Peter Sullivan for Congress

A Journey Ends

2006-07-10T11:43:00.000-04:00

It is with a considerable degree of regret that I have decided to end my campaign for United States Congress.

When I began this political journey, I made it a point to run a campaign based on the notion that ideas and ideals still matter. I still believe that the people of New Hampshire are hungry for a new brand of leadership, one that places principles and creative solutions ahead of the stale old political inside baseball.

However, several factors have made it impossible for me to continue this campaign. Because of a combination of health and political concerns, I can not make the neccessary committment to run the "full-tilt, full-time" campaign that an insurgent candidacy would require.

Over the coming months, I will spend considerable time dealing with the health issues that need to be addressed, but I will remain active in public life. I will continue to speak out against the corrosive role of special interest on our civic life; I will continue to stand up for the proud tradition of tough and smart internationalism embodied by John Kennedy and Harry Truman; I will continue to fight for a health care system that includes every American family. I intend to do everything I can to ensure the re-election of Gov. Lynch, to keep my legislative seat in Democratic hands, and to advance the ideals that I have fought for during the course of my congresional campaign.

Finally, I extend my deepest, most heartfelt thanks to everyone who has stood by my side during this journey, especially my wife, Katya, and the rest of my family. I also thank the many new friends I have made on the campaign trail for their kind words and their encouragement.I have often said that the real question we should be asking our selves is whether we are doing everything we can to leave future generations with a safer and more prosperous country than the one we inherited from our parents.

While a campaign ends today, that moral charge does not. I hope that we can continue to strive for a country where fairness, decency, hope and opportunity are once again a part of daily life.

Thank you and God bless you.

Let the fireworks begin

2006-06-30T10:32:00.000-04:00

The real kind of fireworks, that is, not the verbal ones we political types seem to create!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July weekend. I'll be stumping in Manchester, Merrimack, Brentwood and Exeter, among other places.

"Iraq: A Way Forward"

2006-06-30T10:14:00.000-04:00

Sen. Joe Biden has posted an Iraq strategy over at his Unite Our States site.

The plan wisely moves the focus of the debate forward, and addresses such critical but less than sexy matters as a federalized system of governance, economic assistance, and the creation of a regional contact group, an idea also advocated by Wes Clark.

Biden's plan is smart, tough and realistic. It's definitely required reading for anyone who is fed up with the increasingly tiresome and pointless "out now" versus "stay the course" dialogue.

Rove Redux

2006-06-13T08:57:00.000-04:00

You have to admit, Karl Rove may not have a scrap od decency in his soul, but he certainly has cast-iron chutzpah.

Last night, Rove was here in Manchester to speak at a GOP fundraiser over at the Raddison.

Rove accused John Kerry and Jack Murtha of wanting to "cut and run", which is part of his usual tired act. But he added a little extra for the locals in attendance.

He said that Democrats like Kerry and Murtha "may be with you for the first shots, but they're not going to be there for the last tough battles."

Pray tell, what battlefield experience does Mr. Rove bring to this discussion?

John Kerry has a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. Jack Murtha is a highly decorated Marine colonel.

While he's busy denigrating Democrat's courage, maybe he could throw in Medal of Honor recipients Bob Kerrey and Dan Inouye, not to mention the thousands of everyday Democrats who proudly wore the uniform in times of war and peace.

As best I can tell, Rove hasn't put on a uniform since he was in Webelos.

As I said yesterday, this guy epitomizes what's wrong with politics in 2006.

It's Official!

2006-06-11T11:13:00.000-04:00

As of Friday morning, it is official. I am a candidate for United States Congress.

Here's the release from Friday:

Sullivan files for Congressional race
Pledges To Campaign On Security, Opportunity Integrity(CONCORD)- Pledging to wage a campaign emphasizing security, opportunity and integrity, State Rep. Peter Sullivan (D-Manchester) filed as a candidate for Congress in New Hampshire's first district on Friday.

"Today I begin a campaign that will offer New Hampshire voters a change from politics as usual", said Sullivan.

"Meeting the challenges of the 21st century requires new leaders, not the same old tired routine and the same old tired politicians. It requires a new brand of leader who puts ideas and ideals first. That's the kind leader I pledge to be as New Hampshire's next congressman".

"We are in danger of being the first generation in American history to leave our children an America that is less safe and less prosperous than the one we inherited. That's not acceptable.

We can and must build a better future for the generations that follow us.

"We can build a more secure America by reforming our military and intelligence systems, by taking tough measures to end the threat of terrorism, and by pursuing a new course in Iraq that brings the conflict to a successful and peaceful conclusion.

"We can create a society where opportunity and the American Dream are alive and well, by investing in our schools and in skills training, by crafting a simpler and fairer tax code, and by ensuring that every New Hampshire family has access to the health care they need.

"We can restore integrity to our political process by demanding high standards from our public officials, by reforming and strengthening our lobbying and campaign finance laws, and by simply saying no to lobbyist and special interest group contributions.

"It's time to put America back in the business of creating dreams again. As our next Congressman, I will lead that effort".

Rep. Peter Sullivan is serving his third term as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, where he serves on the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee. He is a graduate of the University of New Orleans and the University of Arkansas School of Law. An attorney and a former officer in the Army National Guard, Rep. Sullivan resides in Manchester with his wife, Katya.

Peter and Katya met at the 1992 Democratic National Convention and celebrated their 11th anniversary on Friday.

D-Day: Never Forget

2006-06-11T11:12:00.000-04:00

"Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavour. A struggle to preserve our republic, our religion and our civilisation and to set free a suffering humanity.'"

FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT, 6 June 1944

RFK

2006-06-11T11:07:00.000-04:00

Bobby Kennedy died on June 6, 1968. Who can say what might have been.

As we mark the thirty-eighth anniversary of RFK's death, let's also remember his life, his fighting spirit and his dedication to the less fortunate and his tenacity in staring down the face of evil.

Jim Craig's Truthiness Problem

2006-06-02T10:04:00.000-04:00

The newly-annointed choice of the Washington insiders seems to have a bit of a problem with telling the truth about his record.

Jim Craig is claiming that he voted for legislation to establish an executive branch ethics commission. In fact, Jim voted against such a proposal when some Democratic lobbyist friends screamed blue murder about some proposals contained in the legislation.

So, Jim says he voted for a bill when he actually voted against it.

I believe the word that comes to mind is "lying".

Father Shawn

2006-05-30T10:31:00.000-04:00

Congratulations are in order for the Rev. Shawn O'Neil, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Bryson City, NC and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Cherokee, NC. Shawn was a claamate of Katya's at the University of Central Arkansas and a groomsman at our wedding in 1995. He's also a fan extraordinairre of U2 and all things involving minor league hockey.

Father Shawn is celebrating the sixth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood this week. I just want to make sure that he knows that his friends across the country are grateful for his service, his prayers and his counsel.

Congratulations, Padre!

Memorial Day

2006-05-29T09:16:00.000-04:00

"Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored".

Daniel Webster

Karl Rove?

2006-05-19T13:59:00.000-04:00

Let's say your holding a political fundraiser. You need a guest of honor, someone who can rally the party faithful with a stirring appeal to the better angels of their existence.

Who do you invite? A distinguished elder statesman? A bright young rising star?

Not if you are the New Hampshire Republican State Committee.

In a move that defies all logic, the NH GOP has invited Karl Rove to be the keynote speaker at their upcoming party fundraiser.

Yes, that Karl Rove.

The same Karl Rove who put partisan vengeance ahead of national security. The same Karl Rove who is still the target of a federal investigation.

As Dave Barry has said on more than one occasion, I'm not making this up.

If Jeb Bradley attends this event, he is, in effect, endorsing Rove's loathsome actions. I hope that Jeb will have the good sense to not embarass himself or his constituents and stay far, far away from the likes of Karl Rove.

"From White Collar to White Coat"

2006-05-08T15:47:00.000-04:00

The new issue of Commonwealth has a good article by Rosabeth Moss Kantor.

Dr. Kanter discusses the changes in the New England economic climate over the past decade. Her conclusion that a successful economic future will be driven by an ability to embrace education, connectivity, and a global perspective makes this piece required reading for anyone involved in the policymaking arena.

Lobbyist Influence, Chapter XXIV

2006-05-06T12:25:00.000-04:00

Steny Hoyer said yesterday that the Medicare Part D plan was crafted for the benefit of Washington lobbyists.

He's right about that.

That's why we need members of Congress who refuse to dance to the lobbyist tune. It's why we need members of Congress who reject lobbyist campaign cash.

Politicians-as-usual like Jeb Bradley have failed us. That's why it is critical that we not simply replace a weak, wishy-washy, lobbyist-friendly Republican with a weak, wishy-washy, lobbyist-friendly Democrat.

