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 Preshow Return to index of stories... |
Next on New Hampshire Outlook tonight. The electoral college votes. We'll introduce you to the four people chosen to cast New Hampshire's votes in this historic election. And we take a tour through the State House with some fourth grade students from the Wheelock School in Keene. |
| Headlines Return to index of stories... |
Good Evening. I'm Allison McNair. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. We begin tonight with a summary of New Hampshire news. |
| NH Elects Bush Return to index of stories... |
There were no suprises here in New Hampshire, as electors around the country gathered to cast their ballots. As expected - the four New Hampshire Republican electors chose George W. Bush for president and Dick Cheney for vice president. Bush carried New Hampshire on November 7th by 72-hundred-11 votes. New Hampshire was the only New England state won by the Republican Texas governor. Today's electoral college vote is the subject of our focus tonight. In just a few minutes, you'll meet the people who cast ballots on behalf of the citizens of New Hampshire. |
| NH Supreme Court Return to index of stories... |
Supreme court nominee Jim Duggan says there's no quick fix to repair damage done to the state's highest court by this summer's impeachment of Chief Justice David Brock. Duggan heads the state's appellate defender program and teaches at Franklin Pierce Law Center. Duggan appeared before the Executive Council today. He said - if appointed to the bench - he'll work to help reduce the court's backlog. The Executive Council meets Wednesday to vote on Duggan's nomination. |
| Fuel Assistance Return to index of stories... |
New Hampshire residents will be getting a total of 12-million dollars to help the poor heat their homes this winter. Governor Jeanne Shaheen announced the new total this afternoon. The money will be on its way as soon as the new federal budget is signed into law. |
| Tax Breaks Return to index of stories... |
With consumers bearing the brunt of rising fuel costs, town officials in Derry are considering rewarding those residents who use alternative sources of energy. Under the proposed plan, residents using solar panels to heat or make electricity for homes they would save about 180 dollars a year in taxes. Those using wind power would save just over 100 dollars, and those using wood stoves would get about a 40 dollar tax break. Supporters say the plan would encourage more people to do their part to conserve natural resources. More than 50 New Hampshire communities already offer similar tax breaks. |
| Governor Tea Party Return to index of stories... |
It's that time of year when people gather in the work place to celebrate the holidays. Governor Jeanne Shaheen took time out today to thank state employees at the annual holiday tea. This afternoon, workers lined up for holiday greetings and thanks from the Governor at the state house. |
| Summary Wrap Return to index of stories... |
That's the news summary. We'll be back with our focus on the electoral college and more after the weather. |
| Weather Forecast Return to index of stories... |
TONIGHT PARTLY CLOUDY LOW IN THE LOWER 20s TOMORROW BECOMING CLOUDY HIGH LOWER 30s WEDNESDAY CHANCE OF SNOW AND FREEZING RAIN HIGH IN THE LOWER 30s |
| In Electoral College Return to index of stories... |
Today is the day the president is truly elected. Around the country, 538 members of the electoral college met to cast their ballots on behalf of the more than 100 million Americans who voted this year. In NH, four members of the Republican party made their choice - in a ceremony that until very recently attracted little attention. As producer Richard Ager shows us, this year was different. OUT: |
| ELECTORAL Return to index of stories... |
Soundup: Electoral college tape 1 04:00 electors come in Track: Before THE election, came another election. The four NH members of the 2000 Electoral College had to choose, among themselves, a president, a secretary, a teller, and a doorkeeper. All part of the tradition and procedure of the Electoral College. Soundup: Electoral collegetape 1 05:35 "Elector Alida Weergang?" "Most happily here." Track: The college is as old as the republic itself. It was designed by the founding fathers to ensure the President would be a person known and accepted by all the states. This has been a year to learn much more about the college and its electors than we ever anticipated. Soundup: Electoral college tape 1 09:34 **"Those opposed. None. Congratulations Madame Secretary." Track: Elected as secretary - was Augusta Petrone. She is one of 538 Americans - none of them federal politicians or officials - to serve as electors. So who are these people who make the final Presidential choice on our behalf? And what is this college they attend for less than an hour? Track: A long-time Republican volunteer, Augusta is married to Joe Petrone, the state finance chairman for the Bush campaign, which has its advantages. Bite: Electors tape 1 10:45 THIS DOES SOUND LIKE A VERY GOOD WAY TO MAKE SURE THE ELECTOR DOESN'T CHANGE THEIR MIND AT THE LAST MINUTE - IS TO BE MARRIED TO THEM. Very good point. He's bigger than I am. Track: Like all the electors, the Petrones are loyal party members - true Republicans. In fact, their home was formerly used by President William Howard Taft as a summer white house. Bite: Electors tape 1 04:55 WOULD YOU HAVE BOUGHT THIS PLACE IF TAFT HAD BEEN A DEMOCRAT? Oh - - that's a very difficult question. We only have kind ghosts in here. We probably would have. We probably would have. THAT'S TOLERANCE. We're tolerant. Some of my best friends are Democrats. Track: Except, of course, during an election campaign - and this year's unexpected aftermath. Bite: Electors tape 1 21:25 It's been exciting being part of it and my empathy goes to the electors in Florida. We've had relatively minor pressures here - actually very intelligent letters being sent to us. From both sides. Some say don't get wobbly - some saying don't you think you should go with the popular vote. Soundup: Electoral college tape 1 17:54 The vote that each of you electors will cast truly will determine who the next president is, and it shows us the foresight that our founding fathers had when they established this democracy. Soundup: Electoral college tape 1 20:08 "I would make the motion that we vote for president of - the great United States". Track: Alida Weergang never thought she would be casting a crucial vote in a Presidential election. She immigrated to this country with her parents in 1960. She has built a life here, operating two schools of hair design in Hudson and Manchester. Electors tape 2 12:10 When they voted on it at the state convention of the Republican party, I was sort of in awe. Wow, I don't ever give any big-time monies to the party. I've always been a volunteer and I've put in a lot of hours, and I'm a grass-roots person, a people person. Soundup: Electoral College tape 1 23:00 **Alida checks the ballot Bite: Electors tape 2 6:52 I feel extremely honored because this is not the country of my birth. But it is the country of my choice. I became a citizen in 1970 and have been a loyal voter since then and I am proud of that fact. Also, I find it unique that I am an immigrant - not a son or a daughter of immigrant parents, but I myself am one. And I think it makes for me, it's a double honor. Soundup: Electoral College tape 1 21:00 Wayne MacDonald marking a ballot. Electors tape 3 17:28 I suppose, each elector, regardless of which side you're on because it is so close, you kind of hold the presidency in your hands for this brief moment in time. Track: As Rockingham County Republican chairman, Wayne MacDonald has pursued this moment as diligently as he seeks out those who try to cheat the government. Soundup: Electors tape 3 19:38 "Janet, I was wondering, did you order the criminal record for this?" Track: MacDonald is a welfare fraud investigator for the NH Health and Human Services. But his passion is politics and history. He rejects the notion that Al Gore, who got more votes, should be president. Bite: Electors tape 3 12:30 Well, in one respect, it is the popular vote that's choosing. The popular vote state by state. And the thing that we have to remember is we're a nation of states. The whole concept of a nation of states, of a federal system of government, is ingrained in our history. It was intended by the founding fathers. The whole concept of a nation of states and of a federal power structure means that the popular vote of every state's important. The electoral vote gives every state that importance. So I understand the argument that the national vote-the popular vote nationwide-isn't consistent with the electoral vote, but certainly the popular vote state by state is. 13:12 Bite: Electoral college tape 1 13:35 As an elector for the state of NH, I am proud to cast my ballot today for these gentlemen. In doing so, I am serving my country well and just as importantly, honoring the will of my fellow citizens of NH as was expressed on Nov. 7. Soundup: Electoral college tape 1 22:00 Duprey hands ballots to Gardner - announces "NH casts its four electoral ballots for George W. Bush for President of the U.S." Track: This ceremony may have been enjoyed most by Steve Duprey, the Republican state chairman After all, it is a chance for NH Republicans to earn some brownie points… 6:15 I think after Pat Buchanan ran strongly and won in '96, and then again with John McCain running, we clearly weren't favorites with the Bush family. So it's very nice to be able to be the state that helped make him President of the United States, and we hope he'll remember that well in four years. Soundup: Electoral college tape 2 40:56 The electoral college stands adjourned… Track: And now that it's over, and 2004 is still some time away, maybe Duprey can finally unpack and get back to his property management business. Electors tape 3 10:00-"Talk about unpacking." "George Bush signature. Right? Hey, hey, that's a fresh one. You can count on that." 10:09 Track: Oh, one last thing - even though state law doesn't mandate it, every elector voted the way they said they would. Electors tape 2 11:00 SO YOU DON'T PLAN TO SHOCK THE COUNTRY? No, I'm not. I think I would be deported. Back to the Netherlands I go. |
