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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this week-in-review Edition of NH Outlook. Making news this week. A missing Congressional Candidate is found. The smoking ban is OUT, Michelle's Law is IN, and the issue of Immigration heats up. Here to talk about these stories and more from the State House in Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey with the Union Leader, and here in Durham Jeff Feinfold from the NH Business Review and James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com A warm Welcome to all of you. |
| Gary Dodds Missing Return to index of stories... |
We begin with perhaps the strangest story of the week involving missing First District Congressional candidate Gary Dodds -- who turned up Thursday night following a massive search involving helicopters and ground crews. 41-year-old Dodds -- a Rye Businessman-- disappeared Wednesday night following a single-car crash in Dover. He was found in the woods 24-hours later about a mile from the accident site. His wife says he bumped his head in the crash, was confused and got out of the car because he thought it was on fire. He was taken to a hospital to be treated for hypotheria. Q JAMES/ JEFF: Seems to be more QUESTIONS than ANSWERS in this story??? Even police called it a BIZZARE set of circumstances. ** wife Cynthia says he swam across the Bellamy river in water over his head -- hunkered down under leaves to stay warm when it got too cold to continue walking? ** Searcher who found Dodds said he was about 100 yards from some houses ** A witness watched Dodds's car fishtail, saw it go off the road and then pulled over her own car to call 911, police said. By the time she walked to Dodds's car, it was empty. Q TOM/KEVIN: The story got national Coverage. On his website this morning was a letter hanking everyone who searched for him and adding that the First District needs a leader? What are your thoughts? Q JAMES: In the way of background. What can you tell us about Dodds background. ** He's CFO of "Accent Magazine" and Vice Chair of the RYE school board. Has 2 daughters. How has his candidacy against Congressman Jeb Bradley been going? His pledged to walk the "entire district to hear the concerns of the people Q Of course Everyone is relieved he was found alive. Details are still unfolding as we tape this program. I'm sure more information will come to light before AIRTIME. |
| Smoking Ban Return to index of stories... |
The "Big" story at the State House this week: The battle to ban Smoking in NH. After passing in the House -- it went before the Senate on Thursday. All along observers said. it was just too close to call. There was intense lobbying on both fronts and emotional debate. But, in the end -- the measure was killed by a single vote. Q KEVIN/TOM: I was struck by Sen Johnson's remarks that illustrated how INTENSE emotions were on this issue???? Q JAMES/JEFF: Was this a test of leadership? Q Is this an issue that will resonate with Voters. Supporters want to get a more favorable Senate in place for the next go around? Q JEFF: Given the close vote -- will more Restaurants and bars voluntarily ban smoking - - to ward off any Legislative ACTION?? BETH: Certainly an issue not going away anytime soon. |
| Immigration Bill Return to index of stories... |
The issue of Illegal Immigration -- back before House Lawmakers -- where a number of bills to police immigrants have failed. This week, a Senate-backed plan calling for businesses that hire immigrants to Register with the state -- ran into some resistance. Q TOM/KEVIN: Any reason to believe this bill will meet with a DIFFERENT FATE in the House than the other Immigration bills??? ** Supporters say the measure takes aim at employers who take advantage of undocumented workers by paying them lower wages. Q JAMES: This all comes as the US Senate also deals with the issue. This week THEY sidetracked sweeping immigration legislation. In a Pew Research Center Poll 53% say those in the US illegally should be required to go home. 40% say they should be given some kidn of letgal status to stay here. It's been a DIVISIVE issue???? Q JEFF: This bill takes aim at Labor and BUSINESS groups -- levying hefty fines on those who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. What impact would that have on the need to find workers for the state's TOURISM IndustrY? Q Supporters argue illegal aliens are taking jobs away from NH citizens. Is their validity in that argument - or are these immigrants taking jobs NH citizens don't want??? Q KEVIN/TOM: Is the cost of HEALTH care at the center of this issue???? Q JEFF: The NE Apple Growers Council objects to bill. He says federal law prohibits them from asking workers for anything more than a drivers license and proof of social security number. Finding WORKERs for Tourism INdustry a stumbling block to this legislation??? Q When does this go before the Full House? BETH: Interesting footnote: Members of a national group fighting illegal immigration plan to be at the Canadian border in NH this weekend to watch for illegal crossings at the border. |
| Michelle's Law vo Return to index of stories... |
NH will soon have a new law that helps college students keep their health insurance if they get sick and need to leave school -- It's called Michelle's Law. It was inspired by the life and death of 22-year-old Michelle Morse, who continued to attend Plymouth State University after being diagnosed with colon cancer. Her mother, AnnMarie Morse was a tireless advocate for the bill. On Thursday, Senators held a special roll call vote where they unanimously approved it, signed the measure -- and gave it to Michelle's mom. Q JEFF: Hard not to get misty eyed when you think of what she lived thru. Sounds like Michelle's Mom plans to lobby for the law in other states? Q KEVIN/TOM: I understand Senators tagged on amendment so the law would officially be called Michelle's law?? When is the Governor likely to SIGN this into law? Q Cost to Insurance Companies for doing this said to be minimal??? Q KEVIN: I understand another emotional health issue went before a Senate committee this week -- that calls for the state's Insurance Companies to pay for TESTING to join the national BONE-MARROW REGISTRY. Q How much would this cost INsurance Companies? Does it share the kind of SUPPORT Michelle's Law had?? |
| Sex Predators Return to index of stories... |
A Senate Committee is working on the child predator act -- as we tape. This week the Governor and Attorney General testified before the panel. They're lobbying for mandatory 25-year sentences for first time child sex offenders. That language was struck from the bill in the House -- they want it restored. Q TOM/KEVIN: Anything new to report at this hour??? Still in progess at this hour. Stay tuned. Q JAMES: This was a huge Initiative for Gov Lynch. Without mandatory sentencing its a much watered down version. Would this be classified as a DEFEAT for Lynch if the senate fails to restore that language? Q Any sense as to where the SENATE stands on Minimum Mandatory sentences? |
