republicans in New Hampshire concerned about First in the Nation

[Debi]

http://www.politicsnh.com/?q=node/173

NH GOP Chairman Calls on Democrats to Stop Jeopardizing the Primary

Actions Speak Louder than Words: NH GOP Chairman Calls on Democrats to Stop Jeopardizing the Primary

Concord, NH: Today, New Hampshire Republican State Committee Chairman Wayne Semprini called on Governor John Lynch and Democrat Party Chairman Kathy Sullivan to stop lip-synching support for the New Hampshire primary and to start engaging the Democrat candidates directly in securing their formal pledges to keep New Hampshire from being bumped down the election ladder.

"Part of the role of the New Hampshire Governor has always been to defend our First in the Nation Presidential Primary status," stated Semprini. "Fighting to preserve the primary takes more effort than issuing local press releases and making kind remarks in safe New Hampshire locations. The Governor needs to call on the various potential Democrat candidates and enlist their active support to fight any rule that weakens our traditional role. Unfortunately, the New Hampshire Democrats are being led by Kathy Sullivan who is acidic with a quote but is rudderless when it comes to putting together a plan to safeguard the primary. To watch Kathy Sullivan be the lone voice in the nation voting no at recent Democrat Primary Commission meetings held in Washington shows that she has not done her homework and certainly does not have the ability to create a coalition to save the primary. She is clearly in over her head and Governor Lynch must step in and take over by carrying New Hampshire's message directly to the Democrat candidates. Kathy Sullivan has clearly dropped the ball. More self-serving press releases are not needed, a coordinated game plan is!”


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"When a Republican occupied the corner office in the State House, New Hampshire's primary status was aggressively defended against all takers. While I look forward to helping in any bipartisan way possible, there needs to be a change in the New Hampshire Democrat Leadership’s team and Governor Lynch needs to step up to the plate before it is too late!" concluded Semprini.


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Although I don't agree that this is Sullivan's fault - she was left high and dry by the one state that ALWAYS worked with New Hampshire to ensure their dual First in the Nation positions (c'mon Iowans guess which state sold New Hampshire out). I do agree that it is time to start asking for commitments from candidates. Believe it or don't only Senator Evan Bayh has stated that IA should be the first caucus state and then NH be the first primary state with nothing but press and organizing time in between. Dean/Kerry/Richardson have all said the new plan for a caucus after Iowa and before New Hampshire is a-okay.

So, who is defending Iowa? Anyone at our statehouse? Crickets chirping as Vilsack sells our state down the river for Vilsack '08!

Damn.