Manchester, N.H.—The Ovide for Senate campaign today started airing its 30 second TV advertisement entitled "The Oath." The ad focuses on Lamontagne's 15-point pledge he has made to the voters of New Hampshire called Ovide's Oath.
“We are pleased to launch 'The Oath' today to a statewide television audience. The ad highlights Ovide's positive, conservative message and his Oath to the voters of New Hampshire to fundamentally reform Washington once and for all," said campaign manager, Will Wrobleski.
Wrobleski concluded, “Today's release continues the positive and growing momentum for Ovide in recent days, following last night's impressive debate performance in Rindge; Sunday's endorsement by the Union Leader, New Hampshire's leading conservative voice; and endorsements by leading Republicans such as Senate Republican Leader Peter Bragdon of Milford and 2008 GOP Gubernatorial Nominee Joe Kenney of Wakefield. We look forward to continuing to work to earn the votes of Granite Staters everywhere over these next two weeks, backed by the most able grassroots team in the race for Senate.”
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(Washington, D.C.)—U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship , today issued the below statement regarding the Obama Administration’s efforts to reform the nation’s export control system. The new approach announced today by President Obama will simplify the complex export control system and improve its effectiveness for America’s defense industries:
“I welcome the White House’s efforts to move forward on a new framework for our country’s export control system,” said Shaheen. “This move is a good first step to strengthen U.S. national security and increase the competitiveness of American defense-related businesses. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to reform the outdated export control system and put in place a system engineered for the 21st century that will better protect our nation’s security and help small and medium-sized businesses compete in new markets abroad.”
Senator Shaheen wrote in March 2010 to the Departments of State, Commerce, and Defense calling for increased coordination on export controls, clearer lines of jurisdiction, and increased outreach and support for businesses. In that letter, Senator Shaheen voiced support for export control reform as “critical to strengthening our national security, maintaining our military superiority, preserving America’s defense industrial base, and ensuring our economic competitiveness.”
According to the White House, the new changes announced today will reduce ambiguity, confusion and jurisdictional disputes that have plagued the export control system in recent years. Senator Shaheen’s full letter appears below.
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Manchester, N.H.—Ovide for Senate Campaign Manager Will Wrobleski issued the following statement this evening at the conclusion of the Monadnock Debate for U.S. Senate held at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge.
Said Wrobleski, “There was one winner in tonight’s debate – Ovide Lamontagne. While our opponents bickered over their millions of dollars in negative advertisements against one another, Ovide consistently exhibited leadership and conservative values that rallied the crowd. His substantive answers on a range of issues and ability to connect with the voters in the audience and those watching by live stream at home, set him head and shoulders apart from the rest of the field.”
Wrobleski concluded, “There is no question that the momentum in this race is behind Ovide. In the past 10 days, Ovide has been endorsed by the New Hampshire Union Leader and local conservative leaders such as Senate Republican Leader Peter Bragdon of Milford and 2008 GOP Gubernatorial Nominee Joe Kenney of Wakefield. Tomorrow we begin our new tv ad – ‘The Oath’ - promoting Ovide’s positive, consistently conservative message. We look forward to continuing our work of earning the votes of Granite Staters everywhere over these next two weeks, backed by the most able grassroots team in the race for Senate.”
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MANCHESTER, NH- John Stephen, Republican candidate for Governor, today received the endorsement of the Concord Monitor for the GOP nomination for Governor. In today’s editorial, the paper says Stephen is “intimately familiar…with the politics of trying to shift political and public opinion on budget cuts and spending” and is “best positioned to critique the work of [Governor] Lynch and the Democrats in the Legislature - and to present a clear alternative.”
“I appreciate the Concord Monitor’s endorsement and their support of my candidacy,” Stephen said. “I’m thrilled they’ve supported my willingness to make the tough decisions to focus the public on cutting spending to balance the state budget. We certainly do need a clear alternative to Governor Lynch’s 24% spending increase over the past two budgets that’s been fueled by his 84 tax and fee increases, including the job-killing LLC and rooms and meals tax hikes.”
The editorial noted many of Governor Lynch’s failures in office. The paper pointed out that, “Business people have expressed frustration at increased taxes and fees. Poor people have had to resign themselves to a waiting list for child-care subsidies, making it difficult to work even when jobs are available. The judiciary and the mental health system are in distress. State parks are in disrepair. Local government officials are griping about the state's downshifting of costs to local property taxpayers.”
“The Concord Monitor accurately portrayed the mess that Governor Lynch has made of state government,” Stephen added. “Despite seeing New Hampshire rise to having the highest business tax rate in the nation during his tenure, John Lynch has piled on tax after tax, fee after fee, while at the same time shifting $114 million in new costs onto local property taxpayers. All the while, we are seeing the quality of services fall dramatically. We need to take a different path for a new direction and true leadership in Concord. We can do better – that’s why I’m running for Governor.”
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Manchester, N.H.—Ovide Lamontagne, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in New Hampshire, today was endorsed by the New Hampshire Union Leader. In today’s issue of New Hampshire Sunday News, publisher Joe McQuaid writes, “The people backing Ovide Lamontagne…know he can win in November. We agree. We hope you will, too.”
Lamontagne remarked, “I am pleased to have the support of New Hampshire’s largest paper. A Union Leader endorsement is the gold seal for New Hampshire conservatives. I am grateful for the support and glad to see conservatives coming home.”
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Manchester, N.H.—Ovide Lamontagne, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in New Hampshire, today issued the following statement concerning Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Manchester to tout what the Administration calls “a major milestone of the federal stimulus.”
Lamontagne remarked, “Vice President Biden is in New Hampshire today to try to sell Granite Staters some snake oil, claiming that the $787 billion federal 'stimulus' is creating jobs, lowering unemployment and jump starting the economy. We know better. The truth is, the stimulus bill is laden with wasteful pork-barrel spending that has done nothing but waste taxpayer dollars and sink our country deeper into debt."
