June 2011
89 posts
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Mr. Privileged White Male Executive Council...
Today we salute you, Mr. Privileged White Male Executive Council Members (Mr. Privileged WhiteMaleExecutiveCouncil Memmmmbeerrs!). Because of you, 15,000 NH women are attempting to pull themselves out from underneath that bus you so carelessly threw them under (Man, it’s dirty under this busssss). You don’t have vaginas, but that’s not stopping you from making decisions about our bodies. When...
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John Boehner Rewards Frank Guinta's Loyalty
Speaker of the House John Boehner is rewarding Rep. Frank Guinta’s loyalty by traveling to Bedford tonight for an end-of-quarter fundraiser. Carol Shea-Porter reminds us of Boehner’s sordid history:
Remember when now-Speaker John Boehner was caught handing out tobacco industry checks to Republicans right on the floor of The House of Representatives, not even PRETENDING there was no...
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Kelly Ayotte Still Has the Worst Idea in...
Amid the insane negotiations over whether Congress will raise the debt ceiling and pay the bills we’ve already incurred — or risk catastrophic damage to the economy — yesterday Sen. Kelly Ayotte promoted her solution: a Constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget.
In an attempt to increase pressure on their Democratic counterparts, about a dozen Republicans gathered outside...
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Shaheen Urges Justice Dept to Review Voter Photo...
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen today signed a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder urging the Justice Department to carefully review the “highly restrictive photo identification requirements” that could disenfranchise “millions of eligible voters.”
We are writing to express our concerns about highly restrictive photo identification requirements under consideration or already...
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Bass Targeted by House Majority PAC
House Majority PAC is a new Super PAC formed to help the Democratic party compete with Republican outside groups in the fight to regain the House majority. Super PACs can raise unlimited sums from corporations, unions and individuals for independent election expenditures but must disclose donors.
This week the group launched a six-figure media buy taking on eight House Republicans who voted in...
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Arnie Arnesen on Miserly Ideologues & Public...
After reading reports that New Hampshire GOP is broke, Arnie Arnesen penned an open letter to Jack Kimball (paywalled). It’s tongue-in-cheek, but she makes two serious points. Those who refuse to financially support the needs of this state’s citizens are equally unwilling to support their party; and those who are willing to fund conservative initiatives have more attractive...
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Everyone Loves Raymond: Bachmann Returns
Scenes from Michele Bachmann’s first visit to the Granite State after officially launching her 2012 presidential campaign, a house party in Raymond.
On a 12-month income tax holiday:
Former N.H. State Rep. Don Gorman, of Deerfield, said the entire country should put a moratorium on the income tax for a year. Bachmann’s reply: “That’s awesome! … You would have seen...
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Female Legislators Called "Union Whores"
GOP State Rep. Lee Quandt has been outspoken about calling out Speaker O’Brien and the GOP House leadership for their bullying tactics. Today, he described ugly, late night calls to legislators who oppose the so-called right-to-work legislation.
I call them thugs because of reports that they are calling female legislators that do not support RTW, in the late hours of the night and calling...
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Bachmann Returns
Michele Bachmann will be back in the Granite State today for a house party in Raymond. In her campaign roll-out, she has already established a pattern of fact-free commentary to fit her narrative.
Examining 24 of her statements, Politifact.com … found just one to be fully true and 17 to be false (seven of them “pants on fire” false). No other Republican candidate whose...
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Quote of the Day: There Is No Voter Fraud Problem...
The right to vote is a fundamental right that is guaranteed to all citizens of this State under the United States and New Hampshire Constitutions. An eligible voter who goes to the polls to vote on Election Day should be able to have his or her vote count on Election Day. SB 129 creates a real risk that New Hampshire voters will be denied their right to vote.
Voter turnout in New Hampshire is...
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Special Election Preview: Rockingham District 14
On July 5, 2011, a primary election to select the Democratic and Republican nominees for the Rockingham County District 14 State House seat will be held. The winners will meet in a special election on September 6, 2011 to fill the seat vacated by Republican Gary Wheaton, who resigned following his arrest in April on charges of driving after his license had been suspended for a reckless driving...
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Quote of the Day: Collateral Damage
“And if dogma trumps pragmatism and neither side budges, Indiana’s most vulnerable citizens could end up paying the price as the collateral damage of a partisan battle.”
— Judge Tanya Walton Pratt of the Federal District Court in Indianapolis, on Indiana’s attempt to cut off money for Planned Parenthood clinics.
