Sununu/Bush: sticking it to NH

by: Ray Buckley

Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 16:29:45 PM EDT

Fr:    Robby Mook, Campaign Manager, Shaheen for Senate

Da:   September 15, 2008

Re:   The Real Sununu Record

John Sununu's been sticking with George Bush.
And sticking it to New Hampshire.

Background

John Sununu is currently running ads throughout New Hampshire and Boston claiming that he is an independent who always votes with New Hampshire.  But voters deserve to know his real record.

Response
These days, John Sununu is claiming to be independent but the truth is, he's been sticking with George Bush, and sticking it to  New Hampshire.

Sununu's running everywhere these days, but he cannot be allowed to run from his record of twelve long years in Washington.

On the economy:   On every major vote on Bush's failed economic  agenda, devastating this country's economy, Sununu stuck with George Bush and stuck it to New Hampshire.  

On jobs:  There is a clear contrast between John Sununu and George Bush.

-- Sununu backed George Bush's 45 billion dollars in tax breaks to companies that ship our jobs overseas.  He actually vote to reward companies that our moving jobs overseas, instead of creating jobs here.  That's 100% wrong.

- -Jeanne Shaheen helped create 66,000 new jobs, kept New Hampshire's tax burden the lowest in the country.  Our economy was thriving.  

On spending:  It's clear John Sununu has gone Washington.   Sununu backed George Bush's runaway spending and outrageous giveaways to special interests.

           How much has John's Sununu's support for George Bush cost New Hampshire?

--Sununu voted for 17 billion dollars in giveaways to the oil companies.  300 billion to the big drug companies.

--45 billion in tax breaks to companies that ship our jobs overseas.

--Sununu voted with George Bush to double the national debt to over nine and a half TRILLION dollars.

--Now he wants to spend trillions more for privatizing social security and new tax breaks to millionaires.  

Add it up:  John Sununu...Stuck with George Bush,  Stuck it TO New Hampshire.

The Sununu Record
Sununu Voted for $45 Billion in Tax Breaks for Companies that Outsource Jobs.  [Senate Vote #63, 3/17/05; Senate Vote #90, 5/11/2004]

Sununu Voted Against Cutting $17 Billion in Subsidies to Big Oil and Gas to Fund Renewable Energy Research.  [Senate Vote #146, 6/10/08]

Sununu Voted Four Times Against Allowing Medicare to Negotiate Lower Drug Prices that Could Save Taxpayers $30 Billion A Year.  [Senate Vote #132, 4/18/07; Senate Vote #50, 3/15/06; Senate Vote #302, 11/3/05; Senate Vote #60, 3/17/05; Institute for America's Future, The Waste and Inefficiency of the Bush Prescription Drug Plan, 4/4/2007]

Sununu Voted For All 6 of George Bush's Budgets.  [House Vote #104, 5/9/01; House Vote #79, 3/20/02; Senate Vote #108, 3/26/03; Senate Vote #58, 3/12/04; Senate Vote #81, 3/17/05; Senate Vote #74, 3/16/06]

Shaheen Created 66.965 Jobs as Governor.  Jobs in New Hampshire rose from 541,235 in January 1997 to 607,930 jobs in January 2003 with a gain of 66,965 jobs.  [NH Department of Employment Security: 1997 Profile of New Hampshire Counties Cities Towns & Places; Economic Conditions in New Hampshire, August 2003]

###

Obama & Biden Sat. in NH!!

by: Ray Buckley

Thu Sep 11, 2008 at 19:50:05 PM EDT

Barney Frank 2008 JJ Dinner Speaker

by: Ray Buckley

Thu Sep 11, 2008 at 16:43:26 PM EDT

Event to be held Saturday, October 18 at the Center of New Hampshire Radisson in Manchester

(Manchester) Today, the New Hampshire Democratic Party announced that Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) will be the keynote speaker at the 2008 Jefferson Jackson Dinner. The dinner will be held on Saturday, October 18 at the Center of New Hampshire Radisson in Manchester beginning at 6:30pm.  