Lamontagne concluded by saying, "Vice President Biden said of the stimulus the other day - well over a year since its passage and string of failures - that "this is when the fun stuff starts", and that "this is a chance to do something big." The Vice President may be exuberant about wasting our hard earned money, but Americans are not. My response is that this is a time to do something smart, not big. Repeal the stimulus, pay down the debt, balance the budget and stop fleecing American families and businesses of their hard earned money. Its time to stop Washington’s culture of spending and put the federal government on a diet."...More
Manchester, N.H.—Today, with less than three weeks to go before the primary, the Ovide for Senate campaign issued a statement that its experienced grassroots team is tried and tested and prepared to deliver a victory on September 14.
Campaign Manager Will Wrobleski, remarked, "The last few months we have been building a grassroots team and get-out-the vote effort second to none. You only have to look at our leadership teams, individual support, and straw poll performances to see Ovide for Senate has the best real support and ground game in the New Hampshire Senate race. Out of seven straw polls held during this cycle, Team Ovide had outright victories with sizeable majorities in four - the Tax Day Tea Party Straw Poll, Rochester 912 Project Straw Poll, New Hampshire Coalition of Taxpayers Straw Poll and the Tri-Town Republican Straw Poll. In the other three, Team Ovide finished in a virtual tie for a win. We are the only Senate campaign team who can point to such a great record of authentic grassroots support."
Wrobleski added, "We've also released the names of well over 400 activists so far and more leadership groups than any other campaign, made up of some of the finest activists and community leaders in our state. These leaders are busy staffing our dozens of 'O-depot' satellite HQs, identifying voters and getting out the word about Ovide's campaign. Our base of volunteers, activists and supporters are tried and tested, keeping their noses to the grindstone and ready for the stretch run to ensure victory on September 14."
INDIVIDUALLY RELEASED NEW HAMPSHIRE ENDORSEMENTS:
*Former U.S. Senator Gordon Humphrey;
*Senate Republican Leader Peter Bragdon;
*Former House Speaker Harold Burns;
*Former Ambassador and NHGOP Chairman Jerry Carmen;
*2006 GOP Gubernatorial Nominee Jim Coburn;
*Former Senate President Joseph Delahunty;
*Current NH Advantage Coalition Chairman George Lovejoy;
*Former Bush/Cheney Campaign Chairman and DRED Commissioner Robb Thomson;
*Former House Speaker Doug Scamman (Campaign Chairman);
GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP TEAMS
*Veterans for Ovide - 54 members - including leaders such as Don Duhamel and Fred Rice;
*Women for Ovide - over 125 members - including leaders such as Shannon McGinley, Judy Galluzzo, Abigail Sykas, Juanita Dangel, Susan Duprey and Liz Feren;
*Contractors for Ovide - 24 members - including leaders such as Craig Jewett, President of Jewett Construction and John Zahr, President of Harvey Construction;
*Small Business Owners for Ovide - 24 members - including leaders such as Josh Boynton of Lifeshare, Inc., Ray Pinard of 48 Hour Print, Ben Gamache of Gamache Enterprises, Keith Murphy of Murphy's Taproom, Ron Doucet of the Yard, and Bob Allard of Allard Moving and Storage;
*Sportsmen and Pro-Second Amendment Leaders for Ovide - 14 members - including leaders such as Hon. Stretch Kennedy, Hon. Crow Dickinson, Ralph Demicco, owner of Riley's Gun Shop, Ed Naile, Wayne Vetter and Hon. Paul Mirski;
*Carroll County Leadership Team - 23 members - including leaders such as Rep. Joe Fleck, Hon. Henry Mock, Laurie Pettingill and Ray Shakir;
*Grafton County Leadership Team - 24 members - including leaders such as former Grafton County GOP Chairman Ludlow Flower, Rep. Ed Gionet and Andrew Hemingway;
*Hillsborough Leadership Team - 44 members - including leaders such as Rep. Shawn Jasper, Rep. Bill O'Brien, Rep. John Cebrowski, Rep. Leo Pepino, Gordon McDonald, Hon. Maureen Mooney, and Ann Marie Banfield;
*Merrimack County Leadership Team - 33 members - including leaders such as Hon. Terry Pfaff, Rep. Todd Smith, Franklin Mayor Ken Merrifield, former Franklin Mayor Tony Giunta, Ray D'Amante, and David Vicinanzo;
*Rockingham County Leadership Team - 60 members - including leaders such as Hon. Kevin Chalbeck, Rep. David Bates, Jeff Hatch, Dan Norris, Rep. Dan Itse, Paul Young, former Sheriff Dan Linehan, and Rep. D.J. Bettencourt;
*Strafford County Leadership Team - 24 members - including leaders such as Rep. Warren Groen, Dan Wensley, Marian Noronha, Hon. Paul Smith and Rochester state rep. candidate Laura Jones;
*Liberty Activists for Ovide -- 41 signers - including leaders such as state rep. candidates Andrew Manuse and Cam DeJong, Manchester 912 Co-Chair Lisa Gravel, Former Liberty Alliance Chair Dawn Licoln, NH Republican Volunteer Coalition Founder and Chair Kevin McHugh
STRAW POLL RESULTS:
*Tax Day Tea Party Straw Poll - April: Ovide for Senate wins with nearly 50% of the vote
*Rochester 912 Project Straw Poll - May: Ovide for Senate wins with 60% of the vote
*New Hampshire Coalition of Taxpayers Straw Poll - July: Ovide for Senate wins with nearly 50% of the vote
*Rockingham GOP Straw Poll – July: Ovide for Senate earns 23% of the vote, placing within 1% of the top;
*New Hampshire Young Republicans Straw Poll - August: Ovide for Senate earns 33% of the vote, finishing only two votes short of the top;
*Manchester Republican Committee Straw Poll - August: Ovide for Senate earns 37%, placing within 4 % of the top;
*Tri-Town Republican Straw Poll - August: Ovide for Senate wins with 41% of the vote
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MANCHESTER, NH- John Stephen, Republican candidate for Governor, today earned the endorsement of Foster’s Daily Democrat, the second newspaper to do so this week, on the heels of the endorsement of his candidacy by the New Hampshire Union Leader on Sunday. In today’s edition of Foster’s, the paper commended Stephen’s management ability while serving as Commissioner of Health and Human Services, stating that Stephen was “innovative to the point of saving Granite State taxpayers millions of dollars.” It went on to point out that “Stephen's track record with HHS is one that has been validated time and again by the scrutiny of New Hampshire's media.”
“Receiving the endorsement of Foster’s Daily Democrat is an honor,” Stephen said. “This is a newspaper that has long been a strong proponent of limited government that delivers results in the most efficient way possible, and that’s exactly why I am running for Governor. This paper knows that we need to reduce spending so that we can lower the highest business tax rate in the nation and create good, new jobs here. It’s the same message I’ve heard from employers and citizens across the state, and that’s what I will do when I am elected.”
The endorsement writes, “Stephen offers the greatest depth and breadth of experience and knowledge” and “What is particularly impressive about Stephen is that he spent productive time in state government and then was able to build his resume in the private sector.”
“This election represents a crossroads for the future of New Hampshire,” Stephen added. “We can continue down the big government path that Governor Lynch has taken us, which has given us 84 tax and fee increases over the past two budgets to pay for spending that has grown by 24% and created an environment that’s an obstacle for economic growth. I want to restore the New Hampshire values of low taxes, limited government and growing prosperity. I have a track record of shrinking government, balancing large budgets and giving back to the taxpayers. I’ll make the tough decisions we need to balance our budget and put New Hampshire’s focus back on creating jobs instead of growing government.”
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CONCORD — Gov. John Lynch today announced that five more New Hampshire companies have received Job Training grants in the month of August.
Job Training grants are aimed at keeping good jobs in New Hampshire by helping companies train their workers with new skills to compete in a changing economy. Gov. Lynch made it a priority to reinstate the Job Training Fund, which distributes up to $1 million annually in matching grants to allow companies to train new workers or retrain longtime employees.
Since the Job Training Fund was reinstated in late 2007 ago, nearly 7,500 workers from across New Hampshire have received training and enhanced skills through the matching grant program.
“New Hampshire is leading the region in economic activity, it is important that we continue to invest in New Hampshire workers and New Hampshire companies if we are to continue leading the way,” Gov. Lynch said. “Job training grants are helping our companies compete and grow, and meet the demands of a changing marketplace.”
The August 2010 recipients of the Job Training grants are: NH Ball Bearings in Laconia; Kheops International of Colebrook; Southeastern Container, Hudson; Airmar Technology Corp. in Milford; and Families in Transition in Manchester.
“The connection between business growth and an investment in professional development is undeniable,” said Department of Resources & Economic Development Commissioner George Bald. “I commend these exemplary companies for making a commitment to improving the skills of their workers and for adding to the economic vitality of the state.”
Since the Job Training Fund was re-established, companies from across New Hampshire have received state grants totaling more than $2.6 million. Companies receiving grants have contributed nearly $5 million, bringing the total amount invested in new training for workers to nearly $7.5 million.
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CONCORD — Gov. John Lynch today signed two bills into law that honor New Hampshire fallen heroes.
Gov. Lynch signed House Bill 1446, naming a bridge on Route 127 in Hopkinton the Officer Sean M. Powers Memorial Bridge. Officer Powers was killed in a traffic accident while returning home after his shift in August 2008. Officer Powers was also a Marine who served in Iraq before joining the Hopkinton Police Department.
The Governor also signed Senate Bill 305, naming a bridge that over Routes 302 and 10 and the Ammonoosuc River the Specialist Alan J. Burgess Memorial Bridge. Burgess was killed in Iraq in October 2004.
“These young men sacrificed for their state and their nation. We can never truly repay they debt we owe them and their families, but it is important that we never forget their sacrifice or their service,” Gov. Lynch said. “As New Hampshire citizens and tourists from other states drive over these bridges bearing their names, they will be reminded of the legacy and exemplary service of these two heroes.”
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CONCORD, August 23, 2010 – Katrina Swett, Democratic Candidate for Congress, today announced a plan to hold Representatives and Senators accountable for the fiscal management of the United States’ budget.
In 1989, Congress passed legislation instituting an automatic pay raise every year unless lawmakers specifically voted to reject it. The next year, they voted themselves a $30,000 raise and then proceeded to take cost-of-living adjustments for 17 of the next 20 years. During the Bush years, Congress did a lousy job managing the budget, running up enormous deficits, and yet they repeatedly gave themselves pay raises. This is no different than the CEO’s who took home millions while their companies lost billions during the recent economic crisis.
“When I get to Washington, not only will I support the repeal of automatic pay raises, but I will propose legislation that cuts Congressional salaries to the 2000 rate – the last year that Congress balanced the budget,” said Katrina Swett. “In addition to fighting for this bill, I intend to walk the walk from day one by personally returning every penny of salary above the 2000 rate to the federal treasury for debt reduction. Many politicians make promises that they don’t have the power to keep; I can and will keep this promise. New Hampshire’s middle class families don’t get a pay raise when they don’t do their jobs, and neither should Congress.”
This Congress-wide reduction would constitute a pay cut of almost 19% for lawmakers and generate $17.5 million to be put towards the deficit.
