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 Preshow Return to index of stories... |
Next on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Hello Return to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Richard Ager sitting in for Allison McNair. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Intro Benson Return to index of stories... |
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 Craig Benson. |
| Benson Return to index of stories... |
Soundup: Benson Campaigns Tape 2 **2:04:46 Benson walks up to man and says "Hi, how are ya?" Man says "Mr. Benson, right?" Benson says "Yeah, Craig Benson, good to see you." Man says "Yeah, I see ya on the movie, on the tv, that's why I recognized you right off." Track: Probably no one in NH has ever become so well known so quickly as Craig Benson. Before his ad campaign began running last fall, Benson was known mostly in business circles as one of the two partners who founded Cabletron. In the months since then, Benson has been running for governor, telling his story through public appearances, ads and media interviews. Soundup: Benson Campaigns Tape 1 1:14:40 "Come on, you can come in." Track: On this day, he spoke about his boyhood in New Jersey with columnist Kurk Simoneau of the Telegraph in Nashua. Bite: Benson Campaigns Tape 1 1:19:06 I was a very bad asthmatic when I was a kid. Inhalers, I had to get three shots every week. My mom had to give me the shots. Bite: Benson Campaigns Tape 1 **1:23:05 Closeup of tape recorder on table and Kurk's hand writing on legal pad while Benson talks "And it just taught me that you gotta face your fears and you gotta deal with them." Track: Benson also overcame a speech impediment, earned a business degree and worked in Boston before starting the high-tech startup called Cabletron. Bite: Benson Rotary Club tape 00:12:13 Benson "We did it a different way.. We moved to Rochester. We hired people from the shoe industry. A town that was down and out turned it around because we moved there because we gave people a chance to participate in a high tech company." Track: Cabletron made many of the components of what became the Internet, and in the process earned Benson hundreds of millions of dollars. But in recent years, the company has faltered, shedding most of its work force and share value and splitting into four parts last year. Bite: Benson Campaigns Tape 3 3:13:05 YOU'RE SAYING ONE OF YOUR STRONG POINTS HAS BEEN YOUR MANAGERIAL AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS IN BUILDING THIS UP, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, IT HAS, LIKE SO MANY OTHERS, COLLAPSED. Well, it's a tough market right now, and I haven't been running the company, nor been employed by any of these of these companies for over three years now. BUT YOU HAVE BEEN ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Yes, but we don't run the companies. We just come in on an advisory basis. So it's not like we're sitting there, day to day, managing the activities of what goes on. SO WHAT KIND OF ADVICE DO YOU FIND YOURSELF GIVING? I KNOW YOU ARE VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE MARKET CONDITIONS. SHRINK? Unfortunately. RIDE OUT THE STORM? Unfortunately… unfortunately, the market place is very tough right now. Every single company is and has shrunk from where they were. We have put ourselves in a great position because we have a lot of cash on hand. And the cash on hand will allow you to weather the storm. Soundup: Benson BBQ tape 01:16:04 "We'll be all right. With your help, we'll be all right. Hi, I'm Craig Benson." "I know you are.""Enjoy." Track: Now Benson is riding out a different storm - the Republican primary. Soundup: Benson ad tape: The Claremont case has been dragging on for more than 11 years. The student who was in kindergarten when the case started is now getting ready to graduate from high school. Track: In his ads and speeches, Benson says…. Bite: Benson Rotary Club tape 00:13:22 This election comes down to one thing. It's a young lady named Wendy Woodman who just graduated from Stevens High School in Claremont NH a couple of weeks ago. Bite: Benson BBQ tape 01:29:40 She was in the first grade when the Claremont lawsuit was filed against the state of NH and unfortunately, her entire school life was spent in a system that is broken. Now the political solution to that is to bury our heads in the sand and hope the problem goes away. The practical solution is to do something with it and stop the rhetoric. Unfortunately, politics is too much about rhetoric and not enough about results, and it's time to turn that around. Track: So Benson has worked on selling his 'common sense' education plan - on this day, to the editorial board at the Telegraph. Bite: Benson Campaigns Tape 4 3:42:08 "How would it work?" "Can I talk about the whole thing, Kevin? Because I think it's important." Well, sure." "I'm trying to look at education as, more than just funding. To me it's got a significant quality aspect associated with it. You have to fix the whole education program, and then fix the cost aspect of it." Bite: Portsmouth forum tape 2 07:52:58 We're now sending around $900 million to schools in the name of education. Most of that money isn't even ending up in the classroom, unfortunately. What I would do under my Common Sense Education Plan is freeze that amount of money because we're only making the problem worse by sending significantly more funds around. That would protect that towns that are getting it now and it would also mean that they know how much money they are getting. The other thing I would like to do is tell them exactly how much they are getting over the next five years. Bite: Benson Campaigns