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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Making news this week: Governor Benson withdraws his education nomination. Gov-Elect Lynch adds to his transition team. NH casts its 4 electoral votes, and the fight to preserve the state's first in the nation primary. Joining us from Concord: Norma Love from the Associated Press, and Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph-- and here with me in the studio, James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com and Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and TalkShow Host at WTSN-1270 AM. Welcome. |
| Executive Council Return to index of stories... |
We begin with the battle over who should be the next state Education Commissioner. Governor Craig Benson recently nominated John Graziano, the Newfound Regional Superintendent to replace Nicholas Donahue -- whose term expired in mid-November. The nomination was slated for a vote by the Executive Council on Wednesday --but, was taken "off" the table before the meeting even got underway. It was clear the Governor did not have the votes to confirm his pick as the next education chief -- so, at the last minute --Benson pulled Graziano's name from consideration. Q NORMA/KEVIN: What should we make of all this? Q Up til last year it was the Bd of Education that NOMINATED a candidate. Legislature gave that power to the Governor. Isn't he supposed to CONSULT with Bd of Ed??? |
| Heed Return to index of stories... |
Peter Heed's name has re-surfaced again -- in connection with the Attorney General's post. He stepped down from the post this summer amid controversy -- and was replaced by Kelly Ayotte --whose term runs out in March. Ayotte says she wants to stay on as Attorney General. Q NORMA/KEVIN: Any sense as to what's likely to happen. |
| Lynch Transition Return to index of stories... |
Just this morning -- Governor-elect Lynch -- named a 2-person team to evaluate state government's approach to Information Technology. HMM.This sounds familiar. Governor Benson championed that issue as well. Shortly after getting elected, Benson launched a "STRATEGIC INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PLAN" aimed at upgrading capabilities -- saving taxpayers money -- and making government more efficient. Q So, James what's the deal. Who's been tapped for this task -- and what exactly are they going to be LOOKING at?? . will release report first week Lynch is in office. |
| Electoral College 1 Return to index of stories... |
Turning to Presidential Politics. On Monday, New Hampshire's 4 presidential electors cast their ballots for Democrats John Kerry and John Edwards. Kerry of course, carried NH -- but, lost nationally. This year's electors: former Governor Jeanne Shaheen, Kerry's National Campaign Chair. Judy Reardon, Kerry's regional campaign director. As well as Senator Peter Burling and Representative James Ryan. This year there were some FIRSTS involved in the process. The Electors were chosen by the Democratic party to take part in the ceremony that dates back to the nation's first election. Q MIKE/JAMES: Does the John Kerry victory signify a SHIFT in NH's political landscape??? It was only NORTHEAST state "last time" to go for the President 4-years ago. morning. While there are no ongoing presidential election recounts in the state, that's not the case elsewhere. A recount in Ohio isn't expected to end until next week. Protesters there say Ohio's electors shouldn't vote until the recount is over. |
| Shaheen & Primary Return to index of stories... |
Former Gov. Shaheen has also been appointed to represent the state on a new Commission -- that will look into the Democratic Partys Nominating Process in the Presidential Election-- and whether that process should begin in Iowa and New Hampshire. NH, Of course, wants to hold on to its long tradition of being the "first-in-the-nation" primary. Q JAMES: You covered this one -- What's the scoop? Q KEVIN/JAMES: Michigan and Pennsylvania looking to wrestle away NH's role in the Nominating PRocess? |
| phone jamming Return to index of stories... |
President Bush's former New England campaign chairman promises to fight a federal indictment in the jamming of "get-out-the-vote" phone lines Election Day 2002 in New Hampshire. State Democrats-- who have sued over the jamming-- accuse James Tobin of involvement in the conspiracy. Tobin insists the allegations are without merit. Q The U.S. Magistrate Judge James Muirhead -- had harsh words for Tobin saying he was." No different than a street hooker in Manchester". He called the disruption of the electoral process an "Outrage against the constitution". He even threatened to jail Tobin if he got so much as a speeding ticket before his trial Feb 1st. REACTION?? |
| Easy Pass Return to index of stories... |
When you head over the river and thru the woods to grandmothers house this holiday season -- Expect to be greeted by the usual congestion at the Tollbooths. But-- there is good news to report. The state will be rolling out its E-Z Pass system this spring -- with a target day of Memorial Day. At a news conference Friday morning, Governor Benson said he expects the 30-dollar transponders to be snatched up by a couple hundred-thousand motorists. They will allow drivers to pass thru special toll lanes and get billed later on their credit cards. Q MIKE: I believe they want to start with Spaulding Turnpike and then deal with the busier Hampton I-95 tollbooths. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to Norma Love and Kevin Landrigan in Concord, and James Pindell and Mike Pomp, here in Durham. And, Thank you for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. We'll see you next time. |