“This is a mere drop in the bucket of the federal deficit, but Congress must remember that they are sent to Washington to work for the people,” continued Swett. “As in all well-run enterprises, leadership should never be rewarded for poor work. Only when the Congress succeeds in getting the deficit under control and passes a balanced budget would it be time to talk about a raise.”
This pay cut is not without precedent. In the midst of the widespread unemployment and reduced earnings of the Great Depression, Congress cut their salaries by 15% in 1932 and 1933. They understood that with millions of Americans hurting, Members of Congress needed to do their part and tighten their own belts. It is time for the U.S. leadership to follow that example.
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Manchester, N.H.—Today the Ovide for Senate camp announced the release of its first radio advertisement. The ad highlights "Ovide's Oath" the 15-point pledge Lamontagne made at the time he officially filed for office with the Secretary of State. The radio ad will air on stations statewide.
Drew Cline, of the Union Leader, previously said of the oath: "In an age when so many politicians prefer to be vague and leave themselves lots of wiggle room, it's a surprisingly comprehensive list of promises to the voters."
MANCHESTER, NH- John Stephen, Republican candidate for Governor, today earned the endorsement of the New Hampshire Union Leader, the first endorsement by any newspaper in any race in this cycle. In today’s edition of the New Hampshire Sunday News, the paper says, “Only Stephen has a record of [cutting spending] and detailed proposals for doing more of it. He knows the budget better than any of his opponents, and he will use that knowledge to cut waste and save taxpayer money.” The newspaper bases this on Stephen’s “impressive management of the Department of Health and Human Services.”
“I'm proud to be endorsed by The New Hampshire Union Leader, the most trusted benchmark for fiscal conservatism in the Granite State,” Stephen said. “Their endorsement echoes what I've heard from New Hampshire citizens in every corner of our state: they want change from the path of out of control spending, higher taxes and more borrowing that Governor Lynch has brought us down. As Governor, I’ll cut spending so that we can lower taxes to create jobs and get our economy moving again.”
CONCORD, August 17, 2010 – The Health Care Reform bill of 2010 made great progress in reducing health care costs for senior citizens by eliminating the “donut hole” of Medicare Part D coverage. Another crucial step of containing costs is granting the U.S. government power to negotiate directly with drug companies for the lowest possible Medicare drug prices.
“If I am elected to serve the people of New Hampshire, my first act in Congress will be to sponsor legislation overturning the current ban on Medicare negotiations. During the recent health care debate, pharmaceutical lobbyists put together a backroom sweetheart deal preventing negotiations that economists estimate will cost American taxpayers $200 billion over the next 10 years,” said Democratic Congressional Candidate Katrina Swett. “Medicare is the largest purchaser of prescription drugs in the world, and it is wrong that they cannot buy drugs in volume discounts as other government programs can.”
Swett has a history of supporting Medicare’s right to negotiate on behalf of senior citizens. In 2002, she campaigned against Charlie Bass’ plan to let private insurers supply drug coverage. Bass was rewarded with $500,000 in campaign advertisements paid for by the Pharmaceutical industry. (Rayno, Gary, “The Second District: The Race for U.S. Congress”, Union Leader, October 23, 2002)
Swett’s opponent in the Democratic primary, Ann Kuster, was a paid lobbyist for the Pharmaceutical industry from 1995-2009. In 1996, she lobbied against a bill that would have increased negotiating powers for NH pharmacists writing, “We believe health care reform should rely upon market forces to insure access to medicine, contain costs, preserve quality of care, and stimulate innovation.” ...More
Bob Bestani, Republican candidate for Congress from the First District in New Hampshire, issued the following statement today.
“Perhaps the most accurate title of a member of Congress is that of Representative. The person who is given the honor to speak for the members of a constituency needs to continually understand the views of constituents by careful monitoring of their letters and calls and thoughtful answers to their views
Most letters to a Member of Congress focus on the great issues of the day. But, one other highly important responsibility of a Representative is to act as a spokesperson for the electorate vis-à-vis the federal government. Given the enormous size of the Washington bureaucracy, the full authority and standing of a member of Congress is often needed to get the ball rolling on a specific individual’s problem.
Manchester, NH - Today, New Hampshire veterans and the Hodes for Senate campaign denounced Kelly Ayotte's plan to potentially cut funding from the Veteran's Affairs Department by 20 percent. Charlie Mooskian and Wayne Burton, Co-Chairs of Veterans for Hodes and Mark Bergman, Hodes for Senate Communications Director, discussed the impact that this potential cut would have on New Hampshire veterans. Ayotte has told the Union Leader that cuts must be made across the board, "with a hatchet."
"Paul Hodes has supported our veterans every single step of the way, making sure they have the equipment they need when they go into battle and making sure they're taken care of when they come home" said Bergman. "Paul Hodes will be a tough, independent voice in the Senate who is going to stand up for our veterans. Kelly Ayotte, on the other hand, wants to leave veterans' benefits open to her 'hatchet' in order to score political points in her competitive primary."
"Ayotte's plans to potentially cut funding for the VA are just wrong for New Hampshire veterans" said Charlie Mooskian. "I want a Senator who is going to fight to preserve and strengthen the Veterans Affairs department, not somebody who is going to cut it. Paul supported increased educational opportunities for our veterans when they come home to New Hampshire, and I know he'll be a strong voice for us in the U.S. Senate."
CONCORD — Gov. John Lynch today joined local retailers and business owners to remind Massachusetts residents that they don't have to restrict their shopping to Massachusetts' two-day "sales tax holiday" because they can shop tax-free in New Hampshire 365 days a year.
"In New Hampshire, we believe you should be able to shop on your own time, not on the schedule of state government," Gov. Lynch said. "Because in New Hampshire, every day is a sales tax holiday."
The Governor was at Baron's Major Brands Appliances in Salem, not far from the Massachusetts border, surrounded by local retailers and business leaders, and officials from the New Hampshire Retail Merchants Association.
Gov. Lynch also recommitted to vetoing a sales or income tax.
Last year, the Massachusetts Commissioner of Revenue went after a business here in New Hampshire, seeking to collect Massachusetts taxes for sales that occurred in New Hampshire. Gov. Lynch and lawmakers took quick action, passing a law prohibiting New Hampshire businesses from being forced to collect taxes for other states.
"Here in New Hampshire, we pride ourselves on a high quality of life, scenic beauty and one of the most business-friendly and tax-friendly environments in the country," Gov. Lynch said. "Visitors who stay, shop and eat in New Hampshire are important to our economy, and I want to do everything possible as Governor to encourage more people to come to New Hampshire – whether it is for a week or for a few hours of shopping. "
by Bob Jean
Gubernatorial candidate John Stephen says he is running to make government smaller, and to protect our personal freedoms. That sounds conservative.
Yet he promises to use government to decide who can marry who, and sign a repeal of gay marriage legislation? Is that personal freedom? Is that smaller government?
Sounds like using government to do some pretty heavy duty social engineering to me. Why doesn't he trust people to make those decisions?
Conservatives usually make those accusations about Liberals. Instead, pretend conservatives say they want government so very large government decides personal marriage choices.
So who really is the liberal? And who really is the conservative?
Governor Lynch doesn't agree with gay marriage. That's not his view of marriage. But he sure seems like the conservative on this issue. He decided not to use government to do social engineering, and engineer his view of marriage. He supports personal freedom from government. He opposes making government so large that it decides who can marry who. He has his opinion about marriage, but he opposes having big government make that personal decision.
Yup. John Lynch is the conservative on marriage.
Now does John Stephen, the former HHS commissioner, care to share his opinion about his view about Kelly Ayotte's sense of family values? (see below) It shall be part of any general election campaign where she is on the ballot, especially if his surrogates want to talk about family values....More
"With today's decision, activist courts in California have thwarted the will of millions of voters who voted in favor of Proposition 8, amending their Constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman. This is wrong, and I disagree with this decision. I have been the only candidate in the race for U.S. Senate to call for a federal marriage amendment to the U.S. Constitution, defining marriage as between one man and one woman. I take this position because it is clear that the ability of the individual states to define traditional marriage is being usurped by an activist, unelected federal judiciary. Only two nights ago, when presented with this question in New Boston, I called for a federal marriage amendment. My opponent Kelly Ayotte when presented with the same question at the same forum said that she opposed such an amendment. Today, I renew my call for a federal marriage amendment to the U.S. Constitution."
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CONCORD — According to U.S. Department of Labor, New Hampshire outpaced nearly every other state in the nation in job growth over the last year, confirming independent economists’ predictions that New Hampshire would lead the nation in economic recovery.
According to preliminary figures from the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, New Hampshire had the second-fastest rate of job growth in the nation from June 2009 through June 2010. While nationally, the number of jobs fell by an average of .1 percent, New Hampshire saw growth of 1.43 percent, or more than 8,900 jobs created over the last year.
“Maintaining New Hampshire’s business friendly atmosphere so that companies can be successful, grow and get people back to work has been my top priority. News that New Hampshire has the second-highest rate of job growth in the nation is consistent with the sense of increased optimism I’m hearing from business leaders across the state, and the reports of independent analysts who say New Hampshire’s economy is leading the region as we emerge from this national recession,” Gov. Lynch said.
New Hampshire’s unemployment rate for June dropped to 5.9 percent – nearly 40 percent below the national average.
“This is certainly good news for New Hampshire, but our work is not done, and I remain committed to helping ensure companies can continue to grow and create jobs. There are still a number of men and women are still looking for employment, and I will continue working make sure that every person who wants a job is able to find one.”
STRATHAM, NH - Conservative small business owner and Republican candidate for Congress Sean Mahoney (NH-01) on Monday said Democrat incumbent Carol Shea-Porter’s so-called public option would “make ObamaCare even worse and would destroy our economy in the process.” Shea-Porter is a co-sponsor of H.B. 5808, a measure to “establish a public health insurance option” under the unpopular new health care regime in Washington.
“Carol Shea-Porter doesn’t get it,” Mahoney said. “You would think her ears would still be ringing from all the protests against President Obama’s government run health care law. Instead she’s ignoring Granite Staters and doubling down in Washington with a new measure to make it even worse.”
Bob Bestani, Republican candidate for Congress from the First District in New Hampshire, issued the following statement.
“Having taken the time to read the opinion of the Judge Bolton of the federal district court, I am appalled by the ruling on this exceedingly important issue. We can and must get control of our boarders and send out a very clear message on this issue. It is unacceptable that the very first act that a would be immigrant commits is to break the law of the land. It is for this reason that I also differ with Sean Mahoney on the issue of amnesty.
The decision of a federal district court judge in Arizona to enjoin large portions of Arizona’s immigration law is based largely on an absurd premise; that the federal government can manufacture a “conflict” between a nearly identical state and federal law by choosing not to enforce that law.
Preemption of state law is important where a comprehensive federal statutory regime is being enforced and there is an inevitable and unavoidable conflict between the federal and state statute. Neither condition exists here. First, the federal government is making little effort to enforce the immigration laws as they are written. Second, the argument that the federal government would be burdened by rigorous state enforcement of the nearly identical law is entirely speculative.
(Washington, D.C.)—U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen today announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be extending the Town of Raymond’s water lines to affected homeowners south and west of the Mottolo Superfund Site in an effort to prevent further contamination. This decision comes after elevated levels of contaminants were found in area homeowners’ wells, prompting Shaheen to take action and bring together the EPA and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to safeguard drinking water for Raymond residents.