| Child care website 1 Return to index of stories... |
Protecting children against sexual predators is the impetus behind a new Website -- that allows parents to find licensing violations at NH child care centers. On Monday, the Governor unveiled the website under the state Department of Health and Human Services -- aimed at making it easier for parents to get the information they need. The state was spurred into action to develop the site after a Child-Care Worker was charged with molesting 4 children at the Circle of Learning center in Nashua. Q KEVIN/TOM: Certainly ever parents nightmare. Before this was launched -- How did parents find out about licensing violations? ** Circle of Learning also being investigated for potential fraud. Q I can't imagine the move is very popular with child-care providers? ** they argue state needs to include whether problem has been fixed on site-- and if not what the plan is to do so. Q Would information posted on the web -- have alerted parents to the possiblity of child sexual misconduct at "The circle of Learning" child care center in Nashua??? Q ** Prosecutors say the Suspect allegeldy admitted to police he was a pedophile. Q There are 1,200 child-care centers in the state. Will the state bring any more resources to the job? |
| Pres watch/McCain Return to index of stories... |
Turning to Presidential politics: John McCain in New Hampshire this weekend. Q JAMES: The Arizona Senator -- still considered the early front-runner for the 2008 Republican nomination. He arrives in NH this friday? BETH: We'll be talking more about the 2008 race and the early visits to NH on TUESDAY'S Outlook. James will be joining us for that. The rest of you can weigh in next week. Q JAMES: Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is coming to NH on Wednesday -- what can we expect from that? ====================== BETH: Senate passed bill which allows Sec of State to adjust primary filing dates -- when candidates must announce their intention to run. The move is effort to counter national democrats seeking to dilute NH's role. |
| DMV Return to index of stories... |
If you've been stuck in long lines at the D-M-V -- help may be on the way. Complaints about delays have prompted the state to take actions to speed things up. Q TOM/KEVIN: I understand the DMV's goal is to get people in and out in less than a half hour? How do they aim to do that? Q Concord's DMV office will be trying new hours to test response. ======================== A British judge ruled Friday that NH author Dan Brown did NOT steal ideas from 2 other authors for his best selling thriller " The Da Vinci Code". The High court rejected a copyright-infringement claim by the authors of "The Holy Blood" and "Holy Grail". Both books explore theories that Jesus married Mary Magdalene, and that they had a child, and that the bloodline survives. Q Now we can all go see the movie?? Q No real losers. The other authors can complain all the way to the bank. Their books are selling like hotcakes because of the controversy. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to Tom Fahey and Kevin Landrigan in Concord. And James Pindell and Jeff Feingold here in Durham. And thank you for watching. I'm Beth Carroll I'll see you next time. |
| michelle's law Return to index of stories... |
sometimes-emotional hearing yesterday, a Senate committee voted unanimously to support a bill that would require the state's insurance companies to pay for testing to join the national bone marrow registry." "For nearly two hours, the Banks and Insurance Committee's six senators heard testimony from people whose loved ones had been saved by bone marrow transplants, people whose loved ones had died without a donor and people who are hoping a match will save their family member. Supporters said the bill would cost insurers little and would save families the stress of trying to raise money for a marrow drive while caring for a seriously ill loved one. " Chalk this one up to perserverence paying off. Never gave up the fight. CONCORD, N.H. - The state Senate today unanimously approved a bill to help college students keep their health insurance if they get sick and need to leave school. Known as "Michelle's Law," the bill was inspired by the life and death of 22-year-old Michelle Morse, who continued to attend Plymouth State University after being diagnosed with colon cancer. AP-NH--Michelle's Law ,0132 Senate votes for Michelle's Law amsstklmbywmytvfls CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire senators have unanimously approved a bill to help college students keep their health insurance if they get sick and need to leave school. Known as "Michelle's Law," the bill was inspired by the life and death of 22-year-old Michelle Morse, who continued to attend Plymouth State University after being diagnosed with colon cancer. The House already has approved the plan and the governor has said he will sign it. The bill would require insurers that cover college students under their parents' plans to continue the coverage for a year if a student takes a medical leave of absence. The senators held a special roll call vote and signed it to give to Michelle's mother, AnnMarie Morse, who lobbied for the bill. AP-NY-04-06-06 1148EDT ============= bone marrow Elizabeth Walters of The Concord Monitor reports, "Just minutes after a |
| Highway signs Return to index of stories... |
Highway signs take a detour By Anne Saunders, Associated Press Writer | April 5, 2006 CONCORD, N.H. --The New Hampshire motto "Live Free or Die" was headed for highway welcome signs when it took a detour to the House Finance Committee on Wednesday. Article Tools Printer friendly E-mail to a friend N.H. RSS feed Available RSS feeds Most e-mailed More: Globe City/Region stories | Latest local news | Globe front page | Boston.com Sign up for: Globe Headlines e-mail | Breaking News Alerts The House voted to give its finance committee a chance to consider the costs of replacing highway welcome signs before making a final decision on the proposal to require new wording. The bill would mandate that "Live Free or Die" appear on all the state's welcome signs. Derry Sen. Robert Letourneau submit the bill after getting complaints from his constituents about welcome signs that began appearing last year with "You're Going to Love It Here." Several lawmakers, including Gov. John Lynch, consider the phrase tacky and not specific to New Hampshire. According to highway officials, out of 43 welcome signs around the state, there are six of the new ones. Letourneau said his intention is to cover up the "Love It" motto by adding a panel to those signs with the words "Live Free or Die" and to wait to replace the remaining highway signs when they wear out. "There should be no fiscal impact," he said. The motto honors the state's most distinguished Revolutionary War hero, Gen. John Stark. According to the state Web site, Stark used it in a toast in 1809 when poor health led him to decline an invitation to a reunion of the 1777 Battle of Bennington in neighboring Vermont. Stark said, "Live free or die; death is not the worst of evils." © Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 'Live Free or Die' hits cost roadblock Second thoughts on highway sign overhaul By ANNE SAUNDERS The Associated Press -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 06. 2006 8:00AM T he New Hampshire motto "Live Free or Die" was headed for highway welcome signs when it took a detour to the House Finance Committee yesterday. The House voted to give its finance committee a chance to consider the costs of replacing highway welcome signs before making a final decision on the proposal to require new wording. The bill would mandate that "Live Free or Die" appear on all the state's welcome signs. Derry Sen. Robert Letourneau submitted the bill after getting complaints from his constituents about welcome signs that began appearing last year with "You're Going to Love It Here." According to highway officials, out of 43 welcome signs around the state, there are six of the new ones. Letourneau said his intention is to cover up the "Love It" motto by adding a panel to those signs with the words "Live Free or Die"and to wait to replace the remaining highway signs when they wear out. ---ADVERTISEMENT--- "There should be no fiscal impact," he said. ------ End of article By ANNE SAUNDERS The Associated Press This article is: 0 day old. |
| do not rescitate Return to index of stories... |
ill would set guidelines for do-not-resuscitate orders kwcon CONCORD, N.H. - A bill in the New Hampshire Legislature would establish statewide standards for do-not-resuscitate orders. The orders are usually requested by terminally ill or very frail elderly patients who want to die peacefully, without C-P-R or other extreme measures being used to try and revive them. New Hampshire is one of the few states that lacks uniform guidelines. As a result, supporters of the bill say that sometimes when patients are transferred from a hospital to a rehabilitation center or nursing home the orders don't go with them. The bill would change that. But some Catholic hospital and nursing home administrators do not want to be obligated to follow the orders in all cases, and the Diocese of Manchester opposes the bill. Legislators may amend it to ensure that Catholic institutions would not have to violate their religious beliefs in the sanctity of life. |
| impeachment Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Impeachment Question,0109 Hanover residents will see impeachment proposal dewleb HANOVER, N.H. - When Hanover residents go to Town Meeting in May, more than local politics will be on the agenda. Residents also will vote on petitions calling for Congress to impeach President Bush and Vice President Cheney and for a timetable for withdrawing American troops from Iraq. A residents' group called Citizens Action Alert gathered signatures to put the questions on the Town Meeting ballot. The group wants an orderly withdrawal from Iraq. It also says the president should be impeached for authorizing a domestic spying program that included eavesdropping on international telephone calls and e-mails of citizens with suspected ties to terrorists. AP-NY-04-04-06 0551EDT |
| Rainy day fund Return to index of stories... |
-----Original Message----- From: Walsh, Pamela Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2006 11:51 AM Subject: Governor Signs Legislation Placing $50 Million in Rainy Day Fund For Immediate Release: Contact: Pamela Walsh Tuesday, April 4, 2006 271-2121 491-7124 Governor Lynch Signs Legislation Placing $50 Million in State's Rainy Day Fund CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today signed legislation placing $50 million from the state surplus in the Rainy Day Fund. In his State of the State Address in January, Gov. Lynch called on the Legislature to pass a bill placing a significant portion of the surplus in the Rainy Day Fund. "New Hampshire state government's financial position has improved tremendously in the past 16 months. When we began work on the two-year state budget last winter, we faced a major deficit. But we came together, Democrats and Republicans, to balance the budget while looking out for the needs of our citizens," Gov. Lynch said. "We joined together to put our state back on a sound financial footing, turning a deficit into a surplus, without new taxes," Gov. Lynch said. The State's Rainy Day Fund was badly depleted in 2003-2004. This legislation will bring the fund from $17.3 million to approximately $69 million. "Placing a significant portion of the surplus is the Rainy Day Fund is the fiscally responsible thing to do," Gov. Lynch said. "This year, the federal government cut its budget by passing more of its costs onto the states. We are already hearing talk that Washington may consider additional budget cuts in critical areas, such as Health and Human Services. Those proposed cuts could hurt our most vulnerable citizens and increase state costs even higher. In addition, New Hampshire is now seeing an increased need and for health and human services, " Gov. Lynch said. "Increasing the Rainy Day Fund - which was badly depleted in 2003 and 2004 - will ensure that we have the ability in the future to respond to likely federal funding cuts, increased needs, and to any future emergencies," Gov. Lynch said. Gov. Lynch pointed out that the state is able to increase the Rainy Day Fund while meeting immediate needs this year, such as helping communities and families affected by the October floods and providing additional fuel assistance to families and community service providers. The legislation, House Bill 1370, was sponsored by Representatives Norm Major, Mike O'Neil, Fred King, Mike Whalley, Neal Kurk, and Senators Charles Morse, Robert Clegg, Lou D'Allesandro, Jack Barnes and Tom Eaton. # # # Pamela Walsh Communications Director Office of Gov. John Lynch 271-2121 pamela.walsh@nh.gov |
| Mercury Return to index of stories... |
roup pushes changes in mercury reduction bill dewho CONCORD, N.H. - As the state Senate begins considering a plan to reduce mercury pollution, a coalition of environmental and health groups hopes senators will make the plan stronger and put it into effect sooner. As approved in the House, the bill would require Public Service Company of New Hampshire to cut mercury emissions at its coal burning power plant in Bow by 2013. The legislation aims for an 80 percent reduction in mercury emissions statewide. The coalition is holding a news conference today to question whether the plan actually would cause that large of a reduction. It's pushing for more stringent reductions - 90 percent - and wants them implemented by 2010, not 2013. Mercury is a toxin that is particularly harmful to infants and children. AP-NY-04-06-06 1120EDT |
| smoking ban info Return to index of stories... |
back next year. Despite emotional debate smoking ban. attempt to ban smoking in New Hampshire restaurants and bars died today in the state Senate. After emotional debate, the Senate killed the proposed ban by a single vote. We begin with the Smoking Ban - that went down to defeat. AP-NH-XGR--Smoking Ban,0151 Senate kills smoking ban dewst CONCORD, N.H. - It will continue to be up to New Hampshire restaurant and bar owners to ban smoking on their premises. The Senate today voted 12-11 against a statewide smoking ban. Supporters of the ban pointed to the danger of secondhand smoke for workers and patrons. But opponents argued it should be up to restaurant owners- not government- to disallow smoking. The House approved the ban last month and there was intense lobbying in the Senate leading up to this vote. According to a poll conducted by the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, 75 percent of restaurant and bar owners support the ban. Shawn Joyce, president of Margaritas Management Group, which owns seven restaurants in New Hampshire, said most restaurant operators would prefer a statewide ban rather than being forced to enact their own. A recent statewide poll also showed widespread support for the ban from the public. AP-NY-04-06-06 1130EDT This week’s smoking ban vote in Senate too close to call A Telegraph Column By Kevin Landrigan Published: Sunday, April 2, 2006 It’s hard to imagine that a ban on smoking in restaurants and bars is going to pass the Senate over the objections of its two top Republicans, President Ted Gatsas of Manchester and Majority Leader Robert Clegg of Hudson. In all likelihood, it won’t. The vote at this hour is too close to call given there appear to be 10 solid votes for it and as many as 11 against it. The “yes’’ votes that Clean Air Works is counting upon are the eight Senate Democrats, Lempster Republican Bob Odell, a co-sponsor, and Keene Republican Tom Eaton. Eaton, the former Senate president, faces a tough battle for re-election, and his hometown city was one of the first to adopt its own ordinance that banned smoking. A court ultimately ruled that only the state could impose that mandate or, in the alternative, empower cities and towns to adopt their own laws against smoking. The House of Representatives voted last month against legislation to give communities that authority. Gatsas and Clegg may have to postpone the vote if one of their allies, Rochester Republican Sen. Dick Green, can’t make the next session Thursday. Green missed the committee vote last week and reportedly is visiting a sick relative in Florida. Senate Democratic Leader Sylvia Larsen of Concord said she had been supportive of the ban, but was thinking about favoring a change to allow “cigar bar” space in establishments. However, a death in Larsen’s family health has put her squarely with the bill as is. Her brother-in-law, 55, passed away from lung cancer 10 days ago, and Larsen had to leave a Senate session early so she could attend the funeral in Ohio. These three senators are on the fence, and will get the most attention from both sides in the remaining days leading up to the vote. Several readers have asked that the phone numbers and e-mail addresses of these wavering senators be published. n Raymond Republican Jack Barnes. Barnes is a pro-business conservative Republican, but he was the owner of the first restaurant in his home city to go smoke-free. n Manchester Republican Andy Martel. He’s a non-smoker, but his children aren’t and would like him to vote against the ban. Other than that, Martel has not been revealing which way he’ll ultimately go. n Antrim Republican Robert Flanders. Flanders said he hasn’t made up his mind, and watched the public hearing closely last week, and the 3-3 vote of the Senate Finance Committee. Those backing the ban need all three Republicans to carry the day. If the opponents get one of the three, they can block its passage, 12-12. At this stage of the session, you’ve got to give the edge to Senate leadership, because every legislator wants something out of the last two months of the session. Survey says... Don’t expect Gov. John Lynch’s office to be trumpeting the latest statewide poll, as the American Research Group survey released Friday shows some vulnerabilities for the popular one-term Democrat. The ARG survey finds that Lynch would win re-election against an unnamed opponent, but he’s below the all-important 50 percent mark, with 47 percent in favor of the incumbent, 37 percent for someone else and 16 percent undecided. Most alarming in the survey is his backing among independents, where 38 percent said they wanted someone else and only 45 percent were squarely with Lynch. Now hear this... and this It’s a busy week for hearings on major legislation Tuesday, as all these and more come up on the same day: • A House-passed bill that would make insurance companies pay for people to be tested as possible bone marrow donors. • A Senate-passed bill to make students stay in school until they reach 18. • A House-passed cut of 50 percent to the insurance tax over the next 4½ years. • The Sexual Predators Act, passed but watered down by the House. Lynch will ask that the Senate restore a 25-year minimum mandatory sentence that prosecutors could pursue. • A Senate-approved, one-time $18 million tax credit to business owners to help them with high energy bills. Battle brewing? Alton Republican Sen. Robert Boyce is in the midst of his re-election campaign, and will know in a few weeks if he has to get past a very tough GOP primary. Since November, Laconia Republican Rep. James Fitzgerald has been exploring a campaign for the District 4 seat, and maintains that what Boyce does is of no concern to him. Fitzgerald has told associates that he intends to make up his mind by the end of April. This would likely be Boyce’s toughest fight since he ousted Pittsfield Republican Sen. Leo Fraser in 2000. To win, Fitzgerald would have to score big in his hometown and win Gilford and Belmont. Boyce is bound to do well in his hometown. Four years ago, he beat back Gilford Republican Rep. Alida Millham by about 1,000 votes, half of that coming out of Alton. Counting his cash Nashua Democratic Sen. David Gottesman probably represents the most “swing” district of the eight in his party. He won by only 171 votes over Hollis Republican Rep. Harry Haytayan in November 2004. But Gottesman has been busy fund-raising, capped off by a big Barley House restaurant event March 23 that brought in more than $40,000. He reportedly has $90,000 on hand and hopes to have $150,000 in time for the filing period in June. Gottesman spent about $100,000 to win his seat two years ago. There are as yet no Republicans in Gottesman’s District 12 who have stepped forward to run this fall. For that matter, at present, none of the eight Senate Democrats has a Republican running against them. New guy on the job New Republican State Chairman Wayne Semprini will be recovering from hip surgery, but he intends to keep communicating while on the mend. When Democratic Chairwoman Kathy Sullivan criticized Congressman Charles Bass for what sounded like a red meat, redneck introduction of Virginia Gov. George Allen, Semprini wanted reporters to know the rest of the story. Sullivan borrowed a Bass quote from a published report that praised Allen for not being an “apologizing, union-loving” liberal. Semprini said the rest of the quote was that Allen was a devoted supporter of the state’s first-in-the-nation primary. The state GOP passed a resolution at its annual meeting last weekend endorsing the primary’s position. “She conveniently left out the last part and since I was there to hear it, I thought you should get the rest of it,” Semprini said. Last week, Semprini had lunch with the two he defeated to become party chairman – Vice Chairman Wayne MacDonald of Londonderry and Deputy Majority Leader Fran Wendelboe of New Hampton. MacDonald will stay in his current post, while Semprini has said he wants Wendelboe to play a more vocal role in the party as well. Semprini’s victory last weekend was sealed when all of MacDonald’s vote went to him on the second ballot. Wendelboe proved to have a good handle on her support, predicting she would break the 100 mark, and getting 105 on the first ballot to finish a respectable runner-up to Semprini. Political chat Time magazine correspondent Matthew Cooper will be the guest speaker Monday night at St. Anselm College’s Institute of Politics. Cooper testified in the CIA leak investigation that resulted in the indictment of Dick Cheney’s former chief of staff, Lewis “Scooter’’ Libby. The 7 p.m. speech at the Institute of Politics is open to the public. Too many channels Just call Republican Congressman Charles Bass the cable guy. Bass is vice chairman of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee working on telecommunications issues. Last week he came out in support of giving cable customers more choices than they now have. The current system typically requires that consumers elect to receive a basic or expanded basic service tier from their cable and satellite systems, with only a few premium channels being available on their own. Bass says channels are bundled in a way that makes it impossible for consumers to choose which channels they want and which they do not want. He also pressed for a strengthened lobbying reform bill, and argued the House GOP proposal did not do enough to restrict leading members of Congress from getting pet projects into bills as earmarks. “The current process used to secure member earmarks in legislation is inherently vague and designed for the benefit of those with great power and control over the process,” said Bass. “Slipping earmarks through the back door of legislation is irresponsible governing and does not reflect responsible use of taxpayer dollars. This process must be changed to assure that there is complete transparency, accountability, and disclosure.” Hodes vs. the people Democratic congressional candidate Paul Hodes had some fun with the mania over the NCAA Final Four, creating his own bracket to raise $22,475 over the past few weeks. He asked donors to give money online and pick one of four teams, one for himself, one for Bass, one for Lynch, and one for the people. Here’s how the four-team competition came out. • Hodes Team: $8,800. • People Team: $8,125. • Lynch Team: $6,700. • Bass Team: $275. “Just as New Hampshire Democrats have united behind Paul, our online contributors are making their voices heard loud and clear,” the Hodes campaign said in a written statement. South of the border Possible Democratic presidential contender Mark Warner won’t be in New Hampshire this week, but will be speaking at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics as a visiting fellow. The Kennedy School of Government forum Monday at 6 p.m. is open to the public. Blogging away In presidential primary news, New Hampshire political consultant Patrick Hynes wants to gear up for a 2008 blog titled “Ankle Biting Pundits’’ that already attracts 1 million page views every month. CNN has called it “fair” and “refreshing.” |
| George Bald Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Bald Returns,0131 George Bald returns as commissioner of Economic Development kwhofls CONCORD, N.H. - George Bald is returning as New Hampshire's commissioner of Resources and Economic Development. Governor John Lynch swore him in today. The governor said Bald's first task will be to help the workers, communities and industries affected by the closing of the Groveton Paper Board paper mill in Northumberland and the Fraser Papers pulp mill in Berlin. Lynch said he and Bald will work on diversifying the North Country economy, bringing wireless Internet access to every corner of the state, attracting new business and improving worker training. Bald served as DRED commissioner from 1998 to 2004. For the past two years, he has been executive director of the Pease Development Authority. He is also a former mayor of Somersworth and former city manager for Rochester. AP-NY-04-03-06 1102EDT |
| sex predator Return to index of stories... |
. -- n the House. CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch and Attorney General Kelly Ayotte say prosecutors should be able to seek a 25-year-to-life sentence for some first-time child sex offenders. Work on the child predator act in judiciary will start at 1:30, so i don't think they'll be done with a recommendation before "showtime" They'll follow that with work on the end-of-life bill, which includes new procedures on living wills, etc. - anotehr hot topic around here. Time will be tight today, but that's happened before. Talk to you later. Tom F. AP-NH-XGR--Sex Offenders,0149 Senate hears testimony on sexual predators act CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch and Attorney General Kelly Ayotte say prosecutors should be able to seek a 25-year-to-life sentence for some first-time child sex offenders. Both went before a Senate panel today speak in support of a sexual predator bill that is making its way through the Statehouse. When the House passed the bill, it removed the minimum sentence language. Lynch and Ayotte are trying to get it back. Ayotte told a Senate committee about cases in which a sexual predator was released after a short sentence and assaulted a child again. If it's passed, the bill would set tougher requirements for sex offender registration and penalties for those who don't. It would also make it easier to keep violent offenders in secure facilities if they're found incompetent to stand trial or guilty by reason of insanity. AP-NY-04-04-06 1618EDT For Immediate Release: Contact: Pamela Walsh Tuesday, April 4, 