

A Really Big Tent

by: Mike Hoefer

Tue Sep 14, 2010 at 08:36:28 AM EDT

Being a gracious man, Party Chair Ray Buckley seized the opportunity to make sure the Republican voters of the distinct new that they had a new option on the Democratic Ticket with this call into the district:

This is State Democratic Chair Ray Buckley calling with the important news that current Republican Bill O'Brien has asked to join the Democratic Party's ticket for the November elections.

If he succeeds tomorrow, we expect Bill O'Brien will embrace the Democratic Party's  platform, support President Barack Obama,
national health care reform and stand up for gay marriage, and protect a woman's right to choose and our agenda to move NH and America forward.

Once again, we wanted you to know before you vote tomorrow that Bill O'Brien has asked to join the Democratic ticket and our  progressive agenda. Thank you so much.

A Great State Convention!

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Sat May 22, 2010 at 19:53:07 PM EDT

My first State Convention was in 1966, at an old but beautiful hotel in Downtown Manchester.  Democrats had the corner office at that time, but that was about it.  Perhaps 200 people -- all VERY OLD from my point of view then! -- and polite in their applause and cheering, but not stand-up enthusiastic.  

From then I attended the next 26 years of Conventions solid, but I've missed quite a few since then with work commitments mostly, and my most recent was in 2004.  Compared to any and all, however, this one was the best.  

My assessment:  Ray Buckley was his usual effective self -- hitting the tone right on mark, and getting the cheering going.  I enjoyed all the other speeches but I thought Carol Shea-Porter stood out just a bit (I'm a bit biased, she's so wonderful!) because she seemed to look right at us with unrehearsed comments -- though she probably had them all in mind by memory, it seemed so fresh.  She didn't feel a need to raise her voice -- she just looked at us and talked "with," rather than "to" or "at" us.  The others did excellent too, with each obviously having passion to help us win in November.  

This was the very first time I heard Ann McLane Kuster speak, and I enjoyed her conversational tone.  I don't have a choice in that race because I appreciated, as I always do, Katrina Swett.  It was great to see Dick Swett again.  He helped lay the groundwork for Democrats in the 1990s, and sometimes we forget that things weren't always so bright for us then and he, along with so many others like Rick Trombly who was sitting on the stage, helped get us to where we are today.  

It was great to see Jeanne Shaheen, John Lynch, and Paul Hodes all mention marriage equality -- and the loud applause they earned by doing so.  If there was ever a thought that passage of House Bill 436 would be detrimental to Democrats in November, 2010, I think we're seeing that fear dismissed day by day.  Of course, this was a more partisan audience, but as I talk with Republicans and undeclared voters, I find they're more concerned about a dozen other matters -- many on which Democrats are leading.  

It was also great to see people I hadn't seen for a few years.  Conventions serve that purpose.  And also fantastic to see so many dozens -- even hundreds of really young people.  In years past it just didn't seem like we had so many of them, but perhaps since I was young(er) then I didn't notice it so much.  That all bodes well for beyond 2010!

A nice job by all, and I assume a nice time by everyone.  Thanks to everyone who worked for weeks and perhaps well past Midnight on Saturday morning putting it on.  

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

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Updated score:  14-0.
 

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

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Ray Buckley Comment By GraniteGrok.com: Absolutely Shameful

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 13:37:49 PM EST

As James Pindell has reported in NHPoliticalReport.com, the co-founder/co-host of GraniteGrok.com, who will go nameless at least by me, called Ray Buckley a "faggot" at the wrap-up of their two-hour radio talk show.  Apparently the radio part of the show was finished at that point, but they keep their Internet LiveCam camera connection up for a few minutes to catch their background chatter.  

Readers can see first-hand more of the banter by checking the GraniteGrok.com WEBSITE.  NHPoliticalReport.com has a direct link within their story.  You'll want to curser through the first two hours and ten minutes of the radio show unless you want to listen to diatribe from Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ovide Lamontagne and State Senator Jeb Bradley.  The show, by the way, airs on Newstalk 1490 WEMJ in Gilford -- a call sign you might want to set your radio dial to avoid.

I know a little bit about the show, and the two co-hosts.  I was invited to join Republican State Representative Bill O'Brien on the show last January to discuss a bill he and I had teamed up on as co-sponsors, a right-to-know law expansion, which in amended form is coming out with a favorable recommendation from the House Judiciary Committee for action this coming January.   Both radio co-hosts were pleasant to talk with, and they put up with some of my more liberal jargon and I put up with their rather conservative talk-play.  

Happy Birthday Mr. Chairman!

by: mrollo

Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 11:28:55 AM EST

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.  

NHDP Chairs Past and Present Dress Down Sununu

by: Dean Barker

Tue Jul 28, 2009 at 22:07:33 PM EDT

Ray (Monitor):

What did Sununu and Republican leaders do during the budget process? They called for unspecified cuts at the 11th hour, which would have shifted costs to municipalities and increased local property taxes by over $100 million dollars. This kind of irresponsible behavior should come as no surprise from Sununu's party - after all, he raised taxes significantly during his tenure as governor to pay for a 27.5 percent increase in state spending.