“Safeguarding the water our families drink is critical for public health, and this decision will help keep the residents of Raymond safe,” said Shaheen. “I applaud the EPA for taking appropriate action, and I am hopeful that the Town of Raymond, the Department of Environmental Services and the EPA will continue to work together as the new water lines are installed.”
Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives today unanimously passed Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter’s amendment to the CLEAR Act. Congresswoman Shea-Porter’s amendment ensures that the ethics guidelines required for certain Department of Interior employees are updated at least every three years. It also ensures that the best available technology for oil spill response and mitigation, and the accessibility of that technology is part of the Offshore Technology Research and Risk Assessment Program. Finally, the amendment requires that operators annually certify that their response and exploration plans include the best available technology and its availability.
“My amendment strengthens the ethics rules at the Department of Interior and will help develop and employ new technologies to prevent and cleanup oil spills,” said Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter. “The BP spill in the Gulf made clear that while oil companies were spending time and money to develop new ways to drill in new places, they were not putting their resources into making sure we had the technology to prevent and cleanup a spill. My amendment will change that.”
Concord - Signs from a National Organization for Marriage rally held Monday, part of the same tour that stopped in New Hampshire earlier this month, called for the death of gay and lesbian Americans. Citing a passage from Leviticus, the sign proposed the "Solution for Gay Marriage," featuring two nooses, and reading "They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them."
In the past several months, NOM has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars from undisclosed sources to launch a misleading smear campaign against New Hampshire Governor John Lynch. In April, John Stephen was quick to support their disgraceful efforts to bolster his campaign. And NOM held a rally in Manchester on July 15th, less than two weeks ago.
"Since he began his campaign, John Stephen has issued plenty of partisan attacks but has failed to be honest with New Hampshire voters about where he stands on the National Organization for Marriage's hate agenda," said Harrell Kirstein, press secretary for the New Hampshire Democratic Party. "He needs to immediately denounce this out of state hate group and their disgusting calls for the murder of American citizens."
In addition to their refusal to address the violent signs at the rally, NOM and its leadership have a long record of advocating discrimination and violence. In fact, Maggie Gallagher, the organization's President, has previously praised far right extremists who have called for the death of America's gays and lesbians.
And Orson Scott, a NOM Board member, has said that gays and lesbians do not deserve to be treated as "acceptable, equal citizens" within society, and that women are "incapable of providing the ground work for a sense of moral judgment for their children."
"The rhetoric and tactics that NOM advances have no place in New Hampshire or any where across the country," continued Kirstein. "There can be no excuse for supporting people who call for murder based on race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. As someone who has embraced the support of this radical organization in the past, John Stephen has a responsibility to stand-up against these tactics and urge NOM to never bring their politics of hate to the Granite State again." ...More
Sarah Palin has called Kelly Ayotte a grizzly in her endorsement.
As Alaska Governor she should have more experience than we do in NH about the parenting skills of grizzlies. Apparently she does not. And apparently Palin didn't bother to learn that we don't have grizzlies here in NH, we have black bear. And no, neither NH black bear or Alaskan Grizzlies orphan their cubs.
Kelly Ayotte is asking NH to choose her to represent our family values in the US Senate. To do that she is willing to leave her very young children here in NH each week, all week, so that she can be very powerful in Washington.
How does that work? How does she sell her Skype webcam view of motherhood to Republicans in the primary, and if they buy it, to Independents and conservative Democrats in the general election?
As Attorney General, dealing with criminals who were the product of broken homes and absentee parents, you would think she had developed a keener sense of the importance of present parents.
Democrats like Jeanne Shaheen performed in-state jobs while her children needed day to day nurturing. She waited until they were grown before she ventured off to DC.
And it would be one thing if Ayotte had planned to move her children and family to DC so that her family could be together . Paul and Nicki Tsongas did that. Lots of federal office holders with small children have done that.
But no, instead, Kelly Ayotte gave up being Attorney General where she could be with her family every day so that she can voluntarily get on a plane every week and leave them all behind - and she's committing to do that for six years. Of course with her record of leaving her AG job, and leaving the day to day job nurturing small children, she could quit the Senate job at any time, too.
It's going to take a village to raise Kelly Ayotte's children if she wins. Apparently she believes that she can delete her family as easily as she did her emails when leaving the AG's office.
Perhaps that's the family values Republicans want represented in Washington.
Independents are not going to accept that. That's for sure....More
(Washington D.C.)— U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen today announced that the Senate has cleared a major hurdle to extend federal unemployment compensation. Final passage of the bill is expected this week, preserving a critical safety net for tens of thousands of New Hampshire residents and millions of out of work Americans nationwide. The bill will also retroactively restore compensation to workers whose unemployment insurance expired during nearly two months of obstruction.
“Unemployment insurance is essential for families struggling in this difficult economy, and is good for our communities who benefit from this money being spent immediately on groceries, gas, and at other small businesses,” said Shaheen. “Unemployed workers desperately need this help, but more than that, they need a job. I look forward to continuing to work on a small business job creation bill, which we are expected to take up next in the Senate, and I hope we are able to pass it quickly.”
Shaheen has supported extending unemployment insurance since joining the Senate, and, in the fall, she worked to ensure that unemployment compensation was available to the hardest hit workers in every state. Prior to today’s vote, she returned to the floor of the Senate and urged her colleagues to support the extension.
The full text of Shaheen’s remarks as prepared for delivery follow:
Manchester, N.H.—Ovide Lamontagne, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in New Hampshire, today issued the following statement concerning the nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court.
“As the Senate Judiciary Committee prepares to vote today on President Obama’s nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court, it is clear that Ms. Kagan’s extreme views and record of political activism make her unfit to serve out a lifetime appointment on the highest court in the land. During her confirmation hearings, her far left positions have been made clear, including:
Her banning military recruiters from the Harvard Law school campus during her tenure as Dean;
Her hostility to our unalienable individual right to Keep and Bear Arms under the 2nd Amendment;
Her lobbying on behalf of partial-birth abortion, and editing medical testimony in 1996 to make a political statement;
Her expansive view of the Commerce Clause and the role of the federal government in every aspect of private activity;
I have taken ‘Ovide’s Oath’ – my 15 point pledge to the voters of New Hampshire, and one of my pledges is that I will support the judicial appointment of only those who have proven they will adhere to the Constitution, and not legislate from the bench. Ms. Kagan fails this fundamental test, and accordingly, as Senator I would not only vote ‘no’, but I would filibuster her nomination.
While I publicly opposed the nomination of judicial activist Sonia Sotomayor, my opponents either embraced her or were silent. Today, I am challenging my opponents to join me in my pledge to the voters of New Hampshire in calling for the filibuster of Elena Kagan. It is time that Republicans stood together to oppose the appointment of activist, out of touch judges to the bench.
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STRATHAM, NH***Conservative small business owner and Republican candidate for Congress Sean Mahoney (NH-01) today called on Democratic Rep. Carol Shea-Porter to call off the Democrat attack dogs who last week lashed out at a private citizen because he dared to stand up to the Obama-Pelosi-Shea-Porter economic agenda.
Mahoney and Alan Silberberg held a press conference in Belmont on Thursday at the former Lakes Family Auto Center to highlight the damage the President Obama’s policies are causing small business owners and working families. The New Hampshire Democratic Party attacked Silberberg, a private citizen who has never been involved in politics, saying he has been “discredited.”
“Carol Shea-Porter needs to call off the Democrat dogs who have sunk to a new low by attacking a private citizen because he disagrees with her liberal, job-killing policies,” Mahoney said. “Carol Shea-Porter and the Democrat party both owe Alan Silberberg an apology. First their policies robbed him of his livelihood and then they publicly smeared him for standing up for himself. This is why Americans have lost their trust in government.”
(Washington, D.C.)—U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen applauded the final passage of Wall Street reform legislation that will protect families and small businesses by reining in Wall Street’s risky practices and holding big banks more accountable. The legislation, which includes important provisions that will prevent taxpayer bailouts of big banks and increase transparency in the financial sector, will now go to President Obama to be signed into law.
“Reckless Wall Street conduct brought the economy to its knees, and people in New Hampshire and across the country are still suffering the consequences,” said Shaheen. “This bill will bring the accountability and transparency we need to the financial sector, protect families and businesses from abusive practices, and prevent taxpayers from having to bail out Wall Street.”
The financial collapse caused by Wall Street hurt middle class families and small businesses across New Hampshire, and resulted in the loss of almost 34,000 private sector jobs in the state. The bill will protect families and small businesses by: ...More
Manchester - Today, Hodes for Senate Communications Director Mark Bergman issued the following statement on Sarah Palin's endorsement of Kelly Ayotte:
"New Hampshire voters have already rejected Palin's extreme, out-of-touch agenda," said Bergman. "Kelly Ayotte and Sarah Palin are both radical right wing politicians more interested in grabbing headlines than getting results for the people they serve. Today's endorsement shows that Kelly Ayotte is just a mouthpiece for the radical right wing of the Republican Party who are out of touch with New Hampshire voters. Ayotte and Palin are both for putting Big Oil profits above the safety of New Hampshire's coast. Each broke her promise to the people of her state and resigned to advance her political ambitions. Most importantly, they both adamantly oppose a woman's right to choose. They're both more interested in catering to the far-right special interests than standing up for New Hampshire."
MANCHESTER, NH – Former New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte, of Nashua, today released the following statement regarding her endorsement from former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin:
“Governor Palin is a conservative icon who has brought enormous energy to our Party. As governor, she took on the entrenched special interests to deliver results. Governor Palin is a reformer in every sense of the word, and she has always stood firm for the conservative principles of low taxes, less spending and personal responsibility. I’m running for Senate to put our fiscal house in order and to get our country moving in the right direction again, and I’m honored to have her support.”...More
Manchester, N.H.—The Ovide for Senate campaign today released its Contractors for Ovide Team.
“Our state and our communities depend upon the stability of our small businesses. Contractors are very much at the frontline of our economy and stimulate economic growth and prosperity. I commend these fantastic business leaders for their unwavering work ethic and for creating real jobs for the people of New Hampshire,” said Lamontagne.
“I am honored to have the endorsements of many contractors from across the state and share their view that job creation happens at home, not in Washington. The only role Washington should have is getting out of the way of free market enterprise to allow our small businesses to flourish.”
MANCHESTER, NH – Ayotte for Senate announced today that former U.S. Senator Warren Rudman, a Hollis resident who represented New Hampshire in the Senate from 1980 to 1993, has endorsed Kelly Ayotte for the seat he held for two terms. Rudman, like Ayotte, is also a former state Attorney General.
“Kelly Ayotte is a gold standard public servant. As Attorney General, she worked tirelessly for New Hampshire citizens. Kelly’s commitment to vigorously pursuing justice and fighting for victims distinguishes her as one of the strongest Attorneys General New Hampshire has ever seen,” said Rudman.
He continued: “Our next Senator needs to be a proven leader. Speaking from personal experience, I know that serving as state Attorney General is perfect preparation for the U.S. Senate. The difficult decisions I made in that position doubtlessly made me a more effective Senator. Kelly had to make many of those same tough calls, putting murderers behind bars and investigating public corruption regardless of an individual’s political affiliation. That experience will help her make an immediate impact in the U.S. Senate. And I know that on day one, she will roll up her sleeves to stop our runaway deficits and debt.”
