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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: The battle to Preserve NH's Primary heats up, NY Governor George Pataki tests the presidential waters, Real-ID gets real opposition in NH, and could tokens make a comeback? Here to talk about all this and more from the statehouse in Concord: Tom Fahey from the Union Leader, and Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and here in Durham James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. A warm welcome to all of you. |
| PRIMARY Return to index of stories... |
We begin with NH"s Primary -- and the battle to preserve it. The Governor signing into law this week a primary bill that gives the Secretary of State another tool to keep NH's place on the national political calender. This comes as California moves forward on plans to boost its clout in presidential politics A measure approved this week would give CA one of the earliest primaries in the nation -- putting it in competition with NH. Q JAMES: What are we to make of this??? Q KEVIN/TOM: What does the PRIMARY bill that Gov Lynch signed DO? -- and how would it impact moves by CA to edge out NH? Q What would happen if NH schedules its primary in OPPOSITION to Democratic party rules?? Q JAMES: How would CA's primary work? Q The CA Primary could be as early as JAN 2nd --what does that do to the primary season??? At what point is it TOO early to hold a primary??? Q JAMES: California wants a BIGGER say in picking presidential nominees. Will they GET IT? A lot of electoral votes. Q JAMES: A big weekend for NH Democrat looking to hit streets lay groundwork for FALL elections to boost Gov Lynch and other Democrats. ================ A new development in the 2002 election day PHONE JAMMING scandal in NH. The AP reports that Mississippi Governor Haley Barbor, a former National Republican Party chairman, arranged the start-up financing for the telemarketing company implicated in the scheme in which democratic "get-out-the-vote" lines were jammed on election day. Barbor said he had no idea the company would engage in criminal activity. The loan made Barbour and his Washington business partners part owners of the company. |
| Pataki Return to index of stories... |
NY Governor George Pataki weighing in on NH's primary at friday's"Politics & Eggs" event in Beford as he continues to build support for a potential presidential run. OUTCUE: In america Homeland Security and Protecting our borders-- a major part of Pataki's address. Q so JAMES. How was Pataki received -- and his message??? Q Talking about homeland security in Manchester with the mayor??? BETH: On streets of Portsmouth -- Pataki was asked what HE would do about GAS prices. He spoke of the need for INCENTIVES to make alternative fuels, building more oil refineries, and the lowering of the "federal" GASOLINE tax. Q KEVIN/TOM: GAS prices shaping up to be a big election year issue?? Q JAMES: In Washington -- There's talk of Rebate Checks to Taxpayers, or a Gasoline-Tax HOLIDAY. No one wants to be without a Plan to attack the SPIKE in gasoline prices. |
| real id program Return to index of stories... |
The federal Real-ID act continues to meet resistance in NH. It's a matter of Privacy Rights vs Homeland Security. The state is in the forefront of the OPPOSITION to a standardized drivers license system that critics liken to national ID card. A bill to remove NH from the list of states that will comply -- has passed the House, cleared a Senate commitee this week -- and now goes to the full Senate. Q TOM/KEVIN: Will they follow suit? Q Gov has indicated the Nat'l Gov's Assocation is uncomfortable with the bill. So, Lynch will sign it? Q Would NH be the first to REJECT "Real ID". Q How will that REJECTION impact NH? ** Cong Bass says it would be a MISTAKE for the state to BLOCK Real ID -- that NH would become a magnet for those trying to get fake ID's. Q Proponents argue it would PROTECT our borders -- prevent the use of drivers licenses by terrorists. Libertarians argue this would put STATES under the thumb of the federal govt ? similiar sentiments in Sen? Q JAMES: Did this anti-terrorism bill get much public debate in Washington. Q Some concerns raised about RFID/s. RADIO-FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION CHIPS or a bar code which irks privacy advocates. This is one worth watching. |
| Berlin Prison Return to index of stories... |
There seems to be a "tug of war " over the Berlin Prison. Congress approved the funds. The President wants to CUT it from the federal budget. Sen GREGG says Congress won't AGREE to a cut. Q JAMES: Any sense as to WHERE this stands??? Q TOM/KEVIN: GOV Lynch has "appealed" to the PRESIDENT for support writing him a letter. Does NH have enough CLOUT to get this through??? ===================== Q EDITH: The Prison was viewed as a way to help break the region's RELIANCE on paper mills and logging. WILL IT??? ** construction slated for next January/ 2nd largest construction project in state history ** a recent hearing in Berlin on location for the 1230-bed medium-security prison |
| deadly force Return to index of stories... |
In a suprise move -- the NH House gave a "thumbs up" to a "deadly force" bill this week. The measure allows citizens to use deadly force if attacked in public -- even if "retreating" is an option. The measure is said to be similiar to Florida's "Stand your Ground" Law. Q KEVIN/TOM: The House rejected a similiar bill weeks ago. WHAT happened??? Q What does CURRENT law say? Q Would this grant IMMUNITY to those who use deadly force in self defense? Q Was this an IMPASSIONED debate. Q The AG's Office and Police Chiefs OPPOSED it. could lead to unnecessary killings. Where does GOV stand on this? Q Who would decide whether self-defense was warranted in a confrontation If no witnesses??? Q Sen passed a similiar version -- sent it over for consideration? Q Where does GOV stand on this? Would he VETO it? Q Was the Gun Lobby active in this case? BETH: house also passed bill prohibiting Police & Nat'l Guard from taking guns and ammunition from citizens during a declared state of emergency. |
| groundwater Return to index of stories... |
The politics of GROUNDWATER -- making news this week. The House giving a "thumbs up" to a measure that gives communities a greater say over large withdrawals of groundwater. The measure was inspired by the long battle over USA Spring's plans to open a commerical water bottling operation in Northwood. QTOM/KEVIN: So, Communities will have more of a say but NOT "VETO" power??? Q Seemed to have Overwhelming support. Q House made some changes in the bill - WILL the SENATE go along? Q JAMES: This is viewed as being a response to the NORTHWOOD case & USA Springs -- but, Does this issue resonate elsewhere in the state? Q JAMES: The protection of the state's GROUNDWater -- was one of the issues Gov Lynch campaigned on. This -- viewed as another WIN for him??? Q How would the PERMITTING process change? Q Will this give local groups a greater ability to BLOCK groundwater withdrawals ? Senate likely to take this up in a couple of weeks??? |
| school vouchers Return to index of stories... |
School Vouchers -- still alive after a Senate committee tagged it onto another bill. The Plan calls for up to 35-hundred dollars a year to select low-income families for children attending private school. Q Republican Leaders trying to salvage this -- do they have the votes???? |
| tokens Return to index of stories... |
Don't throw those NH highway tokens away just yet. They may be making a comeback this summer -- albeit a brief one. The Senate Finance Committee is considering a plan to allow tokens to be used for the 2nd half of the year. Q TOM./KEVIN: My left over tokens -- may no longer be worthless ??? Q State stopped collecting TOKENS inJan when EZ Pass went in. Can't get NEW tokens, but OLD tokens may have some value. HOW MUCH under the plan?? Q How long would we be able to use our OLD tokens? keep you posted. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to Kevin Landrigan and Tom Fahey in Concord. And, James Pindell here in Durham. And, thank you for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. I'll see you next time. |
| eminent domain Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire legislators are moving forward on tightening the state's eminent domain laws. One proposed constitutional amendment is expected to go before voters in November. It would prevent cities and towns from seizing property if it would go to a private owner. The House also voted to tighten existing laws on eminent domain yesterday. |
| coburn Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - Republican gubernatorial hopeful Jim Coburn says New Hampshire should suspend its gas tax for the summer as a way to attract more tourists to the state and give residents a break from high tax prices. The governor's office says the plan would cost the state 30 million dollars and even fellow Republicans say the move would hurt the state. CONCORD, N.H. - Republican gubernatorial hopeful Jim Coburn says New Hampshire should give residents and visitors a break by suspending its gas tax for the summer. Democrats say the plan would cost the state 30 million dollars and even fellow Republicans say the move would hurt the state. Coburn wants state leaders to meet this week to discuss lifting some or all of the 18-cent a gallon tax. He says gas prices are threatening New Hampshire's summer tourism season and figures if the state has the lowest prices in New England, tourists will visit. Democrats quickly pointed out that the Windham legislator voted against a bill in February aimed at prohibiting gasoline price-gouging. Senate Majority Leader Robert Clegg said money from the gas tax pays for road construction, and the state already is short on highway money. APOBURN VOTED AGAINST A BAN ON GAS PRICE GOUGING TWO MONTHS AGO Campaign Grandstanding Contradicts Record CONCORD, NH - Jim Coburn's attempt to use painful gas prices for political grandstanding today contradicts his record of voting against legislation that would prohibit the overpricing of fuel. "For many families, high gas prices are a putting a painful squeeze on their budget," said New Hampshire Democratic Party Executive Director Nick Clemons. "It is disappointing that Jim Coburn is trying to grandstand on this issue when he voted just two months ago against legislation to crack-down on price gouging by gas companies. If he keeps this up, his credibility with voters will be in tatters before his campaign ever gets off the ground." HB1621, "An Act Prohibiting the Overpricing of Fuel" February 15, 2006 Voting No: James Coburn Failed, 127-146 ### -NY-04-26-06 0754EDT |
| Part d Return to index of stories... |
MANCHESTER, N.H. - A federal official who came to New Hampshire today to help sign more people up for the new Medicare medicine coverage says Governor John Lynch's request to extend the enrollment deadline makes no sense. The deadline to enroll for the program, called Part-D, is May 15th, and with 76 thousand eligible New Hampshire residents still not signed up, Lynch asked the president and Health and Human Services Department for more time. At an enrollment session today in Manchester, Regional Health and Human Services Director Brian Cresta said Lynch can speak from - what he called - a large and loud bully pulpit. He said he hopes Lynch helps promote enrollment before the deadline. Cresta says many people have put off enrollment until the last minute, and extending a deadline will cause them to put it off even longer. At the Statehouse, Lynch's spokeswoman, Pam Walsh, says an extension makes sense because seniors are faced with complicated choices, and missing the deadline will mean higher premiums. |
| Border patrol Return to index of stories... |
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate voted today for a plan introduced by Senator Judd Gregg to divert some money President Bush requested for the war in Iraq to increase border and port security at home. Gregg's amendment would cut Bush's Iraq request by one-point-three--billion dollars to pay for new Border Patrol agents, aircraft and fencing at border crossings widely used by illegal immigrants. |
| door to door canvas Return to index of stories... |
Dems going door-to-door this weekend dewho MANCHESTER, N.H. - New Hampshire Democrats are going door-to-door in several communities this weekend to lay the groundwork for the fall elections. It's part of a campaign called "Keep New Hampshire Blue." Volunteers will knock on doors on Saturday in Keene, Exeter, Manchester and Nashua. They are prepared to talk about Governor John Lynchs job performance, the Legislature and the direction of the federal government. AP-NY-04-26-06 1047EDT 225-6899 FIRST DOOR-TO-DOOR CANVASS OF 2006 BEGINS ON SATURDAY IN EXETER, NASHUA, KEENE AND MANCHSTER Democrats to Talk with Voters About Lynch's Leadership, State Legislature's Accomplishments, and The Need for A New Direction in Washington CONCORD, NH - New Hampshire Democrats will go door to door across New Hampshire this weekend, talking with voters about Governor Lynch's leadership, the accomplishments of Democrats in the state legislature, and the need for a new direction in Washington. "The grassroots, door-to-door campaign we ran in 2004 brought positive results for our state, and we are going to redouble those efforts in 2006," said New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Kathy Sullivan. "Democrats in Concord have recently won some significant achievements, like passing an important ethics law and enacting key health care reforms that will stabilize insurance rates for small businesses. We're going to make sure that voters know about these successes and know that there is an alternative to the wrong direction Washington has taken us over the past several years." The canvasses, the first of the 2006 election, will be carried out by volunteers in Nashua, Manchester, Exeter and Keene at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 29th. Local Democrats and supportive independents are invited to join volunteers at each canvass: KEENE: Cheshire County Democrats Office, 2 Eagle Square. MANCHSTER: Manchester City Democrats Office, 848 Elm Street, 2nd Floor. EXETER: Home of Kevin Fleming, 11 Cass Street. NASHUA: Home of Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja, 2 Amble Road. The statewide canvass program is part of the New Hampshire Democratic Party's "Keep New Hampshire Blue" initiative, designed to engage grassroots activists and volunteers in the effort to educate voters and support Democratic candidates in the November election. For more information, visit www.keepnhblue.com. ### |
| gas prices Return to index of stories... |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: New Hampshire Democratic Party, 225-6899 GAS PRICES: Bass, Bradley Must Answer For Voting Against Anti-Gouging Bill CONCORD, NH - As gas prices have increased by 70 cents a gallon in the last year alone, Congressmen Bass and Bradley must now answer for their record of voting against legislation that would have outlawed price-gouging. The two voted last fall against a proposal to make it illegal during an energy crisis to sell crude oil, gasoline or petroleum at unconscionable levels. The legislation would also provide the Federal Trade Commission with new authority to investigate and prosecute those that engage in this "predatory pricing", from oil companies on down to local gas stations, with an emphasis on those who profit most. This includes the gouging of gasoline, home heating oil, propane or natural gas. Some fines collected from such offenses would have gone towards the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program which aids consumers in paying their heating bills. "Everyone is feeling the pain at the pump these days," said Kathy Sullivan, NH Democratic Party Chair. "Both Bass and Bradley voted against anti gouging proposals last fall that would have taken a step in the right direction towards protecting New Hampshire consumers at the pump. Instead, families are paying hundreds of dollars more for gas than they were last year. Unfortunately, this is what we have come to expect from two Congressmen who have given a free passes to big oil time and again." These new prices are reaching deep into the pockets of the average New Hampshire family. The price of gas has more than doubled since 2003, and a gallon of gas now costs more than a gallon of milk. Most families in New Hampshire own two cars, and they are paying between $850 and $1300 more for gas per year just to get to work. This will cost families over $11 a day to just get to and from work if both parents work. Meanwhile, oil companies are making unprecedented profits. Exxon Mobil Corp., the nation's largest oil company reported net income in the fourth quarter of $10.7 billion in 2005. That amounts to almost $120 million in profits daily. ### |
| 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: 4/28/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:00 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Week-in-Review Edition of NH Outlook. Making news this week: The battle to Preserve NH's Primary heats up, NY Governor George Pataki tests the presidential waters, Real-ID gets real opposition in NH, and could tokens make a comeback? Here to talk about all this and more from the statehouse in Concord: Tom Fahey from the Union Leader, and Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and here in Durham James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. A warm welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com |
| key: Crime / Legal Issues / Law Enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 4/28/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:00 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Week-in-Review Edition of NH Outlook. Making news this week: The battle to Preserve NH's Primary heats up, NY Governor George Pataki tests the presidential waters, Real-ID gets real opposition in NH, and could tokens make a comeback? Here to talk about all this and more from the statehouse in Concord: Tom Fahey from the Union Leader, and Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and here in Durham James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. A warm welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com |
| key: Education Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 4/28/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:00 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Week-in-Review Edition of NH Outlook. Making news this week: The battle to Preserve NH's Primary heats up, NY Governor George Pataki tests the presidential waters, Real-ID gets real opposition in NH, and could tokens make a comeback? Here to talk about all this and more from the statehouse in Concord: Tom Fahey from the Union Leader, and Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and here in Durham James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. A warm welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com |
| key: UNH Return to index of stories... |
No UNH stories |
| prison Return to index of stories... |
BERLIN, N.H. - Senator Judd Gregg says he's not worried about money for a federal prison in Berlin being cut from the federal budget. The president is proposing cutting the money, but Gregg says the president would have to get Congress to agree to the cut, and that's not going to happen. Gregg said he spoke to federal prison officials several weeks ago, and says the project is on schedule for construction to begin early next year. April 14, 2006 MILAN, N.H. --A group of North Country residents is organizing to oppose plans to build a federal prison in Berlin. Many of the 40 people at a meeting Wednesday night complained that the impact the prison would have on neighboring towns and the rest of the region has been largely ignored. "The city of Berlin had a referendum. The region did not," said Kurt Masters, who helped organize the meeting. The group was preparing arguments to present at a public hearing next week when the federal Bureau of Prisons holds a public hearing on the prison plan at Berlin Junior High. Masters cautioned that opponents must have specific concerns, not just a dislike for having a new prison in their backyard. Residents said issues they could raise at next Wednesday's public hearing include the impact of prison lights on the night sky, the affect on popular moose tours and whether the children of prison workers and inmates would overwhelm the school system. ------ |
| primary Return to index of stories... |
ANCHESTER, N.H. - New Hampshire Democrats are hitting the streets this weekend to lay the groundwork for the fall elections. Volunteers will knock on doors on Saturday in Keene, Exeter, Manchester and Nashua to boost Governor John Lynch and other Democrats. CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire has a new law is giving the secretary of state more power to protect the presidential primary. The governor today signed into law a bill to allow the secretary of - A plan is moving forward in California to challenge New Hampshire's presidential primary. An election committee of legislators has approved a plan to require California's secretary of state to schedule a vote-by-mail presidential primary as early as January Second or at least on the same day as the first primary held that year by any other state. AP-California-Presidential Politics Two bills to boost California's clout in presidential politics clear committee SACRAMENTO - Two bills that could shake up presidential politics have been approved by a California state Assembly committee. One would ratify an interstate compact under which California's 55 Electoral College members would agree to support the winner of the national popular vote for president. The compact is currently under consideration in four other states -- Louisiana, Illinois, Missouri and Colorado. The other California measure would give the state one of the earliest primaries in the nation, putting it in competition with New Hampshire. The author of the bills says they're designed to increase California's clout in determining who sits in the Oval Office. AP-NH--California Primary,0086 California considering challenging N.H.'s primary dewap SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California lawmakers are considering a plan that could put their state in a race with New Hampshire to have the earliest presidential primary. The bill would require California's secretary of state to schedule the election as early as January second in presidential election years and conduct it by mail. California experimented with a March presidential primary for a few years in an unsuccessful attempt to give it a bigger say in picking presidential nominees. It now holds its primary in June. AP-NY-04-24-06 0617EDT For Immediate Release: Contact: Pamela Walsh Thursday, April 27, 2006 271-2121 491-7124 Governor Signs Legislation to Boost Efforts To Protect New Hampshire's Presidential Primary CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today signed legislation that will boost the state's efforts to protect New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary, by allowing the Secretary of State to set the filing period for the primary separately from establishing the date of the Primary. "In the more than 50-year history of the New Hampshire primary, we have created a strong tradition of giving all candidates a level playing field and of giving all candidates the opportunity to make their cases directly to voters. We have made it possible for the so-called unknown candidates to make their case, without having millions in the bank," Gov. Lynch said. "In turn, we have demanded much of candidates. We demand that candidates move beyond the rope line and the photo op. We demand that presidential candidates directly answer the hard questions from voters. "The traditions that took New Hampshire 50 years to build cannot simply be re-created in another state. Without New Hampshire, we would end up with campaigns composed of pre-scripted town hall meetings and television advertisements, and where only the best-financed candidates would be able to compete. "That is why New Hampshire's primary should remain first, and why New Hampshire's primary will remain first," Gov. Lynch said. Every four years, some other states attempt to challenge New Hampshire's primary. Currently, some in California want to move their state primary before New Hampshire. Some at the Democratic National Committee have advocated placing multiple events just before or after New Hampshire. Some in the Florida and South Carolina Republican parties are advocating moving their primaries to impinge on New Hampshire's tradition. "We have warded them off because we have stood together. And that is what we will do this year - and that is what this legislation helps us do. We will protect New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation tradition by standing together. And we will watch carefully to see who stands with New Hampshire," Gov. Lynch said. Recently two potential presidential candidates, Senators John Kerry and Evan Bayh voiced their strong support for New Hampshire and their opposition to the DNC moving any event in between. The legislation, HB 1125, was sponsored by Rep. Jim Splaine. Rep. Splaine, Secretary of State Bill Gardner, Republican and Democratic lawmakers and representatives of the New Hampshire political library joined Gov. Lynch for the bill signing. # # # Pamela Walsh Communications Director Office of Gov. John Lynch 271-2121 pamela.walsh@nh.gov |
| deadly force Return to index of stories... |
A bill that allows anyone The house gave a thumbs up to a DEADLY force bill -- which allows ONCORD – The gun owners lobby scored a surprising reversal Wednesday, winning final approval of a bill that lets anyone use deadly force when attacked in public – even if retreating from an attacker is an option. n a reversal -- the House gives its ok to a bill that expands citizens rights to use deadly force The bill is similar to a "Stand Your Ground" law enacted in Florida last year. The attorney general's office and the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police opposed the idea. They said there's no need for the bill in New Hampshire and warned that it would disrupt the balance in the current law between the right to protection and the need to prevent unnecessary killings. A 4 to 2 majority on the Senate Judiciary Committee agreed, recommending that the bill be killed. But the Senate overturned that recommendation, 12-11, yesterday with Senate President Ted Gatsas casting the decisive vote on a roll call. The Senate then approved the bill by a vocal majority. But Sen. Andre Martel, a Manchester Republican, said he inadvertently sided with the majority in rejecting the committee recommendation. Martel thought the Senate was on the second vote when it was still on the first, he said last night, adding that he hopes the Senate will reconsider the bill and overturn the vote. "It was a situation where I was talking with the chief of police of the Manchester Police Department in the anteroom, and the vote came up very fast," Martel said. "I made a mistake. And I'm going to keep working to get the reconsideration vote." ---ADVERTISEMENT--- The House, meanwhile, debated a similar bill earlier this week but postponed the vote for later this month. Gov. John Lynch said he was concerned by the efforts to tinker with the state's self-defense laws. But he would not comment on whether he would veto either bill if it reached his desk, saying he needed to review the language further. "I understand that the attorney general's office and law enforcement have concerns with both bills," Lynch said. "And I plan to consult with both of them as these bills continue along the legislative process." Current state law already lets a person use deadly force to defend himself against a possible deadly attack, a kidnapping, a forced sexual offense or a burglar's use of force. However, people have a duty to retreat or defuse the situation first in all of those cases if they can do so safely. Only in their home, their yard and outbuildings may people respond with deadly force to the threat of attack without retreating first. The Senate bill approved yesterday would eliminate the responsibility to retreat for anyone who perceives the threat of attack in any place they have a legal right to be. Bedford Police Chief David Bailey, the legislative chairman for the state association of police chiefs, worried that the bill could lead to unnecessary killings. It makes sense to retreat if you can do so safely, he said. " stood behind the fact that it's the good guys against the bad guys," Bailey said. "We're certainly for the good guys. But we don't want good guys to be bad guys." Senate Majority Leader Bob Clegg championed the bill, saying it would deter criminals and end the ambiguity in current law about if and when people need to retreat. And the bill would not be an invitation to Wild West-style shootouts, he said. "Anybody who's ever had a gun doesn't want to shoot somebody unless they have to. It's not an easy thing to do," said Clegg, a Hudson Republican. "I don't believe that because we passed this bill people are just going to go around shooting people because they scratched their car. That's ridiculous." Sen. Joseph Foster, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the bill could complicate matters by creating more legal defenses in situations where deadly force had been used. Opponents questioned who would decide whether self-defense was warranted in a confrontation that left one person dead, with no witnesses. Foster was skeptical about modeling a self-defense law after Florida. "The state of Florida is one of the states with, I think, the highest homicide rate and the highest violent crime rate. We are one of the safest states in the nation," said Foster, a Nashua Democrat. "So why are we tinkering with our laws when we already have a good balance in our laws?" Clegg disagreed. "If what you want to say is, 'Let's not react until something happens,' then why do we have any of these bills?" he said. He compared the measure to efforts to prevent against the use of eminent domain to take land for private development. That's never happened in New Hampshire, but it doesn't mean lawmakers shouldn't legislate to protect against it, he said. All eight Democrats voted to kill the bill, joined by three Republicans: Sen. Dick Green, Sen. Bob Flanders and Sen. Bob Odell. ------ End of article CONCORD, N.H. - The New Hampshire House reversed itself today and voted for legislation to give people more leeway to use guns to defend themselves in public. The House initially rejected the plan, but got a second shot at the proposal when the Senate passed a similar version and sent it over for consideration. House OKs deadly force in public By KEVIN LANDRIGAN, Telegraph Staff klandrigan@nashuatelegraph.com Published: Thursday, Apr. 27, 2006 BILL AT A GLANCE BILL NO.: SB 318. SPONSOR: Sen. Peter Bragdon, R-Milford DESCRIPTION: This would expand the right of citizens to use deadly force even when they could retreat from an assault. STATUS: The House of Representatives approved the Senate-passed measure by a 193-134, a stunning reversal of action it had taken on a similar bill five weeks ago. Soon, the measure goes to Gov. John Lynch who has said he has “concerns’’ about the measure, which is opposed by police chiefs and Attorney General Kelly Ayotte. CONCORD – The gun owners lobby scored a surprising reversal Wednesday, winning final approval of a bill that lets anyone use deadly force when attacked in public – even if retreating from an attacker is an option. Under current law, deadly force can be used only if people are threatened in their home, or if in public they are the target of a deadly attack, a kidnapping or attempted rape. In other situations, retreat is required. After a campaign by gun rights groups, House membersWednesday embraced expanding the deadly force law, on a vote of 193-134. Only five weeks ago, they had cast a lopsided measure against a similar bill. The Senate already approved the bill, which goes now to Gov. John Lynch. The governor has “concerns” about the bill, but has yet to decide if he’ll sign or veto it, according to his communications director, Pamela Walsh. The deadly force law was hotly debated. “This only permits a New Hampshire citizen the right to defend themselves in a place they have a right to be. Law abiding citizens have that right,” said Farmington Republican Rep. Sam Cataldo. Opposing the bill, Dover Democratic Rep. William Knowles said this would be an invitation for people to become vigilantes. “This bill is unnecessary and creates the potential for people to use deadly force when they otherwise would not use deadly force or would have retreated from the incident,” Knowles said. The House vote came after national and state gun rights groups lodged a letter and e-mail writing campaign. “The Legislature got the message that people don’t have to retreat from criminals. Law-abiding people should be able to defend themselves,” said Alan Rice, treasurer of the New Hampshire Firearms Coalition. The National Rifle Association did its own mailings and phone banks, targeting certain lawmakers late last week. Attorney General Kelly Ayotte and the lobby of police chiefs opposed the bill. The bill, submitted by Milford Republican Sen. Peter Bragdon, had looked dead in both legislative chambers, only to re-emerge with the help of House and Senate Republican leaders, who solidly support it. Kingston Republican Rep. David Welch said he doesn’t believe the change will lead to many gun or knife fights that would not otherwise occur. “The response of most people is to avoid a deadly conflict if they can, and I think that won’t change,” said Welch who supported the bill. On a related matter, the House passed and sent to Lynch’s desk a bill to prevent the confiscation of guns or ammunition from people during a state of emergency. “Nothing should chip away at our freedom,” Hudson Republican Rep. Lynne Ober said. “If weapons had been confiscated centuries ago, we might have been singing ‘God Save the Queen.’” Kevin Landrigan can be reached at 224-8804 or klandrigan@nashuatelegraph.com. Subscribe to The Telegraph. Gift Baskets Online Bingo Buy Poker Chips Toronto Holiday Gift Baskets Wine Gift Baskets Auto Parts Brian Moses Realty |
| groundwater Return to index of stories... |
Those who fought the bill said it was meant as a roadblock to USA Springs, which has been trying to open a commercial water bottling operation for several years in Northwood. SB 386 gives communities more of a say in decisions about the use of groundwater within their borders and House OK’s groundwater withdrawal limits By TOM FAHEY State House Bureau Chief 14 hours, 20 minutes ago Concord – The House passed a bill yesterday that sets into law rules that the Department of Environmental Services now uses in granting permits to withdraw large volumes of groundwater. SB 386 gives communities more of a say in decisions about the use of groundwater within their borders and allows them to join in court actions over permits the state grants. Gov. Lynch hailed the bill’s passage as “an important step forward in increasing the ability of the state to protect groundwater and to provide communities with the information they need to manage and protect their groundwater resources.” Those who fought the bill said it was meant as a roadblock to USA Springs, which has been trying to open a commercial water bottling operation for several years in Northwood. “This legislation removes the reasonable science that DES uses — and replaces it with a process that is fraught with emotion and politics,” Rep. James Lawrence, R-Hudson, said. Rep. Judith Spang, D-Durham, urged approval of the bill, which later passed, 236-63. State policies, she said, “should be clearly stated in statute, not just in rules.” She said it speeds challenges of permits by directing appeals to Superior Court instead of state Supreme Court. In a full day of business, the House easily passed a new law on eminent domain powers that is a companion to a constitutional amendment voters will decide this fall. SB 287 contains a specific definition of the term “public use,” limits government property takings to only cases where the property is meant for public use, and continues study of eminent domain issues. The bill passed by a voice vote with no debate. The House spent more than an hour debating a measure that would have changed a section of state law on cruelty to animals, making it a felony to drown a domestic animal. The House killed SB 351, which was filed after two women drowned one of their boyfriend’s dogs. Both later pleaded guilty to felony charges. Those who argued against the bill said current law against torture already covers such incidents. SB 394, the Trust Modernization and Competitiveness Act, passed without debate. The bill opens the state up to wealthy families who want to establish private trust companies and family banks that handle the investment of their fortunes. The aim of the bill is to create new white-collar jobs in financial services fields to serve the clientele who would found new trusts here. The Senate will review amendments the House made, including a provision gives the Secretary of State a non-voting seat on the board that reviews trust company applications. Sponsor Sen. Lou D’Allesandro, D-Manchester, said he thinks the Senate will agree to the changes. The House approved two bills dealing with weapons — SB 318 on the use of deadly force and SB 348, which bars civil authorities from seizing weapons and ammunition during declared states of emergency. It sent back SB 355 dealing with underage people who consume alcohol. The bill would have allowed police to charge people aged 18 to 21 for having consumed alcohol, even if they were not intoxicated. The committee that reviewed the bill said there were some concerns about “the potential for overzealous application by authorities.” Print Article | Email a Friend | Submit FeedbackSite Search PRIOR EDITIONS All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners. © 1997-2006. emocratic Gov. John Lynch said yesterday he will sign a bill that would bar the state from adopting strict new federal standards for driver's licenses, if the Legislature passes it. The bill, which bans state participation in the Real ID Act of 2005, passed the House last month and was recommended unanimously by a Senate committee yesterday. The bill is expected to go before the full Senate in two weeks. "The governor has serious concerns about the unanswered questions about privacy, cost and the consequences of turning motor vehicle workers into de facto agents of Homeland Security,"Lynch spokeswoman Pamela Walsh said. The bill has put New Hampshire at the forefront of opposition to the Real ID Act, an anti-terrorism bill, which critics say would effectively create a national identification card system. Real ID grew out of recommendations by the Sept. 11 Commission, which studied the terrorist attacks and how to prevent a recurrence. ---ADVERTISEMENT--- It requires that by 2008, states verify birth certificates, Social Security numbers, passports and immigration status when people get driver's licenses. The licenses must be machine-readable, and state databases with driver information and photos will also be linked in what opponents have called a national database. U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg, a Republican, said if the state fails to adopt Real ID, residents will have more difficulty taking airplanes and entering federal buildings. Gregg said New Hampshire's Division of Motor Vehicles and most other states already have adopted many of the security measures Real ID requires, which are intended to close loopholes that now make it too easy for terrorists and others to obtain fake IDs. "Otherwise, terrorists who want to hijack an airplane or plant a bomb in a federal facility that checks identification could simply go to the state with the lowest security protocols and acquire all the identification they need to carry out such plans,"Gregg said. Gregg also said that, contrary to what opponents are saying, the law would not create a national database. "Rather, upon request by another state, each state would be required to confirm driver information in their respective databases subject to privacy safeguards that they each could establish. This provision is far less reaching than critics assert or even what is currently being done under the National Driver Register," he said. State Rep. Neal Kurk, a Republican from Weare and the author of the state bill, has drawn national attention for his opposition to Real ID. "It's a feel-good device: It's intended to make us think that we're going to be safe and... our borders are secure, but they're not," Kurk said in an interview earlier this week. "Remember: The 9/11 terrorists were in this country legally and had legally obtained documents." ------ End of article By ANNE SAUNDERS The Associated Press This article is: 0 day old. |
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Q JAMES: Do we know if OTHER states are looking to OPT out of this federal mandate. The Argument for these cards is to PROTECT our borders -- prevent use of drivers licenses by terrorists. Cong Bass says it would be a MISTAKE for the state to BLOCK Real ID -- that NH would become a magnet for those trying to get fake ID's. Q Could the federal govt BAR NH citizesn from air travel and entrance into courthouses without one of these cards? ** REAL ID requries states to put info about citizens into a federal database. CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch says he will sign a bill to bar New Hampshire from adopting strict new federal standards for drivers' licenses, if the Legislature passes it. The bill passed the House and was recommended by a state Senate committee yesterday. The bill puts New Hampshire at the forefront of opposition to the federal Real I-D Act, which critics say is really a national identification card system that could allow the government to track law-abiding citizens. - Governor John Lynch said today that he will sign a bill that would bar New Hampshire from adopting strict new federal standards for drivers' licenses, if the Legislature passes it. The bill passed the House last month and was recommended by a state Senate committee today. It will go before the full Senate in two weeks. The bill put New Hampshire at the forefront of opposition to the federal Real I-D Act, which critics say is really a national identification card system that could allow the government to track law-abiding citizens. Supporters of the law, including U-S Senator Judd Gregg, say New Hampshire is already doing most of the things required by Real I-D. Gregg says if New Hampshire refuses to participate, state residents will have a much harder time boarding airplanes and entering federal buildings. Committee endorses anti-Real-ID bill dewst CONCORD, N.H. - A state Senate committee today endorsed a plan to keep New Hampshire out of the federal Real I-D program. The House voted for the bill last month, putting New Hampshire at the forefront of opposition to Real I-D, which critics say would effectively be a national identification card system. Real I-D grew out of recommendations of the national September Eleventh Commission, which studied how to prevent terrorist attacks. The national program requires that by 2008, states verify documents such as birth certificates, Social Security cards and passports when people get driver's licenses. State databases with driver information and photos will also be linked. AP-NY-04-26-06 1106EDT D emocratic Gov. John Lynch said yesterday he will sign a bill that would bar the state from adopting strict new federal standards for driver's licenses, if the Legislature passes it. The bill, which bans state participation in the Real ID Act of 2005, passed the House last month and was recommended unanimously by a Senate committee yesterday. The bill is expected to go before the full Senate in two weeks. "The governor has serious concerns about the unanswered questions about privacy, cost and the consequences of turning motor vehicle workers into de facto agents of Homeland Security,"Lynch spokeswoman Pamela Walsh said. The bill has put New Hampshire at the forefront of opposition to the Real ID Act, an anti-terrorism bill, which critics say would effectively create a national identification card system. Real ID grew out of recommendations by the Sept. 11 Commission, which studied the terrorist attacks and how to prevent a recurrence. ---ADVERTISEMENT--- It requires that by 2008, states verify birth certificates, Social Security numbers, passports and immigration status when people get driver's licenses. The licenses must be machine-readable, and state databases with driver information and photos will also be linked in what opponents have called a national database. U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg, a Republican, said if the state fails to adopt Real ID, residents will have more difficulty taking airplanes and entering federal buildings. Gregg said New Hampshire's Division of Motor Vehicles and most other states already have adopted many of the security measures Real ID requires, which are intended to close loopholes that now make it too easy for terrorists and others to obtain fake IDs. "Otherwise, terrorists who want to hijack an airplane or plant a bomb in a federal facility that checks identification could simply go to the state with the lowest security protocols and acquire all the identification they need to carry out such plans,"Gregg said. Gregg also said that, contrary to what opponents are saying, the law would not create a national database. "Rather, upon request by another state, each state would be required to confirm driver information in their respective databases subject to privacy safeguards that they each could establish. This provision is far less reaching than critics assert or even what is currently being done under the National Driver Register," he said. State Rep. Neal Kurk, a Republican from Weare and the author of the state bill, has drawn national attention for his opposition to Real ID. "It's a feel-good device: It's intended to make us think that we're going to be safe and... our borders are secure, but they're not," Kurk said in an interview earlier this week. "Remember: The 9/11 terrorists were in this country legally and had legally obtained documents." ------ End of article By ANNE SAUNDERS The Associated Press This article is: 0 day old. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Print article Send to friend Letter to editor -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MOST READ STORIES 1. Man, 28, found dead in river 2. Case of the Mummified Baby 3. Car, bicycle collide at intersection 4. Factory to close; 200 jobs gone 5. 'Monitor' panelists take seat at the judges' table 6. Former prison guard jailed and forfeits bail 7. Flower shop will reopen Saturday 8. Gail M. Matulaitis Co-founder of Century 21, Circa 72 Real Estate Agency 9. Man escapes I-89 crash 10. 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CONCORD, N.H. - Don't throw those New Hampshire highway tokens away yet. The Senate Finance Committee is considering allowing tokens to make a comeback for the second half of this year. P-NH--Highway Tokens,0108 Senators consider bringing tokens back dewman CONCORD, N.H. - There may be some life left in New Hampshire highway tokens, which were declared worthless by the state as of the beginning of the year. The Senate Finance Committee is considering allowing tokens to make a comeback for the second half of this year. They wouldn't go back on sale, but drivers who still have a stash would be able to use tokens for six months, beginning July First. The state stopped accepting tokens on January First after adopting the E-ZPass electronic toll system. Under the plan, tokens would be worth 12 and a half cents each, half their original value. AP-NY-04-26-06 0547EDT |