2006 271-2121 491-7124 Gov. Lynch Calls on Senate Judiciary Committee To Restore Mandatory Minimum Sentences To Child Protection Act CONCORD - Testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee today, Gov. John Lynch called on the state Senate to restore mandatory minimum sentences for the worst child sexual predators to his proposed Child Protection Act. "As you consider this legislation, the first step that I ask you to take is to restore the mandatory minimum sentences for people who sexually prey on children under the age of 13," Gov. Lynch said. "Sexual predators rob children of their childhoods. The harm that sexual predators do to their young victims stays with these children the rest of their lives. The punishment that sexual predators face should be commensurate with their crimes and with the lasting damage that they inflict. I strongly believe that a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years is an appropriate punishment." Under the original version of the legislation, prosecutors would have had the ability to pursue mandatory minimum sentences of 25 years for sex offenders who prey on children under the age of 13 and for offenders who permanently injure a child under the age of 13. "It's time for us to send a clear message: If you prey on children in New Hampshire, we will send you to prison - and we're going to keep you there for a long time," Gov. Lynch said. Gov. Lynch worked with the Attorney General, police chiefs, county prosecutors, victims' advocates and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers to develop HB 1692, sponsored by Rep. Peter Batula and Sen. Joe Foster. Last summer, Gov. Lynch asked the Attorney General to conduct a comprehensive review of New Hampshire's child protection laws. The assessment reviewed New Hampshire's current laws, Jessica's Laws in Florida, and other innovative child protection laws across the nation. The legislation, House Bill 1692, contains more than 25 provisions, aimed at better protecting New Hampshire's children. In addition to toughening penalties, it includes provisions improving registration and monitoring of sex offenders; requiring the Department of Corrections to develop a GPS monitoring system for offenders; and giving parents better information about whether sexual predators are living in their neighborhoods. "As we worked to develop this legislation, I had several goals - to protect the young victims of these crimes; to deter criminals from committing these acts; to ensure that sexual predators received the tough penalties they deserve; and to lessen the chance of sexual offenders preying on new victims," Gov. Lynch said. "Nothing could more important than keeping our children safe and our children deserve the protection that this legislation would provide in its original form." # # # HB1692, sexual predators act SH103. Gov. John Lynch to testify. CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch signs legislation placing 2005 surplus into rainy day fund, Governor and Council Chambers, 11:30 a.m. |
| immigration Return to index of stories... |
en some kind of legal status to stay here. It's a complicated ISSUE? controlling the cost of health care……To make this point, Clegg highlighted the burden he says uninsured alien workers place on the state's health care system………. John Young directs the NE Apple Growers Council…….He told house members than federal law prohibits employers from asking employees for anything more than a drivers license and proof of social security number…….He says seeking to verify that those are accurate would be both difficult and potentially illegal. Polls Fifty-three percent say those who are in the US illegally should be required to go home, according to a poll released last week by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. Forty percent say they should be given some kind of legal status to stay in the US. But in the same survey, nearly half of those who say illegal immigrants should leave also say that some could stay under a temporary work program. The issue of Illegal Immigration went before House Lawmakers this week. This -- as the U-S Senate seeks to overhaul the nation's immigration laws. It's an issue the nation and the state seems to be divided on. Just as is before House L CAPITOL HILL The effort to overhaul the nation's immigration laws continues in the U-S Senate. The focal point continues to be the proposal for guest worker programs. They would give millions of illegal immigrants the possibility of becoming citizens. Kathy McCormack of The Associated Press reports, "Representatives of labor and business groups picked apart a bill Tuesday that requires employers to tell the state if they hire aliens and face up to $2,500 a day in fines if they don’t comply with labor laws, including knowingly hiring illegal immigrants." "The intent of the bill, which was introduced and passed in the Senate, is to penalize employers who take advantage of undocumented workers by paying them lower wages and denying them benefits, such as health care, said Sen. Majority Leader Robert Clegg, R-Hudson. " Border watchers plan to be in N.H. this weekend dewman PITTSBURG, N.H. - Members of a national group fighting illegal immigration plan to be at the Canadian border in New Hampshire this weekend. Members of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps say they will be in Pittsburg on Saturday to watch for illegal crossings at the border. The group says about a half dozen members will go to the border, binoculars in hand, and call the Border Patrol if they see anything suspicious. Minuteman Ron Oplinus of Exeter says the group is not trying to do the Border Patrol's job. He says agents do a good job, but there aren't enough of them to keep tabs on the whole border. AP-NY-04-06-06 0630EDT AP-NH-XGR--Immigration-Employers,0166 Immigration bill would target employers klmbywfls CONCORD, N.H. - A House committee today will discuss a bill that would require New Hampshire employers who hire immigrants to register with the state -- or pay a hefty fine. The Senate bill woul allow the state to make surprise inspections of businesses and fine them up to 25-hundred dollars a day for non-registration of aliens. Inspectors also would be required to report any illegal workers to federal authorities. It authorizes a state-federal agreement to train New Hampshire police and sheriff's deputies to enforce the law. Opponents say the bill would be bad business practice and would amount to discrimination based on a job applicant's race or ethnicity. They also say regulating immigration is the federal government's job. Supporters say illegal aliens are taking jobs away from New Hampshire citizens. AP-NY-04-04-06 0519EDT AP-NH-XGR--Immigration-Employers,0173 Immigration bill would target employers klmfls CONCORD, N.H. - A bill requiring New Hampshire employers that hire immigrants to register with the state - or pay a hefty fine - will