| Lynch Financial Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Lynch Committee Presidential Electors ersnmlflsman CONCORD, N.H. - There won't be any controversies looming for New Hampshire's four presidential electors as they officially cast their ballots for Democrats John Kerry and John Edwards today. But that isn't true across the country. For example, about 100 people demonstrated in Ohio yesterday. Demonstrators say that state's electors should wait until a statewide recount is over. It's not due to end until next week. More demonstrators are planning to rally in Ohio today. Ohio's results so far say President Bush won there by about 119-thousand votes, guaranteeing his victory over Kerry. Ralph Nader ordered a partial recount in New Hampshire. But it showed few inaccuracies. The state's electors are due to gather at 10:45 a-m this morning, then vote. Lynch pledges inaugural finances will be public ersho CONCORD, N.H. - Governor-elect John Lynch says his inaugural committee will make its financial records public. The committee is a nonprofit organization that plans the inauguration, inaugural balls and other official functions of the governor's office. Lynch is a Democrat, but the committee includes former Republican governor, Walter Peterson. Lynch made ethics and bipartisanship key campaign themes. The committee will raise funds through sponsorships and ticket sales. Lynch said the committee would file a financial report by March 1, then annually thereafter. He also pledged that committee funds wouldn't be used for his personal benefit or for campaigning. Lynch is due to be inaugurated on January Sixth. He's planning two balls afterward, the first on January Eighth. |
| Lynch jobs Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - Governor-Elect John Lynch wants citizens to start applying now for positions on state boards and commissions. He has launched a Web site for his new administration. It helps people apply for the government openings. It also asks for suggestions about how to improve state government. It's available at w-w-w-dot-n-h-dot-gov-slash-governor-dash-elect. |
| Kathy Sullivan Return to index of stories... |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, December 15, 2004 Contact: Nick Clemons 603-225-6899 SULLIVAN ANNOUNCES REELECTION EFFORT New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Kathy Sullivan announced today that she will seek reelection for a fourth term as chair. “I am very honored by the number of people from all over the state who have asked me to run again.” Sullivan said. “If the Democratic State Committee is kind enough to elect me to another term, my priorities will be to continue to build the grassroots organization that was so effective in 2004, recruit candidates early for offices up and down the ticket, and to provide support to our elected officials. With John Lynch as governor, I am looking forward to a new day of bipartisan cooperation on the issues that matter to the people of New Hampshire.” New Hampshire Democratic Party officer elections will be held on March 12, 2004, in Concord. ### Nick Clemons NH Democratic Party 2 1/2 Beacon Street Concord, NH 03301 603-225-6899 603-225-6797 |
| EDUC CMSR Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - Governor Craig Benson today withdrew his nominee to be New Hampshire's next education commissioner. The decision not to offer Newfound Regional Superintendent John Graziano for confirmation came after Benson met with executive councilors this morning and learned he did not have the votes to confirm Graziano. dewst CONCORD, N.H. - Faced with a lack of support, Governor Craig Benson has withdrawn his nominee to be New Hampshire's next education commissioner. The nomination of Newfound Regional Superintendent John Graziano was scheduled to come before the Executive Council this morning, but three of the five councilors said if it did, they'd vote no. Councilors Ray Burton of Bath, Ruth Griffin of Portsmouth and Peter Spaulding of Hopkinton told The Concord Monitor they would oppose Graziano. Benson spokeswoman Alicia Preston said after meeting with the council for breakfast today, Benson decided to pull Graziano from consideration. Governor-elect John Lynch had asked the council to let him choose an education commissioner. graziano Gov. Craig Benson nominated a new education commissioner Wednesday despite a request from Gov.-elect John Lynch that he be allowed to fill top jobs going forward. Benson’s nominee is Newfound School District Superintendent John Graziano. Benson praised him as someone who came up through the ranks and who is “up for trying new things.” If confirmed, Graziano would replace Nicholas Donohue, whose term ended Nov. 15. Benson withdrew his nomination of Marc Coro for presiding judge of Nashua District Court after failing to get Executive Council support for him. Coro was the subject of a sexual harassment complaint four years ago and councilors heard testimony from the woman at a hearing last week. The council did approve four of Benson’s judicial nominations — John Coughlin to the Derry District Court, Stephen Morrison to Dover District Court, Gerald Boyle to Concord District Court and Robert Stephen as a part-time judge at the Derry court. Stephen is the brother of Health Commissioner John Stephen. Councilor Peter Spaulding spoke against the confirmation saying Stephen lacked the legal experience to serve on the court. The Republican councilor from Hopkinton also was concerned that Stephen had been arrested for drunken driving five years ago. “I just think it’s an inappropriate appointment,” he said. Stephen’s confirmation went through 3-2 with Councilor Ruth Griffin also voting against it. Benson said after the council meeting he did not consider his actions discourteous to the incoming governor and that previous governors have done the same thing. Benson also nominated and won confirmation for a new commissioner of the Department of Employment Security. Richard Brothers of Thornton, who ran unsuccessfully for the state Senate, will replace John Ratoff of Exeter at a salary of $89,000. “It’s time to try somebody new over there,” Benson said. But Lynch spokeswoman Pamela Walsh said she hoped the council would hold off confirming anyone as education commissioner until Lynch can make his own recommendations. “Governor-elect Lynch would hope the Executive Council would extend to him the same courtesy they did to Benson when he took office and leave open major appointments,” she said. The majority of the council, however, said they would entertain the nomination and only Spaulding said he would vote against Graziano because he felt the nomination should be made by the new governor. “I’m voting no, because that’s one of the most important positions in state government,” he said. Of the other councilors, only Ray Burton said he knew and liked Graziano. Other councilors said they would make an effort to learn more about the candidate before their final meetings on Dec. 15 and Jan. 4. “If I like him, I’d vote for him,” Councilor David Wheeler said. Graziano said he received a call from Benson on Tuesday night and that was the first discussion they had about the position. “I’m delighted. I’m proud,” he said. As for the timing, “my position is not to get involved in the politics,” he said. Graziano has a history of engaging communities in their schools, encouraging individualized learning and involving students in what Benson calls “real world learning,” giving students credit for experiences outside the classroom. Before taking the Newfound job three years ago, he served as principal of Pembroke Academy and principal in Farmington and Stratford. Benson also said a new judicial nomination — David LeFrancois, a part-time judge in the Auburn District Court. Benson said he will ask the council to approve Coughlin for the Nashua District Court position, instead of Coro, and then have LeFrancois take the judgeship in Derry. ========= Gov. Craig Benson nominated a new education commissioner Wednesday despite a request from Gov.-elect John Lynch that he be allowed to fill top jobs going forward. Benson’s nominee is Newfound School District Superintendent John Graziano. Benson praised him as someone who came up through the ranks and who is “up for trying new things.” If confirmed, Graziano would replace Nicholas Donohue, whose term ended Nov. 15. Benson withdrew his nomination of Marc Coro for presiding judge of Nashua District Court after failing to get Executive Council support for him. Coro was the subject of a sexual harassment complaint four years ago and councilors heard testimony from the woman at a hearing last week. The council did approve four of Benson’s judicial nominations — John Coughlin to the Derry District Court, Stephen Morrison to Dover District Court, Gerald Boyle to Concord District Court and Robert Stephen as a part-time judge at the Derry court. Stephen is the brother of Health Commissioner John Stephen. Councilor Peter Spaulding spoke against the confirmation saying Stephen lacked the legal experience to serve on the court. The Republican councilor from Hopkinton also was concerned that Stephen had been arrested for drunken driving five years ago. “I just think it’s an inappropriate appointment,” he said. Stephen’s confirmation went through 3-2 with Councilor Ruth Griffin also voting against it. Benson said after the council meeting he did not consider his actions discourteous to the incoming governor and that previous governors have done the same thing. Benson also nominated and won confirmation for a new commissioner of the Department of Employment Security. Richard Brothers of Thornton, who ran unsuccessfully for the state Senate, will replace John Ratoff of Exeter at a salary of $89,000. “It’s time to try somebody new over there,” Benson said. But Lynch spokeswoman Pamela Walsh said she hoped the council would hold off confirming anyone as education commissioner until Lynch can make his own recommendations. “Governor-elect Lynch would hope the Executive Council would extend to him the same courtesy they did to Benson when he took office and leave open major appointments,” she said. The majority of the council, however, said they would entertain the nomination and only Spaulding said he would vote against Graziano because he felt the nomination should be made by the new governor. “I’m voting no, because that’s one of the most important positions in state government,” he said. Of the other councilors, only Ray Burton said he knew and liked Graziano. Other councilors said they would make an effort to learn more about the candidate before their final meetings on Dec. 15 and Jan. 4. “If I like him, I’d vote for him,” Councilor David Wheeler said. Graziano said he received a call from Benson on Tuesday night and that was the first discussion they had about the position. “I’m delighted. I’m proud,” he said. As for the timing, “my position is not to get involved in the politics,” he said. Graziano has a history of engaging communities in their schools, encouraging individualized