NH OUTLOOK, Monday, 8/5/2002
script iconPreshow script iconwebsite
script iconHello script iconTomorrow
script iconIntro Humphrey script iconGoodnight
script iconGordon Humphrey script iconfounders
script iconDiscussion script icontues PROMO
script iconIntro Marine Patrol script iconWed Promo
script iconMarine Patrol script iconkey: state politics / government
script iconShark Sightings script iconkey: crime / legal issues / law enforcement
script iconLab Protest script iconTonight 10:00
script iconTimber Sale script iconLaconia Chief


script iconPreshow
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Next on New Hampshire Outlook.
script iconHello
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Hello. I'm Richard Ager sitting in for Allison McNair. Welcome to NH Outlook.
script iconIntro Humphrey
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When voters go to the polls September 10, they'll be choosing primary candidates for Governor, Congress and the state house.
New Hampshire Outlook wants to help make those choices more informed. So from now until the primary, we're presenting profiles and conducting interviews of candidates in the key races.
We continue our coverage with the race for governor and a profile of Republican Gordon Humphrey.
script iconGordon Humphrey
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Humphrey campaigns tape 1 01;02:03 Hope you'll visit my website. I'm the tax fighter in this race." "You're the tax fighter." "Tax fighter."
Humphrey campaigns tape 1 01;02:49 "All right, I'm the tax fighter." "Tax fighter?" "Tax fighter." "I'll remember that." "Remember that - that's not too hard, is it?"
Track: It seems Gordon Humphrey has never met a tax he wouldn't fight. Born and raised in Bristol, Connecticut, he learned self-sufficiency at an early age.
Bite: Humphrey campaigns tape 3 2:01:35 Father worked in a factory all his life. From the age of 16 until he retired at 65. My mother used to, when times were tough, which was not infrequent, mother used to pitch in, worked in a factory herself, so you know, they taught me a lot about the work ethic, dependability, faithfulness to one another and to children.
Track: Humphrey served four years in the air force and became a professional pilot.
He moved to New Hampshire and became politically active in conservative causes.
Track: In early 1978, Humphrey flew around the state to announce he was running against Democratic Senator Tom McIntyre.
Track: Defying most predictions, Humphrey defeated McIntyre, a three-term senator.
Bite: LPA 225 00:48:35 I think they also voted for me because they're tired of high taxes, tired of these deficits that have led to this terrible inflation, inflation that has cut the dollar in half in the last ten years.
Track: Washington did not exactly welcome Humphrey. His blunt manner aroused criticism and columnist Jack Anderson labeled him the dim bulb of the senate.
Bite: LPA414 02:51:14 I didn't like that very much …. but you just have to try and shrug it off as best you can and move along, because if you worry about what other people think of you, you'll go nuts in this business.
Track: The election in 1980 of Ronald Reagan was embraced by conservatives like Gordon Humphrey, who could now pursue their agenda including strengthening the military.
Soundup: LPA349 01:29:54 USS Portsmouth - band plays - Humphrey in stand
Track: Gordon Humphrey personally oversaw the launch of the USS Portsmouth, a nuclear attack sub.
Soundup: LPA349 01:31:05 boat launched.
Soundup: LPA 364 08:41:21 My fellow citizens …
Track: But the greatest conservative cause was what became known as the Reagan tax cuts.
Bite: LPA 364 08:41:45 We must radically change the structure of a tax system that still treats our earnings as the personal property of the Internal Revenue Service.
Bite: LPA 364 08:45:02 It's going to be a brutal fight because every group that enjoys a special deal under the tax code is going to be fighting like blazes to preserve that special deal, and if we are to succeed in this, we must resist them all.
Track: The tax cuts passed, tax rates dropped, and deficits soared. Despite his conservative credentials, Humphrey defied his party on issues like banning flag-burning, saying it posed no danger.
Track: After some equivocation, Humphrey honored a pledge he made when first elected.
Bite: LPA414 02;52:17 I'm here to announce that two terms is plenty.
Bite: Humphrey campaigns tape 3 2:03:33 I strongly believe it's not good for our country that people like Ted Kennedy or anyone else makes a career of it. I think we'd be much better off if we had a constant turnover, you'd have a higher level of idealism and I think the country would be much better off, so that's why I did it.
Track: But Gordon Humphrey was not satisfied to just come home after doing his civic duty. He decided to run for state Senate.
Bite: LPA414 02:57:49 One usually serves in the state legislature and then the Congress after, but I like doing things backwards. I like challenging the conventional wisdom, and I would consider it an honor.