| intro guests Return to index of stories... |
There is much debate going on now about the electoral college and the balloting system. Joining me now in studio to talk about these issues is Mark Wrighton, Political Science Professor at the University of New Hampshire. Welcome. |
| Electoral discussion Return to index of stories... |
questions: Over the past 200 years, over 700 proposals have been introduced in Congress to reform or eliminate the Electoral College. There have been more proposals for Constitutional amendments on changing the Electoral College than on any other subject. Why is it still around? In 1992, Ross Perot got 19% of the vote and zero electoral college votes. Clearly, the electoral college works against any emergent third party - or protest movement. Given that the winner of the popular vote, Al Gore, lost the electoral college, will that invigorate efforts to change or abolish the college? should there be changes to the electoral college system? what will that mean for state's rights? what about the balloting system? Should we have a uniform system of balloting? What about everyone in the country voting at once, saying over a weekend, to make sure polls close at exactly the same time nationwide? |
| Thank guests Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to my guest Mark Wrighton, Political Science Professor at the University of New Hampshire. |
| BP Bump Return to index of stories... |
Electoral Fact Before this year, the last time the electoral college winner lost the popular vote was in 1888. |
| Business Outlook Return to index of stories... |
Here's a look at some of the stories making headlines in New Hampshire business. |
| Hospitals Combine Return to index of stories... |
One of the nation's leading cancer treatment centers is teaming up with Frisbie Memorial Hospital to provide services to the Rochester area. A Dartmouth-Hitchcock oncologist and an oncology nurse practitioner will begin treating cancer patients at Frisbie. The partnership is designed to improve care and treatment while allowing patients access to resources, including participation in the latest clinical trials. |
| Reaching Retirement Return to index of stories... |
What about the next generation? Farmers in Litchfield are wondering who will run their family-owned businesses when they retire. According to the Nashua Telegraph, of all the family-run farms in Litchfield, only 58-year-old Charlie McQuesten has someone to hand the farm to when he retires. His son plans to take over the business. For those who don't have sons or daughters, selling the land may be how they fund their retirement. |
| Snow Machine Return to index of stories... |
If there's snow they will come. That's the attitude of city officials in Nashua, who are looking to purchase a 65-hundred dollar snow machine to fill Roby Park. Officials say a lack of fresh snow has affected the park's ability to attract people to Nashua's most popular sledding hill. The plan calls for the purchase of one snow gun, and if necessary, a second later in the season. A final decision on the snow machine will come in week. |
| Intro Tour Return to index of stories... |
If you are between the ages of 9 and 22, the odds are you've experienced what we're about to show you. We're talking about the state house tour that nearly every New Hampshire elementary school child goes on. And if you've been on it, then you've already met Ken Leidner, tour guide to more than 150,000 young people over the last dozen years. OUT: |
| State House tour Return to index of stories... |
Soundup: Kids Tour tape 1 20:12 AUDIO "All right. Well, I'll tell you what. I want your group to go inside. Just to the left are two coat racks." Soundup: Kids Tour tape 1 21:14 You're gonna put your lunches right there… Bite: Kids Tour tape 3 32:45 My name is Ken Leidner and my title here at the New Hampshire statehouse is director of the state house visitor center. Bite: Kids Tour tape 1 23:04 There are over 150 people working throughout the entire building- can someone raise their hand and suggest what types of voices we need to use? 23:14hands go up-"quiet voices"-- quiet voices, very simple. Bite: Kids Tour tape 3 38:42 What we- we meaning the staff here-always have to keep in mind is that this is not a museum- this is a working building. Soundup: Kids Tour tape 1 25:15 Take some time to look around, if you brought a camera that's terrific you can take pictures. Bite: Kids Tour tape 3 26:08 ; I like the hall of flags cause I like army stuff and I was curious to see what they looked like. Bite: Kids Tour tape 1 29:00 "He asked why all the flags were ripped up, well there are two reasons- one is age- the flags in the large cases are over a hundred and thirty five years old. Two - they are from the civil war. And many of those flags were carried into battle by the soldiers from New Hampshire. Bite: Kids Tour tape 1 34:09 . Now- Corporal Knight was with the ninth regiment and during the civil war at the battle of Petersburg- all by his lonesome- he captured a whole bunch of confederate soldiers by himself.