I've pledged to reject special interest money. Jeb Bradley and Jim Craig continue to pocket their cash.

"Unity Through Autonomy"

2006-05-05T16:43:00.000-04:00

In a New York Times op/ed, Joe Biden and Leslie Gelb present a thoughtful proposal for our handling of the situation in Iraq.

Biden and Gelb advocate a new course of action modeled on the Dayton peace process that restored a degree of peace and humanity to the former Yugoslavia. By creating a "federa;ized" Iraq, with greater autonomy placed in the hands of regional governments, Biden and Gelb hope to create a "release valve" for the ethnic, religious and factional tension that has contributed to the ongoing strife.

Biden and Gelb also call for the convening of a regional conference on Iraq (echoing a theme raised by Wes Clark last winter) and for the military to develop a feasible redeployment plan.

The Iraq debate must move beyond the "bring them home now" and "stay the course" polarities. Biden and Gelb have performed a much-needed service by offering a thoughtful alternative.

Why Americans Hate Politics

2006-05-05T14:46:00.000-04:00

"Principles don't always get you elected".

Jim Craig , Federal Dynamic candidates forum, Exeter, April 23, 2006

A Different Kind of Campaign

2006-04-15T13:55:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I received an email from the Heidi Mitchell, the executive director of the Committee to Elect House Democrats. This group is the fundraising committee for Democratic state legislators here in New Hampshire.

Let me quote the pertinent section of the message:

"We have two important fundraisers coming up soon, the first of which is our Democratic House Heroes fundraiser at The Barley House. This will be held on April 19th. A list of registered lobbyists is on the Secretary of State's web site . While invitations to this event have gone out, we ask that you take a few moments over the next week and a half to encourage lobbyists you know to attend".

This is ethically indefensible and politically stupid.

This is a year when Democrats have the chance to reclaim the mantle of reform and change. When we engage in the same sort of sleazy vote-selling as Tom DeLay, we lose the moral and the political high ground.

This also underscores the fact that there are some very real differences between those of us running in the 1st district.

Jeb Bradley has pocketed thousands of dollars from an array of lobbyists, and saw nothing wrong with accepting $15,000 from Tom DeLay.

Jim Craig is the chairman of a PAC that sees nothing wrong with wringing campaign cash out of special interest lobbyists.

I'm taking a different course. As I campaign, I will not accept money from PACS, and I won't accept money from registered lobbyists. Will it make my job tougher? Of course it will. But change has to start someplace. When I go to Washington, I won't anyone any favors. That's the very least the people of the 1st district deserve from their representative.

Birthday Vanity Post

2006-04-13T14:31:00.000-04:00

Today I celebrate what I hope will be the first of many 39th birthdays.

I've always found it somewhat interesting that I share a birthday with both Thomas Jefferson and Harlod Stassen.

Other folks with an April 13 birthday include Butch Cassidy, Samuel Beckett, Eudora Welty, and Max Weinberg. Gotta admit, this would make for an intersting birthday party.

No big plans. Kat and I will have dinner with her folks (who are up visiting from New Orleans this week) at India Palace, one of my favorite local restaurants, and probably meet a few friends for coffee later on. I know, a wild and crazy guy...

First, though, I'll attend a fundraiser for my good friend Bob Bruce. Bob is running for Governor's Council in the district that includes most of greater Manchester. Bob's a solid guy with a background in law enforcement and high tech, and he will bring a much-needed sense of perspective to the Council.

For those of you from outside of NH, the Council is a five member body that approves gubernatorial appointments, including judgeships, as well as any state contract with a value of $5,000 or more. It's a somewhat low-profile but very influential entity. New Hampshire and Massachussetts are the only states with this colonial era institution.

Gary Dodds Update

2006-04-07T18:01:00.000-04:00

Gary Dodds was found alive late last night. He's in rough shape, and is hospitalized, but hopefully we will see him back on the campaign trail soon.

Gary Dodds

2006-04-06T16:48:00.000-04:00

Gary Dodds is missing.

Gary's vehicle was found on the Spaulding Turnpike following a single-car accident last night, but Gary hasn't been seen since that time.

If you have any information, please call the New Hampshire State Police at (603) 679-3333.

Gary is a worthy primary opponent and a dedicated member of his community. Please join me in keeping Gary, his wife and his kids in your thoughts and prayers.

On Censure

2006-03-27T19:37:00.000-05:00

Dan Gerstein has a good discussion of the political pros and cons of Russ Feingold's censure resolution over at his blog, Dangerous Thoughts.

I think Feingold has hit the nail on the head. The Bush Administration has taken secrecy, arrogance and disregard for the rule of law to a level we haven't seen since the Nixon years. The Portsmouth Herald has my two cents on Feingold's resolution.

Beannachtai na Feile Padraig!

2006-03-17T19:19:00.000-05:00

Or, in other words, Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Life Imitating "The Daily Show"

2006-03-16T19:40:00.000-05:00

"It's all about money"
Jim Craig, NH Union Leader, March 16, 2006

Now, watch this clip with Paul Hackett from The Daily Show:

Speaks volumes, doesn't it?

Day late, dollar short

2006-03-15T15:11:00.000-05:00

House GOP leaders have voiced their support for legislation requiring lobbyists to report gifts they make to members of Congress.

That's fine, but it's far from enough.

Why not ban gifts from lobbyists alltogether? When you serve in Congress, your sole focus should be the folks in your district, not some influence peddler waving a pair of Redskins tickets in front of you.

Of Raiders and Razorbacks

2006-03-14T15:39:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year. It's March, and that means basketball.

Best of luck to the Central Catholic Red Raiders as they battle for the Mass. state championship at the Garden this evening. Central meets Newton North for the Division 1 title.

On Friday, the Arkansas Razorbacks begin their March Madness quest against Bucknell. With all due apologies to any Bucknell alums out there, go Hogs!

From the "senators unclear on the concept" file

2006-03-05T13:34:00.000-05:00

Last week, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee scuttled a proposal by Sen. Joe Lieberman and Sen. Susan Collins to create a independent office of public integrity. The new office would have been a good way to remove the ethics debate from the silly, hyper-partisan fever swamps known as the House and Senate ethics committees.

Unfortunately, too many people on both sides of the aisle have an unsettling comfort level with the current, broken system.

It's apparent that the only way that meaningful ethics reform is going to become a reality is by removing the get-along, go-along partisan drones (eg, our friend from Wolfeboro) who gum up the reform process.

Drew's book corner

2006-02-27T13:52:00.000-05:00

Over at the his blog, NH Union Leader op/ed honcho Drew Cline has a rundown of Jim Craig's recent reading as part of a regular "Friday Book Corner" feature.

For some reason, Drew suggests that Carol Shea Porter and I are primed to use Jim's choices as fodder for attacks during the coming campaign.

Frankly, that's a silly notion.

Jim Craig and I have some serious differences on matters of public policy, from public ethics to environmental protection to tax policy. That's fair territory, and that's sufficient.

Jim could read "My Pet Goat", the Kama Sutra or Pauly Shore's autobiography for all I care.

I'm not sure why Drew felt the need to suggest otherwise.

At any rate, I'm more than willing to share my recent reading if anyone feels a need to hear about it.

The Hacketting of New Hampshire

2006-02-24T13:42:00.000-05:00

Recently, Ohio senate candidate Paul Hackett ended his campaign after being pressured by party elders in both Ohio and Washington, DC. The party forced Hackett out of the way in order to clear the way for a more conventional candidate, Sherrod Brown. In executing this maneuver, the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee and its Ohio-based allies deprived Ohio voters of a vigorous debate, denied the people a role in the nominating process, and sent a message that fealty to a crimped party line is more important than ones ideas and ideals.

Now, the same thing is happening in New Hampshire. The old guard of the Democratic Party, with the help of certain staffers at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, have decided that Rep. Jim Craig should be annointed as the Democratic nominee in New Hampshire's 1st district, and that everyone else should clear out. I have three words.

"Not gonna happen".

Jim Craig has a right to run for Congress. But he needs to do what Carol Shea Porter, Gary Dodds and I have been doing for the last few months. He needs to travel the district, meet with local residents, look them in the eye, answer their questions and listen to their concerns. He needs to defend his record, and explain his often uncomfortably close relationship with state house lobbyists. He needs to set out an agenda explaining what he hopes to accomplish as our representative in Washington.

If Jim believes that he will win the nomination simply by associating with state house insiders and party apparatchiks, he is in for a rude awakening.

I'm not bailing out of the race, and I hope Carol and Gary won't either. They both bring a valuable perspective to this campaign, and they deserve to be heard. It might not make a few self-styled party barons happy, but the people of New Hampshire deserve a vigorous and spirited debate on the issues facing our state and our country. We owe it to them to make that debate possible.

Saturday's Doubleheader

2006-02-05T14:00:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned the other day, the Democratic road show was in Durham for a DFA/College Democrats forum. I neglected tomention that the Manchester Democratic City Committee was also holding a forum this weekend. My apologies to the organizers.

For those of you who couldn't make it to either half of the political doubleheader, here are a few recaps from the Sunday papers:

Portsmouth Herald

Foster's Daily Democrat

NH Union Leader

UNH Candidates Forum

2006-02-03T11:00:00.000-05:00

The Democratic Travelling Salvation Show (otherwise known as the 1st district congressional campaign) comes to the UNH campus this weekend.

I will be on hand in Durham for a candidates forum sponsored by the Rockingham/Strafford Democracy For America chapter and the UNH College Democrats.

The fun begins at 1:00 PM in the Strafford Room of the Memorial Union Building.

Bring your questions!

Trouble In Paradise?

2006-01-27T13:09:00.000-05:00

PoliticsNH reports today on a weird incident at a fundraiser for State Sen. Bob Clegg.

Apparently, our friend Jeb quipped that it looks like he and Clegg will be commuting together to Washington. Clegg resides in the 2nd district, which is represented by Republican Charlie Bass.

Keep in mind that Bass and Bradley recently parted ways on their choice for House Majority Leader, with Bradley backing the supremely hackish Roy Blunt and Bass opting for the more reformist John Shaddegg.

Absolutely irrelevant to the big picture? Probably. Peculiar? Definitely.

The Swift Boating of Jack Murtha

2006-01-19T18:09:00.000-05:00

Remember the disgraceful "Swift Boat" attacks on John Kerry's wartime service? Well, this time it's Rep. Jack Murtha who is the target of the sleazy attacks.

The Washington Post reports that a web site calling itself "Cybercast News Service" is impugning Rep. Murtha's war record and attempting to raise doubts about the validity of Murtha's multiple Purple Hearts.

This is sick and sad.

I don't completely agree with Jack Murtha's approach on Iraq, but I understand where his frustration is coming from, and I have nothing but admiriation for his service both as a Marine and as a member of the Armed Services Committee. A man with Jack Murtha's background deserves better than to be smeared by a group of Beltway apparatchiks who never wore a uniform once they got past Webelos or Brownies.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: if Jeb bradley ever questions my patriotism or that of my fellow Democratic candidates, we are going to have to finish the conversation out back afterwards.

MLK

2006-01-16T14:04:00.000-05:00

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.

Martin Luther King Jr., Accepting Nobel Peace Prize, Dec. 10, 1964

Farmington Forum

2006-01-11T19:19:00.000-05:00

The first forum/debate/joint appearance/whatever you want to call it of the campaign season is on Thursday night, courtesy of the Farmington Democratic Committee.

The forum will be held at the Old Town Hall on Main St. at 7 PM. The evening will feature the obligatory opening statements, but the bulk of the evening will be devoted to audience Q&A. Following the discussion, there will be a chance to mix and mingle informally before wrapping up for the night.

I have said all along that as long as someone is willing to provide a forum, I am willing to discuss the issues. I will be in Farmington, and I hope that the other candidates and prospective candidates will afford the voters that same respect.

Let the debate begin!

2006-01-02T18:25:00.000-05:00

Well, it is now officially 2006, and that means it's time for debates, forums, or whatever you want to call them. It's time for the four of us who have taken the plunge in the 1st District to start discussing the issues in joint public appearances.

I'ver said all along that I am willing to debate the issues at any time and in any place, regardless of the format. Some folks seem to get spooked at the prospect of an open, free-wheeling debate. I'm not one of those people.
I say, let's rock and roll.

The Rockingham/Strafford Democracy for America group will host a forum on February 4 at the Memorial Union Building on the UNH campus. Naturally, I have accepted the invitation. As soon as I have more details on the time and format, I'll be sure topost the info here on the blog.

Happy New Year!

2006-01-02T18:23:00.000-05:00

Here's to a peaceful and prosperous 2006.

Technical Difficulties

2005-12-28T09:55:00.000-05:00

If you've been trying to access the main web site over at sullivanforcongress.org, you're probably wondering why there is a "Happy Thanksgiving" message.

Welcome to the club.

We are working with the web hosting company to find out what's going on.

Homeland Security: Mission Not Accomplished

2005-12-23T10:55:00.000-05:00

The Washington Post has a troubling account of the Department of Homeland Security's first few years in business.

The basic point is that the fiasco we witnessed on the Gulf Coast was the result of a dysfunctional bureaucratic culture and a White House that careened between disregard and micromanagement.

Read the piece here.

William Proxmire

2005-12-15T10:30:00.000-05:00

Former Senator William Proxmire of Wisconsin dies earlier this morning.

Sen. Proxmire was independent, ornery, curmudgeonly, and probably the best friend the American taxpayer ever had.

Proxmire's "Golden Fleece Awards" shone a spotlight on governmental waste and inefficiency that had reached a sublime lever of idiocy. Among the gems uncovered by Proxmire were the Army's 17 page set of instructions on how to purchase worcestershire sauce, a federal study on why tennis players cheat, and the Environmental Protection Agency's allocation of $1.2 million to preseve a New Jersey sewer line as a historic monument.

Of course, Sen. Proxmire never got too upset about milk price supports, but I suppose we can indulge him for a bit of pariochialism.

In an a day when partisan loyalty seems to have replaced principle, independence and old fashioned common sense, we would be wise to look back on the example set by Bill Proxmire. This weekend, raise a glass of egg nog to someone who exemplified what's right about politics.

"Junkyard Dogs of War"

2005-12-06T19:16:00.000-05:00

One of the brightest new stars in the Democratic firmament is teaming up with a respected Republican voice on foreign policy to tackle an issue that has received far too little public attention.

In a Saturday op/ed in the Washington Post, Sens. Barack Obama and Richard Lugar cal for a major initiative aimed at securing conventional weapons caches in the former Soviet republics and in other dysfunctional states across the globe. The program would be modeled on the Nunn/Lugar initiative, which has sought to secure nuclear, chemical and bilogical weapons stockpiles in the former Soviet Union.

When you consider the prospect of a terrorist organization running loose in America with surface to air missiles, the importance of the Obama/Lugar initiative quickly becomes apparent.

This is an idea whose time has come. It is heartening to realize that at least two members of the Senate are willing and able to put partisan gamesmanship aside for the sake of national security.

The Folly of False Choices

2005-11-30T13:40:00.000-05:00

Today's editorial in Foster's Daily Democrat is a classic example of the toxic influence of the politics of false choices that has infected our political process.

Jon Breen's piece seems to think that the debate over Iraq policy can be neatly compartmentalized into two camps, the ostensibly patriotic Americans who support the Bush line with unswavering loyalty; and the poor, misguided liberals, bedecked in peasant dresses and tie-dye, wistfully calling for the immediate return of our troops.

Of course, this is absolute codswallop.

Democratic leaders such as Wesley Clark and Joe Biden have advancd thoughtful and credible approaches to the war in Iraq. Their plans reject a premature withdrawal which could plunge Iraq into chaos reminiscent of pre-9/11 Afghanistan. Unlike the Bush approach, however, these proposals call for a greater engagement of the world community in solving the political, military and economic problems inherent in the reconstruction effort. Unlike the Bush approach, the Democratic alternatives call for genuine benchmarks for progress in Iraq, and demand an open and honest accounting of our progress towards achieving those goals.

The debate over our Iraq policy has generated far too much heat and far too little light. it is time to end the partisanship and polarization and change the course to a policy that leads to a secure Iraq and allows us to bring our troops home.

November 22

2005-11-22T20:54:00.000-05:00

Today is November 22. On this date in 1963, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was to have addressed the Texas Democratic State Committee at a gathering in Austin.

Here are the words President Kennedy was to have spoken at the end of his speech:

This is a time for courage and a time for challenge. Neither conformity nor complacency will do. Neither the fanatics nor the faint-hearted are needed. And our duty as a party is not to our party alone, but to the Nation, and, indeed., to all mankind. Our duty is not merely the preservation of political power but the preservation of peace and freedom.

So let us not be petty when our cause is so great. Let us not quarrel amongst ourselves when our Nation's future is at stake. Let us stand together with renewed confidence in our cause--united in our heritage of the past and our hopes for the future--and determined that this land we love shall lead all mankind into new frontiers of peace and abundance.

The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.

The Grown-Ups Speak

2005-11-21T16:44:00.000-05:00

Hope springs eternal.

Even though Friday's antics in the House marked a new low in rank partisanship and McCarthyite name-calling, the Senate showed that there may yet be a chance to return some degree of maturity and intelligence to the debate over America's Iraq policy.

Last week, the Senate passed a resolution calling for “changes to the policy of the United States on Iraq and to require reports on certain matters relating to Iraq".

Clearly, this is a rejection of the Bush Administration's incoherence and a step in the right direction. The absurdities emenating from the House leadership do nothing to repair a broken policy and do even less to encourage an honest debate on the merits of alternative approaches to the problem.

The Senate resolution is a modest way of demanding that we acknowledge the shortcomings of ur policies to date, of demanding that the Administration at the very least attempt to devise a strategy with clear goals and identifiable benchmarks for success. A policy of incoherence is a precription for further bloodshed; a policy that has some standards will at least present the possibility of a workable exit strategy.

The Last Refuge of Scoundrels

2005-11-18T18:49:00.000-05:00

House Speaker Dennis Hastert is pushing an immediate, non-binding vote on the immediate withdrawal of US forces from Iraq.

This stunt is one of the most disgraceful episodes in his rather sorry tenure as Speaker.

The House Republicans, and their friends in the Bush administration, have mishandled virtually every aspect of American policy in Iraq. Now, rather than create a climate where the future of US policy in the region can be debated in a mature and reasoned manner, Hastert decides to launch attacks on the patriotism of administration opponents.

The most loathsome moment so far was when Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio) quoted an alleged message from a Marine:

"He asked me to send Congress a message — stay the course. He also asked me to send Congressman (John) Murtha a message — that cowards cut and run, Marines never do."

Murtha, for the record, is a decorated Vietnam veteran and a respected voice on military policy. Schmidt has never worn a uniform.

The debate about Iraq must not be allowed to degenerate into simplistic posturing about "staying the course" versus "get out now". It's far too complicated and far too dangerous a situation to allow the dialogue to disintegrate. Let's hope that wiser heads prevail, and that we adopt a policy that sets clear and concrete benchmarks for progress, that engages and respects the international community, and that demands transparency, accountability and a respect for the rule of law.

And what about people like Jean Schmidt? They are a blight on Congress, and those members, like Jeb Bradley, who refuse to denounce their antics are little better.

Election Day Congrats

2005-11-12T15:58:00.000-05:00

I want to offer belated congratulations to a few of the winners in last Tuesday's elections.

Steve Marchand is the new mayor-elect of Portsmouth . Steve and I met on Mark Fernald's campaign in 2002, and I consider him to be one of the smartest and savviest local lofficials in New Hampshire. His message of fiscal responsibility and accountability is one that deserves a wider audience.

Jerome Duval is the new alderman from Manchester's Ward 4. Jerome will bring a fresh perspective to a board that too often bogs down in old political gamesmanship. He comes to the board with no strings attached, and will be a refreshingly independent voice in city government.

A tip of the hat also goes to my alderman, Pat Long, and my school committeewoman, Carol Scott, as well as my House colleagues Dana Hilliard, who was elected to the Somersworth City Council and Laura Pantelakos, re-elected to the Poortsmouth City Council.

I also want to congratulate someone I have never met. Portsmouth Councilor Ned Raynolds was re-elected despite being out of state for much of the campaign. Ned is on a tour of active duty with the Coast Guard down in New Orleans, helping that city recover from Hurricane Katrina.

The Politics of Polarization

2005-10-16T12:03:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, Elaine Kamarck and William Galston will be speaking at the NH Political Library. Kamarck and Galston are the authors of the new report entitled "The Politics of Polarization", a thought-provoking work that does a nice job of outlining the challenges facing Democrats over the next few years.

Kamarck and Galston are also the authors of the influential 1989 report "The Politics of Evasion". That report was a major influence on the 1992 Clinton campaign's successful electoral strategy.

The event is on Wednesday, October 19 at 6 PM. Reservations can be made through the NH Democratic Party office in Concord.

From the "broken clock is right twice a day" file

2005-09-29T13:29:00.000-04:00

Jeb Bradley has decided to return the $15,000 he received from Tom DeLay via the sketchy Americans for a Republican Majority.

The question still beckons as to why Jeb thought taking DeLay's tainted dough was a good idea in the forst place, but I'll leave that matter for another day.

There are two immediate prblems, however. First, Jeb has simply given a shady outfit $15K to play with as it sees fit. As I have said repeatedly, Jeb should have donated that money to a worthy NH charity.

Second, Jeb still has a record of pocketing contributions from some less-than-savory Congressional colleagues. He has collected a considerable amount of money from DeLay's replacement, Roy Blunt, who is also no great shakes in the ethics department. Blunt, you will recall, is the guy who slid sweetheart provisions into legislation for the benefit of his lobbyist girlfriend.

I'm glad that Jeb has realized that ethics are a valid issue in this campaign. What I don't think he understands is that his lack of judgement is a valid issue as well.

DeLay Indicted

2005-09-28T13:52:00.000-04:00

Earlier today, a Texas grand jury indicted House Majority Leader Tom DeLay on felony conspiracy charges related to the activities of his political action committee.

For far too long, Tom DeLay has played fast and loose with both the law and with the limits of basic ethical decency. Hopefully, this indictment will begin the process of ensuring that DeLay is held accountable for his actions.

Congressman Bradley owes the people of New Hampshire an apology for supporting the political career of someone like Tom DeLay. By accepting thousands of dollars of DeLay's tainted money and by consistently voting with DeLay on key ethics votes, Jeb has shown that his loyalty to the corrupt DeLay machine outweighs his committment to the people of New Hampshire. That's not acceptable, and it is something that we will discuss throughout this campaign.

Jeb's Friends

2005-09-26T20:22:00.000-04:00

Jeb Bradley has accepted thousands of dollars in contributions from several politicians described as "the most corrupt members of Congress" in a new report issued by a non-partisan watchdog group.

The report, entitled "Beyond DeLay: The 13 Most Corrupt Members of Congress", was released earlier today by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

Jeb has accepted campaign money from four of the politicians cited in the report:

Sen. Bill Frist: Frist is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the recent sale of stock in HCA, a hospital management firm owned by Frist's family. He has also faced questions regarding an improperly disclosed campaign loan.

Frist's Volunteer PAC gave $5,000 to Bradley.

Rep. Bob Ney: Ney was the recipient of a European golfing vacation from lobbyist Jack Abramoff at the same time Ney's congressional committee was handling legislation affecting Abramoff's clients.

Ney's American Liberty PAC gave $1,000 to Bradley.

Rep. Roy Blunt: Blunt has been criticized for inserting favorable provisions into legislation that benefited clients of both his son and his girlfriend. Both are lobbyists.

Blunt's Rely On Your Beliefs PAC gave $15,000 to Bradley.

Rep. Richard Pombo: Pombo pressured the Department of the Interior to grant favors to the wind power industry, without disclosing that his family receives hundreds of thousands of dollars in royalties from wind-turbines operating on the families ranch.

The Pombo for Congress Committee gave $1,000 to Bradley.

There is no place in government for cronyism and backroom deals. This sort of beghavior only undercuts public confidence in our public institutions. When Jeb Bradley accepts money from politicians who engage in shady practices, he sends a message that he considers this sort of behavior acceptable. Well, it isn't.

If Jeb's choice in friends is any indication of where his values lie, it is time for him to come home and try and regain a sense of perspective.

When in doubt, mumble

2005-09-25T11:03:00.000-04:00

The distinguished gentleman from Wolfeboro held a town hall meeting in Portsmout yesterday morning. According to the Portsmouth Herald, Jeb Bradley was questioned on the federal response to Hurricane Katrina. As is customary with Rep. Bradley, he acknowledged there was a problem, but then proceeded to skitter away from anything resembling a coherent solution:

"When locals asked about steps he would be taking in the wake of the government response to Hurricane Katrina, Bradley discussed a budget reconciliation and a congressional investigation, but he would not cite specifics.

'Were there problems? Absolutely,' Bradley said. But he added that there will be things from both hurricanes Katrina and Rita that everyone will learn from."

Sometimes leadership means taking a stand that annoys Tom DeLay and Karl Rove. We should demand more from our elected voice in Washington than platitudes and vague generalities. We should expect leadership and answers.

Live from Jackson Square

2005-09-16T10:14:00.000-04:00

The president's choice of Jackso Square for his speech last night was strangely appropriate.

Those of you who have visited New Orleans know that Jackson Square plays host to a score of peculiar characters who delight on parting people from their money. Nothing different last night, evidently.

The one bit of good news is that the federal government has committed itself to the reconstruction of the Gulf Coast region. Unfortunately, that's where the good news ends.

For reasons known but to the President and his Creator, George W. Bush has decided to place Karl Rove in charge of the reconstruction effort. Keep in mind that Rove is a political operative. He has no background in disaster relief or recovery operations, no experience in public health, economic development or housing policy. He's a man whose role has been to safeguard George Bush's political interests, which aren't always the same as the broader public interest.

I won't even get into the fact thta the man is facing a possible federal indictment for releasing classified intelligence info in order to exact revenge on a Bush administration critic.

If anyone in Washington epitomizes what's wrong with the current political climate, it is Karl Rove. He's vindictive, hyper-partisan, and committed to cronyism. Why he should be allowed anywhere near the recovery effort is beyond me.

Here's a better idea.

First, form a governmental corporation to run the reconstruction effort. Get this process out of the hands of the White House spin-and-patronage crowd, and let the grown ups do the job. Appoint folks with backgrounds in economic development, human services, public health, infrastructure development and logistics to run this operation in a professional manner. Demand transparency and accountability, and whenever possible, require a fair and honest bidding process.

We can live with glib half-confessions. We can't live with the future of the Gulf Coast being placed in the hands of ethically deficient political hacks.

Hate Crimes law passes, no thanks to Jeb

2005-09-15T23:02:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives approved an amendment sponsored by Rep. John Conyers that gives law enforcement officials the ability to prosecute hate crimes motivated by the victim's sexual orientation, gender, or disability.

The amendment passed the House with strong bipartisan support. The New England delegation was almost unanimous in its support for the measure.

Almost.

Yep, you guessed it. Jeb Bradley was the only New Englander of either party to oppose the Conyers amendment.

This amendment sends an important message that there is no place for hatred and violence in America. Everyone who works hard and plays by the rules should be an important member of the American family. By providing prosecutors with the tools to prosecute those who would deny others that right, we are strengthening the fabric of our community.

I'm stunned that Jeb Bradley would thumb his nose at his constituents with this vote. Jeb continues to claim that he is a moderate, but votes such as this demonstrate his willingness to put a corrupt party leadership ahead of his own neighbors. That's disgraceful.

Update on Kat's family

2005-09-12T08:02:00.000-04:00

Katya's parents and grandparents haven't been able to check on their homes in New Orleans, but a neighbor indicated that the Algiers section of the city escaped major damage. The major flooding was on the east bank of the Mississippi River, which, in New Orleans surreal geography, is actually to the north.

In another bit of good news, Kat's grandfather checked on a small piece of property he owns in Mississippi, about halfway between Gulfport and Hattiesburg. He maintains a small mobile home up there as a camp where the grandkids and great grandkids of the Eustis clan can go swimming, rafting, and fishing. Amazingly, the place is still standing. Lots of trees down, but the home itself is more or less intact.

When incompetence becomes immorality

2005-09-08T09:20:00.000-04:00

Every time I start to calm down a bit, I find something like this, courtesy of the Salt Lake Tribune (via Andrew Sullivan):

"As New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin pleaded on national television for firefighters - his own are exhausted after working around the clock for a week - a battalion of highly trained men and women sat idle Sunday in a muggy Sheraton Hotel conference room in Atlanta.

"Many of the firefighters, assembled from Utah and throughout the United States by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, thought they were going to be deployed as emergency workers.

"Instead, they have learned they are going to be community-relations officers for FEMA, shuffled throughout the Gulf Coast region to disseminate fliers and a phone number: 1-800-621-FEMA.

"On Monday, some firefighters stuck in the staging area at the Sheraton peeled off their FEMA-issued shirts and stuffed them in backpacks, saying they refuse to represent the federal agency."

Read the whole thing here, if only for the infuriating response where the FEMA spokesperson blames this on the firefighters.

Fire Brown and Chertoff...now

2005-09-06T10:07:00.000-04:00

If the Bush Administration wishes to have any hope of salvaging its credibility, the President must fire not only FEMA head Michael Brown, but Secretary of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.

Brown is an incompetent political hack, plain and simple. A man whose previous gig was running a horse breeder's association was put in charge of a federal agency with life-and-death responsibilities. That's absurd, and it's almost criminally negligent. He's taken a bad situation and turned it into a soup sandwich. If state and local governments-indeed, the rest of the federal government-are to take FEMA seriously, Brown needs to be replaced with a new director with the experience and skills to execute his or her duties.

Chertoff has appeared to be more interested in political blame allocation than with untangling the bureaucratic spider web that has hindered relief efforts. In a time of crisis, leaders accept responsibility. Secretary Chertoff's attempts to hang the disaster around the neck of Ray Nagin and Kathleen Blanco are bad enough; when he and his White House allies distort facts, mislead the media and flat-out lie to do so, they lay bare an ethical gap that should disqualify them from positions of dire responsibility.

I also think that the New Orleans catastrophe raises frightening questions about DHS's ability to effectively perform its core mission. If Chertoff and his team are utterly useless in this context, then it is fair to ask how things would be different if the department were called to respond to a dirty bomb attack in Chicago or a nerve gas attack on Boston.

Chertoff and Brown were put to the test. They failed. They must go.

A new boss for FEMA

2005-09-05T22:48:00.000-04:00

The first presidential candidate to promise to replace Michael Brown with Jabbar Gibson has my vote.

Here's the story from the Houston Chronicle:

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/topstory2/3334317

School bus comandeered by renegade refugees first to arrive at Astrodome
By SALATHEIA BRYANT and CYNTHIA LEONOR GARZA
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

The first busload of New Orleans refugees to reach the Reliant Astrodome overnight was a group of people who commandeered a school bus in the city ravaged by Hurricane Katrina and drove to Houston looking for shelter.

Jabbar Gibson, 20, said police in New Orleans told him and others to take the school bus and try to get out of the flooded city.

Gibson drove the bus from the flooded Crescent City, picking up stranded people, some of them infants, along the way. Some of those on board had been in the Superdome, among those who were supposed to be evacuated to Houston on more than 400 buses Wednesday and today. They couldn't wait.

The group of mostly teenagers and young adults pooled what little money they had to buy diapers for the babies and fuel for the bus.

After arriving at the Astrodome at about 10:30 p.m., however, they initially were refused entry by Reliant officials who said the aging landmark was reserved for the 23,000 people being evacuated from the Louisiana Superdome.

"Now, we don't have nowhere to go," Gibson said. "We heard the Astrodome was open for people from New Orleans. We ain't ate right, we ain't slept right. They don't want to give us no help. They don't want to let us in."

Milling about the Reliant entrance, Sheila Nathan, 38, told her teary-eyed toddler that she was too tired to hold him.

"I'm trying to make it a fairy tale so they won't panic," said Nathan, who had four grandchildren in tow. "I have to be strong for them."

After about 20 minutes of confusion and consternation, Red Cross officials announced that the group of about 50 to 70 evacuees would be allowed into the Astrodome.

All were grateful to be out of the devastation and misery that had overtaken their hometown.

"I feel good to get out of New Orleans," said Demetrius Henderson, who got off the bus with his wife and three children. Many of those around him alternated between excited, cranky and nervous, clutching suitcases or plastic garbage bags of clothes.

They looked as bedraggled as their grueling ride would suggest: 13 hours on the commandeered bus driven by a 20-year-old man. Watching bodies float by as they tried to escape the drowning city. Picking up people along the way. Three stops for fuel. Chugging into Reliant Park, only to be told initially that they could not spend the night.

Every bit worth it.

"We took the bus and got out of the city. We were trying to get out of the city," James Hickerson said.

Several passengers on the bus said they took the matter into their own hands earlier Wednesday because they felt rescuers and New Orleans authorities were too slow in offering help.

"They are not worried about us," said Makivia Horton, 22, who is five months pregnant.

It's time for competence

2005-09-03T16:13:00.000-04:00

The Times-Picayune is reporting that Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco has tapped former FEMA director James Lee Witt to oversee the state's relief and recovery operations. That's good news.

Witt is a consumate professional. He turned FEMA from a patronage dump to a functioning agency, only to see his successors revert to business as usual. He's a tough manager whose presence should bring a renewed sense of purpose and organization to the situation on the ground.

This also speaks volumes about the lack of confidence in the cast of characters running the federal relief operation. Chertoff and Brown are clearly not up to the job, so it's time to bring in someone who understands how to run a disaster relief operation.