Track: Humphrey also challenged the gentile ways of Senate business, forcing many roll call votes and annoying a future governor.
Bite: LPA 100 22:15 ** I suggest that most of us here really are liberal on some issues and conservative on others. So trying to categorize all of us with labels is not really appropriate.
Track: After one term in the state Senate, Gordon Humphrey left public life for his home in Chichester, to make, as he puts it, an honest living with his consulting business.
Bite: 2000 Debate tape: 07:54:22 "There'll be no income tax if I'm governor. I make you that pledge and it's not a gimmick."
Track: Two years ago, Humphrey was back, losing the governor's race by 6 points to Jeanne Shaheen.
Bite: Humphrey campaigns tape 3 2:06:45 It's always tough to unseat an incumbent and we didn't quite make it. So I decided the next morning, to tell you the truth, after chatting with my wife, to stay right on the campaign trail. So I've been on this for three years in pursuit of a job that has a two year term.
Track: Over the past legislative session, Humphrey became a fixture at the statehouse, expressing his views on various bills and issues, including more high-speed internet connections.
Bite: OL52 01:16:27 It's ready to deliver anything the internet can deliver. The problem is there's a gap. Verizon refuses to connect this stuff.
Track: He also called gambling a scummy, sleazy business and vowed to veto any bill….
Bite: OL44 01:07:06 "that will expand gambling in the state of NH."
Track: Which upset many in the thoroughbred racing community.
Soundup: OL44 01:07:14 "I don't feel I'm scummy or sleazy."
Track: But for Humphrey, it's all been a part of getting his message out, and reestablishing his name recognition.
Bite: Humphrey campaigns tape 1 **1:11:18 "Did we meet yet?" Woman says "I know you, you're the tax fighter" Humphrey says "You get an A, very good, yes.".
Bite: Humphrey campaigns tape 2 1:17:52 Walk and talk- Richard "DO YOU THINK THERE IS SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT NH'S POLITICAL CULTURE THAT IS GOING TO DEFINE THIS ELECTION? "Well, there's certainly something unique about NH, it's called freedom. I mean if you look at Vermont, you look at Massachusetts, taxation. Here, we have a lighter burden, that's called freedom. That's what makes our state special. This is why we have a strong economy, this is why we have more jobs and opportunities for ourselves and our children. This is what attracts people to our state, makes it a prosperous place, a happy place. The keyword is freedom and that's what we have to protect."
Track: But Humphrey says that freedom does not extend to our school system.
Bite: Whippersnappers tape 01;11:37 The fundamental problem with education is that it's a monopoly. Sure there are lots of schools, but when you order parents to send their children to the nearest public school and no other, then with respect to that nearest public school and the community it serves, that's a monopoly.
Track: His solution?
Bite: Portsmouth forum tape 1 7:31:35 I propose a program of tuition tax credits which over a few years will empower more and more parents to choose another public school if they wish, a charter public school, a private religious school, private secular school, or home schooling with no strings attached.
Track/Standup: Humphrey expects the credits, which could be applied against state business and property taxes, would cost about $20 million the first year.
Soundup: Whippersnappers tape 1:02:01 Well for crying out loud, what is this thing? It doesn't say anything about the campaign. Go to the car and get some brochures out of the trunk.
Track: Humphrey has also proposed other ideas such as a reading initiative and greater ease in establishing charter schools. And he even has a kind word for Jeanne Shaheen.
Bite: Humphrey campaigns tape 3 2:21:48 One of the things she's done, as have other governors around the country and in our region, is to bring states together into regional compacts so that they can pool their buying power in the purchase of prescription drugs and get a better deal and then pass those savings on to those who need to access drugs, prescription drugs. That's a good idea and needs to be expanded.
Soundup: Ad Tape "Can you trust Craig Benson's record? Employees did, and his company eliminated 85% of it's NH workforce. It even had to pay millions when Benson fired a manager simply because she was a woman….
Track: Of course, there's been no kind words for rival candidate Craig Benson.
Bite: Humphrey campaigns tape 3 2:18:35 DO YOU THINK THE TONE OF YOUR ADS DAMAGES YOUR CAMPAIGN IN ANY WAY? Well the ads are factual. I think candidates actually perform a public service. This isn't after all a game of croquet. It's rough and tumble. And this kind of campaigning, as long as candidates stick to facts, certified facts, helps voters form judgements. If I weren't talking about the mismanagement of Craig Benson's company. How it's only a shadow of its former self, stock is under a dollar, 85 percent of the NH workforce has been eliminated, people wouldn't know it.