Tape 4 3:45:05 WHAT DO YOU FEEL ABOUT VOUCHERS. I believe we need choice in public schools, because competition creates better product. You know, when I was in business, we had a lot of competitors. I have to tell you, I hated every one of them. But they made me a lot better than I was the day before that, I'll admit to it. WHERE DO YOU SEE THE COMPETITION COMING IN - IS IT WITHIN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM OR OUTSIDE OF IT? Well, both. I want to see choice outside of public schools, so that, if you hate the Nashua public school, you want to send you're child to Hudson, you can as long as there's an opening. The money transfers with the student. And, so I think that creates competition amongst public schools. And I'd also like to see charter schools. Bite: Benson BBQ tape ***01:25:34 "I'm in Rye too." "Well I want to cap your property tax so your money is not all going to property tax. Capping it at 6,8 or 10 percent of your income - that's it. Bite: Portsmouth forum tape 3 08:23:36 As governor, would you support and sign legislation similar to HB 140 which passed the House this past session, that would sunset the state property taxes as of April, 2004? " Bite: Portsmouth forum tape 3 8:24:10 I would not. I would look at - that particular bill was meant to create an income tax or a sales tax and I don't think that's what we need in the state of NH. My long term goal is to eliminate the statewide property tax but first we need to get rid of the donor towns. Benson Campaigns Tape 2 02:04:05 ** "I'm not a big fan of gambling, but we'll look at that." Soundup: Benson Campaigns Tape 2 **2:07:35 "Now's the time for a conservative Republican governor." "Craig Benson, a conservative Republican? Track: That counterpart, Republican candidate Gordon Humphrey, has run a number of ads attacking Benson's record, including a case in which a female Cabletron employee who was fired sued for sex discrimination. Bite: Benson Campaigns Tape 3 3:23:42 WHY DO YOU THINK YOU ENDED UP HAVING TO PAY A $2 MILLION SETTLEMENT? What we had in Cabletron was a very fast and dynamic organization. We went from a couple hundred people to a couple thousand people in the blink of an eye. And the capability of people to keep up with that wasn't always- it's not always possible for people to keep up with that rate of growth. Some people outstripped their capabilities to keep up with that type of growth and keep their job responsibilities. We tried the best we could to find them new opportunities and so on and so forth, sometimes we did need to make the change, and it was hard. Track: Not surprisingly, Benson is reluctant to talk directly about the issues raised by his opponents, including Benson's donations to Jeanne Shaheen's last gubernatorial campaign. Bite: Benson Campaigns Tape 3 3:26:34 So I did have to support some people to get electricity deregulation done, and now we did get it. Bite: Keough tape 2 04:00 I think that in listening to Gordon talk about it, he was personally offended that as the nominee for the party in the last election, the Bensons chose to support Jeanne Shaheen over Gordon Humphrey. I think it's a little bit personal for Gordon. Bite: Benson Campaigns Tape 3 3:26:56 I don't know what the motivation is. But I will say that three hundred and fifty thousand was raised at my house for George Bush, that went to the state Republican party to use, to put into the state and federal race at the time he was running for president, so, Gordon Humphrey, his campaign benefited hugely from that fundraising I did, so I think he, if that's the case, needs to remember that party. Soundup: Benson Campaigns Tape 2 02:31:45 "That guy won't stop with that nastiness." "Just ignore it." Track: Benson has responded with his own ads… Soundup: New Benson ad Track: And he has kept his sense of humor throughout the campaign, even about an unexpected arrival at the beginning of our interview. Bite; Benson Campaigns Tape 3 03:00:59 "Hello Jeanne, good to see you." "Hello , just here to have lunch." "Not easy, is it?" "You didn't ask for her vote, come on." "I don't know if I could count on it." Soundup: Benson Campaigns Tape 1 **1:13:02 Camera is on the driver- Craig "I'm working all the sweet shops throughout the state. I figure people who go in there are happy." Soundup: Benson campaigns tape 4 Ice cream shop - scooping ice cream Soundup: Benson BBQ tape 01:18:02 "Please, sit down. Enjoy yourself." "I am. This is really nice of you." "My pleasure." Track: Along with an ad campaign that has cost over half a million dollars Soundup: Bricks to clicks ad Track: and a sophisticated multimedia website… Soundup: Website sound Track: Benson has hosted a series of barbeques around the state, providing free meals, music and political paraphernalia. Bite: Benson Campaigns Tape 4 3:48:30 WHEN YOU DO THAT KIND OF THING AROUND THE STATE, YOU'RE GOING TO GET A REACTION - "HE'S TRYING TO BUY VOTES." I think New Hampshire people are smart, they're not necessarily going to take to that kind of thing. We have had some nice events, and then people go off, they make their own decision. But, I don't think you can buy someone's vote with a hot dog. Soundup: Benson BBQ tape 1:14:10 Benson's wife comes up, he kisses her and then she follows him around table, he introduces her, "this is my wife, Denise." Bite: Benson Campaigns tape 5 5:01:30 Craig understands the problems of this particular city- we don't care about Manchester but he understands the problems of Nashua, right Griff?" "Yes" Track: Though he has never held elective office, Benson has worked to get political endorsements for a contest that he regards as a cause. Bite: Benson Campaigns tape 5 5:03:45 It's