Two of three major equality measures are working their way through Congressional discussions in Washington -- The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes bill and the matter of repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy of gays and lesbians in the military. Eliminating the Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA) is the [...]
Rick Trombly is a former NH State Senator and House Democratic Leader -- dating back to the 1980s through to 2002. Rick, who is openly gay, came out on the floor of the Senate while supporting legislation allowing for adoption for gay and lesbian parents in 2000.
He also joined me [...]
House Bill 436, which would provide full marriage equality, with the word, for our gay and lesbian friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors, took a step toward approval by surviving on a tie vote during a meeting of the House Judiciary Committee this week.
The bill earned a 10-10 tie vote [...]
I just wanted to say something about Marshall Cobleigh.
He was House Speaker during my first term, some 40 years ago in 1969. I still remember being in the House Chamber on my first day. I had driven up alone in my Ford Falcon on a snowy early January morning, not [...]
Republicans should be happy as rabbits in a cabbage patch with the possibility that President Barack Obama may nominate New Hampshire United States Senator Judd Gregg as Commerce Secretary, thus giving a lifelong and conservative Republican a position on his Cabinet.
I should add that I like Judd Gregg personally, but -- surprise [...]
There are three bills coming up for public hearings in the New Hampshire House next week. They are set up for public hearings in House Committees next Wednesday, January 14th. Each of them would make substantial changes in our Right-To-Know Law.
Two of them I think make our open meetings law [...]
Gay or straight, our lives have been affected by Harvey Milk. He's unknown to most Americans today, but his impact is undeniable. Whether we feel it daily because we're gay or because we're straight and have gay friends or family members whose lives are a little better because this man [...]
The problem with war is that it can always be justified to some. The leader of a country can always stir up enough followers to attack or invade another nation. History is full of examples, even here. I'm not an isolationist, and in defense of our country I'd be among [...]
I think part of the confusion on the marriage issue is exactly what marriage in New Hampshire is. This is the New Hampshire law on marriage:
CHAPTER 457 - MARRIAGES
Relationship - Section 457:1
457:1 Marriages Prohibited; Men. – No man shall marry his mother, his father's sister, [...]
It's here!
I'm fairly confident as we go into Election Day that Democrats will do quite well -- statewide here, and throughout the nation. I see New Hampshire shaping up well for John Lynch, Carol Shea-Porter, Paul Hodes, Jeanne Shaheen, and I'm quite sure we'll see at least three Democratic Governor's [...]
From this moment as I write this (Saturday evening -- I need a life), the polls here in New Hampshire will be closed in just 237 hours and a few minutes. What will happen? Give some thoughts and offer a comment. Here are mine...
I'm keeping to my projections of the past six [...]
It's not just that he endorsed Barack Obama for President, it's what he said about John McCain. I'm talking, of course, about former Secretary of State Colin Powell's appearance on Meet The Press this past Sunday.
In an obviously heartfelt endorsement, General Colin Powell, without dispute a great American who has served this country well in war and [...]
On this cool Seacoast Saturday night as I'm waiting for Saturday Night Live to start, I remembered that Election Day 2008 is just a month away. Actually, my fellow NHInsider.com Blogger Chaz reminded me with his interesting list of "predictions" for November 4th.
There is still a month to go before [...]
At this time when Wall Street is facing an unknown future, the prices for gasoline and heating oil are at high levels -- with winter starting in fewer than a dozen weeks -- and our nation is involved in wars in two countries, why take time to talk about marriage equality for our gay and [...]
I think John McCain woke up on Wednesday morning, shaking off some aches and pains and maybe a headache from reading the previous night's polls that showed him losing more ground, and thinking he's not ready for the Friday debate. Then he whispered a soft [...]
A major issue will be debated this Wednesday at the New Hampshire State House. A proposed amendment to the State Constitution, "CACR 34," will be up for vote in the House. The Senate has already voted for a variation of the Amendment, and is expected to agree with whatever the House approves. [...]
President John F. Kennedy said it all when he challenged us to do what we can do for our country, and by that he meant for one another. Lots of Republicans seem to want to take all they can from this country, and keep it all for themselves. Not all [...]
Democrats in New Hampshire are losing a fighter. State Senator Peter Burling's retirement at the end of this year, hopefully only temporary, takes off our bench someone with character and the ability to take on Republicans on issue after issue.
Peter is always quick to "engage" and "go into action" [...]
House Bill 794 creates a seven-member group which will consider public funding options [...]
A bill that would allow 17 year olds who turn 18 by the time of the General Election to be able to vote in the September state primaries and in the NH First-In-The-Nation Presidential Primary is being considered in the New Hampshire Legislature. I've long supported the measure, and I think it [...]