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Executive Councilor Tries to Rewrite History
Yesterday, Dean Barker documented the Executive Council’s rejection of a two-year $1.8 million Planned Parenthood contract to provide health care services for New Hampshire women.
Steve Trombley, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England CEO, said he will continue to pursue the contract including the possibility of a legal challenge.
“We obviously don’t believe this is a...
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The Faithful Budget Accountability Project
The New Hampshire Council of Churches has announced the Faithful Budget Accountability Project, an initiative to “understand, quantify, and communicate to legislators the human impact of budget cuts made in the name of efficiency and living within our means.”
We need the strong participation of churches and social ministry networks statewide to document budget consequences felt...
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NY Approves Same-Sex Marriage: "It Is About Love"
KEITH OBERMANN: [Same sex marriage] won’t destroy the democracy; it doesn’t destroy the family; it strengthens the institution of marriage and its principal premise of fidelity; and it increases the number of people living in stable and loving homes.
This is, corny as it seems, not about politics or religion or power or lobbying. It is about love. … And your acceptance of...
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Quote of the Day: Crazytown
On Wednesday, June 22, the Republican supermajorities in the New Hampshire House and Senate launched an all-out attack on the people they were elected to serve.
The Republicans have made it to Crazytown in less than a year, and we look forward with great anticipation to 2012, when New Hampshire’s compassionate, moderate and sensible voters throw them out of office.
— Portsmouth...
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The NH GOP Assault on Women's Health (cont.)
This week, the five Republicans on the state Executive Council voted 3-2 to reject a $1.8 million, two-year contract with Planned Parenthood to provide women’s health services. Councilor Dan St. Hilaire, the deciding vote, cited the fact that the organization provides abortions as the reason he voted against the contract.
Last year in New Hampshire, Planned Parenthood saw more than 15,000...
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Quote of the Day: We Deserve and Expect Better
“I believe the people of New Hampshire deserve and expect better. This budget puts college out of reach for too many families, jeopardizing our state’s successful economic strategy; it will drive up the cost of health care, and put health care at risk for too many of our most vulnerable families; and it undercuts some of the basic workings of state government, impacting the services...
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Lynch Lets Budget Bills Become Law Without...
New Hampshire Gov. Lynch today announced that he will allow the budget passed by the state legislature to become law without his signature.
“In considering whether to veto the budget bills or allow them to become law, I have two major considerations: Could a veto result in a better budget for the people of New Hampshire, and what are the potential consequences of a veto for our people. …
...
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Romney Caught Taking "Inspiration from Europe"
When Mitt Romney launched his campaign, he was awfully disdainful of President Obama’s alleged “European influence.”
“Here at home, the president seems to take his inspiration not from the small towns and villages of New Hampshire but from the capitals of Europe. … President Obama’s European answers are not the right solution to America’s challenges.”
But...
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Quote of the Day: Frankly, I Am Impatient
[W]e must look for the quickest way to decrease our military involvement in Afghanistan, consistent with protecting our national security. Withdrawing 33,000 troops in this coming year is a welcome start, and the President’s commitment to end our overall combat operations on a clear timeline is equally important — just as it was in Iraq. And frankly, like so many other Americans, I...
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Legislature Approves Expansion of Deadly Force Law
Yesterday, the legislature approved a bill that would broaden New Hampshire’s deadly force law by making it legal for anyone to kill in self-defense “anywhere he or she has a right to be.”
The bill approved Wednesday is built on the Castle Doctrine, which says a person has no duty to retreat from intruders before using deadly force. The legislation also would expand...
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"O'Brien Doesn't Lead the House, He Misleads It"
On June 8, State Rep. Steve Shurtleff introduced a motion that the House vote on the right-to-work bill that had been vetoed by the Governor. His motion was ruled out of order by Speaker O’Brien and Rep. Cindy Rosenwald followed with a parliamentary inquiry. O’Brien replied, “You might consult with your minority leader who will remind you that on a veto of the medical marijuana...
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Bass Faces New Questions Over Biomass Investments
Roll Call has obtained a document that raises new questions about New Hampshire Congressman Charlie Bass’ investments in the biomass industry.
Bass strenuously denied allegations during the 2010 race that he had facilitated a 2006 meeting between then-Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman and Steven Walker, the CEO of a New Hampshire biomass firm known as New England Wood Pellet. Walker is...
