December 2010
60 posts
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Happy New Year!
For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.
—T. S. Eliot
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Merry Christmas!
But I am sure that I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round… as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely.
—Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
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Republicans Don't Care About the Deficit
The incoming Republican majority has proposed “strict” new rules for the U.S. House of Representatives:
On the spending front, Republicans plan to implement a series of rules called CUT/GO — a conservative answer to the PAY/GO rules instituted by Democrats. Under CUT/GO, increases in mandatory spending would have to be offset by spending cuts in other programs.
Under CUT/GO,...
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Quote of the Day: The Wait for White Smoke
So, again, the wait begins for white smoke from Mount Gardner.
—Tom Beaumont, Des Moines Register, on New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner and the 2012 presidential primary schedule.
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Presidential Primary Dominoes About to Topple?
After the maddening 2008 presidential primary schedule that kicked off with the Iowa caucuses on January 3 and the New Hampshire primary on January 8, party leaders have worked to fashion a primary schedule for 2012 that doesn’t get rolling until February. But their efforts may be for naught.
Earlier this year, the Democratic National Committee approved a schedule that begins on February 6,...
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NH Census Data: By the Numbers
Yesterday, the U.S. Census Bureau released the official 2010 population count for New Hampshire. The Granite State, with 6.9% population growth, was the fastest growing state in New England over the last decade. However, the state’s growth slowed significantly from 2000 and trailed the 9.7% growth measured for rest of the country.
New Hampshire 2010 Population (including Military...
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Sununu: GOP Candidates "Showing Themselves Up...
The conventional wisdom says the 2012 presidential race is off to a slow start.
The old lament that presidential campaigns just keep growing longer is being turned on its head this time around.
At this point in 2006, five Republicans had made early filings to run for the White House in 2008. Today, none have declared for the 2012 contest.
And by all appearances, none plan to jump in until at...
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GOP Preserves Office of Congressional Ethics
Earlier this month, a Washington Post piece highlighed the controversy over Rep.-elect Frank Guinta’s mystery bank account and his campaign finances. But the piece also raised the possibility the new Republican leadership might attempt to get rid of the independent Office of Congressional Ethics:
The incoming House speaker, John Boehner (R-Ohio), has not taken a position on the issue, but...
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Shea-Porter: Special Interests are Strangling...
In an interview with ABC News, outgoing 1st District Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, along with three other retiring representatives, took a look back on her time serving in Congress. Shea-Porter said her biggest disappointment was seeing the impact that special interests have on the process.
“It’s been just awful watching this over the past four years. I think it’s strangling us. I...
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Quote of the Day: Tale of Two Christmases
A new division is emerging in America between those who have moved on from the recession and those still caught in its grip.
Though economists declared the recession officially over last summer, the pace of recovery has been uneven across income levels. The rebound in the stock market and record low mortgage interest rates have mostly benefited affluent households, buoying their confidence in...
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NH House: Where the Lifting Isn't Heavy
I have utmost respect for the members of New Hampshire’s citizen legislature, who donate their time in the name of public service, while juggling day jobs and family commitments, but still…
Yes, the most popular committee of choice for House members was the Fish and Game panel.
There are two good reasons for this.
First, it’s an obvious favorite for gun and sports enthusiasts;...
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Tweet of the Day: DADT wins, DREAM dies
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Quote of the Day: The Sky Has Not Fallen
Since Lynch, a centrist Democrat who initially opposed marriage equality, signed the bill into law, more than 1,000 committed gay and lesbian couples have been legally married [in New Hampshire].
And since that time? The sky has not fallen. Clocks have not stopped. Straight couples’ marriages have not been threatened. In fact, same-sex marriage here has been a non-event.
One of those...
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Quote of the Day: Two Adams and Two Eves
“When I was a kid, we were all led to believe that the first couple was Adam and Eve, not two Adams and two Eves. To me, it’s not normal” for gays and lesbians to marry.
—New Hampshire State Rep. Leo Pepino (R-Manchester) on why he is supports repeal of New Hampshire’s same-sex marriage law.
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Jack Kimball's Bridge to Nowhere
Unsuccessful Republican gubernatorial candidate and Tea Party activist Jack Kimball says he is “strongly considering” a run for chairman of the New Hampshire GOP.
Kimball said he views himself as a “bridge-maker,” adding, “I come right out of the Tea Party so most of the Tea Parety [sic] and 9/12 folks know and suport [sic] me. They think I can be a...