time to stand up and fight for this state if we want to keep it the way it is. Bite: Benson Campaigns tape 5 5:03:45 We have issues in our education system. We have issues in our reform of state government. We have a health care system that is teetering on breaking, and then we have an economy that needs to be retooled. And I know we can do it without a sales or income tax even though a lot of people think those are necessary evils at this point in time. Track: And to reach his goal, Craig Benson is pursuing every supporter he can. Bite: Benson Campaigns Tape 1 **1:09:53 Benson looks down at list on lap and says "The Chief in Conway is undecided? Get out. How did we screw that up?" Track: For NH Outlook, I'm Richard Ager. Bite: Benson Campaigns Tape 1 **1:10:40 Benson on phone "Hey Chief, it's Craig Benson. I want to talk to you about the Governor's race and uh some questions and concerns you may have regarding it. I was wondering if you could give me a call. |
| Intro Discussion Return to index of stories... |
Joining us now to talk more about the race for Governor, Andy Smith of the UNH Survey Center and Dante Scala of the NH Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College. |
| Discussion Return to index of stories... |
1: Craig Benson made his name and fortune in business. Do you think NH is ready to vote for a businessman whose company is now in trouble - especially at a time when business scandals are in the news? 2: What do you see as the basis for his appeal so far? What themes are resonating? 3: He has been the recipient of some very critical ads run by opponent Gordon Humphrey. Do you think he has been hurt by those ads? Is this where Bruce Keough comes in? 3; All three Republican candidates claim to be conservatives. Which has been most successful at winning support among the most conservative voters? He has been criticized by the Union Leader for trying to buy the election, and for his donations to Democrats in the past. 4: He has spent a lot to put on BBQ's and other events around the state - spending a lot on ads - has even vowed to donate his governor's salary to a state employee innovation fund. Is there a potential backlash to such obvious signs that this candidate "is not like the rest of us"? 5: If Craig Benson wins the primary, how do you see him adapting to a race against either Bev Hollingworth or Mark Fernald? - personal story interesting - overcame speech impediment - in time to pitch for financing as they were establishing Cabletron - never run for office - but has definite political skills - overcame early missteps by campaign workers |
| intro Voters voice N.Country Return to index of stories... |
As a part of our continuing coverage of the 2002 campaign , we want to know what voters across the state are thinking. In this report Chip Neal travels to Lancaster and environs for a look at what's on people's minds in the North Country. |
| Voters voice N.country Return to index of stories... |
voters voice n. country - Reporter Chip Neal visits the North country to sample the political landscape as the election approaches. He speaks with Edith Tucker of the Coos County Democrat who talks about the conservative tilt of the area except for Berlin. We also visit with life-long republican Tom Brady who runs the family owned Six Gun City in Jefferson. His concerns include solving the education funding crisis and building better roads in the north country. And we visited with Stan Holz in Whitefield. Stan owns the Village Gun Shop. His concerns center around bringing business into the area. He asks why there isn't a UNH campus up there. We also meet some people on the street who voice opinions about the campaign. People do not want to be lied to and they don't want a "dirty" campaign. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - We'll interview Second Congressional District Incumbent Charles Bass and in the First Congressional District, John Stephen. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this edition of our program. Thanks for joining us. |
| 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 |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. We'll interview republican candidates. In the Second Congressional District Incumbent Charles Bass and in the First Congressional District, John Stephen. Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| News Briefs Return to index of stories... |
Finally, here's a brief look at the news. |
| key: state politics / government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:8/07/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 10:32 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 Governor Craig Benson. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Craig Benson\R - Candidate for Governor Roger Wood\Portsmouth Forum moderator Bruce Keough\R - Candidate for Governor Bernard Streeter\Mayor of Nashua |
| key: community politics / government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:8/07/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 4:55 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 glimpse at the political concerns in Lancaster. As a part of our continuing coverage of the 2002 campaign , we want to know what voters across the state are thinking. In this report Chip Neal travels to Lancaster and environs for a look at what's on people's minds in the North Country. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Chip Neal NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat Tom Brady\Owner, Six Gun City Stan Holz\Owner, Village Gun Shop Bill Thompkins\Whitefield Rhiannon Oglessby\Berlin David Connelly\Berlin Murray Glines\Lancaster |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |