Van Ostern Endorsed by Democracy for America

CONCORD, NH - Democracy for America, the organization that was created in the wake of Howard Dean’s 2004 presidential campaign, has endorsed Democrat Colin Van Ostern in the 2016 gubernatorial primary, according to a press statement.

In the statement, DFA Executive Director Charles Chamberlain said the current Executive Councilor had “deeply rooted progressive values, the backbone of steel, and the proven track record of working with the grassroots to fight for the big, bold, populist progressive ideas that our country needs in its leaders and Granite Staters deserve in their governor.”

The grassroots, progressive political action committee has posted the audio press conference call online here.

Chamberlain said the org had nearly 18,000 members that would be working to get him elected.

Van Ostern said he was “honored” for the endorsement and called the endorsement “critical” at this point in the primary.

“Together we can build a stronger economy where everyone has the chance to succeed, not just those at the top,” he said.

The org endorsed Carol Shea-Porter, the former First Congressional District rep, in that primary earlier this year.

50 for Gatsas

Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas released his “First 50” listing of grassroots supporters, according to a press release.

Gatsas called the list “a diverse and distinguished group that will help us expand our reach and carry our message far and wide across the state.” The list includes: Patrick O'Mara, an activist from Amherst; Bedford Town Councilor Kelleigh Domaingue Murphy, and state Rep. Keith Murphy, R-Bedford; former state Senate candidate Kris MacNeil, of Concord, and her husband, Dave MacNeil; former state Reps. Lee Quandt, and Matthew Quandt, both of Exeter; Hampton Selectwoman Regina Barnes as well as activists and business leaders Linda Sapienza, Pat Morganstern, John Morganstern, Peter Lucas, Mike O'Neil, and Peter Tilton, also all of Hampton; state Rep. Dick Barry, R-Merrimack; Attorney John Anthony Simmons of North Hampton, and Windham activist, Stephanie Foster.

Sununu releases more endorsements

Another Republican candidate for governor, Executive Councilor Chris Sununu, has also released list of “key endorsements” earlier today.

The list included Robert and Anne Cruess of Amherst; Sharon and Edward "Sandy" Buck or Hampton; and John Stabile of Nashua, as well as Melissa Countway Guldbrandsen of Alton, the Belknap County Attorney.

Previously, the campaign offered a list of a number of Executive Councilors that were backing Sununu.

Forrester: Stop the revenue games

Another GOP gubernatorial candidate – state Sen. Jeanie Forrester – has called on Gov. Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter, to “stop playing political games” with the state’s surplus since the money belongs to taxpayers.

In a video posted on Facebook, the candidate pointed to the $80 million surplus posted last month and said Democrats were wrong about business tax cuts when they said relief would create a deficit. She also criticized the governor for holding up funds for drug and alcohol programs in the past that were dedicated for prevention.

“You spent that money on other projects until I called for an end to this practice,” she stated.

The state Senate on May 5, 2016, voted to lift the cap on funds entered into the revenue stabilization account, the so-called “rainy day fund,” in order to set aside the MTBE settlement and others excess funds.

Connolly’s busy, too

Mark Connolly, another Democrat running for governor, has been holding events around the state including house parties in Amherst, Berlin, Portsmouth, and meeting with other Dems in Exeter and Salem.

The candidate also received a nod from Berlin Mayor Paul Grenier who called him the “ideal candidate” due to his “history of fighting to level the playing filed for New Hampshire families” as well as public and private sector experience.

“Paul's work as Mayor has exemplified how a truly collaborative approach can bring jobs back to his city and build it anew,” Connolly said in a statement. “He’s a master of municipal management, and he’s earned his popularity through his tireless commitment not only to Berlin but also to Coös County as a whole. I’m proud to have his endorsement, and I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and work with him as Governor to build on his good efforts and keep Berlin, and the North Country as a whole, moving forward.”

Gill fights to keep his sign up

Mike Gill, another candidate for governor, is in the process of trying to keep a lit sign illuminated in Manchester after being sued by three men for defamation, according to press reports.

In a post on his State of Corruption website, the candidate said he was speaking the truth about the situation.