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 Preshow Return to index of stories... |
Next on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Hello Return to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Allison McNair. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Intro libertarian primer Return to index of stories... |
Much of the 2002 election coverage has focused on candidates from the two recognized parties in the state: Republicans and Democrats. But 15 Libertarians running for office in the Granite State, including 3 for Congress and one for Governor. In this program, we'll profile the candidates running for Governor and Federal office. But first, some background from Ben French. |
| libertarian primer Return to index of stories... |
TRACK 1: less government, more freedom- that's the foundation of the Libertarian party. SOT: Belforti; "it's live free or die" TRACK 2: Dan Beleforti is running as a libertarian for Congressional District one. As one of over a dozen libertarians running for state office, he's set on protecting people from force and fraud. For Libertarians, that means keeping more of the people's money in the people's pockets. SOT: that's how the founding fathers designed it. They were very wise and philosophical men TRACK 3: Some Libertarian party positions include abolishing taxes and expanding our free market economy to include social security, healthcare and education. SOT: 12:41 computers for example get faster and cheaper every year. Wouldn't it be nice if schools got better and cheaper - I mean there getting worse and more expensive and kids are graduating not knowing how read if you had a school in the free market system that couldn't read they would be out of business we don't have that now because we don't have competition we don't have free markets ***BUTT*** 19:38 we would have a lot of experimental education going on that the very wealthy could afford at first but those principles we would learn what works what didn't and it would be distributed down so it would be very affordable for everyone TRACK 4: While many Government services are cut back or removed entirely under a Libertarian model- Libertarianism does provide for three services: Police, courts and a military reserved for homeland defense. As you'll see in our interview with John Babiarz later in the show, Libertarians plan to make change one step at a time. SOT: ***BUTT*** 56:08 The other agency we would look at is the Liquor Commission ***BUTT*** 56:26 Lottery Commission…I don't see why that agencie has to be that big TRACK 5: Because the primary election is reserved for Democrats and Republicans- the general election is a time for Libertarians to get out the vote. SOT: T1 42:41 its better because your there when the real decision is made but you run the risk of not being part of the conversation during the primary. TRACK 6: Former Attorney General and Republican activist Tom Rath says the state has a good number of undeclared and independent voters but strong democratic and republican support still wins out on Election Day. SOT: we are still a state built around that process, that partisan process- and I think it hard there's not the tradition here as there may be say in Maine where they have elected recently two independent Governors we don't tend to have that in this state. SOT: 8:45 I think that's going to change but as it stands now the two party system is essentially A Monopoly. They do their best to keep us out of the debates and the media is obviously not as interested in us because we don't have the big money with the advertising budgets that parties have so they're less inclined to cover us and they wouldn't want to upset their bread and butter by covering third party candidates. STANDUP: The Libertarian party was officially recognized in 1992, '94 and '96. they have has since lost ballot status due to lack of votes? SOT: its hard to maintain it its hard to sustain it you might get one or two candidates her are really good candidates who are very articulate and have a very compelling message but you got to keep a feeding system going- TRACK 7: For primary ballot status in 2006, the libertarians will need at least four percent of the vote this November. Libertarian candidate, Ken Blevins has gained the necessary votes in the past, without major funding, and says he can do it again. SOT: I agree in the general market sense that you have to sell yourself and you have to have the money to do it but eventually people are going to start to understand what these peple are buying. It's actually costing the taxpayers. It's influencing the free market if you will, by raising this money it has to come from somewhere and the cost goes back to onto the public eventually. If oyu have a candidate that diodn't raise anything it would cost the public nothing. TRACK 8: In addition, to the Libertarians running for the states four highest offices, 11 Libertarian candidates are running for State representative. Candidates like Blevens are hoping to bring their issues forward and clear up any misconceptions of the libertarian party along the way. SOT: 26:28 We represent freedom- We don't represent control- but with a responsibility. TAG: FNHO,IBF. |
| Intro Babiarz Return to index of stories... |
John Babiarz is running for Governor. His wife Rosalie wants to replace Representative Charles Bass in Congressional District 2. NH Outlook's Chip Neal spent some time with the husband and wife Libertarian team. |
| Intro Dan Belforti Return to index of stories... |
There is also a Libertarian candidate looking to represent voters in Congressional District One. Producer Tai Freligh spent some time with Dan Belforti. |