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Quote of the Day: You Lose a Battle Now and Then
Governor John Lynch and Democrats have “lost” the veto overrides on some horrible legislation, but really he and Democrats won in so many other ways. … You lose a battle now and then, but when you stand for people and on the side of freedom and rights, you win so much more.
— Former State Rep. Jim Splaine, on bills eliminating the state minimum wage, requiring parental...
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Legislature Swayed by Tobacco Company Lobbying
In a speech on the Senate floor, GOP State Sen. Jack Barnes complained of the extraordinary lobbying effort from out-of-state tobacco companies for a 10 cents reduction on the cigarette tax.
“In all my few years up here I’ve never seen an industry twist and push our legislature the way the tobacco industry pushed. The robocalls that came in, calls I got the poor people were coughing and hacking,...
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NH GOP Chair Blasts Veterans Groups
New Hampshire GOP Chair Jack Kimball blasted veterans groups as “fronts for the left wing” after they criticized him for saying the reelection of President Obama would mean American military killed in action died ‘’completely in vain.’’
Kimball said his critics are taking statements he made out of context and they were not in any way a political sleight to veterans.
“I’m proud to...
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Charles E. Bass: What, Me Vote to End Medicare???
Addressing the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, New Hampshire Congressman Charlie Bass insisted, “The allegation that I voted to end Medicare is just absolutely factually false.”
I’ve already explained that Bass absolutely DID vote to end Medicare, replacing the current government-run insurance system that directly pays health-care providers with an entirely different...
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Quote of the Day: The People Hurt Most
The people hurt most are those least able to fight back. Students, those with disabilities, those with mental health issues, and domestic violence victims are not as well represented in these halls. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t equally deserving of help, or that no one should stand up for them.
5,000 New Hampshire citizens came to Concord to defend these individuals, and protest a budget...
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Veterans Groups Demand NH GOP Chair Apologize
Veterans groups demand New Hampshire GOP Chair Jack Kimball apologize to troops and military families for saying if President Obama is reelected, those who died in war will have died “completely in vain.” Kimball’s comments were captured on video while addressing the Hillsborough County Republican Committee Flag Day Picnic on June 12, 2011.
Groups condemning Kimball’s...
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The Legislature's Assault on Women's Health
In praising Gov. Lynch for his veto of parental notification legislation, Planned Parenthood reminds us that it is just part of a two-pronged assault on women’s health by the legislature, restricting abortion by requiring parental notification while simultaneously cutting programs that prevent the need for abortion.
“The Republican leadership in the legislature has made this restrictive...
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Quote of the Day: A Huge Common-Sense Deficit
Yes, it could have been worse, but that is small consolation to workers losing their jobs, poor people losing benefits, students whose already high tuition will spike, and everyone who needs or might need help addressing illness or disability.
We may enter July without a fiscal deficit, but the budget has opened up a compassion deficit that is gaping wider than ever. …
The state will...
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Fergus Cullen: Right-to-Work an "Ideological...
As I’ve pointed out before, New Hampshire right-to-work proponents have conceded that the legislation has nothing to do with jobs or the economy. Former New Hampshire GOP chairman Fergus Cullen agrees.
“It’s kind of much ado about nothing,” Cullen said. “New Hampshire is not a big union state. That’s not going to change, whether this passes or not. There’s not a big car manufacturer or an...
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The NH House Hits Just Keep On Comin'
If you’ve enjoyed the 2011 legislative session, be prepared to be similarly entertained next year. Tom Fahey describes a few of the more “eccentric” bills proposed by House lawmakers for the next session.
One bill bars some state workers from wearing “fragrances.” We’re not sure whether that means perfume or aftershave, and Rep. Michelle Peckham, R-North Hampton,...
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Kimball: Military Deaths in Vain if Obama Wins in...
New Hampshire GOP Chair Jack Kimball says if President Obama is reelected in 2012, the deaths of those who fought and died for this country will have been “completely in vain.”
Ladies and gentlemen, I’m looking at what has happened. All that we treasure lost: people, the loss of life, people who are psychologically and physiologically damaged for life, the sacrifices of the...
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Quote of the Day: Selling More Cancer Sticks
It is incomprehensible to us at a time when the state is cutting health care, higher education and portions of the social safety net to take revenue off the table, especially when that revenue comes in the form of cigarettes. … Cutting the cigarette tax immediately destroys $14 million in much needed revenues on the unproven and doubtful theory that the state will make it up in volume....