"We are extremely delighted to announce that Congressman Barney Frank will be our keynote speaker at the annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner," said New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Raymond Buckley. "With the economy the number one concern of New Hampshire's working families, there is no more relevant or timely American voice on the subject than Congressman Frank who chairs the powerful House Financial Services Committee.

"Congressman Frank understands the unique and important role the Granite State will play in November by carrying New Hampshire for Barack Obama, electing Jeanne Shaheen, re-electing Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes, along with re-electing John Lynch and our Democratic majorities. We are thrilled he can be with us for the event this year," continued Chairman Buckley.

Congressman Barney Frank joins a select group of Democratic leaders chosen to speak at the Jefferson Jackson Dinner. Former keynotes have included former Vice President Al Gore, Sen. Jim Webb, Sen. Hillary Clinton, Sen. Evan Bayh, and other prominent Democrats.

The Jefferson Jackson Dinner is the New Hampshire Democratic Party's annual event that brings Democrats together from across New Hampshire for an energizing, exciting evening. The dinner has sold out for the last five years and early ticket sales predict the same this year, as well.

Tickets are available online at www.jeffersonjacksondinner.com or can be purchased by calling the New Hampshire Democratic Party at 836-0930. Tickets are $50 through September 15 and $75 beginning September 16.

Members of the media interested in attending the event should RSVP to press@nhdp.org with their name and outlet.

###

Denver Day Three

by: Ray Buckley

Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 01:22:14 AM EDT

We then went to the delegation Hotel. While our car was pulling in Donna Soucy and Anita Freedman arrived. After spending some time working in the NHDP office, some of us went off to lunch and when we returned, Carol Moore and Paul O'Connor were checking in. A little later Speaker Norelli arrived as well.

Donna, David P., NHDP Finance Director left the hotel to go to a party for the State Chairs and Vice Chairs (who knew Prickly Pear margaritas would taste so good?). It was so great to see my friends from across the country. Everyone is so interested in Governor Shaheen's race, I can't wait until Kathy Sullivan arrives tomorrow with my requested box of Shaheen donor envelopes!!

After the chairs gathering, Davvid P. and I went back to the Stonewall Convention Awards Dinner. Governor Sebelius kicked off the dinner and did a great job and the evening was terrific.

Bought some awesome tshirts in the hallway - I ended up convincing the vendor to come set up Sunday night at the NH hotel for our welcome dinner!

Okay off to bed!

CNN: It's Joe Biden!

by: Ray Buckley

Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 00:57:33 AM EDT

Obama Biden! That's the ticket!

(Link added by mhoefer)

Update (Dean): Heh - I wrote this last May:

When the primary started out, Biden was as far down on my list as, say, Gravel.  But, probably, more than any other candidate, Biden became more and more appealing to me as the race went on.  I really do hope he has a spot in an Obama Administration.

And here's our Joe Biden BH tag.

And, of course, the best Joe Biden YouTube of all time:

More: Reaction from Republican Senators, via the BO campaign:

Sen. Chuck Hagel: U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel issued the following statement today following Senator Barack Obama's selection of Senator Joe Biden as the presumptive Democratic Vice Presidential nominee:  "Joe Biden is the right partner for Barack Obama.  His many years of distinguished service to America, his seasoned judgment and his vast experience in foreign policy and national security will match up well with the unique challenges of the 21st Century.  An Obama-Biden ticket is a very impressive and strong team.  Biden's selection is good news for Obama and America," Hagel said.

Sen. Richard Lugar:  Tbilisi, Georgia - U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar made the following statement today en route to Tbilisi. "I congratulate Senator Barack Obama on his selection of my friend, Senator Joe Biden, to be his vice-presidential running mate. I have enjoyed for many years the opportunity to work with Joe Biden to bring strong bipartisan support to United States foreign policy..." LINK

Sen. Arlen Specter:  Pennsylvania's Arlen Specter, a Republican who serves on the Judiciary Committee with Biden and often rides Amtrak with him to Washington, also offered praise.  "No one on the Democratic side knows more about foreign policy than Sen. Biden," Specter said. "He's been an articulate spokesman on the subject. He also knows about domestic policy. He's been a leader on crime control."  LINK

Denver Day Two

by: Ray Buckley

Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 00:55:40 AM EDT

This morning started off with a breakfast for the Stonewall attendees. I try to sit with different people at each meal to get to know new people. This morning brought a great delight, two retired lesbians from Salt Lake City. I had a wonderful discussion with them talking about their life stories. Following that was it was the National Board meeting of the Stonewall Democrats, for the past seven years I have served on the Board and the staff we have now at the DC office is the best ever.During the meeting break the folks from Louisiana presented me with a bag of gifts to thank me for the weekend trip I took in June to help them with their organization. The bag included Absinthe, oh my, we will save that for later...

We adjourned just in time for lunch which featured speaker Denver Mayor Hickenlooper and three additional speakers, each extraordinarily moving,it really brought home the historic journey we are engaged. After lunch was the trainings sessions and time to shop for convention paraphenalia. If I had ten thousand dollars to spend I don't think I would have enough to buy all the stuff I want - they have booth after booth in the hallways at the hotel.

This hotel will be home to the Maryland and Massachusetts delegations. I stopped in to the Mass Dem Party's work room saying hi to our Mass Dem friends, also ran into my friend Jim Roosevelt and his wife in the lobby, it is great seeing so many good friends. I think Rep. Pierce's biggest delight today was getting to meet up with several of the people who attended the Harvard summer program with him.

NH folks arriving today include John and Mary Rauh, Jim Demers, Mike Atkins, Sen. Joe Foster, Claire Helfmann and the NHDP staff, David Scannell, Mike Brunelle and Chelsey Goff. The staff went right to work creating the NH Delegation gift bags (not going to spoil the surprise gifts in the bag - I will let Mike Hoefer do that).

We met up with the staff for dinner and just made it back to the hotel.

We just turned on CNN to hear that it is Joe Bide for VP! That is great news us in NH, he is a good friend to NH and he has lots of good friends in our state.

What a great day two!

Hello from Denver Day One

by: Ray Buckley

Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:32:18 AM EDT

Rep. David Pierce of Hanover and I travelled out early to attend the National Stonewall Democrats Convention, the LGBT Democrats' organization. David and I were met with dozens of friends from across the nation that had arrived today as well. Walking to a nearby restaurant for lunch I noticed a road side tent chocked full of Obama and convention tshirts, buttons, flags, posters and everything else you could imagine. Within minutes of stopping by to take a peak at the merchandise, more and more people joined us. The exictement is filling the air everywhere.

Later on at the welcome party, we joined a couple hundred local LGBT Dems, convention delegates and Stonewall leaders. Although a high percentage of those in attendance were orignally Hillary supporters, like Pierce, each of them were comparing how much work they have already done for the Obama campaign. As I said, it is so exciting. A group of us went out to dinner to a neat restaurant (Steuben's)and were joined other friends working on the convention.

Everywhere we go we are met with smiles and a hello. Although a few of my friends were amazed at how much I am on the phone or on my blackberry each of them are eager to hear the updates of the Shaheen race and the entire transformation of NH.

Off to bed, I got up at 4AM and I have a early meeting.

Convention Diversity

by: Ray Buckley

Mon Aug 18, 2008 at 18:35:10 PM EDT

"Opening the door of the political process to people who have never taken part in the past has been the bedrock of our planning for this Convention since we arrived in Denver one year ago," said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. "Twelve months and 56 primaries and caucuses later, it's only fitting that our delegates represent that same core value and Barack Obama's unparalleled ability to bring more new people in to the electoral process than ever before. Young and old, first-timers and Convention veterans, all representing a broad spectrum of backgrounds and communities, this is a delegation that will bring America's voices to Denver."

According to statistics compiled by the Democratic National Committee (DNC), more women, African Americans, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, GLBT delegates and delegates with disabilities will attend the Convention than ever before.

"In just days, delegates will come together in Denver to conduct the most important business of the Convention - nominating Barack Obama as our Party's nominee for the next President of the United States," said Alice Germond, Secretary of the DNC. "As we gather in Denver to change the course of our nation, we will truly represent the strength and diversity of our Party and our country."

The DNCC also announced the oldest delegate to the Convention is Sophie Masloff, 91, from Pennsylvania. Ms. Masloff is an unpledged delegate. The youngest is David Gilbert Pederson, a 17-year-old at-large delegate from Minnesota -one of two delegates under the age of 18.

Seniors, age 65 or older, make up 16.9 percent of the total delegation and delegates age 36 or younger comprise 14.5 percent.

Delegates and alternates to the Democratic National Convention are selected over several months by various methods outlined in each state's delegate selection plan. In most states, the selection process begins with the state's presidential primary or caucus and concludes in late spring at state party meetings and conventions. The certification of all delegates, alternates, standing committee members and pages is managed by the Secretary of the DNC.

Each state has several types of delegates based on both how the delegate is selected and whether that delegate is pledged or unpledged. The number of delegates allocated to each state, the District of Columbia, Democrats Abroad and the territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam) is based on a formula that incorporates the state's population and Democratic voting strength.

For more information on the makeup of the delegation to the 2008 Democratic National Convention, visit www.DemConvention.com/diversity

(Here in NH, 39% of our delegation consists of diversity delegates. The greatest ever! Three African Americans, two gays, four seniors (over 65)and four youth (under 30). The delegation is 15 females and 15 males).

Celebrating History in Denver

by: Ray Buckley

Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 09:45:50 AM EDT

And now it even gets better...

It was announced today that Hillary Clinton will keynote the convention on Tuesday evening - the 88th anniversary of women getting the right to vote.

What a convention we will have!

For those of you unable to attend, please send what you can so Mike and Laura can help bring the experience to you.

NH GOP LIES WHILE SUNUNU DRIVES UP GAS PRICES

by: Ray Buckley

Tue Jul 29, 2008 at 13:14:20 PM EDT

Today, Sununu will have another chance to crack down on Wall St. speculation -- he has opposed it seven times so far

(Manchester, NH) - The New Hampshire Republican Party released a false attack on former Gov. and U.S. Senate candidate Jeanne Shaheen today that lied about her position on energy, but failed to mention John Sununu's numerous votes to protect Wall Street speculators instead of bringing down gas prices for New Hampshire families.

"State Republicans are lying about Jeanne Shaheen's positions because they know that it's John Sununu who is standing in the way of commonsense steps to bring down the price of gas," said New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley. "Just last Friday, Sununu voted for the seventh time to protect profits for Wall Street speculators who are driving up gas prices instead of regulating speculation to bring down gas prices. While sky high gas prices hurt New Hampshire families, Sununu's buddies are falsely attacking Jeanne Shaheen to distract from Sununu's record."

Today, the New Hampshire GOP issued a press release that falsely accuses Gov. Shaheen of opposing all offshore oil drilling, despite an op-ed in Sunday's Union Leader in which Shaheen made it absolutely clear that she supports increased domestic production:

"Make no mistake, we should be taking a comprehensive approach to lowering the cost of oil, and part of that approach should be increasing domestic production. But we should not be jeopardizing our economy and environment while the oil companies are sitting on 68 million acres of drillable land on which they hold leases but are not currently drilling. ... It is not necessary to risk damaging our tourism and fishing industries when the oil companies can significantly increase domestic production by drilling lands they've already leased." [Union Leader, Shaheen Op-Ed, 7/27/08]  

While Sununu's friends at the Republican Party are busy distorting Shaheen's positions, Sununu is busy protecting profits for Wall Street speculators who drive up the cost of oil.