……. So you have somebody from Keene that won the medal of honor- kinda goes along with the flags- pretty cool huh "yeahhhh"-all right- got something else to show you. Bite: Kids Tour tape 3 30:30 I learned that lots of people from Keene were part of New Hampshire's history. Soundup: Kids Tour tape 1 42:19 Well, this is called Representatives Hall- you've talked about this in social studies… Bite: Kids Tour tape 3 35:08 If you've ever tried to explain the abstraction of government to a nine year old you know what I'm talking about…. So I try to get it down to their level- how this institution is run as their school institution is run- how can come up with ideas- how they already do come up with ideas on a local level in their own little lives. Bite: Kids Tour tape 3 25:02 I like the Representatives place- cause I like the voting box- I like hitting all the buttons in the voting box. Soundup: Kids Tour tape 2 50:50 You get paid for whole year- one hundred dollars - that's it. "that's all??" you get elected for two years so how much do you get paid for two years- that's right- two hundred dollars. Bite: Kids Tour tape 3 35:55 You'll notice the reactions on their faces- sometimes I wonder whether they realize how little it is or at their age they think $100 is a whole lot of money. Bite: Kids Tour tape 3 29:59 my favorite part of the tour was when we visited the senate chamber I like when we got to vote about what we thought should be the new state ice cream No. Soundup: Kids Tour tape 3 1:004:23 So it will be double chocolate chip cookie dough, Bite: Kids Tour tape 3 24;45 I like sitting in Jeanne Shaheen's office meeting chair. Bite: Kids Tour tape 2 13:03 Who wants to be governor? it's a lot of responsibility though - the governor- remember when we made our state ice cream flavor? Well, you as Senators voted yes and we can probably assume the House of Representatives would vote yes too, right? Now the governor gets to make a decision- the governor can say, I like it and sign her name to it and it becomes a law- or the governor can do something else- did you learn what that something else is? Bite: Kids Tour tape 2 14:30 ….So that's what we call the checks and balances- that not just one person gets to be real bossy and say here's what we want here's how we do it- they get a lot of people involved in it- and everybody is listened to which works out pretty well. |
| website/phone Return to index of stories... |
For information on tonight's program, and links to our guests and interviews, visit our web site at nhptv.o-r-g. You can give us your feedback, see and hearing streaming video of our broadcasts and participate in our daily poll. You can also call our toll free number with feedback and story suggestions. The number is 800-639-2721. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
Tomorrow on New Hampshire Outlook - 16 years ago, Anne Marie Reynolds was sent to prison for killing her husband. She was paroled earlier this month and last week was deported. Hear what she has to say to women who may find themselves in similar siutations. She speaks exclusively to NH Outlook. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this edition of New Hampshire Outlook. For all of us here at New Hampshire Public Television, thanks for joining us. Stay tuned for Granite State Challenge. We'll be back tomorrow at 7:30. Good night. |
| PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. 16 years ago, Anne Marie Reynolds was sent to prison for killing her husband. She was paroled earlier this month and last week was deported. Hear her exclusive story, tonight at 7:30 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Gregg -Bush Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Gregg-Bush jayhmrfnfls Gregg says Bush ready to make changes -- New Hampshire Republican Senator Judd Gregg says President-elect Bush is ready to turn campaign rhetoric into reality. Gregg, who advised Bush during the campaign and served as his sparring partner in preparation for the presidential debates, met with the Texas governor and Senate leaders today. Gregg says now that the campaign is over, Bush can get down to business and turn his ideas into plans. Gregg says Bush set out his agenda for the next four years, and that key issues will be finding a long-term solution to the country's energy problems, the budget, education reform and tax cuts. Gregg reiterated that though he has discussed the possibility of being offered a federal appointment from Bush, it's not something he would accept because it could upset the balance of power in the Senate. But he said everyone was pleased with Bush's appointment of Colin Powell as secretary of state. |