| Dan Belforti Return to index of stories... |
SOT Dan Belforti 16:57:22 Forum I'll be honest. I'm not going to go to Washington begging for handouts from the federal government. I'm gonna be looking to work with the other representatives from around the country to reduce federal control over the economy. That is the problem, not the solution. TRACK Dan Belforti is not afraid to speak his mind. SOT 54:32 Tape 2 Dan standing with group of people, says "there's a lot of things the federal government does that we shouldn't continue to fund." Girl: "Such as?" Dan: "How about the department of education for one." Girl: "You don't feel that they should fund that?" Dan: "Well, I think we should be funding education, but do we need all those bureaucrats in Washington telling all these states and local communities what to teach in the classroom or should we be leaving that up to parents and the local schools?" TRACK He grew up in Massachusetts and studied engineering at the University of Lowell. Dan Belforti:47 Tape 1 I went to MBA school several years later after working as an engineer for a while at GE Aerospace. Building all the missiles and bombs that hopefully we'll never use. We use to call it white collar welfare because we knew that we weren't going to be using these things otherwise it would be the end of the world. TRACK Dan discovered the Libertarian Party twelve years ago. SOT Dan Belforti 3:25 Tape 1 even then I had strong opinions as most people do and I liked Bill Weld from MA. He was one of the better candidates, I thought. Come to find out later he calls himself a Libertarian. BUTT BITES Dan Belforti 3:58 Tape 1 But I think his policies of fiscal conservatism and personal responsibility I come to find out these are really Libertarian principles. He was running as a Republican but essentially was espousing Libertarian principles and that's how I discovered Libertarianism. SOT Dan Belforti 8:38 Tape 1 NEW HAMPSHIRE IS PRIMARILY A TWO PARTY STATE. New Hampshire and the rest of the country for that matter. And I think that's going to change. But as it stands now, the two party system is essentially a monopoly. They do their best to keep us out of the debates. And the media, obviously, is not as interested in us because we don't have the big money you know, with the advertising budgets that the big parties have. And they wouldn't want to upset their bread and butter by covering third party candidates, so that's a hurdle that Libertarian Party candidates have to get over. TRACK Dan runs his own company, Belforti Investment Management, from his home in Portsmouth. He campaigns when he can. Earlier this month he participated in his first forum on New Hampshire Public Television. SOT Dan Belforti 16:34:24 Forum I believe that it's premature to discuss going to war with Iraq in the first place. Saddam Houssein has agreed to go forth with inspections. So until we determine that he has weapons of mass destruction, he hasn't used them against anybody, we don't try people for crimes they haven't committed yet. Therefore I think it's premature to discuss war. TRACK This day he invites supporters over to his house to watch the forum.. Later, they hit the streets of Portsmouth to shake hands. NATS 44:38-44:57 Tape 2 "I'm Dan Belforti. Pleasure to meet you. I'm running for Congress in our district." Girl looks at Dan and points and says "Oh! I saw you tonight! I did!" Dan turns and looks at camera and says "How do you like that? Somebody watches public television in this state." TRACK While the Libertarian Party doesn't have as much support as the two major parties, Dan doesn't mind. He embraces the party's philosophy wholeheartedly. SOT Dan Belforti 28:40 Tape 1 I think there is a bumper sticker that says we are pro choice on everything. And essentially we believe in individual freedom of choice on every issue. You wanna smoke pot, smoke pot, just don't hurt anybody else. You wanna gamble, fine, but you know don't steal from your neighbor to get the money and again the same with drugs. BUTT BITES SOT Dan Belforti 12:34 Tape 1 If we allowed competition to foster in education and healthcare, we'd have similar situations there. You know, computers for example. They get faster and cheaper every year. Wouldn't it be nice if schools got better and cheaper. I mean, they're getting worse and they're more expensive. Kids are graduating high school not knowing how to read. If you had a school in a free market system who graduated a kid who couldn't read, they'd be out of business. You don't have that now because we don't have competition, we don't have free market. TRACK Like all the candidates, trying to get his message heard is Dan's focus between now and November 5th. NATS 52:45 Tape 2 Dan standing next to two guys. One guy says "what are your views?" The other guy says "I gotta get out of here, sorry." and then walks off camera. Dan laughs. Then first guy says "Yeah, actually I'm late too. See ya guys." And walks off camera. NATS 1:00:25 Tape 2 Dan to girl: "Do I have your vote November 5th?" Girl: "Absolutely." Dan "Dan Belforti" Girl: "Thank you". Dan: "Libertarian candidate for congress." TRACK In Portsmouth, I'm Tai Freligh for NH Outlook. |
| Intro Ken Blevens Return to index of stories... |
Ken Blevens is the libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate. As producer Ben French shows us, Blevens is hoping to put the Libertarian party back in running in more ways than one. |
| Ken Blevens Return to index of stories... |