(Washington D.C.)— U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, traveled last week to the Middle East to meet with U.S. troops, military commanders, American diplomats, and high-level foreign officials to discuss the war in Iraq and the ongoing security threats to U.S. interests in the Middle East, including Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas. Shaheen met with officials in six countries - Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Israel, Lebanon, and Egypt. Joining Shaheen on the Congressional delegation trip were Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Ted Kaufman (D-DE).
After spending the Fourth of July with U.S. troops at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, Shaheen made a two-day visit to the warzone in Iraq where she visited with U.S. troops and military commanders to discuss security conditions in the country and the ongoing redeployment of America’s military. There are approximately 76,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, which is down significantly from the beginning of this year, and plans call for a reduction to 50,000 troops by September. During the visit to Iraq, Shaheen experienced just a sliver of what our troops face each day. Temperatures reached as high as 114 degrees, and during the night in Baghdad there were mortar attacks on the Embassy compound where the delegation was staying. Though a fairly common occurrence, it was another reminder of the security danger to our troops and diplomats still serving in the country.
In Baghdad, Shaheen met with Vice President Joe Biden, who was in the country on an unannounced three-day visit. She also received a comprehensive briefing from General Ray Odierno, the Commander of U.S. troops in the country, and met with New Hampshire troops stationed in the region, including Lieutenant General Robert Cone of Manchester, the current Deputy Commanding General in Iraq.
“Our troops are doing amazing work under nearly impossible circumstances, and I was proud to spend the Fourth of July holiday with them,” said Shaheen. “They have done absolutely everything asked of them and proven time and again that they are the most impressive military force the world has ever seen. It is our responsibility to help make sure that the U.S. redeployment from Iraq is done in an effective, efficient, and responsible manner so that their hard work and selfless sacrifices do not go to waste.”
Manchester, N.H.—Ovide Lamontagne, Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire, today announced signing the Contract From America, a grassroots legislative blueprint for conservative economic reform for 2010 and beyond.
“I am proud to sign the Contract From America and honored to be joining other stalwart conservative candidates for office who are ready to go to Washington to stand up to big government, fight the special interests and establishment, and institute fundamental conservative reform,” said Lamontagne.
by Bob Bestani
Cadidate For Congress In District 1
With the exception of serious health problems, there are few experiences more traumatic than long term unemployment. Currently politicians in Washington D.C. are poised to let unemployment insurance benefits expire for more than 1.4 million Americas. Although extending such benefits does threaten to weaken incentives to work in some cases, such action is necessary.
Only after January can a Republican Congress take the steps necessary to end the out of control government spending, excessive taxation and regulation which have caused American business to shed more than 6 million jobs and led to a halt in new job creation.
Much of the reluctance to extend unemployment benefits past their traditional 26 week period is based on the belief, best stated by Michael Tanner of the Cato Institute that: "workers are less likely to look for work, or accept less-than-ideal jobs, as long as they are protected from the full consequences of being unemployed." The vast majority of economic studies, which reflect basic common sense, have proved this theory to be accurate. Like all theories, however, there are some circumstances under which external factors overwhelm its basic assumptions.
MANCHESTER, NH- John Stephen, Republican candidate for Governor, called today’s news that Governor Lynch’s call for state department heads to submit budgets that reduce spending by 5% a transparent attempt to appear fiscally conservative after years of chronic overspending. Stephen noted that in the two budgets that he prepared while serving as Health and Human Services Commissioner under Lynch, the Governor never asked for a reduction budget. Under New Hampshire state law, department heads are required to prepare only “maintenance” budgets that demand that agencies continue to provide all services without change and covering the cost of inflation and program growth unless directed to make reductions by the Governor.
“This obvious attempt to pretend that Governor Lynch has made a transformation to now being a fiscal conservative is disingenuous,” Stephen said. “In the two budgets my department prepared under John Lynch, he didn’t ask for one nickel in cost-cutting, and I was forced to go to the legislature to try to save the taxpayers’ money, without John Lynch’s support. Instead he has now signed two budgets that have blown the lid off of spending in New Hampshire. This effort to try to reinvent Governor Lynch’s image bears no resemblance to his record as a tax-and-spend advocate for big government.”
CONCORD – Gov. John Lynch today instructed all state agencies to prepare budgets that are 5 percent below the current fiscal year’s authorized budgets. The Governor’s instructions come as departments across state government are developing budget proposals for the next two-year budget cycle.
“In addition to the maintenance budget each agency is required to submit by law, I am asking that all agencies submit a separate budget set at 95 percent of your FY 11 adjusted authorized budgets for both Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013. Meeting this goal will require agencies to continue your ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of programs and services; to prioritize programs; and to expand collaboration between agencies,” Gov. Lynch wrote in his letter to department heads.
Manchester, N.H.—Ovide Lamontagne, Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire, won the straw poll held at the annual Coalition of New Hampshire Taxpayers (CNHT) Picnic on Saturday, taking nearly 50 percent of the vote.
“Three for three. Out of three senate straw polls in the past few months, this is Ovide’s third decisive win. It is clear that Ovide’s message to limit government, empower free enterprise and small business, reduce our debt and deficit, and fundamentally reform a broken Washington, is resonating with grassroots activists throughout the state,” said campaign manager Will Wrobleski.
“I am enthusiastic about our convincing victory, and I am proud to have the support of some great friends of taxpayers and anti-tax leaders like Franklin Mayor Ken Merrifield, former State Senator George Lovejoy, U.S. Senator Gordon Humphrey and Steve Forbes,” added Lamontagne.
Lamontagne received more than triple the votes of Kelly Ayotte and Bill Binnie combined who were at 10 and four percent respectively.