There also is a significant difference in attitude on issues relating to the environment. Mr. Sununu is still arguing that climate change is a "phony crisis" based on bad science. Jeanne Shaheen signed the Clean Power Act, requiring reductions in pollutants, such as mercury and carbon dioxide. John Lynch worked to ban the burning of toxic construction debris in our state and to increase the use of renewable energy sources to 25 percent by 2025.

But on balance - there's no question which party moved our state forward in recent history. I mean, the other team offered us Craig Benson.

"Sliming"? Seriously?

by: Laura Clawson

Fri Jul 10, 2009 at 10:16:25 AM EDT

Got that? Saying that someone violated their word and turned their back on their duty to the state is equivalent to accusing someone of a particularly despicable crime. And then there's the next level. Namely, that Vaillancourt's accusations were false and, while partisan Republicans such as the editorial board of the Union Leader may disagree with the rhetorical framing, it is true that Kelly Ayotte violated her word to the governor and is leaving her post at pivotal moment.

I would say that I think the Union Leader needs a primer on what constitutes sliming or personal attack, except I'm pretty sure they know and they're just carrying out their partisan duties. Like Ray Buckley and the NHDP except, you know, without having the truth on their side.

The Budget: The Republicans Play Politics. Democrats Work For The People.

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Tue Jun 23, 2009 at 21:18:51 PM EDT

Today, Tuesday, there was an informational meeting at the State House held by members of the House Finance Committee about the budget.  Most of those attending were House Democrats, with just a splattering of House Republicans.  The Republicans did show up in numbers for an "ice cream social" around noontime, and to attend a news conference they had arranged to slam the budget.  

Newspaper advice columnist Ann Landers used to say, "Ninety percent of any job is showing up."  Well, the Republicans haven't been doing their job.  In fact, for the past six months they've been so busy bashing their New Hampshire gay and lesbian neighbors who have been asking for equality that except for a few Republicans, most did little in all that time to get involved in the budget discussions.  Republican Party Chair John Dad Sununu issued more garbage news releases about why discrimination should continue than how to provide services for our people.  

Shameful.  Republicans spent half of the past year talking about how to continue discrimination against people, instead of focusing on the needs of people.

The budget process is no easy task.  It actually began over a year ago, but got seriously and heavily underway by last November when House and Senate Committees began reviewing budget proposals with Governor John Lynch and state department and agency heads.

During all that process and at often long into-the-night meetings that usually began early on snowy and cold mornings, budget negotiators examined every aspect of state spending --  the ins, the outs, the goals, the needs.

Yes, the new state budget has flaws.  Quite a few of them.  We're in tough economic times.  People are hurting all over.  But, it also does many good things.  Hundreds of good things.  Thousands of good things for people.  

The funding sources in this budget aren't all those which I'd prefer.  I find the $30.00 increase in car registrations to be regressive; it disproportionately hurts all those who use their cars even for just a couple of thousand miles.  A gas tax would have been more fair.  

And most of us find the increase of the room and meals tax to 9%, and the expansion of that tax to include campgrounds, to be unfortunate.  Further, the cutbacks in state employees, and in direct funding for assistance for some of our most vulnerable citizens, are horrible.  

But, this budget needs to be approved.  It is the best we can get.  We have to govern.  The people need services.  State government has to open its doors on July 1st.  

I look at it this way:  

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

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

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

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

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

Poor John, Good Ray

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ray Buckley's Tunnelvision Is Scary And Disappointing

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Fri Apr 17, 2009 at 18:22:07 PM EDT

Through the past several weeks there have been dozens of postings on www.BlueHampshire.com on many issues in Concord and Washington, but our Democratic Party Chair has had his focus on one thing -- winning next Tuesday's special election.  

John Dad Sununu has been all over the place, talking about bathrooms and toilets and wishing he could be in San Francisco, but Ray Buckley has kept his eye on what really counts on all those issues -- getting Bud Martin elected to the New Hampshire State Senate next Tuesday.  

Some of us are from time to time a bit critical of Ray Buckley, and he of some of us.  He does gives us moments of heartburn, and we return the favor.  TUMS usually takes care of that temporary discomfort.  But if the duty of a Party Chair is to create atmosphere for electoral victories, to assemble a staff and volunteer base to deliver those victories, and to lay out the messaging for victory, then the "Good Ray" who shows up when the job has to be done shows he's far superior to the long-ago former Governor.

If there's a victory in Senate District 3 next Tuesday, the reasons will have been Bud Martin, first; Ray Buckley, second -- though I have a feeling Ray won't say so, he'll give the credit to others on the campaign.  If there's a loss, it will be because in politics, money still unfortunately talks, and name recognition plus deceptive advertising against a good man's record will have temporarily won out.  

