Message from NH GOP 5-28-2007
MEMORIAL DAY: We pause today to remember those who wore the uniform in the past, and to thank those who make us proud of their service today.
SEN. LARSON’S TAX INCREASE: Last Friday, the day before the holiday weekend when it would escape much notice, NH Senate President Larson introduced a new 6.5% current use tax. This tax would be paid to the state, on top of the 10% already paid to the town, when a landowner transfers land out of current use. Current use is one of those little policies that makes New Hampshire great: It provides an incentive (really, a thank you) for landowners who maintain their land undeveloped, usually while also allowing others to use it for recreation or just to enhance scenic vistas, without having the land taxed at its market value. Just over half of all land in NH is estimated to be in “current use,” and even if you do not directly benefit from the tax break, you do benefit in terms of maintaining the rural character of our state. I hope all Republicans will contact your legislators and urge them to say no to Sen. Larson’s current use tax increase.
FIRST DEBATE IN THE FIRST IN THE NATION STATE: On June 5, all the Republican candidates will be in NH on June 5 for the Union Leader / CNN / WMUR debate. If your local committee isn’t planning a debate watching party, why don’t you organize one? Either way, tune it!
JUNE 6 PRESIDENTIAL GALA DINNER: The next night is our annual dinner at the Center of NH Radisson Hotel in Manchester. Five candidates are confirmed (Sam Brownback, Duncan Hunter, Mitt Romney, Tom Tancredo, and Tommy Thompson) and we may pick up one or two more, and CSPAN will be covering it live. Tickets at $125 each. Call us at 225-9341 for more info or register online: https://webp2.i4servers.net/nhgop.org/donate.html
THE WHALLEY AMENDMENT: House Republicans, led by Mike Whalley of Alton, have come up with a positive ed funding amendment that significantly improves on the Governor’s proposal. The Whalley/Republican amendment establishes the legislature, not the courts, as the superior policy-making branch on the issue; acknowledges that ed funding can be a shared responsibility between the state and local communities; allows targeting; and lowers the threshold of court scrutiny. This amendment deserves widespread support.
QUOTES OF THE WEEK: Sen. Maggie Hassan of Exeter gets herself nominated for Head Nanny of the Democrat’s Nanny State with this quote defending mandatory seatbelt laws: “I am not doing this because I think I know what’s best for anybody else,” said Sen. Maggie Hassan, an Exeter Democrat who co-sponsored the seat-belt bill. “But I do know what’s best for…my constituents.” (Concord Monitor, May 22). Far better is GOP Rep. Andy Peterson’s reply: “This is a bill that people are going to feel impacts their lives before they even get out of their own driveways.” Meanwhile, Gov. John Lynch, as usual, can’t make up his mind on the seatbelt law: “The governor is continuing to talk with lawmakers about the issue,” said Lynch spokesman Colin Manning. Does the Gov. have a gut reaction – suggesting a core value – about anything?
WELCOME: To our new Executive Director, Steve DeMaura, who started with us two weeks ago. Steve is a product of Peterborough’s Con-Val High School and George Washington University. Among Steve’s responsibilities, look for a totally revamped website soon. You can reach Steve at steve@nhgop.org or 225-9341.
JOB OPENING OF THE WEEK: A friend of the party noticed this posting online recently (this is not made up!): “PRESS SECRETARY – Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) seeks a press secretary for her DC office. Must have experience dealing with the press,
knowledge of issues and excellent writing skills. Will be responsible for dealing with press inquiries, pitching stories, writing press releases and writing material for online communications. The ideal candidate will have experience in a Congressional press office or on a political campaign. Specific knowledge of New Hampshire politics is a big plus. Please send an email with a resume and three writing samples to —.This position will be filled quickly.”
A wag from Sullivan County suggested the job description also should have mentioned “you must wear a flower in your hair, know how to picket, organize sit ins and refuse to support our national interest” while another wag from Manchester suggested experience removing feet from other people’s mouths might come in handy. For more on CSP, check out http://www.therealdemocratstory.com/carol.shea-porter/filecabinet.cfm
GOOD LUCK: To Mike McGrath, our state rep candidate in a special election in Manchester’s Ward 2 tomorrow, Tuesday. Last minute help is welcome; contact our Political Director, Allison Ryan, at Allison@nhgop or 225-9341.
IN THE NEWS: “The Democratic excesses in the Legislature absolutely are energizing Republicans who may have been passive in the last election,” said Fergus Cullen, chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party. “I hate to see these things being passed for policy reasons. But politically, these are opportunities for us to rebound in 2008. Democrats are putting us back in the game.” http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070506/NEWS02/205060381/-1/news
“The Democrats were given the majority last year, but they were not voting to change New Hampshire from a Live Free or Die state to an East Vermont,” Cullen said. “Our leadership has always trusted adults to be adults, and we don’t need laws for everything.” http://www.eagletribune.com/punewsnh/local_story_133093834?keyword=secondarystory
Despite Senate Democrats’ efforts to put the brakes on some House measures, GOP Chairman Fergus Cullen warned that “from a political perspective it’s too late; the damage is done.” These bills are reminiscent of the proposal to ban smoking in restaurants and bars, which passed the Senate, he said. “Democrats have treated adults like children.” The election, Cullen added, “was not a mandate to turn New Hampshire into Vermont.” http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070512/REPOSITORY/705120401/1037/NEWS04
HUMOR: “Did anybody see the debate? It was really weird. After the rebuttal, John Edwards demanded two minutes for conditioner.” – Dave Letterman
“The Queen was welcomed with a 21-gun salute. Well, 22 if you count Cheney’s gun, which went off accidentally” –Jay Leno
Fergus Cullen
Chairman, New Hampshire Republican Party
10 Water Street
Concord, NH 03301
603-225-9341
fergus@nhgop.org