SOME PERSONAL THOUGHTS: New Hampshire After John Lynch

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Mon Oct 03, 2011 at 20:17:58 PM EDT

NEW HAMPSHIRE AFTER JOHN LYNCH

We should thank John Lynch.   Regardless of political party or philosophy, age, occupation, or whether we're new to the state or lifelong residents or gay or straight or rich or not -- he has done good things for the people who call New Hampshire "home."

On issues of education, environment, diversity, employment, rights of working men and women, health care, and the needs of seniors and children, New Hampshire is better because he has been our governor for the past seven years.  

Just as important is that he has done it all while remaining true to his core of being a genuinely nice person.   I have known him since 1974, and in all those years whenever we would cross paths I found him to have the same personal qualities we see in him today -- he's humble, compassionate, down-to-earth, and has a steady demeanor.  

His position and wealth hasn't gone to his head.  He has always had a desire to help people.  When we get to the latter years of life, those are important qualities to have.   It's not about the sum of our dollars in our bank accounts or the property we own, it's what we have done for others that really makes our lives have a purpose.   John Lynch has seemed to maintain his human roots and can still look you in the eye and relate one-to-one.

The Ultimate Lesson Of The FRM Ponzi Scheme?

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Sun May 16, 2010 at 22:57:40 PM EDT

There was a dark cloud over our government for many of those years I've been there, with some glimpses of sunlight now and then with Governors like Walter Peterson, Hugh Gallen, and Jeanne Shaheen. These past five years, with Governor John Lynch, and Democratic majories in the House, Senate, and Governor's Council, the sunrise has come, and especially these past few months show why that is important to us all.  

My take on the current review of the Financial Resources Mortgage Ponzi scheme is government working at its best.  And despite some of the news media, Democrats should feel especially proud of some of the activities at the State House in recent weeks.  

Years of information and records concerning FRM have been uncovered and released publicly, and those who have been hurt by the greed of a business are seeing that sunlight and openness has been brought to the process.  That is a good thing.  

Yes, some mistakes and oversights have been identified by agencies that should have prevented the Ponzi scheme of FRM from going on for so long.  Mistakes occur in government as well as business.  No process is perfect, and years -- decades really -- of cutting staff and making fewer and fewer state employees assume larger and larger volumes of work is bound to result in oversight not always being as good as it should be, or in follow-up action being limited.  Employees can only do so much with the machinery and the personnel they have.

When you look at what was done and what was missed through the years, the fact appears to be that the Department of Banking did do most of the audits it was required to do and wrote the reports it should have.  The Department of Securities did what it interpreted that under the law it had the authority to do, and took most of the follow-up action it should have done.  

And the Attorney General's Office fulfilled most of the functions on those matters where it believed it had an enforcement role.  From my detached point of view, it's not so much a matter of assigning blame for the past as it is clarifying responsibility for the future.  We need better process, specific procedures, and clearer policies.

Two Visions of the New Hampshire Republican Party

by: Dean Barker

Mon Jun 08, 2009 at 05:46:51 AM EDT

By signing the same-sex marriage legislation into law, Lynch continued the proud New Hampshire tradition of protecting individual liberties, and I again applaud his strong leadership.

I believe this is an issue of fairness. We learned long ago that separate is not equal.

...New Hampshire people, including many of my fellow Republicans, have long stood against discrimination. Simply put, this is not a partisan issue, nor is it a political one. This is about people, our people, and how they should be treated. Treating everyone fairly is a founding principle of this state and this nation.

Bradley could be counted on to sustain a Lynch veto of the gay marriage and transgender discrimination legislation, "if he (Lynch) finds the strength to veto that garbage," Sununu said.

John Lynch: We Need All He Has To Offer

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Thu Jan 08, 2009 at 22:02:04 PM EST

Second, it's great to see so many new people getting involved in our government, and you see them with bright eyes enjoying everything new, looking at what they now can contribute.  I noticed from time to time what a couple of under-20 new Legislators were applauding for, or not.  One, a Democrat who happened to be sitting some distance to my left, seemed to applaud at different lines with a higher or lower level of enthusiasm than another to my right a few seats away, a Republican.  Interesting.  Already taking sides.  Already being critical and independent thinkers in their own rights. Good for them.  

It was also interesting for me because my first Inaugural was 40 years ago just about to the day, in early January of 1969.  I was a much younger and somewhat lighter guy elected to my first term -- the youngest House member that year.  Now I'm about the "average age."  But on this day, one still feels young.  Even Walter Peterson, who was sworn in as Governor on that day long ago, looked young and vibrant today.  

To get to some substance, I thought John Lynch did well in his speech, but I did expect a bit more.  He gave words of optimism, and painted the picture of the difficulties we're going to face in the months to come.  That's important for a leader to do.

I was a bit concerned about his warnings that state government would have to say "no" to a lot of important things, and that we wouldn't be doing some of those things that as a government we should do.  

SD-3: A Strong Pickup Opportunity Just Got Stronger

by: Dean Barker

Thu Oct 23, 2008 at 06:24:16 AM EDT

Well, the 'Ticker caught a good one. Bud has been endorsed by former Republican Governor Walter Peterson. Says Peterson:

He is the kind of leader who will bring people of all parties together to work on behalf of New Hampshire's families and small businesses

If you're going to give any last minute money to help out a statewide race, there aren't many better than Bud Martin to help keep and/or expand our majority in the state senate.

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.
 

Granny D: A New Hampshire Treasure Made Of Gold

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Sat Mar 29, 2008 at 21:03:37 PM EDT

Back then, I was fascinated by this somewhat short and unassuming woman who seemed to have a lot of get-up-and-go.  I enjoyed campaigning for and voting for this visionary, very positive human being.