John Sununu: Putting Wall Street Speculators Ahead of NH Families

John Sununu Voted to Create the Enron Loophole. [House Vote # 603, 12/15/00]
John Sununu Has Voted Seven Times Against Closing the Enron Loophole That Allows Wall Street Speculators to Drive Up Oil Prices. [Senate Vote #436, 11/5/03; Senate Vote 434, 12/14/07; Senate Vote #130, 5/15/08; Senate Vote #140, 5/22/08; Senate Vote #144, 6/5/08; Senate Vote #151, 6/18/08; Senate Vote #184, 7/25/08]
Today, the Senate will reconsider the Stop Excessive Energy Speculation Act, and John Sununu will have yet another chance to stand up for New Hampshire families and crack down on reckless Wall Street speculation.

NH Dems Vote to Go Green

by: Ray Buckley

Fri Jul 25, 2008 at 09:40:56 AM EDT

New Hampshire Dems Vote To 'Go Green'

Delegates To Denver Convention Vote To Buy Carbon Credits To Offset
Convention Travel

(Manchester) New Hampshire's delegation to next month's Democratic
National Convention will purchase carbon credits to offset the
environmental impact of its travel to Denver, according to Raymond
Buckley, chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party.

Delegates voted unanimously last night at a meeting of the delegation
to participate in the "Green Delegate Challenge," an initiative of
convention organizers that hopes to produce the most environmentally
sensitive political gathering in history.

Each delegate will make a contribution to Native Energy, a company
that links those who are environmentally conscious with green projects
throughout the country.

"Democrats in New Hampshire will put their money where their mouths
are.  The members of our delegation are advocates for the environment,
and their advocacy extends beyond mere words to their wallets. What is
particularly impressive is that not only are all thirty delegates
participating but so too are our alternate delegates, committee
members, staff, and guests ," Buckley said.

Revenue from the offsets will support four community-based renewable
energy projects across the country, including utility-scale wind
turbines in Colorado and Minnesota, a dairy farm methane project in
Pennsylvania, and a gas-to-energy plant in Illinois.

Convention organizers have turned the offset project into a
competition and have promised to offer special recognition to state
delegations and individual delegates who participate in the challenge.

###

Building for a November Victory!

by: Ray Buckley

Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 17:30:51 PM EDT

Manchester, NH - U.S. Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign today announced staff that will be joining Obama for America in New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Campaign for Change - a grassroots, voter contact organization that is a project of the New Hampshire Democratic Party.

"New Hampshire families can't afford a third term of Bush's failed economic and foreign policies through John McCain. Barack Obama will restore the integrity and respect to the White House that we've lost over the last seven years and will finally address the tough challenges our families face," said Raymond Buckley, Democratic State Party Chairman.  "I look forward to working with the New Hampshire Campaign for Change and Obama for America staff to elect Senator Obama the next President of the United States."

The Campaign for Change is charged with leading the grassroots effort in New Hampshire to educate voters about U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's plans to change Washington and create good-paying jobs, lower gas prices and bring a responsible end to the Iraq war. It will also work to harness the enthusiasm of Obama's grassroots-level supporters and organize them in communities across New Hampshire as they work for Democratic candidates up and down the ticket.