Bite: Humphrey campaigns tape 1 01:30:30 I think candidates perform a valuable service when they surface information about other candidates. It's all factual and I make no apologies, and I back off not one inch."
Bite: Portsmouth forum tape 3 8:25:21 I would gladly work for repeal and support repeal of the statewide property tax when we can do it right. Which means when we can do it with no danger of an income tax. No danger of a sales tax. No danger of an increase in the business enterprise tax. No danger of an increase in the business profits tax or a gambling casino on every corner.
Track: To bring that day forward, Humphrey supports a constitutional amendment to keep the court out of education funding, and he also wants to get rid of at least some of the justices.
Bite: Whippersnappers tape 1:26:25 It's time to draw a line in the sand, it's time to make some changes in the supreme court. I will advocate, I am telling you this morning- first time in public- I will encourage the legislature to bring a bill of address against certain members of the supreme court.
Track: Humphrey won't say which members should go, but there is little doubt that Chief Justice David Brock, who wrote the original Claremont opinion, is among them.
Soundup: Humphrey campaigns tape 1 01:24:36 "Jim, Gordon. Sometimes known as the tax fighter. People like that. It's catchy. So I'm adopting that. I'm introducing myself as Gordon Humphrey, tax fighter.
Track: Whatever the label of the moment Gordon Humphrey has clearly always been been one thing - to quote Tom Rath, state Republican chairman when Humphrey left the US Senate….
Bite: LPA414 02:55:45 ** He is a different sort.
Track: For NH Outlook, I'm Richard Ager.
Soundup: Humphrey campaigns tape 1 26:08 That's the tax fighter ad, right? We can't say that too often.
script iconDiscussion
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1: One thing I found interesting about Gordon Humphrey is how unconventional and independent he has been throughout his political life - he speaks his mind. The question is - is what he's saying something NH wants to hear?
2: He has been unapologetic about his advertising campaign attacking Craig Benson. How do you think those tactics play with NH voters?
3; BEcker poll - showing Humphrey and Benson only 2 points apart. - and Bruce Keough slipping - where do you think the undecideds are leaning?
4: IN the primary, it's usually the most dedicated - and most ideologically driven party members who turn out. Every candidate says they're conservative - but do you get a sense of which is drawing the most right-wing Republicans?
5: If Gordon HUmphrey wins the primary, how do you see him adapting to a race against either Bev Hollingworth or Mark Fernald?
script iconIntro Marine Patrol
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Turning now to the news.
A kayaker was seriously injured over the weekend after being struck by a motorboat.
It happened at Lake Monomonac.
Boating accidents are a frequent occurence in the Granite State.
A new law is designed to prevent them.
The Boater Education law became effective January 1. Phased in over seven years, it requires powerboat operators to be certified.
Allison McNair recently spent some time with members of the New Hampshire Marine Patrol to learn about some of the safety issues that helped bring about the law.
script iconMarine Patrol
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Sound of patrol - "Slow down,…"
Narr 1 - Where ever there's water, you'll probably find the marine patrol.
Jeff clip - "We're here so people can have fun and be safe while boating."
Narr 2 - The New Hampshire Marine Patrol police lakes, rivers and tidal waters throughout the state. They enforce boating laws and try to make the waterways safe.
Ally/Crystal - "What is the number one safety issue? There are several, but probably the most important thing to remember is to have life jackets."
Narr 3 - In fact, it's the law. Children, five years of age and under are required to wear life jackets. Every person on board a boat, must have one at hand. Supervisor Crystal Drouin points out that it's important to keep them close at hand.
Ally/Crystal - "Ally - What happens if the jackets are tucked away? Well, the time it takes to get them out could mean the difference between living and dying."
Shot of boat going by with children wearing life jackets - "That's what we like to see. Too bad the adults aren't wearing them as well."
Shots of boaters
Narr 4 - There are more than 100,000 registered boaters in New Hampshire and that number continues to grow. Lake Winnipesaukee is the busiest of the inland lakes and keeping things organized on the water is critical.
Ally/Crystal "Ally - I think of a highway with lanes - it's not the same here. Boats go where ever. That's right and they are of all size boats, canoes to cruisers….people need to be aware of what's around them all the time"
Narr 5 - Heavy traffic poses a greater threat to small craft, like sailboats, canoes and kayaks.
Jeff - "When there's a small chop on the water or the sun reflects off of it, these small boats need to be well marked with colors so they are more visible. It's easy not to see them."
Narr 6 - Take away the daylight, and boaters face a new set of problems.
Jeff - "It's certainly a different game. It's for the experienced and those who are very familiar with the lake. Our officers need to have special qualifications to patrol at night."
Ally/Crystal - "Ally - Are there speed limits out here? Some lakes have specific rules - in general, there's a headway rule which is - if you're within 150 feet of another boat or swimmers or docks, you must reduce your speed down to 6 mph maximum." "And they'll slow down at night? Hopefully."
Sound - "Reduce your headway speed please!"
Ally/Crystal - "Ally - For many, boating is a leisurely activity. They may think of the boat as a toy - does that sometimes get in the way of safety? Sometimes. There are boaters who come out and are not prepared for the conditions they may face - weather, traffic and wakes."
Narr 7 - According to the NH Department of Safety, there are about one hundred boating accidents reported every year. Many more go unreported. So, by 2008 all boat operators who have more than 25 horsepower on their craft will be required to pass a boating course.
Crystal - "It will be available in the classroom and on vhs tape to study at home. Also it is available on-line. So hopefully, everyone will have access to it."
Ally/Jeff - "What advice can you give to novice boaters who might be coming here for the first time? The best thing to do if you can is to go out on the lake with someone and get a feel for the lake."
Narr - For NH Outlook, I'm Allison McNair.
script iconShark Sightings
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Briefly; Two shark sightings have forced the closure of Wells Beach in the Gulf of Maine.
Swimmers were ordered out of the water on Sunday and Monday after the sightings.
One of the sharks was twelve feet long.
Experts say the sharks were likely feeding on smaller fish drawn close to shore by warm water.
There has never been a confirmed shark attack in Maine or New Hampshire waters.
script iconLab Protest
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Dozens of New Castle residents have signed a petition opposing a proposed Marine Laboratory and pier in their community. The protestors say the 14 - million-dollar project has not been well-planned. A spokesman for the program at The University of New Hampshire says the pier replaces an old one and will be about 200 feet shorter. Citizens plan to take their case to a Board of Selectman meeting August 19.
script iconTimber Sale
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The National Forest Service is withdrawing approval for the sale and logging of a portion of the White Mountain National Forest. Following the appeal of The Conservation Action Project the Forest Service reversed its earlier approval. It's the second time in a month the Forest Service has reversed itself on a timber sale in New Hampshire.
script iconwebsite
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For information on our program, and links to our guests and interviews,
visit our web site at nhptv.org.
You can see and hear streaming video of our broadcasts.
If you've got a story idea or comment on our program, click the feedback button on our website.Or, call us at 800-639-2721.
script iconTomorrow
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On the next New Hampshire Outlook -
The race for congress. Hear from two Republican candidates Eugene Douglass, District 2 and Vivian Clark, District 1.
script iconGoodnight
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That's it for this edition of our program. For all of us here at New Hampshire Public Television, I'm Richard Ager. Thanks for joining us. We'll see you next time on New Hampshire Outlook.
script iconfounders
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Thanks to our founding sponsors who have provided major funding for the production of New Hampshire Outlook:
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
Public Service of New Hampshire
Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust
Putnam Foundation
Stratford Foundation
script icontues PROMO
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Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook.
Hear from two Republican candidates for Congress. Eugene Douglass, District 2 and Vivian Clark, District 1.
Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television.
script iconWed Promo
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Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook.
The race for governor. We'll profile Republican Gubernatorial hopeful Craig Benson.
Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television.
script iconkey: state politics / government
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NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:8/05/02 / 2200
HOST: Allison McNair Length:10:05
In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included a profile and discussion about Republican candidate for Governpor Gordon Humphrey.
PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager
NAME OF PARTICIPANTS:
Gordon Humphrey\R - Candidate for Governor
Dave Delisle\NH Thoroughbred Breeders Assoc
script iconkey: crime / legal issues / law enforcement
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NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:8/05/02 / 2200
HOST: Allison McNair Length: 4:30
In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included a report on marine safety. llison McNair recently spent some time with members of the New Hampshire Marine Patrol to learn about some of the safety issues that helped bring about the law.
PRODUCER/REPORTER: Allison Mcnair / Phil Vaughn
NAME OF PARTICIPANTS:
Geoff Pedersen\NH Marine Patrol
Supervisor Crystal Drouin\NH Marine Patrol
script iconTonight 10:00
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Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook.
Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook.
script iconLaconia Chief
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Laconia has a new police chief. Lieutenant Thomas Oetinger has been promoted. The 20-year police veteran, will replace William Baker, who is resigning to take a job with the federal Justice Department. Baker leaves Friday, after three and a half years as chief.
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