be heard by a House committee tomorrow. The bill would allow the state to make surprise inspections of businesses and fine them up to 25-hundred dollars a day if they don't register or employ illegal immigrants. The state also would be required to report any illegal workers to federal authorities. The bill also authorizes a state-federal agreement to train New Hampshire police and sheriff's deputies to enforce the law. The Republican-backed bill passed the state Senate last month, but the House has rejected several bills this session dealing with law enforcement against illegal immigrants. Opponents of the bill say it would be bad business practice and would amount to discrimination based on a job applicant's race or ethnicity. They also say regulating immigration is the federal government's job. Supporters say illegal aliens are taking jobs away from New Hampshire citizens. --- AP-NH-XGR--Immigration-Employers, CLARIFIES,0173 Immigration bill would target employers klmkwfls CONCORD, N.H. - A bill requiring New Hampshire employers that hire immigrants to register with the state - or pay a hefty fine - will be heard by a House committee tomorrow. The bill would allow the state to make surprise inspections of businesses and fine them up to 25-hundred dollars a day if they employ illegal immigrants or fail to register with the state. The state also would be required to report any illegal workers they found to federal authorities. The bill also authorizes a state-federal agreement to train New Hampshire police and sheriff's deputies to enforce the law. The Republican-backed bill passed the state Senate last month, but the House has rejected several bills this session dealing with law enforcement against illegal immigrants. Opponents of the bill say it would be bad business practice and would amount to discrimination based on a job applicant's race or ethnicity. They also say regulating immigration is the federal government's job. Supporters say illegal aliens are taking jobs away from New Hampshire citizens. --- CHRISTIAN MONITOR More than half of Americans apparently agree with him. Fifty-three percent say those who are in the US illegally should be required to go home, according to a poll released last week by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. Forty percent say they should be given some kind of legal status to stay in the US. But in the same survey, nearly half of those who say illegal immigrants should leave also say that some could stay under a temporary work program. "It's a complicated issue, and the public's views aren't consistent," says Carroll Doherty of the Pew Research Center. AP-NY-04-03-06 1230EDT |
| davinci Return to index of stories... |
British judge rules in favor of publisher of Da Vinci Code dewap LONDON - A British judge has ruled author Dan Brown did not steal ideas from two other authors for his best-selling thriller "The Da Vinci Code." High Court judge Peter Smith rejected a copyright-infringement claim by Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh, authors of "The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail." They claimed Brown "appropriated the architecture" of their 1982 book. Brown, who lives in Rye, New Hampshire, says the verdict shows the claim was utterly without merit. He said he's still astonished that the authors filed their suit. In a statement, he said he's eager to get back to writing. AP-NY-04-07-06 0917EDT |
| dmv Return to index of stories... |
Some good news --if you're among those CONCORD, N.H. - In response to complaints over long lines and delays, New Hampshire's director of motor vehicles has some ideas for speeding things up at the department. Virginia Beecher gave a report to the Governor and Council yesterday that proposes extended hours, express lanes, more telephone lines and a computerized system to track driving tests. She says the goal is to allow residents to be in and out of the D-M-V in less than a half hour. D-M-V clerks and licensing officers in Concord will begin a trial of a four-day, ten-hour work schedule to test the response to extended hours. AP-NY-04-06-06 0544EDT |
| website Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Day Care Website,0116 State unveils new web site for day care center information bywho CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire has a new Web site for looking up information about day care centers. Governor John Lynch ordered the site after a day care worker was arrested last month, and charged with molesting four children at the Circle of Learning center in Nashua. Lynch says the new site makes it easier for parents to research licensing violations at day care centers, to help them decide where to send their children. --- On the Net: http:/www.childcaresearch.dhhs.nh.gov/ AP-NY-04-03-06 1818EDT CONCORD, N.H. - There's a new state web site for looking up information about day care centers. Governor John Lynch asked for the site to be created after a former day care worker was arrested and charged with molesting four children at the Circle of Learning center in Nashua. The day care now is being investigated for potential fraud. --- On the Net: http:/www.childcaresearch.dhhs.nh.gov/ For Immediate Release: Contact: Pamela Walsh Monday, April 3, 2006 271-2121 491-7124 Gov. Lynch, State Officials Unveil Website Making It Easier for Parents to Get Information About Licensing Violations at Child Care Centers CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch and state officials today unveiled a website making it easier for parents to get information about licensing violations at child care centers. "Parents worry about their children and want them to be safe. For parents, deciding who will care for their children is one of the most important decisions they face. They need to have, and should have, access to as much information as possible when making these decisions," Gov. Lynch said. "This website will make information about critical licensing violations at child care centers more accessible to parents, so they will know what questions to ask the child care centers they are considering, and they will be able to make better decisions for their families," Gov. Lynch said. On March 2, after stories about the Circle of Learning in Nashua, Gov. Lynch directed the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Information Technology to place the information online within 30 days. "I spoke to a woman whose child attended that center. She was understandably upset about what had happened, but also frustrated. She had tried to find out information about whether Circle of Learning had any licensing violations, but instead found that the state's existing system of getting that public information to the public was too cumbersome," Gov. Lynch said. "This was a problem I knew we could - and that we should - fix." The website at http:/www.childcaresearch.dhhs.nh.gov/lists licensed child care centers across the state, and a summary of any critical violations they have received since Jan. 1, 2003. Parents will be able to see whether the center submitted a corrective action plan, and whether it was accepted by the department. Links on the website will allow parents to easily request the full report of any violation. "This website today is an important step forward. I think our state still should do more, and in the coming months, OIT and HHS will continue to work to improve this website and to place more information about child care centers online," Gov. Lynch said. New Hampshire has 1,200 licensed child care facilities, with the capacity to care for 46,000 children. Gov. Lynch also thanked state employees at Health and Human Services and the Office of Information Technology for working diligently to put the information online. # # # . |