The next New Hampshire First-In-The-Nation Presidential Primary will be held February 1st, 2012! -- well, maybe.
Months ago I said it would be good if the proposal of the National Association Of Secretaries of State was adopted by the national political parties and agreed to by the other states. That [...]
"Oh God, I know that I ask You for a lot of things, like for a wonderful kitty cat from the SPCA and for helping me start my car with a weak battery on that cold day last week. Those are nice things You have done for me. But I know [...]
I would like to hear from anyone with their own "lessons from Iowa." Here are mine, based on lots of watching the candidates as they campaigned Iowa -- the cable networks in general, and C-Span in particular, gave great up-close-and-personal views of the candidates. My observations might seem a little harsh toward a [...]
I have written about it in more detail before, but I'll say it again in this shorter but begging message to her campaign management: LET HILLARY BE HILLARY. Please. She will not win this one by being overly-managed, by giving focus-group designed, poll-driven, politically-correct answers, or by talking about 1990s "experience.".What we [...]
The news media already "create" candidates and their "who's-on-first" standing by running their own polls, managing minutes [...]
I am amazed that any of the media, or for that matter any of my good thinking Republicans friends, would allow Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee to get away with an easy dismissal of his horribly inflammatory comments about AIDS back in 1992. .He did "admit," at least -- he really couldn't run [...]
New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner has set the date for the New Hampshire First-In-The-Nation Presidential Primary. For the formal filing of candidacies, that is. Filing will begin on Monday, October 15th, in his State House 2nd floor office. It will be a busy place that morning. It goes [...]
I've been supporting Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand, [...]
It's just after 10:00 PM, Wednesday night. Been watching the Republican debate. Yes, interesting.
But rather depressing. I'm going to record the rest of it and go to bed, and watch it when I feel too happy and want to calm down...
...Well, just heard John McCain's answer about torture, and he [...]
Well, I think we're getting close to having the date of the New Hampshire First-In-The-Nation Presidential Primary firmed up. Right now, I'm expecting it to be Tuesday, January 8th. At least I hope I'm in the correct year.
Throughout the years that I've worked on this cause -- dating back to even before the [...]
A News Conference will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday morning in the Office of Secretary of State to discuss Senate Bill 91. This legislation will come up Wednesday in the House and Senate, and would allow contributions to political candidates and office holders directly from the treasuries of corporations, [...]
I find a current attack on New Hampshire's Campaign Finance Disclosure Laws to be quite disturbing. We should be better than this.
For decades, New Hampshire has had the concept of "transparency" about campaign donations. Contributions given by any source other than by an individual have had to be reported to [...]
Perhaps the most important bill in years concerning our campaign finance laws is being reviewed by a "Committee of Conference" this week. That's a process whereby when the House and Senate do not agree on a piece of legislation, a conference committee of a few House members and Senate members [...] A Call For A 21st Century Education Summit
Number of comments: 2
I don't pretend to have an answer for the dilemma we're all in concerning the education funding constitutional amendment, but from my experience I see us headed for an unnecessary showdown that, no matter how it turns out, doesn't solve a whole lot. .So I would like to dust off a [...]Presidential Candidates Should Not Be Charged A "Cover Charge"About two years ago, there was a panic that we were about to lose our New Hampshire First-In-The-Nation Presidential Primary status. Those of us who knew the history of our primary, and how we have retained our position all these years, said our status was very secure, and that New [...] Minimum Wage Is Slightly More Now
Number of comments: 5
I'm a bit delighted that the minimum wage in New Hampshire is going up. It's about time. It almost happened four years ago, but it lost by one vote in the House; then it almost happened two years ago, but it got sidetracked in the State Senate. .This time, thanks to [...] "Open Letter" To Governor John Lynch, re: Civil Unions
Number of comments: 5
I delivered this "open letter" to Governor John Lynch to offer support for his courage in supporting Civil Unions. - Jim----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Tuesday, May 1, 2007Dear Governor John Lynch,.I much appreciate your leadership in supporting equality in New Hampshire, and your support for House Bill 437, creating Civil Unions. I am writing this [...] If You Support Civil Unions...
Number of comments: 5
This past Thursday, the New Hampshire State Senate approved House Bill 437, creating Civil Unions for New Hampshire. That follows the 243-129 bipartisan vote two weeks ago in the House. For those who supported this legislation, thank you for your help so far. We are taking an important step toward equality in [...] John Lynch Will Sign Civil Unions, But Senate Needs To Vote First
Number of comments: 4
The news from Governor John Lynch that he will sign House Bill 437, which creates Civil Unions in New Hampshire, if it reaches him is fantastic -- but the job is not yet done. The State Senate will be voting on the legislation next Thursday, and that follows the bipartisan [...] Civil Unions For New Hampshire Has Public Hearing In State Senate This Tuesday
Number of comments: 5
Well, things are happening fast in the effort to adopt Civil Unions for New Hampshire. Last Wednesday the House voted in an astounding way, 243 to 129, in favor of House Bill 437 (copied below). The debate was over 2 1/2 hours long, and was passionate on both sides. But [...] It's About Time To Adopt Civil Unions For New Hampshire
Number of comments: 10
It's about time. .House Bill 437 will be up for a vote in the NH House of Representatives this Wednesday. It would provide all of the same rights, obligations, and responsibilities of marriage currently granted to differently-gendered couples to same-gendered couples..If you favor this legislation, please contact your favorite Legislators. [...] Abolishing The NH Death Penalty: A Necessary Discussion
Number of comments: 10
Legislation to abolish the New Hampshire death penalty will be up for a vote in the NH House of Representatives this coming week. Here it is:
AN ACT relative to the death penalty. SPONSORS: Representative Jim Splaine, Rockingham #16; Representative Gail Morrison, Belknap #2; Representative James Pilliod, Belknap [...] New Hampshire's Historic Moment: Civil Unions Could Be Approved
Number of comments: 10
A quite historic vote was taken this past Thursday in Concord. For the first time ever, a committee of the New Hampshire State Legislature endorsed a civil unions bill, which would allow same-gendered couples to have all of the same "rights, obligations, and responsibilities" currently given to differently-gendered couples. That's a good thing. [...] Ray Buckley Isn't Perfect, And That's A Good Thing In Today's Politics
Number of comments: 6
I was intrigued by an editorial in The Concord Monitor this past week. It didn't oppose the selection of Ray Buckley to be NH Democratic Party Chair, but it sort of admonished all who want to get into politics to be ever so careful. Yes, be afraid...be very afraid. The [...]The Iraq Resolution In The NH House of Representatives
Number of comments: 7
There was a fascinating meeting of the House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs Committee on Thursday. I viewed most of the debate on House Resolution 10, introduced by Portsmouth State Representative Paul McEachern and myself, which opposes President George W. Bush's Iraq policy. The Committee voted 10-7 to amend the [...] Immorality And The General
Number of comments: 3
"I believe homosexual acts between two individuals are immoral and that we should not condone immoral acts." - General Peter Pace, Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, United States of America. He was explaining why he doesn't want to allow gays and lesbians to serve openly, as they already [...] Iraq Resolution Scheduled For Public Hearing At The State House On Monday, March 19th, 10:00 AM
Number of comments: 2
The public hearing has been set on the Iraq Resolution for Monday, March 19th, at 10:00 AM in the House Of Representatives Chambers, right under the State House Dome. The bill is in the House State-Federal Relations & Veterans Affairs Committee, and the members are listed below. The members of the [...] Iraq War Resolution Introduced Into The New Hampshire Legislature
Number of comments: 8
A New Hampshire House Resolution is being introduced by State Representative Paul McEachern and myself concerning the Iraq War. I did some extensive collection of ideas, and researched similar resolutions elsewhere -- Legislatures in some 20 other states are considering similar efforts. Our New Hampshire resolution is specific, calls for orderly withdrawal, emphasizes our support [...] Defining "Victory" In Iraq In Our Terms
Number of comments: 10
I'm going to be introducing an Iraq Resolution into the New Hampshire House of Representatives to encourage us to get on record to support the Congressional effort to oppose President George W. Bush's escalation policy. My introduction of the resolution came from a discussion on another Blog Site, "bluehampshire.com," after [...] Casinos In Berlin & Portsmouth? Not A Great Idea.
Number of comments: 10
Berlin State Senator John Gallus, known as a balanced and clear-thinking legislator, has proposed a bill that would allow resort casinos to be built in Berlin and at the Pease International Tradeport. It will have a public hearing on March 6th..It isn't going to pass. It certainly shouldn't. I don't think we're [...] George McGovern Has Tough Questions For The President On Iraq
Number of comments: 1
1972 Democratic Presidential Nominee George McGovern gave a speech to the National Press Club last month. I saw it a few days ago in a replay on C-Span. I wish he was President today. Tipping his mid-80s, he's still got a passion for peace, and a vision and intelligence the White House [...] Hate. A Powerful Word. Hatred. A Powerful Emotion.
Number of comments: 2
Hate. A powerful word. Hatred. A powerful emotion. .I hear so many people say they hate people lately. I can't remember politics being like that 15 or so years ago. It sure is now.."Hate" is defined as "intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury; [...] Vietnam To Iraq: Déjà Vu All Over Again
Like many of us who are concerned about politics, war, peace, and the future of America, during these past few days I have been watching, reading, and listening to the discussion in Washington about Iraq..It sounds so much to me like déjà vu all over again. I heard so many of [...]
John Lynch: A Choice To Be A Great Governor, Or Not
Number of comments: 1
Governor John Lynch delivered his state budget to the Legislature this past week. In it are peeks of New Hampshire's future. .On the sunny side, he stepped up funding for conservation programs, "LCHIP" preservation, environmental protection, energy research, tourism marketing, and transportation needs. He also supported needed funding for AIDS [...] Mysteries, Evolution & Intelligent Design
An evolutionary change occurred in Kansas the other day, almost unnoticed by the world. Perhaps that's the real story.. Anyway, remember all those "intelligent design" advocates who got lots of legislatures and school boards all over the country excited a few years ago? They wanted all of our kids to know [...]
Al Franken for US Senate -- This Will Be Interesting
Number of comments: 8
Well, I'm a happy guy. In the land of Jesse Ventura, nationally known comedian Al Franken has announced he will run against Republican Minnesota U. S. Senator Norm Coleman, not the brightest light in Washington..Franken is finishing up a long run on "Air America." His radio show has been quite popular [...] For Gay Marriage, Our Mass Of Little Dots Makes Sense
Number of comments: 8
One of my favorite-movies-of-all-time about gays is Latter Days (2003), written and directed by C. Jay Cox and starring Steve Sandvoss, Wes Ramsey, and Jacqueline Bisset. It has a great message, a bit of humor, certainly presents a lot to think about, and has good direction, pacing, and writing. Plus some [...] Re: Mike Brunelle - Why Not Give Him A Break?
Number of comments: 10
I've been from-the-edges involved in Manchester politics through the years..Back in the early 1970s I worked for several months in the Manchester offices of Democratic Gubernatorial nominee Roger Crowley, a much misunderstood moderate-conservative who would have made a great Governor, but he lost to Mel Thomson. .In the mid-1970s I did some political consulting with and [...] Life-In-Prison Without Any Chance Of Parole IS A Death Penalty
Number of comments: 5
Several newspapers ran an interesting story a few days about the punishment that is life-in-prison without any chance of parole. The story included interviews with some of the lifers..It isn't a picnic. It's harsh. Each and every day, prisoners with the sentence of life-in-prison without any chance of parole wake up [...] Congratulations To NH Republican Party Chair Fergus Cullen
Number of comments: 10
Congratulations to Fergus Cullen for being chosen as Republican State Chair! It's going to be a tough job, but I gather most Republicans feel he's up to it. .I know his two opponents a bit - - NH State Representatives Fran Wendelboe and Will Infantine. Each is a capable and [...] Check Me On The "Let's Keep Dick Flynn" Column
Number of comments: 7
New Hampshire Safety Commissioner Richard Flynn has served in office for a long, long time. Few people in state government go back as long as me -- as I get older and older, I'm not sure I like saying that too often -- but he comes close. He's been Safety [...] "I'm In" - Presidential Politics 2008: This Will Be Interesting!
Number of comments: 6
Hillary Clinton said it. "I'm in." That makes Presidential politics in 2008 especially interesting. And it all will really get kicked off here in New Hampshire as we hold the First-In-The-Nation Presidential Primary the week before or the day immediately after the Iowa Caucus early next January..I wrote a Blog post about [...] When Will The New Hampshire First-In-The-Nation Presidential Primary Be?
Number of comments: 6
Barack, Hillary, Mitt, Rudy! You can almost see the lawn signs and bumper stickers all over the place. Almost. But when is it? When will the New Hampshire First-In-The-Nation Presidential Primary be held? There is already a lot of new speculation about when the New Hampshire Presidential Primary will be. I [...] Thinking About Governing: Democrats In 2007 Cannot Act Like Republicans Of 2005
Number of comments: 5
To be fair is to be fair. In the governing process, to be otherwise is to eventually become dysfunctional..Democrats in 2007 cannot act like Republicans of 2005 in either Congress in Washington or the State House in Concord. The Democratic Party cannot be hypocritical and expect the majority of voters to stick with it..There are very [...] God's Fortune Teller: Pat Robertson
Number of comments: 5
As a preface, let me mention that the "predictions" I offered in recent Blog Posts in NHInsider.com were my own, and they were not inspired by the Almighty. He doesn't talk to me or inspire me to look into the future. At least I don't think He does. Not that way [...] Blog Info:
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