How we can help

2005-09-02T12:31:00.000-04:00

Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and Catholic Community Services of the Diocese of Baton Rouge are working to assist the folks left homeless in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Here's some info on what they're doing and how you can help:

How Catholic Charities USA helps in disasters:
Our strength is in long-term recovery help. However in the emergency assistance phase of an operation we may provide assistance in the areas of disaster needs assessment, disaster clean-up, mass feeding, mass shelter, first aid, crisis counseling, pastoral care, child-care, home repair, and family casework.
In the long term we provide assistance in meeting those "unmet needs" that remain after the emergency is over. This may include additional rental assistance, food vouchers, cash vouchers, counseling, and job-training/placement, etc.
Financial contributions are often the best kind of donation to make and the only kind Catholic Charities USA accepts. Providing a financial contribution to a voluntary agency involved in disaster relief is often the most sensible and the most efficient way of helping the people in need after a disaster.
On relief operations: Our agencies and organizations will often spend the money in the local disaster area thus helping the local economy get back on its feet. Cash donations allow the client to participate in their healing by using the funds to buy what they need, rather than being handed stuff they may or may not need. Cash donations rather than unsolicited donated goods avoid the complicated, costly and time-consuming process of collecting, sorting, packing, transporting, unloading, resorting, storing, repackaging, and distributing the goods.
Cash donations help meet peoples' needs more precisely as Catholic Charities agencies are in a better position to purchase what the people need or can provide vouchers for people to purchase what they need.

Catholic Charities USA
Hurricane Relief Fund
PO Box 25168
Alexandria, VA 22313-9788

http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/news/katrina.cfm

Catholic Community Services
P.O. Box 1668
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
http://www.ccsbr.org/

Sen. Landrieu: We'll Need Your Help

2005-09-01T18:31:00.000-04:00

Mary Landrieu has always been one of my favorite Louisiana politicians. She's tough, honest and loves her state with a genuine passion.

Here's Senator landrieu's op-ed from today's Washington Post.

Jeb Bradley's warped values

2005-08-31T19:33:00.000-04:00

Down in New Orleans, scores of people are dead, hundreds of thousands are homeless, and one of America's greatest cities faces a monumental rebuilding task.

But what does Jeb Bradley find time to talk about?

The flow of petroleum.

No mention of the people who are suffering. No words of comfort. No sense of decency.

This speaks volumes about Mr. Bradley's priorities.

New Orleans

2005-08-30T18:58:00.000-04:00

The scenes coming in from New Orleans have left me feeling overwhelmed.

I lived in New Orleans for three years in the 1990s. The city will always be a part of who I am. Sitting here in Manchester, unable to do anything about the situation in Louisiana, leaves me feeling emotionally exhausted.

My in-laws are riding out the crisis at the home of relatives in Arkansas. It seems that their neighborhood in the Algiers section of New Orleans has been spared some of the worst damage. Other members of my wife's family might not be so fortunate.

Gov. Kathleen Blanco has asked that folks spend part of Wednesday praying for the people of New Orleans. I'm with you, Governor. I hope that all of us, regardless of our individual faiths, will pray for the safety of our friends in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Somehow, someway, New Orleans will survive.

Clark's Third Way on Iraq

2005-08-28T15:02:00.000-04:00

Wes Clark has a smart and succinct op/ed in the Washington Post outlining a strategy for Iraq. It's a refreshingly intelligent approach, and a nice alternative to the false dichotomy of "stay the course" versus "out now".

Read the article at:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/25/AR2005082501623.html

Responding to Foster's Cynicism

2005-08-23T08:47:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, John Edwards came to New Hampshire and spoke about making the elimination of poverty a national priority. Foster's Daily Democrat used the occasion to trash Edwards' agenda, question his motives, and recite the usual (and remarkably inaccurate) canard about New Hampshire not having anyone living on the economic margins.

Foster's position is cynical nonsense. Click here to see my full response.

On the Trail

2005-08-22T10:20:00.000-04:00

I'll be in Exeter tonight to speak to the Rockingham County Democratic Committee at 6:30. The meeting is being held at the Loaf & Ladle at 9 Water St.

About Damn Time

2005-08-17T08:41:00.000-04:00

The Associated Press is reporting that Jesse Burchfeld, the campaign manager for Burt Cohen's abortive US Senate campaign, has been charged with filing false finance reports.

It's about damn time.

For over a year, some folks in the Republican Party have been conducting a whispering campaign against Burt. Hopefully, this development will put these weasels in their place.

I've known Burt Cohen for almost twenty years. We have worked together on legislation, and we have had our differences. But Burt has always demonstrated a fundamental sense of decency and honesty. Perhaps Burt is too trusting of those around him. If this is his worst fault, then he's better than 99% of the people you meet in this business.

Happy Birthday, Social Security

2005-08-15T19:42:00.000-04:00

Yesterday marked the seventieth anniversary of the Social Security system.

Social Security is not only one of America's great success stories, it's a good example of the value of thinking creatively and challenging old orthodixies. When FDR proposed Social Security back in 1935, it was the epitome of an outside-the-box idea, one that stood old assumptions on their head. It was reform-minded, innovative and compassionate, embodying the values that we as Democrats and as Americans should stand for.

Contrary to the Bush Administration's contentions, the way to reform Social Security is not to gut it. Instead, let's have a sensible discussion on ways to address the legitimate demographic and financing issues in a way that maintains both the system's solvency and its legitimacy. in addition, let's look for ways to modernize an outdated pension system and make it relevant to today's "free agent" economy.

Of course, there are a few folks on the other side of the debate who are exhibiting a mind-boggling desire to roll back seven decades of progress. The Wisconsin Republican Party has decreed that America's most successful social program is "a socialist ponzi scheme". Let's keep this sort of rhetoric in mind the next time the Bush Administration and its apologists claim to have the system's best interests at heart.

(Tip o' the hat to Josh Marshall for the Wisconsin link)

Jeb's Dirty Dollars

2005-08-13T21:06:00.000-04:00

Americans for a Republican Majority ("ARMPAC"), the political action committee headed by House Majority Leader Tom Delay, is under investigation for making material misstatements about its receipts, disbursements and cash on hand.

Jeb Bradley has been the recipient of ARMPAC's generosity to the tune of $15,000 since he first ran for Congress in 2002.

Jeb has accepted cash from an organization that clearly thinks it is above the law. It was bad enough for Jeb to take money from a group headed by a corrupt politician like Tom DeLay, but now that ARMPAC has been cited by government authorities, it's time for Jeb to face the music. I am calling on Jeb Bradley to pledge to refuse any future contributions from Americans for a Republican Majority. In addition, I am challenging Jeb to donate $15,0000, the amount he has pocketed from this shady organization, to a New Hampshire charitable organization. If Jeb decides to keep the money, it is further proof that his loyalties lie with crooked Texas politicians, not with the people of New Hampshire.

Bolton hurts America's interests

2005-08-10T13:03:00.000-04:00

Sen. Joe Biden's Unite Our States has a petition opposing President Bush's back-door appointment of John Bolton to be our ambassador to the United Nations.

At a time when America's image desperately needs rebuilding, and at a time when it is imperative that we build strong, multilateral relationships with the world community, it is unconscionable that the Administration would place a blustering bull in a china shop like Bolton in such a critical position.

Please take a minute to sign this petiton, and voice you support for a strong and smart approach to foreign policy.

End the Ineptitude

2005-08-08T17:54:00.000-04:00

According to a new poll by the Associated Press, only 38% of Americans approve of the Bush Administration's handling of the war in Iraq.

Well, when you put greedy contractors ahead of the needs of the troops, when you put swagger and bluster ahead of an intelligent planning process, when you manage to alienate the entire world community-hell, we even ticked off Canada-then things aren't going to go well.

The American public is sharper than the Bush gang realizes. The mishandling of the situation in Iraq has moved beyond the realm of the incompetent, and now verges on the criminal.

This isn't about whether or not Saddam Hussein is a bad apple. He is, and he had to be shown the door somehow. But you don't go it alone, ignore the advice of your own generals, hush up fraud and abuse by the contractors who are supposed to be helping our troops, and condone barbaric torture that flies in the face of what this country stands for, and then wonder why things haven't gone well.

The time for arrogance and incompetence is over. Let's elect a new set of leaders who will help America win the peace and allow our friends and neighbors to come home.

Remembering Professor Atkinson

2005-08-05T11:51:00.000-04:00

Normally, I don't post matters of a strictly personal nature on this blog, but this morning I'm invoking personal privillege.

Richard Atkinson, the Dean of the University of Arkansas School of Law, died suddenly on Thursday while attending a bar association meeting in Chicago.

Dick Atkinson was one of my professors. He took the stultifyingly dry subject of wills, trusts and decent's estates and somehow made it come alive. He could be tough and demanding, but once class was over, he was always ready to share advice, insight, or just a laugh or two.

If there were more professors and lawyers like Dick Atkinson, then our profession would have a far better reputaion. I know I speak for all of his students, colleagues, and friends when I say that his passing hurts like hell. He was truly one of the good guys.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Dean Atkinson's partner, Dr. Michael Hollomon, and the rest of his family.

http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2005/08/05/front/02fzatkinsonobit.txt

http://dailyheadlines.uark.edu/5092.htm

You say you wanna revolution...

2005-07-15T11:30:00.000-04:00

Peter Sullivan for Congress

Tomorrow, I'll be in Exeter for the annual Revolutionary War Festival. Since I'm a sucker for all things 18th century, I suspect I'll have a good time. If you are withing range of the Seacoast, stop by!

Congress Must Investigate the Plame Affair

2005-07-15T11:11:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week, Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) introduced a Resolution of Inquiry
that would compel the White House and key executive branch agencies to produce
all information related to the compromise of the undercover status of CIA
officer Valerie Plame. Jeb Bradley has yet to voice his support even for the
limited Holt inquiry.

The time has come for Congress to assert its oversight responsibility in the
area of intelligence and national security. This is no longer about Karl Rove.
It is about a White House culture that seems to put a higher value on political
tactics than on matters of national security.

The individuals who participated in this breach of security must be held
accountable for their actions. I support a full Congressional investigation that
will review all information and documents related to the Plame affair, and
examine who on the White House staff has engaged in a pattern of behavior that
jeopardizes national security interests for the sake of partisan gain. If Rep.
Bradley is serious about national security, he must stop making partisan excuses
for the inexcusable and support efforts to fully investigate this matter.

Malcontents, unite!

2005-06-23T14:41:00.000-04:00

Maybe I should be flattered.

Jeb has decided to make Manchester City Hall the site of what he calls his 100th town hall meeting. City Hall is, not coincidentally, located almost dead center in the middle of my legislative district. I'll let you draw your own conclusions.

At any rate, Warren henderson, the state GOP chairman, has decided to label anyone who attends a Bradley town hall meeting and voices a disagreement with Jeb as "perpetually malcontented". Putting aside the issue of whether or not "malcontented" is an actual word, I find it absurd that Mr. Henderson would decide to so quickly demean anyone who doesn't buy into his crimped brand of party-hack Republicanism.

Of course, Henderson was a member of the corrupt and discredited Gene Chandler leadership team, so we should take his comments for what they are worth.

Save the Shipyard

2005-06-21T11:00:00.000-04:00

This info comes from my friend and legislative colleague Jim Splaine. If you are available, it's definitely worth the trip:

Plan to attend the July 6th, 2005 BRAC Regional Hearing at the Massachusetts Convention and Exhibition Center,

415 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210

Maine and New Hampshire are tentatively scheduled to present their case from 1-5pm.

- Anyone who would like to attend this hearing is welcome to ride on one of the Save Our Shipyard Buses. There is NO COST to ride a Save Our Shipyard Bus, attend, and participate.

- The buses will transport everyone from specific areas in Maine and New Hampshire to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

ORGANIZERS NEED TO KNOW HOW MANY WILL ATTEND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

TO SIGN UP NOW

1. Visit www.saveourshipyard.org and click on “Sign up here”, or create your own email to rsvp@saveourshipyard.org. Anyone without access to the Internet may send a post card or note to Seacoast Shipyard Association, PO Box 1123 Portsmouth, NH 03802-1123 to sign up.

2. Type “bus” in web site box, or on your post card indicate how many will be traveling on a Save Our Shipyard Bus and if you plan to catch bus at ME or NH location.

3. The BRAC Commission has not yet provided specific details for the hearing schedule, however tentative specifics are as follows:

- Plan to be gone the entire day – Buses will load at 9:00 am for a 10:00 am departure to Boston and arrive back at their original departure site at approximately 6:30 pm.

- Busses will have two primary boarding locations; the corner of Walker Street & US Route 1 (old Sparkle Spot lot) in Kittery Maine, and Airport Terminal, Exeter Street, Pease International Trade Port in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

- Wear your Save Our Shipyard T-shirt if you have one. (If you don’t, we will provide one). DO NOT bring signs or banners, our T-shirts will provide all of our visibility.

- Bring a lunch; there are no food services available at the convention center.

Fixing the Patriot Act

2005-06-19T14:48:00.000-04:00

Last week, the House of Representatives, in an all-too-rare moment of rational thought, voted to limit the federal government's ability to sieze bookstore and library records.

Now, let me make one thing clear. Nobody with a lick of common sense wants to interfere with law enforcement's ability to vigorously hunt down and prosecute terrorists. However, provisions that give officials the ability to troll through citizens private affairs with virtually no legal safeguards are well beyond the realm of acceptable policy. If there are legitimate law enforcement matters at stake, then there should be no problem securing warrants and subpoenas.

Needless to say, our self-styled moderate from Wolfeboro caved in to White House pressure and did the wrong thing. This time, Jeb can't blame it on partisanship, since over three dozen Republicans managed to show some independence and vote the right way. This time, it all comes down to a lack of independence on Jeb's part.

Jeb does the wrong thing, volume XXVIII

2005-06-10T09:25:00.000-04:00

Increasingly, it look s as though Jeb Bradley is physically incapable of doing the right thing when it comes to the ethics process.

Jeb's latest screw-up involves staffing for the House Ethics Committee. For nearly four decades, the Ethics Committee has had a non-partisan staff. This way, research and administration could be conducted in a manner that put the integrity of the democratic process above party gamesmanship.

Jeb decided that the needs of the Republican leadership are more important than an independent ethics committee. He blindly went along with a measure that would replace nonpartisan staff with partisan operatives beholden to the likes of Tom DeLay.

Our friend from Wolfeboro likes to tell people he is an independent-minded congressman; the facts show that this claim is utter nonsense.

Clark on Iraq

2005-06-10T09:16:00.000-04:00

Gen. Wesley Clark offers some thoughts on the Bush Administration's handling of the situation in Iraq (click above to link to the article). Clark will be in Manchester this weekend for the Manchester Democratic Committee's Flag Day fundraiser.

I'm not sure I agree with Clark on the need to withdraw huge numbers of troops in the very short term. My concern is that if the withdrawal is conducted in a frenetic and haphazard manner, a vaccum will ensue, and the country will degenerate into an even more chaotic state.

Other than that, Clark makes sense. The U.S> has failed to effectively engage not only other nations in the region, but also our traditional allies, and as a result, we are caught in a situation where we lack the military, economic and political tools to effectively and quickly stabilize the situation in Iraq. It's time for the Administration to forget about the talk-radio wingdings and their fear of "nation building"; suck it up, engage the world community, and finish the damn job in a constructive and cooperative manner, one that not only allows our troops to come home, but gives the people of Iraq a country that is not only free from a thug like Saddam, but also has the tools needed to be a thriving member of the international community.

Franklin's Band of Hypocrites

2005-06-07T11:21:00.000-04:00

I normally don't comment on state issues on this page, particularly when they involve a community in the 2nd congressional district. However, the latest antics by the Franklin School Board have sparked an exception to this policy.

For months, the Franklin School Board has done everything in its power to throttle the Franklin Career Academy, a public charter school serving kids from Franklin and a few surrounding towns. The Franklin School Board has trotted out an array of weak excuses to justify their idiotic (and illegal) effort to deny FCA its share of per-pupil funding. The school board has decided that making an anti-charter ideological statement is more important than the welfare of the kids of the community.

Well, now it has descended into the realm of mind-numbing pettiness. The Franklin School Board decided to ban Franklin Career Academy's students from the city's annula Class Day parade. Instead of using this occasion to unite the community, the Board has once again decided that it is more important to defend the educational-industrial complex and score ideological brownie points.

The actions of the Franklin School Board are a disgrace, an embarrassment to the State of New Hampshire, and an insult to the children of the city. The next time an anti-reform zealot tells you that they inly have the best interests of the children at heart, remember the antics of the Franklin old guard.

Say no to influence peddlers!

2005-05-19T12:05:00.000-04:00

I support the Lobbying and Ethics Reform Act, and I challenge Jeb Bradley to do the same.

The Lobbying and Ethics Reform Act is an important step towards reclaiming our government from the grip of special interests and influence peddlers. The current Congressional leadership team’s utter disregard for any standards of ethical conduct has underscored the need for tougher measures. By requiring meaningful disclosure, imposing tough civil penalties and limiting the ability of former members of Congress to cash in on their service, this legislation will help put an end to the current culture of corruption in Washington.

The Lobbying and Ethics Reform Act is co-sponsored by Rep. Marty Meehan (D-MA) and Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL).

Among other provisions, the bill:

Creates a searchable, downloadable database for lobbyist disclosure.

Requires lobbyists to file more frequent financial disclosures.

Requires lobbyists to disclose the names of those members of Congress with whom they have had contact for the purpose of influencing public policy.

Extends from one year to two years the period during which former members of Congress are prohibited from engaging in lobbying activity.

Directs the General Accounting Office to report to Congress twice a year on the ability of the House and Senate clerks to enforce lobbying rules.

Bring 'em on!

2005-05-19T11:47:00.000-04:00

PoliticsNH is reporting that one Gary Dodds of Rye is contemplating joining the race for Jeb Bradley's seat.

Come on in; the water's fine!

There are some folks who hate contested primaries, thinking them divisive, expensive and time-consuming. Indeed, Mr. Dodds voiced such an opinion when he bowed out of a primary for the state senate a few years ago. I don't share that view. I believe that a primary can be a valuable way of building a candidate's message, expanding a party's appeal, and bringing an array of new ideas before the voting public.

Gary Dodd's decision has no impact on how I will run my campaign. This campaign is about ideas and inclusiveness, not stale old rhetoric and insider games. If Gary can offer a compelling case for change, then I welcome his presence out on the campaign trail.

Black Friday

2005-05-13T11:42:00.000-04:00

The Base Realignment and Closure Commission released its report this morning, and the axe fell on the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Today is not the day to attempt to fix blame; in the months ahead, there will be
plenty of time for that discussion. Instead, those of us who serve in public
office must fight to convince the Commission of the benefits of keeping the
Portsmouth facility open, while simultaneously developing a long-term strategy
for the shipyard in the event the closure is approved. By utilizing the same
strengths that have made the Portsmouth shipyard such an important part of our
nation's defense capability, we can ensure that the shipyard remains a key
component of the Seacoast economy for decades to come.

Convention Kudos

2005-05-08T10:14:00.000-04:00

I want to thank my House colleague Jim Ryan for organizing the federal issues workshop during yesterday's Democratic Mid-Term Convention. With as motley a collection of panelists as you'll ever see (Dick Swett, Paul Hodes, Maggie Hassan, Bob Bruce, Chris Owen, and of course the inimitable Arnie Arnesen), we had a good discussion of what it will take to craft a winning message in 2006.

I also want to thank all of the folks who took the time to wish me luck in my race. I deeply appreciate your support, and I hope that I will continue to earn your trust as the race progresses.

On second thought, make that $15,000 short

2005-05-05T11:26:00.000-04:00

Sure, Jeb voted to reinstate the House ethics committee rules that his mentor, Tom DeLay, chucked onto the scrap heap a while back. But he only did so after he received permission from the big boys. If Jeb wants to show he's serious about cleaning up the corruption on Capitol Hill, I have a better idea. Get rid of the $15,000 in campaign cash he received from Tom DeLay.

Now, normally you hear people being told to "return the money". Frankly, I don't want to see this. All that does is give DeLay $15,000 to shower on some other worthy crony.

My challenge to Jeb is this: if you are serious about standing up to Tom DeLay's culture of corruption and complacency, then give the $15,000 to a worthy New Hampshire charity.

Whadda ya say, Jeb?

A Day Late and a Dollar Short

2005-04-29T13:05:00.000-04:00

This week, the House finally reinstated the rules of the House Ethics Committee, allowing a probe of Tom DeLay to move forward.

Once again, Jeb Bradley was a day late and a dollar short. Jeb voted to reactivate the ethics panel, but only after months of dutifully stonewalling the process at the request of the corrupt and complacent House Republican leadership. Only when the DeLay team succumbed to political pressure and issued new marching orders did Rep. Bradley change his vote

Isn't it time for a congressman who does what's right instead of what he's told?

Bayhblogging

2005-04-25T22:42:00.000-04:00

Sen. Evan Bayh has launched a blog on the web site of his All America PAC.

I had the pleasure of meeting Sen. Bayh at a DLC conference a few years ago. If Democrats are looking for a sensible, articulate leader with proven "red state" appeal, they would be wise to listen to the gentleman from Indiana.

Looks like I'm in good company

2005-04-24T12:54:00.000-04:00

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has launched a campaign blog as he stumps for his Labour Party in the upcoming elections. Click the link above for an interesting look at how our friends across the pond are gearing up for the May 5 showdown.

On the Trail

2005-04-22T10:41:00.000-04:00

Throughout the spring, I will be meeting with members of local Democratic committees to introduce myself and to discuss my campaign. Here are a few upcoming events:

Candia Democratic Committee
Thursday, April 28, 7 PM
Smyth Public Library

Rockingham County Democrats Clambake
Saturday, April 30, 5 PM
Portsmouth Elks Club

Manchester Democratic City Committee
Monday, May 2, 7 PM
Democratic HQ on Elm St.

Democratic Mid-Term Convention
Saturday, May 7, 8 AM
Rundlett Middle School, Concord

Family Friendly Tax Reform

2005-04-17T11:12:00.000-04:00

With Tax Day 2005 mercifully in the rear-view mirror, it's a good time to revisit the discussion about how to reform the system. Over the last four years, the tax burden on the middle class has increased, while special interests have benefitted from a host of tax cuts and loopholes.

Over at the Progressive Policy Institute's site, Paul Weinstein gets the discussion started with his plan for Family Friendly Tax Reform. For anyone who wants to make the tax system simpler and more sensible, this piece is required reading.

Jeb thumbs nose at ethics reform...again.

2005-04-15T09:46:00.000-04:00

Once again, Jeb Bradley did what he was told, not what was right.

Yesterday, the House defeated a proposal sponsored by Rep. Nancy Pelosi to strengthen congressional ethics rules. Naturally, Jeb followed the wishes of his morally bankrupt party leader, Tom DeLay, and opposed the measure.

I understand that Jeb is a Republican, but there is no place for partisan gamesmanship where the integrity of the legislative process is concerned. Jeb owes us all an apolgy for this vote.

Suggestion of the Week

2005-04-15T09:15:00.000-04:00

Here's an idea for the blog, courtesy of my sister, Kathleen Sullivan:

"What your site needs is sound.... get bites from 'The Family Guy'...Stewie
making his maniacal world-domination plans... Lois gushing 'Oh Peetah..'
No? Oh well...just an idea".

Let me think about this, ok?

On the Trail

2005-04-12T13:59:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow night, I'm heading to Somersworth to meet with the members of the Somersworth Democratic Committee. Somerworth is a good, Democratic town, and a fine place to celebrate the 17th anniversary of my 21st birthday...

Thursday night it's off to the Seacoast for the Portsmouth Democratic Roundtable at Jack Quigley's Pub on State St. Not that I need an excuse to head for Portsmouth on a pleasant spring evening, mind you!

On Friday, I'll be at the Democracy For New Hampshire reception at the Kimball-Jenkins House in Concord. While I was not a Dean supporter, I am tremendously grateful for Gov. Dean's ability to energize and engage people in the political process. When we involve folks with new ideas and new approaches, we benefit not only as a party, but as a community.

NHInsider's "Who's Hot"

2005-04-09T14:07:00.000-04:00

The voters have spoken on nhinsider.com's "Who's Hot, Who's Not"...

Who's Hot

Peter Sullivan-

Rep. Peter Sullivan announced his campaign for Congress (on this site) early to get a lead in organization and fundraising something that will be imperative to challenging Bradley who won easily in ’04. Many see Sullivan as a potential problem for Bradley who Democrats say has moved rightward since he was first elected.

Jeb's Friend in Texas

2005-04-08T23:56:00.000-04:00

Common Cause has put together a nice summary of the ethical troubles of Tom DeLay. DeLay has been cited by the House Ethics Committee on three separate occassions, and is currently the subject of a criminal probe in Texas. Click on the link above for all of the gruesome details.

Oh, and did I mention that Jeb Bradley pocketed $15,000 in campaign cash from Tom DeLay?

Bradley: Aiding and Abetting Tom DeLay

2005-04-08T23:50:00.000-04:00

This week, Jeb Bradley was on NH Public Radio, defending ethically-deficient House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. Here's my statement on Jeb's decision to defend the indefensible:

"Jeb Bradley's response shows that he is happy to be part of the problem, not
part of the solution. Jeb has chosen to put partisan loyalty ahead of public
integrity. That's inexecusable".

"Contrary to Jeb Bradley's assertions, the calls for sanctions against Tom
DeLay are not a rush to judgement. Tom DeLay has been admonished by the House
Ethics Committee on four separate occassions, and he is currently the subject of
a criminal investigation by the district attorney in Austin, Texas".

"We should demand the highest standards of ethical conduct from our elected
leaders. By making excuses for someone like Tom DeLay, Jeb Bradley has become a
willing participant in a culture of corruption and complacency".

Welcome!

2005-03-27T10:43:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Sullivan for Congress campaign blog.

Over the course of the campaign, I'll be posting my thoughts on the issues facing New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, as well as campaign news.