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Gregg Leaves Door Open to Presidential Run
In an interview with ABC News’ Rick Klein, outgoing Nw Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg left the door open to a 2012 presidential run.
Klein: “As you know, the 2012 field is already beginning to take shape. There are debates already being announced in your home state of New Hampshire. Is there any chance, any chance at all, that you’ll be on any of those debates stages in your home...
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Quote of the Day: Not Happening Dude
“As my kids say, NHD: Not happening dude. … This is a total NHD. Now why, it’s for the same reasons as Clinton. First and most importantly talent matters. Bill Clinton is the most talented politician in my life. Look it up, Barack Obama is the first black guy to win this thing. He is a colossal talent and talent matters. Who the hell wants to take him on? I don’t care if...
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FEC Begins Investigation of Guinta Campaign...
The Federal Elections Commission (FEC) has taken the first step in an investigation of Rep.-elect Frank Guinta and his mystery bank account.
Guinta, the former Manchester mayor who defeated Democratic Rep. Carol Shea-Porter in November, amended a disclosure form in July to add a previously unreported bank account worth up to $500,000, raising questions about how he had been able to loan his...
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Magellan: Obama Remains Popular with NH Dems
A survey by Republican pollster Magellan Strategies indicates President Obama continues to maintain high popularity among New Hampshire Democrats and Democratic-leaning Independents. 84% of Granite Sate Democrats have a favorable view of President Obama compared to 13% who view him unfavorably.
President Obama maintains his high popularity despite disapproval of his compromise with Congressional...
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Bonus Quote of the Day: Essence of the Two...
The reason why senators have found the tax deal (and also the deficit commission’s proposal) easier to swallow, and why House members haven’t, hits at the essence of the two chambers. The Senate, whose members represent entire states and which needs 60 votes to pass almost anything, is all about compromise and deal making; the House, whose members represent mostly safe congressional districts,...
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Quote of the Day: Misunderstanding Bipartisanship
No Labels sounds noble in theory. But the group misunderstands what bipartisanship is. It’s not two parties deciding to be nice to each other. It’s a moment when their self-interests happen to align—moments that are increasingly rare. Washington does not have a “civility problem.” It has a polarization problem. Politicians aren’t any meaner now than they were 30...
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By the Numbers: McConnell's Trail of Tears
Huffington Post:
Number of times Mitch McConnell choked up during DADT repeal debate: 0
Number of times Mitch McConnell choked up during DREAM Act debate: 0
Number of times Mitch McConnell choked up during 9/11 responders health benefits debate: 0
Number of times Mitch McConnell choked up while bidding farewell to Judd Gregg: Like, 73.
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Ayotte Blows Off Financial Disclosure Requirements
Center for Responsive Politics:
How much is New Hampshire Republican Sen.-elect Kelly Ayotte worth and what is she personally invested in?
New Hampshire voters and other interested citizens don’t have a clear answer.
Rep.-elect Frank Guinta may not be the only New Hampshire legislator in trouble with the Feds over financial disclosure requirements. Ayotte failed to file required...
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Potential GOP Candidates: That's the Best You've...
Republican lobbyist Curtis Barry assesses the field of potential GOP candidates for the 2012 New Hampshire presidential primary.
Haley Barbour: “may prove to be just too much of a ‘good ol’ boy’.”
Jeb Bush: “quiet speculation that this Bush will wait for another opportunity.”
Mitch Daniels: “New Hampshire Republicans should like his policy...
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Jennifer Horn Rewrites History
In a Union Leader piece today making her argument to lead the New Hampshire GOP, Jennifer Horn rewrites history by claiming Republicans have historically led the fight for social justice, including civil rights:
[I]t was a Republican Congress that fought for and finally passed civil rights legislation in the ’60s.
No. It was a Democratic President and a Democratic Congress that fought for and...
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No Labels: Do As I Say, Not As I Do
Frank Islam, No Labels web site:
The Supreme Court’s egregious Citizens United decision, with the subsequent influx of “anonymous grassroots” campaign groups, has made this situation even worse.
Solutions that could be advanced include … [r]equiring transparency and full disclosure from individuals and organizations that pay for political ads.
Justin Elliott, Salon War Room:
No...