learning and involving students in what Benson calls “real world learning,” giving students credit for experiences outside the classroom. Before taking the Newfound job three years ago, he served as principal of Pembroke Academy and principal in Farmington and Stratford. Benson also said a new judicial nomination — David LeFrancois, a part-time judge in the Auburn District Court. Benson said he will ask the council to approve Coughlin for the Nashua District Court position, instead of Coro, and then have LeFrancois take the judgeship in Derry. |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 12/17/04 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:00 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Making news this week: Governor Benson withdraws his education nomination. Gov-Elect Lynch adds to his transition tea,. NH casts its 4 electoral votes, and the fight to preserve the state's first in the nation primary. Joining us from Concord: Norma Love from the Associated Press, and Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph-- and here with me in the studio, James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com and Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and TalkShow Host at WTSN-1270 AM. Welcome. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Norma Love\Associated Press Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM |
| key: National Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 12/17/04 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:00 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Making news this week: Governor Benson withdraws his education nomination. Gov-Elect Lynch adds to his transition team. NH casts its 4 electoral votes, and the fight to preserve the state's first in the nation primary. Joining us from Concord: Norma Love from the Associated Press, and Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph-- and here with me in the studio, James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com and Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and TalkShow Host at WTSN-1270 AM. Welcome. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Norma Love\Associated Press Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM |
| Post Show Log Return to index of stories... |
Friday, December 17, 2004: We had to wait a few mintues for one of our guests. We started around 2:20pm. We had to make a couple of fixes at the end. We finished just after 3pm. |
| Dems Open Filing Return to index of stories... |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Nick Clemons Friday, December 10, 2004 603-225-6899 NEW HAMPSHIRE DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO OPEN FILING PERIOD FOR PARTY OFFICES The filing period for Democrats wishing to run for New Hampshire Democratic Party offices will open Wednesday, December 15 and remain open until 5 PM on January 15. Any registered New Hampshire Democrat is eligible to run for Party office and must file their intention to seek office by mail, facsimile, or in person at Democratic State Committee Headquarters: 2 ½ Beacon Street, Concord, NH 03301. Officers are elected by the NH Democratic Party State Committee. The committee will gather Saturday, March 12, 2005 to elect the party chair, first and second vice chairs, secretary, treasurer, and legal counsel. The meeting will be at the Rundlett School, South Street in Concord at 10 AM. ### |
| gene chandler Return to index of stories... |
background info: AP-NH--Chandler-Ethics Chandler not to seek re-election as speaker kwavbdewst CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire House Speaker Gene Chandler said this afternoon he will not seek re-election to his leadership position. Chandler says he will keep his House seat representing Bartlett. The announcement comes hours after a legislative committee charged the Republican with ethics violations for collecting and failing to report 64-thousand dollars in donations. Deputy Speaker Mike Whaley, an Alton Republican, said he will stand for election as speaker at Chandler's request when the House votes on its officers on Wednesday. he Legislative Ethics Committee voted unanimously this morning to file three charges against Chandler. One charge alleges he accepted donations totaling more than 250 dollars from people likely to have business before the Legislature. Another accuses him of u sing his position as a legislator and speaker to get the money. The third charge is that he failed to report gifts in excess of 50 dollars. Chandler acknowledged failing to report the donations from corporations, lobbyists and political action committees raised by the Friends of Gene Chandler committee at annual corn roasts. He has said he did not think he had to report the contributions, which he used for personal expenses. AP-NY-11-29-04 1601EST |
| Lynch Transition Return to index of stories... |
wire: 12/3/04 Lynch Transition ersho CONCORD, N.H. - There are more than a dozen new faces on Governor-Elect John Lynch's transition team. They include former government officials who served in a variety of roles, as well as business experts. For example, the group includes former state senator Clifton Below of Lebanon. It also includes a former Health and Human Services commissioner. Other team members are accountants, managers and policy specialists. Lynch says the state faces a serious challenge over the budget. He says that's where his team is focusing its work. He says several talented people are now volunteering their time to find solutions for the state. There are now 18 people on the team. |