Ray is a Party Chair for the 21st Century.  The other guy wishes for an era long past.  Ray envisions a New Hampshire of 30 years from now.  The other guy has a love affair with the San Francisco of 30 years ago.  

Let's appreciate  the tunnelvision of Ray Buckley, because that's exactly what we're going to need in the next 19 months leading up to November of 2010.  That's 565 days from now -- and I bet he knows that off the tip of his head.  And I'll partly head-off a comment he's likely to add to every post from now until Tuesday:  we ALL need to help Bud Martin win.  

SD-3: Is Bush League Bradley Really Going for It?

by: Dean Barker

Wed Feb 25, 2009 at 21:01:53 PM EST

"We welcome both Jeb Bradley and Joe Kenney into the race for State Senate. In November, the voters of District 3 overwhelmingly elected their Democratic opponents, and I am convinced they will do the same this time as well.

"We are also very excited that Bud Martin, our nominee for state senate in 2008, has decided to run again for the seat. Unlike his opponents, Bud has a record of fighting for the families of the Lakes Region.

"Bud outperformed Bradley and Kenney in the last election in District 3, and I am confident that he will come out on top when all the votes are counted later this Spring."

And cryptic, because, while I've seen these names tossed around, I haven't seen anything definitive about a run from either.

I think it goes without saying that an entry by Bush League Bradley would be pretty amazing.  A Hamster offline reminded me that US Senator Gordon Humphrey, having promised to stay for only two terms, decided not to run for a third and instead made a successful bid for state senate.

But Jeb, who lost not once but twice for the US House, to then take a step down and give this a shot seems very different and, well, kinda sad.

However, it would immediately make this race higher-profile than it is right now, which I would actually welcome, as it would a) give us a chance to promote a great candidate, Bud Martin, to a wider audience, and b) give us yet another opportunity to defeat a man who considered this ad to be acceptable campaigning.  

Ray Buckley Elected President of Assoc. of Dem Chairs

by: Dean Barker

Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 20:01:40 PM EST

Our own Ray Buckley has been elected president of the Association of Democratic State Chairs.  From the email release, boldface mine:

"I am humbled and honored to accept this position," said Buckley. "As president of the Association of State Democratic Chairs, I will lead the fight to continue the 50-state State Partnership Program, which dedicates resources and staff to every state Democratic Party across the country. I'm excited to work with Chairman Kaine on his agenda to both maintain and create Democratic majorities at a state and national level.

UPDATE: Meet Ray Buckley, my new hero. CNN:

WASHINGTON (CNN) - When Jennifer O'Malley Dillon, the new executive director of the Democratic National Committee, concluded her brief remarks to a meeting of state party chairs in Washington on Wednesday, she got a clear and simple reminder of what DNC members want from the committee's new leadership.

"Jen, you don't really need to hear any questions," New Hampshire party chairman Raymond Buckley told her. "We have three words for you: '50-state strategy.'"

Full release below the fold...

Terie Norelli Re-Nominated For House Speaker, And Happy Birthday To Ray Buckley!

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Sat Nov 15, 2008 at 14:37:03 PM EST

Ray Buckley did very well in calling the incoming Legislators to order.  It's not an easy task to get over 200 Democrats to quiet down so a meeting can begin.  It was his 59th birthday and we all tried to sing Happy Birthday to Ray, mostly off-key along with some mispronounced words.

Former House Democratic Leader and State Senator Rick Trombly did his usual good job running the caucus proceedings.  He's lost lots of weight, and that's a good thing!  He's down to his fighting weight and looks great, so he must be up to something.

The Fundamentals of NH Dems are Strong: Part One

by: Dean Barker

Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 21:21:41 PM EST

Don't you dare let them.  The fundamentals of the Democratic party, its voters and its public servants, are strong. We won our many victories last night because our values are in tune with New Hampshire's values, and as a result more Granite Staters chose us over them.

Let's talk a little about the dominant position we are in. First off, consider how we fared in the presidential contest - Obama 55 to McCain 44, with no third party candidate cracking one percent. A double-digit win in what was supposed to be a battleground state. A double-digit loss for the best possible GOP nominee for our particular brand of Republican in this state. A resounding victory for Obama in what was his primary season Achilles' heel.

Three things stand out about Obama's victory in New Hampshire. First off, it was called as soon as the polls closed. That's stunning to me. I wasn't ready for it, and frankly, neither were most of the people and press at the big party in Manchester.

Secondly, the margin of victory that made that early call possible.  Please, someone, fill me in: who was the last Democrat to crack 55% in the Granite State? LBJ?

Finally, and most excitingly: every single county in this state went blue, even Belknap.  Again, when has this happened in recent electoral memory? I can't find a blue county sweep from the last 30 years.

And to knock down one more national bogeyman - that Obama's win had to do with the black vote. I think our double digit battleground state victory in one of the whitest states in the union pretty much puts that one to bed.