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Women of Tea Party Dominate Year's Notable Quotes
Tea Party sympathizing women dominate the list of the year’s most notable quotes. Christine O’Donnell’s “I’m not a witch” quote tops the list, followed by Sarah Palin’s “Don’t retreat. Instead – reload!”, Sharron Angle’s “Second Amendment remedies” statement, and a second quote from O’Donnell questioning...
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Bass "Better Start Worrying About 2012 Already"
Stuart Rothenberg has released his annual awards in which he nominates the “best,” “worst” or even “weirdest” politicians of the year. And, no surprise, New Hampshire is represented.
This year’s “Better Start Worrying About 2012 Already” award nomination goes to 2nd District Rep.-elect Charlie Bass. Explaining the nomination, Rothenberg notes Bass is in a tough district and is...
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Letting the Lunatics Run the NH State House Asylum
Shira Schoenberg:
[Fremont Rep. Dan] Itse, who has made defending the Constitution a central part of his platform, will chair a revived Committee on Constitutional Review and Statutory Recodification.
Itse said the committee will look at states’ rights issues to determine whether federal laws that affect New Hampshire are constitutional — such as health care reform or implementation...
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Speaker O'Brien: Create Jobs by Outsourcing?
Shira Schoenberg uncovers New Hampshire House Speaker Bill O’Brien’s unsuccessful 2005 business venture to outsource legal work to India.
O’Brien wrote in a press release that the company would … offer offshore legal knowledge and process outsourcing services to lawyers in small to medium law firms and corporate law departments.
The company was dissolved in 2008....
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Charlie Cook Makes the Call, 2012 Edition
Well, that didn’t take long. Charlie Cook is out with first look at the 2012 U.S. House election. According to “the Picasso of election analysis,” New Hampshire’s congressional districts are both rated “Lean Republican.”
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Triangulation Angst
Many are asking the question, is President Obama triangulating? Better to first ask the question addressed by Jonathan Bernstein, what is triangulation?
Nothing. Triangulation is an advertising slogan coined by Dick Morris to advertise himself — to give him as large a share of the credit for Bill Clinton’s 1996 re-election as possible. That’s all. Trying to find any deeper...
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Cantor Testing the Waters for Presidential Run?
Is Rep. Eric Cantor testing the waters for a 2012 presidential run? Soon after reporting that Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s Google ads had started showing up on Granite State political web sites, we spotted an ad for Eric Cantor on this site urging us to “join Team Cantor.” Let the games begin.
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Krauthammer: Tax Cut Deal = Stimulus = Bad
Writing in opposition, Charles Krauthammer makes a strong case for President Obama’s tax cut compromise:
In the deal struck this week, the president negotiated the biggest stimulus in American history, larger than his $814 billion 2009 stimulus package. It will pump a trillion borrowed Chinese dollars into the U.S. economy over the next two years — which just happen to be the two...
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Quote of the Day: Hodes on Tax Cut Compromise
“I have reviewed the agreement reached by the President and Republican leaders on tax cuts, and I will support this agreement. … [T]he President has shown real leadership in reaching a deal that gives almost 90% of the benefits to the middle class and unemployed people. At the end of the day, this is about the economy, plain and simple.
“[W]e must give help to the 2 million unemployed...
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Pawlenty Book Tour Heading to Granite State
One of the prerequisites for a Presidential aspirant is a ghostwritten book promoted by a book tour in politically consequential states. Tim Pawlenty’s book is titled “Courage to Stand” and is ghostwritten by Mark Dagostino, who also wrote Hulk Hogan’s autobiography.
Unlike Sarah Palin, Pawlenty’s tour will make a couple of stops in New Hampshire. On January 24,...
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Bass Named to Energy & Commerce in Win for...
To the delight of industry lobbyists, New Hampshire Rep.-elect Charlie Bass gained a seat on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce committee. Bass served on the panel before he lost reelection in 2006.
Bass’ buddy, Rep. Joe Baton, who made headlines for apologizing to BP for the trouble caused by their own oil spill, and who Bass called a “great member of Congress and a good...
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Kuster Campaign Rewards Staff
Roll Call reports 40 congressional campaigns paid $490,000 in bonuses after the midterm election. The campaign that included the most staffers in the bonus pool was that of 2nd District candidate Ann McLane Kuster.
Democrat Ann McLane Kuster paid 15 people on her staff bonuses totaling $17,000 after narrowly losing her New Hampshire race to Rep.-elect Charlie Bass (R).
“They worked really,...
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Shea-Porter Opposes Tax Cut Compromise
Outgoing New Hampshire Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, along with 53 other progressive Democrats, signed a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi opposing President Obama’s tax cut compromise. The letter calls the proposal “fiscally irresponsible” and “grossly unfair.” As of this morning, outgoing Rep. Paul Hodes and Sen. Judd Gregg are undecided.
Full contents of letter below the...
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Quote of the Day: Take the Deal
The deal between President Obama and Republican leaders on tax cuts and unemployment insurance has two substantial positive aspects: its surprisingly strong protections for low- and middle-income working families and its stronger-than-expected boost for the economy and jobs. But it also has one deeply disturbing negative feature: not only the extension of the high-end income-tax cuts, but also...
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Family Feud, Sununu Style
James Pindell reports outgoing NH GOP Chairman John H. Sununu will endorse Juliana Bergeron to be his replacement. Could make for some awkward conversation around the dinner table when the Sununu family gathers for the holiday.
Last week [John H.] Sununu’s son, James, floated his name as a candidate for the job. This move angered the chairman and it is unclear whether he will still run. If he...
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Shea-Porter on the Limits of Congressional Power
A short stint in Congress ends with a whimper. Outgoing Rep. Carol Shea-Porter’s new office is a basement cubicle farm shared with the other 38 legislators leaving Congress after just one or two terms. From her new vantage point, she has some cautionary words of wisdom for the young whippersnapper about to replace her.
“I laughed at my opponent, who says he wants to shut down the...
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Ayotte: Number Three With a Bullet
RealClearPolitics ranks New Hampshire Sen.-elect Kelly Ayotte number three on their list of the ten rising power players in the new Congress. The list highlights those members of Congress who they believe will play a crucial, perhaps decisive, role in the important debates of the 112th Congress.
Ayotte’s rising influence in the Republican Senate caucus (and in the party overall) will be...
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Tax Cut Compromise Good Politics for 2012?
Ezra Klein says the White House tax cut compromise is designed to help President Obama win reelection by creating jobs and setting up the next fight.
The White House has stopped negotiating for ideal — or even acceptable — tax policy and moved to negotiating stimulus policy. The tax cuts for income over $250,000 will pump about $100 billion into the economy over the next two...
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Gregg Back to the Well for White House Job Offer?
Is soon-to-be-unemployed New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg — who accepted, then rejected President Obama’s job offer of Commerce Secretary — really asking for another chance to work for the White House?
“[The White House] lost their first team,” Gregg said. “What they really need are people who understand how to communicate in the legislature effectively,” said Gregg, who added...
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A Look at Sununu's Successor Wannabes
Writing in Hotline On Call, Jeremy Jacobs takes a look at the upcoming battle to succeed former Gov. John H. Sununu as chair of the New Hampshire GOP. Here’s his thumbnail sketch of some of the contenders already queuing up.
Juliana Bergeron. Front runner; well known and well respected for electing Republicans in Democratic Cheshire county; establishment candidate.
Jennifer Horn....
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Gregg : "Leaning Towards Supporting" START Treaty
On Andrea Mitchell Reports this afternoon, outgoing New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg signaled he is “leaning towards supporting” the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia. At least nine Republican votes will be required to ratify START.
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Quote of the Day: Solved at a Stroke
Federal taxes are the lowest in 60 years, which gives you a pretty good idea of why America’s long-term debt ratios are a big problem. If the taxes reverted to somewhere near their historical mean, the problem would be solved at a stroke.
—Felix Salmon
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Kornacki: Obama Primary Challenge Not Likely
We’re starting to hear rumblings that President Obama might be facing a challenger in the 2012 New Hampshire presidential primary. Steve Kornacki disagrees and identifies four reasons why Obama is well-positioned to avoid a serious primary challenge.
1. Obama is actually not that unpopular with Democrats.
Obama has an 81% job approval among Democrats. 5-7 points higher than Bill Clinton...
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Pawlenty First Out with 2012 NH Primary Web Ads
Gov. Tim Pawlenty is the first potential Republican candidate out of the gate with Web advertising for the 2012 New Hampshire presidential primary. “Tim Pawlenty - Pawlenty Helps Conservatives in New Hampshire” and ”Tim Pawlenty - Proven Fiscal Conservative Learn More Today” ads by Google have started appearing on this blog and other Granite State politics-related sites....