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Rick Perry: Texting While Driving a Natural Right
If Texas Gov. Rick Perry throws his hat in the ring for the GOP presidential nomination, I’m guessing he’ll be the favored candidate of New Hampshire’s Tea Party/Free State crowd. He just vetoed a bill that would have banned texting while driving.
“Texting while driving is reckless and irresponsible. I support measures that make our roads safer for everyone, but House...
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Right-to-Work: Neighbors Not Worried
New Hampshire right-to-work proponents have conceded that the legislation has nothing to do with jobs or the economy. Businesses in states that share our border agree.
Business leaders in Massachusetts do not seem worried that New Hampshire, which already has lower taxes, will draw companies away [if they enact right-to-work].
“We’re always concerned what happens on the other side of the border...
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Can a Moderate Republican Win the NH Primary?
Matt Bai makes the case for a moderate Republican, specifically Jon Huntsman, having a real shot at winning the New Hampshire presidential primary.
[T]he presidential primary electorate will be very different from the 2010 primaries for House and Senate. … In New Hampshire, where Tea Party types overran the state Legislature and wrested control of the state party last year, turnout in the...
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Rep. Emerson Describes Speaker O'Brien's Bullying
I’ve written previously about Speaker O’Brien’s bullying of Rep. Susan Emerson over her proposed amendment to the House budget bill. On a radio show with former state senators Peggy Gilmour and Bette Lasky, Emerson described the incident in detail.
Speaker O’Brien, when he found out I had one amendment to House Bill 1, took me in the Senate chambers. He was three inches...
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Magellan: Romney Maintains Big NH Primary Lead
Mitt Romney continues to maintain his front-runner position in the New Hampshire GOP presidential primary in a new survey from Magellan Strategies. 42% of those surveyed say if the election were held today, they would vote for Romney. His closest competitors are Ron Paul and Michele Bachmann with 10% each.
Compared to an earlier survey from Magellan, Romney has about the same level of support as...
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Quote of the Day: The $10.3 Billion State Budget
Cigarette prices will go down, college tuitions will go up and state services will be cut in the $10.3 billion state budget House and Senate negotiators agreed to Thursday.
— Tom Fahey, Union Leader
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Frank Guinta Discloses His Finances, 2010 Edition
After the all the controversy surrounding Rep. Frank Guinta’s 2009 financial disclosure statement — and restatement — this year’s disclosure statement is fairly ho-hum.
The infamous Bank of America “mystery bank account,” which first appeared on Guinta’s revised 2009 statement after questions arose concerning a $245,000 campaign loan, is not included in...
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Quote of the Day: "Totally Offended"
“I want to make it perfectly clear the Senate is totally offended by the actions of leadership in the House. I think that when we’ve made a deal and we have and we’ve worked through it for over 24 hours — your leadership in this committee has been very respectful … and I know there’s been difficult moments. But to come into the last hour and want to change...
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Gov. Lynch Vetoes Parental Notification Bill
Gov. Lynch tonight vetoed HB 329, which would requires parents or a judge to be notified before a girl obtains an abortion. Lynch reiterated his support for the involvement of parents in a minor’s decision to seek an abortion, but said a bill must meet the following requirements:
Contain exceptions for rape, incest and abuse. “A young woman should not be forced to involve the person that...
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State Rep. Urges House Speaker to Defy Supreme...
Today, in a unanimous decision, the New Hampshire Supreme Court declared HB 89 unconstitutional. Following that ruling, Rep. Andrew Manuse arrogantly urged the Speaker to ignore the decision and defy the Supreme Court.
“So, this is just clearly the wrong ruling. It’s a political ruling, I don’t think that we as a body should stand for it. I think we should continue with...
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Gov. Lynch Wields Veto Pen
Correction: SB 129, the photo ID voter bill, has not made it to Gov. Lynch’s desk for action today.
Governor Lynch has more than a dozen bills on his desk that require action by midnight tonight. This afternoon, he vetoed three of the bills.
SB 3: Making comprehensive changes to the state pension system.
Given the legislature’s stated intent to change this legislation further, and...
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Bonus Quote of the Day: Unconstitutional
[W]e conclude that HB 89, which removes entirely from the executive branch the decision as to whether to join the State as a party to litigation, would usurp the executive branch’s power to execute and enforce the law. Therefore, in our opinion, HB 89, as passed by the House, violates the Separation of Powers Clause and is unconstitutional. That being the case, it follows that HB 89 does...