| Mccain Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD - Sen. John McCain’s reputation as a straight shooter may be under scrutiny elsewhere, but what some critics call pandering, his New Hampshire supporters call pragmatic. Six years ago, McCain won the New Hampshire Republican primary with a centrist message that appealed to Republican moderates and independents. As he prepares for a likely 2008 presidential race, however, he needs to win the approval of conservative voters he alienated in 2000. Some of his recent steps in that direction - including making peace with evangelist Jerry Falwell - have raised questions about whether he’s still the same independent-thinking maverick. But there’s little question in the minds of McCain’s supporters in New Hampshire, where he is scheduled to hold several campaign-style events Friday. Former Gov. Walter Peterson, who was an honorary chairman of McCain’s 2000 campaign, said McCain’s strength still lies more with independent voters than Repub-lican Party stalwarts. He said he does not blame McCain for being a political pragmatist now that he is an early front-runner for the 2008 GOP nomination. Though he admits he had a "visceral reaction" when he heard that McCain had met with Falwell and agreed to speak at Falwell’s Liberty University, Peterson said trying to broaden support is fine "as long as you don’t sell out your principles." Executive Councilor Peter Spaulding, chairman of the New Hampshire chapter of McCain’s "Straight Talk" political action committee, said the group has talked to hundreds of McCain’s supporters from 2000 and knows of none who supported him in 2000 who don’t support him now. Allan Bloomquist of Hopkinton said he and is wife are ready to "pull out the old McCain signs and put them up." He said he is not concerned that McCain may have moved to the right, but is uneasy about an immigration bill McCain has sponsored that would allow illegal aliens to become citizens after learning English, paying back taxes and a fine and after working for six years. But Bloomquist said he still believes McCain has "incredible integrity." Charles Burnham of Strafford said he was surprised McCain reached out to Fallwell but said he understands the politics behind it. "He needs the far right, so they can stop painting him as someone who is not a Republican," he said. "Nothing with me is automatic," he said. "But it certainly looks like if he runs, I’m going to be on board." Print this Story Email this Story Discuss this Story Back to the Portsmouth Herald Portsmouth Herald Home Delivery Best Offer Seacoast Online is owned and operated by Seacoast Media Group. Copyright © 2006 Seacoast Online. All rights reserved. Please read our Copyright Notice and Terms of Use. Seacoast Media Group is a subsidiary of Ottaway Newspapers, Inc., a Dow Jones Company. Featured Jobs Seacoast Arts & Entertainment Gourmet Christmas Gift Baskets Gift Baskets Canada Wine Gift Baskets NH Real Estate Julie Dufault Seacoast Realtor Search the Entire MLS Free Timeshare NH Real Estate & Homes 1031 Tax Deferred R.E. Sales New Hampshire Real Estate Agent Quick Seacoast Home Search Las Vegas Homes Technology Schools Directory Refinance Mortgage Search Engine Marketing Fundraisers Fundraising Ideas Fundraising Earn a Degree Online Vioxx Lawyer Dance Shoes Term Life Insurance Debt Consolidation Taxes Seattle Hotels |
| Tonight at 7:30 Return to index of stories... |
Monday on New Hampshire Outlook: Join us Monday at 7:30 only on New Hampshire Public Television. =============================== Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook: Join us tonight at 7:30 only on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 4/7/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:10 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this week-in-review Edition of NH Outlook. Making news this week. A missing Congressional Candidate is found. The smoking ban is out, Michelle's Law is in, and the issue of Immigration heats up. Here to talk about these stories and more from the State House in Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey with the Union Leader, and here in Durham Jeff Feinfold from the NH Business Review and James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. A warm Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Tom Fahey\Union Leader, Jeff Feingold\NH Business Review, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com |
| key: Crime / Legal Issues / Law Enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 4/7/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:10 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this week-in-review Edition of NH Outlook. Making news this week. A missing Congressional Candidate is found. The smoking ban is out, Michelle's Law is IN, and the issue of Immigration heats up. Here to talk about these stories and more from the State House in Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey with the Union Leader, and here in Durham Jeff Feinfold from the NH Business Review and James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. A warm Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Tom Fahey\Union Leader, Jeff Feingold\NH Business Review, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com |
| key: Minorities / Civil Rights Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 4/7/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:10 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this week-in-review Edition of NH Outlook. Making news this week. A missing Congressional Candidate is found. The smoking ban is out, Michelle's Law is IN, and the issue of Immigration heats up. Here to talk about these stories and more from the State House in Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey with the Union Leader, and here in Durham Jeff Feinfold from the NH Business Review and James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. A warm Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Tom Fahey\Union Leader, Jeff Feingold\NH Business Review, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com |