But only in the past two years or so have I seen her quite up close (REALLY close when she gives you the patented "Granny D Hug"), and come to know, better understand, and even get to love this 98 year old New Hampshire treasure who is made of gold.

I could write so much about her, but watching her for a couple of hours this past Thursday as she experienced one of her greatest victories -- the New Hampshire State Senate approving a bill that she and her cause has inspired -- kind of sums up all about her.  

That legislation, House Bill 794, called "The Granny D Bill," creates a seven-member Commission to craft and recommend a public financing program for New Hampshire.  Whether that can be done is not the question -- some dozen other states have similar programs for at least some of their candidates, and Maine, Arizona, and Connecticut have rather complete systems.  And whether it WILL be done here is not the question -- it will be someday, because it is at least a partial answer to improving democracy and making it more accessible by more of our citizens.  It will happen.  It has to.

And all that is Granny D's cause.  She says the same thing -- that this will happen -- that we must do this not for ourselves, but for our future, and our children.  To hear her say that makes you believe that it will be done.  Because it has to.  

But what was remarkable this past Thursday was to see this energetic woman walk the halls of the New Hampshire State House, a building only a little more than twice her own age, with just a cane while leading her troop of supporters at a fast pace.  More on that walk in a moment.  

After being introduced to the Senate by Keene Senator Molly Kelly and Senate President Sylvia Larsen, she sat for close to an hour in the historic chamber for her bill to come up and be voted on.  It passed unanimously after two speakers, one a Democrat (Senator Jackie Cilley of Barrington) and one a Republican  (Senator Peter Bragdon of Milford) recommended passage.  Then Granny D stood to the applause and thanks of a gallery full of her longtime supporters who came from throughout the state to cheer her on.  

Then she stepped -- "ran" might be a better description -- out of the Senate into her crowd of backers while she answered questions from reporters.  In the midst of all this commotion Governor John Lynch walked up the stairs going toward his office.  He stopped for a moment to say hello to Granny D.  It gave her a chance to corner him on her cause...(more below fold)

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.  

"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.

Former Governor Peterson on Civil Unions

by: Mike Caulfield

Sun Apr 29, 2007 at 09:44:23 AM EDT

So it is with interest that I read a letter in Saturday's Keene Sentinel by Walter Peterson. Walter Peterson, the former Governor of New Hampshire and a lifelong Republican, weighs in in on civil unions:

I applaud Gov. John Lynch for his decision to sign the civil unions bill when it reaches his desk. His decision reinforces my support of our governor because he understands civil unions will prevent discrimination and strengthen all New Hampshire families.

Now the Drew Clines of the world will tell you that Peterson is no conservative, that having served as McCain's honorary chairman in 2000, and having supported Governor Lynch over Republican rivals, that Peterson left the party long ago. Peterson, of course, will tell you the truth, which is that the party left him:

Some Republicans have criticized Democrats for "pushing" this issue and have attempted to turn this into partisan gamesmanship. Since when has preventing unfairness, inequity, and discrimination become a partisan issue? And since when have Republicans moved to the wrong side of this issue?

Republicans in New Hampshire had always taken a moderate, live-and-let-live position when it came to social issues. And when it came to eliminating inequities, Republicans had traditionally led the way.

So I'll let the usual chattering pack of Republicans disown Peterson once again. That's their crisis, not mine.

I was happy to see the piece. And I look forward to the day the Republican Party in this state returns to Peterson-era conservativism and we can get back to politics divided along lines of policy instead of bigotry.

On Education Funding: John Lynch's Solution - "Donor Taxpayers?"

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Thu Jan 04, 2007 at 20:46:47 PM EST

Sometimes it's a new Governor.  Sometimes new Executive Councilors.  Always some new House and Senate members.  Kind of nice to see that happen every couple of years.  People change, but democracy continues.

This past Thursday was no exception.  I arrived in Concord from Portsmouth just a few minutes early, and my first stop was in the men's room.  Former Governor Walter Peterson was just about to wash his hands, and I observed that I'd shake his hand but would rather not at the moment.  He laughed.

Click on There's More to continue...

Governor Peterson in the NYT last Sunday (and a question)

by: Mike Caulfield

Tue Nov 28, 2006 at 19:43:48 PM EST

Walter Peterson, a former New Hampshire governor and lifelong Republican, this year became the co-chairman of Republicans for John Lynch, the incumbent Democratic governor.

"What the people want is basically to feel like the candidates of a political party are working for the people, not just following some niche issues," Mr. Peterson said. "The old traditional Republican Party was conservative on small government, efficient government; believed in supporting people to give them a chance at life but not having people on the dole; wanted a balanced budget; and on social issues they were moderate, tolerant, live and let live. They didn't dislike somebody from other religious viewpoints."

He continued, "That was the old-fashioned conservative, but the word conservative today has been bastardized."

Interesting question from Graniteprof:

Back in the day, did New Hampshire Republicans such as Gov. Peterson and his predecessors actually call themselves "conservatives" before politicians like Barry Goldwater and Mel Thomson "bastardized" the term? 

If anyone equipped with more local history than I can shed some light on this, please drop me a line at dscala@anselm.edu.

Second possibility: Peterson is not grumbling about Goldwater/Reagan, but much more recent trends. I.e., perhaps he benefitted from the rehabilitation of the term "conservative" in the 60's as much as anyone, and the Goldwater Republicans were weirdos to him, but basically still on the reservation (unlike say Pat Robertson)?

Or is the use of the term "conservative" here really just anachronism for Peterson?

There's a dozen other possibilities I suppose, but I'll stop there....Let me know what you think of the article as a whole and if you have info on Peterson, that's gravy...