NAT/SOT: T1; 12:47:40 We have Ken Blevens in Studio. If you're not familiar with that name get familiar with that name. He is the libertarian candidate for US Senate. TRACK 1: Ken Blevens loves to talk about the issues of New Hampshire and the rest of the country… He's hoping to have a stronger voice in Washington as the states next US Senator. SOT:. "There are three obligations as far as Congress goes. Defense, pay the debt and general welfare." TRACK 2: Blevens was a republican before becoming an independent candidate for US Senate in 1992 and again in '94. He first ran as a libertarian candidate for US Senate in 1996 and for Governor in '98. It was the Libertarian principals of life, liberty and property that drew Blevins to the party. SOT: T1: 15:02:36 I'm basically a conservative, especially with my own things and what's been happening is the republican party has been drifting from their conservative ideas and so forth. TRACK 3: Blevens, a realtor and father of three, lives in Bow. He's most notably recognized for the 1996 Senate campaign, where he captured 4.5% of the vote, the largest ever by a libertarian candidate running for federal office. SCAN-DO '96 senate election results http:/webster.state.nh.us/sos/general96/sum-chesuss.htm SOT: 17:55 KEN, WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO RUN THIS YEAR? Well Ben This year in particular there's not much difference between the democrats and the republicans- people really should have another choice. Both candidates want to use tax money to subsidize the cost of prescription drugs that doesn't lower the cost all it does is take money from you out of another pocket education is another is with me. The Bush plan to nationalize education if you will- both of my opponents are in favor of that and I'm not because I believe it will head down a socialist path. 40 Sec. SOT: We're with Ken Blevens….Ken I've be seen the recent poll numbers… TRACK 5: Although the Bleven's campaign coffers are small in comparison to his opponents multi-million dollar war chests- he is counting on handshakes and free media coverage to get his message out. NAT/ SOT: It's very hard getting high profile candidates on a cable access show and I appreciate that your coming Yeah I understand that TRACK 6: We were able to catch up with Blevens in Henneker. He was preparing for an upcoming appearance on a local cable talk show. I asked him about the recent congressional resolution on Iraq. SOT: 14:27 the president is wrong and the congress is wrong. The President is wrong to ask for the war powers act under the conditions that have been brought forward but not only that the congress is absolutely wrong because there is no constitutional authority for them to delegate that power to a third person. It is their power and their power only - until the people make a change in the constitutional law allowing them to do that they can't do it. Once again the politicians have taken the law into their own hands at the highest possible level. This is wrong I want to see it stopped NAT/SOT: 24:35 yes, we will get into it because Ken has opinions on everything. THANKS, DAN I DO. Yes I know. TRACK 7: On WGIR's Dan Pierce Show- the Second Amendment, specifically the issue of allowing pilots to carry guns in the cockpit was discussed. T2; 16:31 The people that own the airlines should make the decision not government and if you want to work at an airline that arms pilots that's your choice that's freedom - that's the free enterprise system and then when somebody buy a ticket they can fly with you either with arms or without arms- and that's their choice TRACK 8: And that issue of Choice is one that reverberates throughout Bleven's policy ideas. SOT: T2; 15:11:21 TRACK 9: Blevens also applies freedom of choice to what he calls 'responsible use' of illegal drugs. SOT: T1 12:55:30 The majority of people take the responsibility on themselves for their own lives and that's what freedom is about- that's what the Libertarian stand is about. TRACK 12: Polls show Ken Blevens as a distant contender in the race, but he's hopeful the message of less government and more freedom will win him votes. SOT: T2; 25:36 As a libertarian in Congress it would be a very powerful position and if people want real freedom and the freedom that libertarians offer without the control but yet they have to take responsibility- they should vote for Ken Blevens. TAG: For NHO I BF. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - The impact of negative ads on the voters and the campaigns. It's a program with a little show and tell. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this edition of our program. For all of us here at New Hampshire Public Television, I'm Ally McNair. Thanks for joining us. We'll see you next time on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| founders Return to index of stories... |
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 |
| key: State Politics/ Govenment Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK AIR DATE/TIME: 10/21/02 22:00 HOST: Allison McNair LENGTH: 26:46 MINUTES In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly new magazine, we continue our NH Votes 2002 coverage, with profiles on the granite states Libertarian Candidates. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Chip Neal, Tai Freligh, Ben French PARTICIPANTS: John Babiarz \Gubernatorial Candidate Rosalie Babiarz\Congressional Candidate - District 2 Dan Belforti \Congressional Candidate - District 1 Ken Blevens \US Senate Candidate Peter Flynn\Host of 'Insight' |
| key: Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: **/**/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 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 PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. . Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |