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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Week-in-Review Edition of NH Outlook. In the News this week: Democrats could push NH's Presidential Primary to 3rd in the nominating lineup. Gary Dodds continues to raise eyebrows, and a case of deju-vu with Ed Funding & the Supreme Court. Here to talk about those stories and more from the State House in Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader, and here in Durham, Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat, and Outlook's Richard Ager. A warm welcome. |
| Primary Return to index of stories... |
We begin with the Plan to push NH's presidential primary to 3rd place in the 2008 nominating lineup. A Democratic National Committee panel voting this week to allow 2 other states to join Iowa and NH in voting early. Both states have been criticized as unrepresentative of the country given their size and nearly all-white populations. So, the panel is recommending the full DNC authorize an "additional" caucus between Iowa and NH's and add another "primary" after NH -- but, before February 5th. Q KEVIN/TOM: And this deal is considered a COMPROMISE?? ** would violate Iowa's law that nothing be held within 8 days & NH's law.which mandates a 7-day period between primary & Similiar election. Q What are the IMPLICATIONS of this move?? Q Rules Cmte decides in July which states will be moved -full cmte ratifies in Aug. Any CHANCE this won't fly???? Q THE plan calls for 4 events between Jan 14 and Feb 5. Wouldn't that violate IOWA'S and NH's laws on these contests? Q GOV -- and Sec of State Bill Gardner -- vowing to FIGHT. Q Gov Lynch had harsh words for Howard Dean. |
| Biden Clinton/War Return to index of stories... |
The question posed to all Presidential hopefuls in these days of the campaign is whether they support changing NH's first primary status. President Bill Clinton, who will be in NH on Tuesday, has long been a supporter of NH's first-in-the-nation primary. Q KEVIN/TOM: Has Pres Clinton or his wife COMMENTED on the DNC plan. Would they have any SWAY over the vote???? Q Delaware Senator Joe Biden was here Saturday the 17th -- he says he supports a handful of tests directly AFTER NH, but likes the current system. Former Sen Majority Leader Tom Daschle, and Indiana Senator Evan Bayh also opposed the RULES change while in NH. EDITH: Political SUICIDE To suggest anything but keeping NH's privledge status. Q Next Tuesday, President CLinton will be keynote speaker for the NH Democratic Party. What are the EXPECTATIONS for that visit?? |
| Iraq Troops Return to index of stories... |
Where candidates stand on the war on terror and troop withdrawal also being asked of candidates as they travel through NH. There was INTENSE debate in Washington this week. Democrats calling on the President to start pulling out troops by the end of the year. Q This, as the UNpopularity of the War continues to grow -- and more NH soldiers are laid to rest. EDITH: This will be a "decisive issue" in the 08 presidential race. Q BETH: President Bush feeling the heat from Democrats wanting to bring troops home- but, there were some lighter moments THIS week for Mr Bush. |
| Bear Hug/Bush Return to index of stories... |
The Picture of the Week: The Bear Hug President Bush received from 6-foot-7, U-S Merchant Marine Academy graduate Gabriel Whitney. The 25-year-old from Nashua could hardly restrain himself during the New York graduation ceremony. Q Have you seen this. Photographs show a seemingly stunned President Bush. It made the NY times and papers across the country. Q Kevin: The Telegraph reports that Whitney has made appearances on MSNBC, Fox News and the TODAY show. A star is born? Q RICHARD/EDITH: As for the hug itself: Whitney was quoted as saying: He did it out of exuberance and because President Bush raised his arms first, which he took as an invitation. ** The White House released a statement that said President Bush thought the bear hug was funny.** Q People stop him and say.hey you're the bear hug guy. |
| Gary Dodds Return to index of stories... |
Unwelcomed notoriety for Congressional Candidate Gary Dodds this week. The Rye Businessman continues to face questions about his car crash and disappearance in April which lead to a police investigation. A NH judge unsealed the court files in that case this week. The documents indicate police concerns that Dodd's account does not match evidence in the case. Q KEVIN/TOM: Any new light shed on the mysterious 24 hours in the woods??? Q probable cause of 3 crimes: theft of services, falsifying physical evidence, and false public alarms. Q Has he made a public statement since this latest information was released? Q RICHARD/EDITH: What are voters to MAKE of all this??? Q ALL: What impact does this have on his Candidacy? at very least a distraction? Q KEVIN/TOM: Will he make it to the primary? |
| Ed Funding/Court Return to index of stories... |
Education funding is back before the state's highest court. On Thursday, Justices heard arguments on whether to uphold a lower court ruling and invalidate the latest school funding law or to order a trial to develop more facts in the case. Several school districts say the law is unconstitutional because it doesn't spell out what the state is required to pay for and then determine its cost. Q EDITH: The law may be new -- the argument hasn't changed? Statewide property Tax is at the heart of the debate. Plaintiffs aruge it gives WEALTHIER TOWNS a "Break" over their poorer neighors? Q KEVIN/TOM: Where does GOVERNOR stand on HB6-16 ? Could we see his ED funding Plan RESURRECTED, or would it have the same consitutional issues??? Q Why hasn't the Legislature been able to come up with a SCHOOL AID formula that doesn't end up in a court battle? Q RICHARD: Will the Supreme Court turn this around quickly? Q If court upholds Superior Court. Would the court give Legislature some time for a REMEDY, or call them back to deal with it. . Q Governor Lynch this week promising to VETO any broad-basead tax -- if passed by the next Legislature. |
| Homeland & Green Return to index of stories... |
NH will get a new homeland security chief to defend against the state against terrorist attacks and natural disasters. The annoucement coming the same week an alleged Terror Plot targeting Chicago's Sears Tower was thwarted. 7 suspects are under arrest. Governor Lynch has nominated Concord Fire Chief Chris Pope for the state's new Security post. Q What are the implications for Bruce Cheney? Q Will Executive Council GIVE Pope the nod? Q Sen Dick Green of Rochester / tapped to take over Exec Dir of Pease Development Authority. Can still serve?? |
| Michelles law sign vo Return to index of stories... |
The Governor has made "Michelle's Law" official. Surrounded by Michelle Morse's family and state lawmakers, Governor Lynch Thursday signed the law that ensures college kids can keep their health insurance if they get sick and need to leave school. The legislation 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 was a tireless advocate for the bill and will continue to fight for student rights. Michelle's law takes effect immediately. Q RICHARD: You've spoken with AnnMarie Morse in the past, what is her plan to get this going around the country? Can she succeed in getting similar legislation passed elsewhere? Q What are insurance companies saying about her continued push for this? |
| flood damage $ Return to index of stories... |
In the wake of last month's flooding there's a renewed call for financial support. The Environmental Services Commissioner wants more money to help repair the state's dams and the fire chief in Milton is looking for help for flood-damaged vacation homes. Q Milton's FIRE chief appealing to other towns he helped to pressure lawmakers to help homeowners who took the hit in flooding. ARE his pleas being heard? Q What is Environmental Services looking to do with the extra money it wants |
| Berlin ATV Park Return to index of stories... |
Good news for ATV riders -- Berlin's new ATV park could have a few trails ready to ride by late summer. Q EDITH: That's earlier than expected , should make folks happy? Q EDITH: Still no name for the park but local 4th graders may have the winner? |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
I'm Beth Carroll. Thanks for watching. I'll see you next time. |
| court Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire's Supreme Court Justices today heard the latest legal challenge to the state's education funding system. Though the law is a new one, the bottom line hasn't changed in the 16 years since the issue landed in court -- who gets what amount of money. Justices must decide whether to uphold a lower court ruling and invalidate the latest school funding law or to order a trial to develop more facts in the case. P-NH--School Funding, TOPS,0185 Supreme Court weighing school aid law nmlbywst CONCORD, N.H. - Supreme Court justices are asking whether lawmakers have done enough to provide the definition and cost of an adequate education under the constitution. The court today heard arguments over whether to uphold a lower court ruling and invalidate the latest school funding law or to order a trial to develop more facts in the case. Last year, lawmakers enacted a new "targeted aid" system that effectively eliminated the requirement for property wealthy towns to subsidize poor schools. The Londonderry and Merrimack school districts and about 20 others want the court to uphold a Superior Court finding that the law is unconstitutional because it doesn't spell out in substantive terms what the state is required to pay for and then determine its cost. Chief Justice John Broderick today challenged lawyers defending the law to tell him what standard was used to determine when a student receives an adequate education. Associate Assistant Attorney General Anne Edwards insisted the state not only has defined adequacy, but also spelled out what is expected in curriculum frameworks and school approval standards. AP-NY-06-22-06 1300EDT |
| Groundwater Return to index of stories... |
491-7124 Gov. Lynch Signs Legislation To Help Protect New Hampshire's Groundwater Resources CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today signed into law legislation aimed at helping protecting New Hampshire's ground water resources. "Our groundwater is a precious resource. We must protect this resource to ensure that our citizens and businesses will continue to have access to clean, safe drinking water for generations to come," Gov. Lynch said. "This new law is 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." The legislation, SB 386, makes it easier for cities, towns and individuals to get involved in the permitting process for large groundwater withdrawals if they could be impacted. It also expands the permit appeals process. The legislation makes clear that groundwater should be consider a public trust, and that the Department of Environmental Services must consider the potential impact on water supplies for neighbors and communities before granting a large withdrawal permit. The bill, which goes into effect in 60 days, was sponsored by Senators Dick Green, Peter Burling, Jack Barnes, and Iris Estabrook. |
| election Return to index of stories... |
Here is the latest New Hampshire news from The Associated Press CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch says the fight isn't over for New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation presidential primary tradition. Lynch commented after a Democratic National Committee panel considering changes to the presidential election calendar voted yesterday to allow just two other states to join Iowa and New Hampshire in voting early in 2008. UNDATED - DNC rules committee conference call on 2008 nominating calendar and the number of states to be placed between Iowa and New Hampshire and immediately after New Hampshire. 1 p.m. Contact Kimberly Hunter at 202-863-8148, hunterkdnc.org. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: NH Democratic Party June 15, 2006 225-6899 KATHY SULLIVAN STATEMENT ON DNC DECISION NOT TO CHANGE THE PRIMARY SCHEDULE The following is a statement from New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Kathy Sullivan on the DNC Rules Committee decision not to place multiple caucuses between the Iowa Caucus and the New Hampshire Primary. "While I'm pleased that we were able to move the DNC away from its plan to place multiple caucuses between Iowa and New Hampshire, the Rules Committee continues to fail to understand that it is up to New Hampshire to decide when it will hold its primary. It also is unfortunate that at a time when Democrats should be united and focused on our efforts to re-take the US Senate and the US House in November, 2006, there are members of the DNC who are more interested in devoting our energies to tinkering with the 2008 nominating calendar. I am not sure why the leadership of the DNC thinks it is in the Democratic Party's interest to have some of the brightest minds in our national party arguing over the 2008 calendar when we have the 2006 elections in less than five months." ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: NH Democratic Party June 21, 2006 225-6899 press@nhdp.org NH DEMOCRATS RUNNING STRONG FIELD OF CANDIDATES Governor Leads The Way As Democrats Field Competitive Candidates Looking To Take Back Congress, Earn Majorities In The State House CONCORD, NH - As the filing period for candidates closes today, New Hampshire Democrats have put together one of their strongest slates of candidates in decades. Governor John Lynch, who has the approval of over 70% of Granite State voters, will head the Democratic ticket in November and it his dedication to good government on behalf of New Hampshire that has inspired Democrats to run for office at all levels of government. "Everyone is feeling great about the job Governor Lynch has done in his first term. His popularity among the voters has been earned through hard work," said Democratic Chairman Kathy Sullivan. "He has done an exceptional job in his first term tackling a budget deficit, a fight to keep the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard open, and two rounds of devastating floods. Governor Lynch has shown us that he is a true leader. I'm proud that John Lynch is heading up our Democratic ticket." For U.S. Congress, Paul Hodes will run for the 2nd district seat and every indication thus far suggests that he has a real opportunity to beat Charles Bass this fall. In the first three months of 2006, Paul Hodes raised $146,013, $43,853 more than six term incumbent Bass. Also, as of May 5th, Hodes was only 7 points behind Bass in The Granite State Poll, a genuine sign of strength. Meanwhile, a spirited primary is expected in the 1st Congressional district as five people filed to be the Democratic nominee for Congress this November. "Jeb Bradley no longer represents the principles of New Hampshire voters," said NH Democratic Party Executive Director Nick Clemons. "He's gone 'Inside the Beltway' on us. The primary in District 1 demonstrates how important it is for New Hampshire to send a representative to Congress who remembers that he represents the Granite State and not the White House or the National Republican Party." In the New Hampshire House of Representatives, 372 candidates are running for 356 seats. This is a dramatic increase from the 335 seats Democrats ran in 2004 and is the largest number of Democratic candidates running for State Representative in a decade. "It's more than just numbers," said NH House Caucus Director Heidi Mitchell. "We have strong candidates running for seats that in the past Republicans have taken unchallenged." Prospects for Democrats look equally promising in the State Senate. Every member of the current NH Senate Democratic Caucus will run again this November and there are strong candidates running in districts with incumbents that were thought to have been too entrenched in 2004. In the races for the Executive Council, six Democrats have filed their candidacy and insiders are considering the possibility of a Democratic majority on the Executive Council for the first time since 1964. For more information about the Democratic Candidates and their campaign details, contact the New Hampshire Democratic Party at 225-6899 or email us at office@nhdp.org. ### |
| Pease/Green Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Green-Pease, CORRECTS,0143 Rochester Sen. Dick Green offered Pease Development job bywlacfn CONCORD, N.H. - The board of the directors of the Pease Development Authority say they've found the man to replace former executive director George Bald. The board has offered the job to Republican state Senator Dick Green of Rochester. Green says he plans to accept, he would earn a salary of 101-thousand dollars. Green is a former mayor of Rochester and one term in the Senate from 1973 to 1974. He was re-elected to the Senate in 2002 and has filed for re-election. He says state election laws make it difficult to withdraw from the ballot, and he's deciding what to do. Green can hold both positions simultaneously. Bald left Pease in April to become Commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development, a job he held from 1998 to 2004. AP-NY-06-22-06 1552EDT |
| eminent domain Return to index of stories... |
LANCASTER, N.H. - It's been a year since the U-S Supreme Court ruled to uphold a Connecticut city's right to take some homes to make way for private development. Opponents crying eminent-domain abuse -- including those in New Hampshire -- are planning to hold rallies throughout the country. One group is gathering at Rogers Campground in Lancaster, New Hampshire. |
| BIDEN Return to index of stories... |
"The next Democrat, whether it's me or Sen. Clinton or John Kerry, whomever -- the Democratic nominee -- they'd better be able to ante up right in front of the American people two things: security and faith," he said. President Bush beat Kerry in 2004 because people wanted to believe he would keep them safe, Biden said. The mothers who voted for him still want one thing primarily: "Security for their families, physical security," he said. Biden also criticized Democrats for their sometimes patronizing approach to religion, saying believers of different faiths don't expect everyone to join them. "They just want to know we respect them," he said. "If we can't negotiate the faith issue, forget it, we won't win." Biden argued in favor of more money for homeland security, saying in his conversations with the nation's wealthy, he found them willing to forgo their Bush tax cuts for the cause. He also spoke about a bill he is backing that would require all automobiles to be "flex-fuel," by 2008, able to run on more than just gasoline. Biden strode up the aisle between folding chairs as he spoke, leaning over to make some of his points face to face with his listeners. Biden appeared in New Hampshire just a month ago and promised to be a frequent visitor. |
| Living Wills Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH-XGR--Living Wills,0193 Lynch signs living will law rewrite nmlklmstfls CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch signed legislation today that makes end-of-life care decisions easier in New Hampshire. Pam Walsh, his press secretary, said the law is going to make it easier for people to plan for and make known their end-of-life decisions. The new law updates state laws on advanced directives, which includes living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care. It takes effect January First. The directives allow people to dictate what care they wish to accept or reject in a medical emergency or if they're near death and can't speak for themselves. They could, for example, say whether they want to receive food and water through tubes if they're unable to swallow. The law clarifies and updates the forms, which allow people to legally appoint another person to make health care decisions on their behalf. It also makes it easier to prepare the documents by allowing people to sign in the presence of two witnesses or have a notary or a justice of the peace serve as a witness. Under the old law, the documents had to be notarized. AP-NY-06-19-06 1636EDT |
| homeland Return to index of stories... |
as the state's director of Homeland Security and Emergency managment. Concord – Gov. John Lynch said his decision to seek out a new homeland security chief was not a slight against Bruce Cheney, the administrator formerly charged with defending the state against terrorist attacks and natural disasters. For Immediate Release: Contact: Pamela Walsh Tuesday, June 20, 2006 271-2121 491-7124 Governor to Bring Forward Concord Fire Chief To Serve as Director of Homeland Security And Emergency Management Chris Pope Nominated by Safety Commissioner Richard Flynn CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch said today that he will bring forward Concord Fire Chief Chris Pope to serve as the state's director of homeland security and emergency management, based on a nomination by Safety Commissioner Richard Flynn, at Wednesday's Governor and Council meeting. The Council must confirm the nomination. "Chris Pope is an energetic leader who can bring people together to make sure that New Hampshire is doing everything possible to prepare for any potential emergency. He has proven experience as an emergency management coordinator on the local level, good working relationships with other emergency response officials, and knowledge of homeland security issues," Gov. Lynch said. "That is why I am bringing forward his name to serve as New Hampshire's director of homeland security and emergency management." Pope has served as the City of Concord's fire chief and emergency management coordinator since March 2002. As a member of the Concord Fire Department since 1977, he has held a number of positions including firefighter/paramedic, division commander, battalion chief and special projects coordinator. Pope recently received a master's degree in National Security Studies, with a focus in homeland security and defense, from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He has a bachelor's degree in public safety administration from Granite State College. "I believe Chris Pope will be an asset to New Hampshire's efforts to plan for and respond to all emergencies, manmade or natural. I look forward to working closely with him," Commissioner Flynn said. "I am honored that Gov. Lynch and Commissioner Flynn have nominated me to the Executive Council for consideration, and I look forward to meeting with the executive councilors," Chief Pope said. Gov. Lynch last week signed House Bill 1697, which creates the position of director of homeland security and emergency management. Under the new law, the commissioner nominates the director, after consultation with the governor. The director of homeland security and emergency management will serve at the pleasure of the governor. The director of homeland security and emergency management will oversee state-level planning, exercises and responses to terrorist threats and incidents, as well natural and human-caused disaster. The director shall serve as the state's primary contact with the federal Department of Homeland Security. Under the law, he will coordinate and collaborate with other state agencies to respond to disasters including epidemics and threats to public health. "Our state's emergency management team, under the leadership of Bruce Cheney, has built a strong foundation for state emergency preparedness, which was evident during our two recent floods," Gov. Lynch said. "This position will further strengthen our efforts to ensure that all of state government is working together, and with local communities, the private sector and nonprofits, to do everything possible to protect our citizens." # # # No snub of 911 chief in homeland hiring By SCOTT BROOKS Union Leader Staff 10 hours, 15 minutes ago Concord – Gov. John Lynch said his decision to seek out a new homeland security chief was not a slight against Bruce Cheney, the administrator formerly charged with defending the state against terrorist attacks and natural disasters. “I think Bruce has done a great job,” Lynch said yesterday. He added, however, “I think we need somebody who can focus full-time on homeland security issues.” A law, urged by Lynch and Safety Commissioner Richard Flynn and passed last month, cuts Cheney’s responsibilities in half while promoting him to a higher pay grade. Cheney will retain his position as the state’s top administrator for 911 services and emergency communications. He will, however, no longer oversee homeland security and emergency management. Yesterday, Lynch nominated Concord Fire Chief Chris Pope to be the state’s first director of homeland security and emergency management. Executive Councilors plan to interview Pope before deciding whether to confirm the nomination. Pope, 49, would earn close to $95,000 a year in the new post. Cheney, who said he was making about $87,000 as director of emergency services, will have his salary bumped to a comparable figure, he said. “Maybe they’re recognizing my responsibilities were greater than they were paying me before,” Cheney said. Cheney has managed the state’s emergency-911 system since 1993. In 2003, his agency was merged with the Office of Emergency Management. Cheney was named director of the combined organization. He held the position during the severe flooding that devastated Alstead last October and another round of floods that washed over swaths of southern and central New Hampshire last month. Senate Majority Leader Bob Clegg, R-Hudson, who helped push for the new homeland security post, said Cheney was overworked in the dual role. “There’s only so much you can expect from one guy,” he said. An audit released last January by the state Office of the Legislative Budget Assistant found several problems with New Hampshire’s 911 system. The audit claimed Cheney’s bureau overpaid for telephone services because it failed to renew its agreement with Verizon. Other payment and reporting practices also were deemed deficient. Lynch said Cheney’s revised job description will allow him to focus on 911 services. “His responsibilities have been too broad,” the governor said. Cheney and the new director of homeland security and emergency management will be on equal footing, Lynch said. If approved, Pope would serve at the pleasure of the governor. Pope has served as Concord’s fire chief and emergency management coordinator for the past four years. He oversees a 117-member fire department with a $10 million operating budget, according to his resume. “I like working in what I consider to be fast-paced, changing environments. I’m used to that,” he said. One executive councilor, Ruth Griffin, said she planned to quiz Pope on a recent scandal involving his former deputy chief, Shawn Mitchell, who resigned amid allegations that he misused city credit cards. “I am confident that our organization responded decisively and effectively to an issue of concern,” Pope said. “At this point, it’s a law enforcement matter.” Print Article | Email a Friend | Submit FeedbackSite Search PRIOR EDITIONS CONCORD, N.H. - Rochester Senator Dick Green has been tapped to take over as executive director of the Pease Development Authority. Green said today he's deciding what to do about his re-election campaign. Green, a Republican, is a former mayor of Rochester. He served one term in the Senate in the early 1970s and was re-elected to the Senate in 2002. All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners. © 1997-2006. |
| milton Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - The head of New Hampshire's environmental agency is asking the governor for more money to repair the state's dams. Environmental Services Commissioner Mike Nolin originally asked for one million dollars in his public works budget request to repair four dams. After last month's floods, he added three dams to the list and asked for an additional 800 thousand dollars. During a hearing today, Nolin said funding for dams is his number one capital budget priority. The seven dams on his list are the Pittsfield Mill Dam, Waumbek Dam in Milton, Pleasant Lake Dam in Deerfield, Mendums Pond Dam in Nottingham, Highland Lake Dam in Stoddard, Buck Street Dam in Pembroke and Milton Three Pond Dam. FLOODING-VACATION HOMES Milton chief looks for help for flood-damaged vacation homes bywdov SOMERSWORTH, N.H. - The fire chief in Milton is asking residents of nearby cities to help secure aid for individuals whose vacation homes were damaged by May's floods. Last month, when heavy rains pounded the state, Milton Fire Chief Andy Lucier decided to hold the Salmon Falls River at the Milton Three Ponds dam. The decision helped prevent catastrophic flooding in downstream communities of Dover, Rochester and Somersworth, but damaged about 20 seasonal homes in Milton. Lucier says those vacation homes receive little to no help from the Federal Emergency Management Agencies. At a meeting yesterday in Somersworth, he asked city residents to pressure state and federal governments to help the homeowners in Milton who took a hit for them. Lucier says he plans to ask residents of Rochester to do the same. |
| key: State Politics/Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 06/23/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:40 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Week-in-Review Edition of NH Outlook. In the News this week: Democrats could push NH's Presidential Primary to 3rd in the nominating lineup. Gary Dodds continues to raise eyebrows, and a case of deju-vu with Ed Funding & the Supreme Court. Here to talk about those stories and more from the State House in Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader, and here in Durham, Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat, and Outlook's Richard Ager. A warm welcome. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll / Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat , Tom Fahey\Union Leader , Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph |
| dodd Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Dodds-Warrant Hearing ,0224 Police investigation of Dodds accident unsealed klmnmlfn DOVER, N.H. - A judge has unsealed court files this afternoon on a State Police investigation into a car crash involving congressional candidate Gary Dodds of Rye. The unsealed documents, which total more than 100 pages, show police have concerns that Dodds' account of his accident in April doesn't match what actually happened. A police search warrant seeks Dodds' clothing and shoes. An affidavit accompanying the search warrant said probable cause exists that there's evidence of three crimes: theft of services, falsifying physical evidence and false public alarms. Dodds had wandered from his car after crashing into a guardrail on the Spaulding Turnpike. He was found more than 24 hours later by a rescue dog. He was treated for hypothermia, a concussion and frostbite, and doctors say he sustained "situational amnesia" from the crash. In a statement posted on his Web site today, Dodds says the facts of the accident have been contorted and distorted by the media in an effort to sensationalize the accident. He says he plans to have a statement for the public later this week. Dodds is running for the congressional seat held by Republican Jeb Bradley. He will face four other candidates in the primary: Jim Craig of Manchester, Dave Jarvis of Londonderry, Carol Shea-Porter of Rochester and Peter Sullivan of Manchester. AP-NY-06-20-06 1625EDT AP-NH--Dodds-Warrant Hearing ,0181 Police investigation of Dodds accident unsealed klmnmlfn DOVER, N.H. - A judge has unsealed court files this afternoon on a State Police investigation into a car crash involving congressional candidate Gary Dodds of Rye. Police have said there are concerns that accounts of Dodds' accident in April that don't match what actually happened. Dodds had wandered from his car after crashing into a guardrail on the Spaulding Turnpike. He was found more than 24 hours later by a rescue dog. He was treated for hypothermia, a concussion and frostbite, and doctors say he sustained "situational amnesia" from the crash. In a statement posted on his Web site today, Dodds says the facts of the accident have been contorted and distorted by the media in an effort to sensationalize the accident. He says he plans to have a statement for the public later this week. Dodds is running for the congressional seat held by Republican Jeb Bradley. He will face four other candidates in the primary: Jim Craig of Manchester, Dave Jarvis of Londonderry, Carol Shea-Porter of Rochester and Peter Sullivan of Manchester. AP-NY-06-20-06 1550EDT |
| atv Return to index of stories... |
BERLIN, N.H. - Thought it's not expected to officially open until next May, state officials say a few trails at Berlin's A-T-V park could be ready to ride by late summer. The 72-hundred acre park doesn't even have a name yet. But Chris Gamache, chief of the Bureau of Trails, says limited riding should be available by late August or early September, because that's what the public expects. Meanwhile the state has put out a request out for master plan development proposals for the park. That deadline is July twelfth. They're also working on a name. Officials said they're going through suggestions Berlin fourth-graders submitted through a park-naming contest. They expect to pick a winner in a couple of months. |
| debate war Return to index of stories... |
June 23 -- Once again, it was quagmire versus cut and run. The Senate yesterday defeated two measures proposed by Democrats calling on President George W. Bush to begin withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq as lawmakers evoked the memories and lessons of the Vietnam War to argue for and against the administration's course in the Middle East. A proposal offered by Democratic Senator Carl Levin of Michigan to begin drawing down troop levels, with no deadline for full withdrawal, failed by a vote of 60-39. A plan by Democratic Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts, calling for the withdrawal of the 127,000 U.S. troops in Iraq by July 1, 2007, was defeated 86-13. Republicans such as Senator Charles Hagel of Nebraska said the debate evoked the failure of political will that led to what they said was the defeat and betrayal of U.S. soldiers fighting another faraway war almost 40 years before. ``My generation worries about Iraq becoming, not the failure of our sons and daughters fighting in Iraq, but our failure as policy makers because I believe our policy makers failed us in Vietnam,'' said Hagel, 59, who earned two Purple Hearts for his service as an Army sergeant in Vietnam. To Kerry, the Democrats' 2004 presidential nominee, Bush's refusal to correct a ``a failed course'' brought to mind what he said was the Nixon administration's reckless decision to keep the Vietnam War going long after it became clear that it couldn't be won. `This Isn't Going to Work' ``I am not going to be a member of the Senate in good standing and in good conscience and support a policy in Iraq that I believe is going to add people to whatever Iraqi memorial will be created, at a time where I am convinced this isn't going to work,'' said Kerry, 62, who earned a Bronze Star, a Silver Star and three Purple Hearts while serving in Vietnam as an officer in the Navy. Democrats said they were hoping to capitalize on the growing public discontent with the war. In an Associated Press- Ipsos poll published June 9, 59 percent of respondents said the U.S. made a mistake in going to war in Iraq, up from 34 percent in December 2004. ``No war since Vietnam has stirred the emotion of our people to the extent of this one,'' said Senator Hillary Clinton, a New York Democrat who voted in 2002 to support Bush's authority to go to war in Iraq and voted for Levin's proposal and against Kerry's yesterday. `Cut and Run' Throughout the two-day debate, Republicans sought to exploit the Democrats' divisions on the conflict in an effort to cast them as weak on terrorism and national security. The two measures, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee said, represented a strategy of ``cut and run'' that would leave the U.S. weakened and vulnerable. Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona, a former Navy pilot and prisoner of war in Vietnam, said the Democrats' proposals to withdraw troops to safer bases outside Iraq would be no more effective than the failed bombing campaigns that were meant to bring North Vietnam to surrender. ``We could no more prevail in Iraq from outside than we could win the war in Vietnam by continuing to bomb the North,'' McCain said. John Mueller, a presidential historian at Ohio State University in Columbus, said the Republicans' arguments for continued occupation ``very much'' resemble the rationales that were presented for continuing the war in Vietnam and reflect a similar disconnect from the events on the ground. `No Sign of Slowing' In Iraq, ``the insurgency seems to show absolutely no sign of slowing down or being demoralized,'' Mueller said. Senator Barbara Boxer, a California Democrat who supported Kerry's plan for a pullout, said she sees parallels between what she called a failure of leadership in Washington today and during Vietnam. ``I have never seen anything like this since the Vietnam War, folks,'' Boxer said. ``I lived through those years. That was the reason I got into politics, so we would not make this mistake again.'' Kerry cited former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, who has acknowledged that he knew as early as 1968 that the U.S. presence in Vietnam was doomed to failure. ``He knew, as secretary of defense, while he was sending troops over there, that we weren't going to be successful,'' Kerry said. Warner's View Senator John Warner, a Virginia Republican who was secretary of the Navy from 1969 to 1974, said he remembered the decision by one of McNamara's successors, Melvin Laird, ``that we had to begin a program of Vietnamization and begin to look toward bringing our troops home.'' Such a strategy didn't work in Vietnam and wouldn't work in Iraq, he said. ``We have to give this new government more time to try and exercise that sovereignty before we take the very dramatic steps'' of pulling out U.S. troops, Warner said. |
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Governor Lynch this week promising to VETO any broad-basead tax -- if passed by the next Legislature. Lynch reaffirms promise to veto broad-based tax By TOM FAHEY State House Bureau Chief 10 hours, 11 minutes ago Concord – Gov. John Lynch, who filed for re-election laq tst week, said yesterday he would veto any broad-based tax if it were passed by the next Legislature. Lynch said he found a way to balance a budget that was projected to have a $300 million deficit this year, and he could produce a balanced budget without a broad-based tax again next time around. “We showed we were able to do it, and we can do it again,” he said. Although the state faces the loss of millions of dollars in federal Medicaid payments, “I would veto it,” he said of any broad-based tax, commonly held to be a sales or income tax. “We were faced with a large deficit — and we were able to balance the budget without new taxes and at the same time address the needs and priorities of the people of New Hampshire.” He noted that federal officials have not given the state any firm numbers on what kind of cuts to expect as Medicaid reform plans move ahead. On the eve of arguments at state Supreme Court on the current school funding plan, Lynch noted to reporters the plan at issue was not the one he preferred. He said he continues to believe that targeted aid to the neediest communities is the right way to go. “It’s the best public policy for our state, and the best public policy for our children,” Lynch said. The court hears arguments today in the case Londonderry and a group of supporting town brought, challenging the funding plan on several constitutional grounds. A lower court, which had been expected to hold a trial to determine facts around the plan’s impact, said the plan, authored by Senate President Ted Gatsas, R-Manchester, was so obviously unconstitutional that no trial was necessary. 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. |