The Obama Campaign and the Campaign for Change previously announced campaign previously announced Mindy Myers as the New Hampshire State Director, Sandra Abrevaya, as the New Hampshire Communications Director and Larkin Barker as the New Hampshire Campaign for Change Press Secretary.  Today they are announcing:

Tracey Lewis, NH Campaign for Change, General Election Director

Tracey Lewis was the New Hampshire Field Director for Senator Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential primary campaign.  After New Hampshire, Ms. Lewis served as senior staff and field advisor and organized get-out-the-vote efforts for Clinton in six other primary states including Tennessee, Texas, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia and South Dakota. This will be Lewis' third presidential campaign. She worked in Wisconsin for Gore-Lieberman in 2000 and worked in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Florida for John Kerry in 2004 and served as Kerry's credentials director during the 2004 Democratic National Convention. In 2006, Ms. Lewis was the coordinated campaign manager for the Massachusetts Democratic Party and served as the deputy executive director for John Kerry's leadership political action committee until 2007. She has also worked on various local and statewide races in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Katina Tsongas, NH Campaign for Change, Field Director

Katina Tsongas returns to New Hampshire after serving as Regional Field Director for the Obama Campaign in the primary, as well as working in Georgia, Ohio and North Carolina.  Prior to joining the Obama Campaign in 2007, she was the Regional Field Director for the Environmental Defense Fund in Washington, DC.  Tsongas was a Field Organizer in 2004 on the re-election campaign of former Senator Tom Daschle.  Tsongas is a graduate of Brown University and Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Matt Kennedy, NH Campaign for Change, Constituency Vote Director

Matt Kennedy graduated from Harvard Business School in June.  Prior to business school, Matt managed Senator Kennedy's reelection campaign in Massachusetts and ran The MoneySite, a non-profit dedicated to helping low income families achieve their financial goals.  Kennedy is a graduate of Stanford University.

Sally Cluthe, NH Campaign for Change, Director of Scheduling

Sally Cluthe comes from the office of Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota where she served as the Director of Scheduling since 2007.  From 2002 to 2007, Sally served as Scheduler for Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan.  From 2001 to 2002, Sally served as scheduler for Senator Bill Nelson of Florida.  From 1998-2001, she worked for Senator Lautenberg of New Jersey where she served over the years as Scheduler, Assistant to the Chief of Staff, and Legislative Correspondent. Sally is a graduate of Florida State University.

Samir Randolph, NH Campaign for Change, Director of Operations

Samir Randolph has worked on the Obama campaign since March of 2007.  He has held several roles including February 5th States Operation Desk, Get Out The Caucus Coordinator in Iowa, and Operations Director for Texas and West Virginia.  Prior to joining the Obama campaign, he worked on the staff of the Center for Public Leadership, a research center housed at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. There he coordinated co-curricular leadership development programs for graduate students and assisted professors with research work.  Samir has also worked on several local campaigns in Massachusetts. He is a graduate of Northeastern University.

Mitchell Kent, NH Obama for America, Deputy State Director and Policy Director

Mitchell Kent joined the campaign in Iowa, went on to be the GOTV Director for Indiana and ran get out the vote efforts in Minnesota and Ohio.  Mitchell came to the campaign from his position as an attorney at Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York.  From 1999 through 2002, Mitchell served as the Director of Research on the Senate Finance Committee under Chairman Max Baucus of Montana and was on Committee Staff for the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York.  He holds a J.D. from New York University School of Law and a B.S. from Cornell University.

Brian Wallach, NH Obama for America, Political Director

Brian Wallach returns to New Hampshire after serving as the Deputy Political Director in the primary.  After the primary, Brian worked in the Chicago Headquarters as a Deputy Regional Desk and ran Voter Protection Programs in Texas, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. Prior to joining the Obama campaign, he completed his J.D. studies at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington D.C.  Wallach is a graduate of Yale University and Georgetown.

NH: Obama 46/43 UNH Poll

by: Ray Buckley

Mon Jul 21, 2008 at 13:58:18 PM EDT

OBAMA HOLDS SLIM LEAD IN NH, MANY VOTERS STILL TRYING TO DECIDE

DURHAM, NH  Barack Obama holds a slim lead in race for President in the
swing state of New Hampshire but more than one-quarter of voters say they
are still trying to decide who they will support.  The most important issue
to voters is jobs and the economy.

These findings are based on the latest Granite State Poll, conducted by the
University of New Hampshire Survey Center.  Five hundred (519) randomly
selected New Hampshire adults were interviewed by telephone between July 11
and July 20, 2008.  The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/-4.3
percent.  Included was a subsample of 475 likely November voters (margin of
sampling error, +/- 4.5%).

For complete press release and detailed tabular results, please click:
http://www.unh.edu/survey-cent...

Andrew E. Smith, Ph.D.
Director, The Survey Center

DEM CHAIR BUCKLEY DENOUNCES BRADLEY & STEPHEN APPROVAL OF VIOLENT LANGUAGE

by: Ray Buckley

Thu Jul 17, 2008 at 17:12:32 PM EDT

New Castle debate highlights just how far the GOP is willing to go

(Manchester)-At last night's Republican debate for the 1st Congressional District nominee, Jeb Bradley and John Stephen offered implicit approval for the use of violent and threatening language in political dialogue.  In what should have been a discussion focused on the critical issues facing Granite Staters in today's worsening economy, Jeb Bradley and John Stephen allowed Geoff Michael, a candidate who shared the stage with Bradley and Stephen, to threaten Congresswoman Shea-Porter: "Bring her on, I am ready. I am ready to tear some new ones with her," according to the news website www.politickernh.com

"Bradley and Stephen's silence was deafening," said Democratic State Party Chair Ray Buckley. "Remaining quiet was probably easier for them, just like it was easier to stay quiet when the Manchester VA hospital was defunded or when George Bush led us into this senseless war. Americans are fed up with directionless leadership and Congresswoman Shea-Porter has shown time and again that she is willing to stand up for our veterans, our workers and our families."

Shaheen Rocks with Fundraising!

by: Ray Buckley

Tue Jul 15, 2008 at 11:14:03 AM EDT

Over 7400 donors give to Shaheen for Senate from April 1 to June 30

(Manchester, NH) - The Jeanne Shaheen for Senate campaign today announced that it raised over $1.6 million in the second quarter of 2008, breaking the record for the most money raised by a candidate for federal office in New Hampshire.

"I am humbled by the outpouring of support we've seen from people who are looking for a new direction in Washington," Shaheen said.  "This support for my campaign reflects the tremendous desire for change that I see as I travel the state.  People are ready for a leader in Washington who puts New Hampshire families, not special interests, first."

In the second quarter of 2008, Shaheen for Senate:

*Raised over $1.6 million, a new record for a candidate running for federal office in New Hampshire.

*Received donations from over 7400 individual donors.

*Received 81% of donations from small-dollar donors who can continue to give to the campaign.  The average donation was $178.

*Raised over $200,000 in the last five days of the quarter after challenging supporters to raise $200,000 to counteract the money being spent on attacks on Jeanne Shaheen by special interest outside groups with ties to John Sununu.

To kick off third quarter fundraising, Shaheen for Senate is holding a drawing in which one lucky voter will win a pair of tickets on top of the Green Monster for the Red Sox-Yankees game on July 25.  A $25 contribution to Shaheen for Senate earns one entry into the drawing; each additional $25 contributed earns an additional entry.  To enter, voters can visit www.jeanneshaheen.org.  The drawing will be held on Saturday, July 19.

Enthusiasm Numbers - this is great news!!

by: Ray Buckley

Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 13:25:00 PM EDT

61% of Democratic voters are enthusiastic about voting in November.

35% of Republican voters are enthusiastic about voting in November.

This is really bad news for Republican candidates.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/p...

Now, all we have to do is to work 24/7 until November 5th!

By the way, have you sent $$ to Shaheen, CSP or Hodes today?

NHDP Files FEC complaint against Sununu front group

by: Ray Buckley

Mon Jun 23, 2008 at 17:11:12 PM EDT

New ad from Washington group Americans for Job Security violates federal election laws

(Manchester, NH) - The New Hampshire Democratic Party announced today that it has filed a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission alleging that Americans for Job Security (AJS) is violating federal election laws by running radio ads attacking former Gov. and current U.S. Senate candidate Jeanne Shaheen. AJS is a Washington group with a long history of illegal campaign activities and close ties to John Sununu.

"John Sununu and his Washington attack machine have already launched the first negative ad of the campaign because they know Sununu can't run on his record of voting 90% of the time with George Bush," said NH Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley. "Illegal campaigning is nothing new for Sununu and his outside interest groups, but no amount of attack ads will distract from the fact that Sununu has voted with Bush 90% of the time, has run up our national debt to record levels, and has voted to protect $17 billion in tax breaks for oil and gas companies. That's why John Sununu is just part of the problem, and his negative campaigning won't cover up the facts."

AJS is nothing more than a Republican front group, and its leaders have close connections to John Sununu. The current president of AJS is Steve DeMaura, former executive director of the NH Republican Party. And AJS's executive director in 2002 was David Carney, director of the effort to "draft" John Sununu into running for Senate in 2002 and a longtime political ally of Sununu's father.

AJS recently began airing nearly $90,000 in radio ads attacking Gov. Shaheen's record. The same group spent over $1 million attacking Shaheen in the 2002 Senate race. AJS has a long history of illegal campaign tactics. Public Citizen filed a complaint with the IRS in 2007 requesting that they revoke AJS's tax status because they were breaking election laws. And AJS had to pay a fine in 2006 for breaking Oklahoma's Telephone Consumer Protection Act in connection with a congressional race.

AJS has not filed with the FEC as a political campaign committee, which means they cannot run advertisements to influence the outcome of a federal campaign. Instead, AJS has hidden behind another section of the tax code in order to hide the identities of their campaign contributors. This means AJS can hide their contributors from public scrutiny, and may be illegally funneling corporate money into the election.

###

Obama & Hillary in NH Friday

by: Ray Buckley

Mon Jun 23, 2008 at 13:40:38 PM EDT

Candidates received 107 votes apiece in Granite State town

CHICAGO, IL- Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama announced today that they will hold a "Unite for Change" Rally this Friday in Unity, New Hampshire. Both candidates received exactly 107 votes in the western New Hampshire town in the primary.

More details to be announced soon.

FRIDAY, JUNE 27

Unity, NH
UNITE FOR CHANGE RALLY

Top Ten Reasons

by: Ray Buckley

Thu Jun 19, 2008 at 13:18:45 PM EDT

10. NH Democrats have 1500 "neighbor to neighbor leaders" signed up and organized.
9. NH Democrats have nearly 20 local offices already open across the state.
8. NH Democrats are only 5,000 away from surpassing the Republicans in voter registration.
7. NH Democrats have, for the first time in history, more candidates than the Republicans running for office.
6. Governor Lynch is America's most popular governor.
5. Governor Shaheen has led John Sununu in the polls for the past 15 months.
4. The Obama campaign already has 40 summer field organizers in-state working.
3. The Senate Democrats filed reports that they outraised the Republicans by $360,000
2. The House Democrats filed reports that they outraised the Republicans by $140,000 and have 44 more House seats with candidates than the Republicans.
1.    Yesterday's poll of NH voters had Obama at 51% and McCain at 39%

ARG: Obama 51 McCain 39, Shaheen 54 Sununu 40

by: Ray Buckley

Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 18:08:59 PM EDT

Today ARG released a poll (I know, I know but hey what the heck - this one at least makes me smile).

Update (Dean): More good news (again recognizing that it's ARG we're dealing with here) from the poll:

Obama leads McCain 53% to 38% among independent voters (38% of likely voters).

...43% of likely voters say they would never vote for John McCain in the general election and 25% of likely voters say they would never vote for Barack Obama in the general election.

In the race for US Senate in New Hampshire, Jeanne Shaheen leads John Sununu 54% to 40%, with 6% undecided. Shaheen leads Sununu 53% to 38% among independent (undeclared) voters.

(Title revised by me as well).