YOUR COMMENTS

Wow. Nice blueprint for continued losses. Holding a hard line on 20 % of the party's policies just ensures further Democratic gains in the legislature. In this economy, how about sticking to fiscal issues? How about during the next election, you all have your candidates go to each of the four party headquarters (Fran's, John's, Libertarian and FreeStaters) and have an interview, thorough vetting and get it all out THERE before you stick a chosen candidate out there to run for office that you will not support. In case you haven't noticed, taxes aren't coming in "as expected", based on lousy "figuring", businesses are failing, no one can plan for their futures--business or their employees, activists and special interests are destroying the ways our small businesses can do business by creating solutions for problems that don't exist (and claiming this will create more jobs, while burying the "little guys" in paperwork), Republicans have minimal representation in our government, and your solution for all this is to further disenfranchize our party. Let's regain the party BEFORE you purge out the "non-purists". Because right now, "It's the economy, stupid."
Kris MacNeil
Concord
- Kris MacNeil, Concord

Ginny,
It's "tax and spend", but that's not what's important. What is important is to drop the partisan viewpoint and stereotypes, and gain some objectivity by accepting the fact that Republicans have been spending like Democrats for decades while giving lip service to concepts of fiscal responsibility. The national budget, debt, and deficit have gone up with nearly every administration and congress regardless of party or promises.
- Herb C., Concord

Chris, I'd also encourage Jennifer and any other serious Republican candidates to sign the RLC's Liberty Compact. The RLC also endorses and promotes candidates and the first step in that process is signing the Compact and sending it back to us.

Every one of our endorsed candidates running on Tuesday won their elections, which I think shows which way the wind is blowing.

Dave Nalle
National Chairman,
Republican Liberty Caucus
www.rlc.org
- Dave Nalle, Austin, TX

Mr. Kerr/Chichester, "spend and tax" refers to democrats not republicans, and what better proof than our current governor who has increased state spending in the last 2 years 29%. You may want to sit in on a legislative hearing and see your elected democratic body at work.

GinnyP/Concord
- Ginny Parker, Concord, N.H.

Stop bickering and realize we simply have two wings of the same party. Republicans missed an opportunity to get behind true fiscal conservatism, but chose to instead embrace RINOs such as Giuliani rather than someone such as Ron Paul. He was moved to the fringe by the establishment who successfully marginalized his now prophetic warnings about the Federal Reserve, inflation, war, loose credit, as well as our debts and deficit. It seems the need for perpetual warfare won out over sound principles of government and responsibility.
- Herb C., Concord

Dear Ed Holdgate: I'll trade her to you for a parrot...or perhaps a myna bird...*

*bird must have open mind and average vocabulary
- JB, NB, NH

PS to Bryan of Nashua--Thank you for correcting Louis(e) of Manchester. Among the name-calling the left always brings, the overt lie that Bush "caused the meltdown" stands out. A quibble: The CRA was a Jimmy Carter brainchild (in 1977). What Clinton (and lawyer Jamie Gorelick) did in 1995 was put banks on notice that they would judge banks--by results, not policies--any time the banks did anything that needed federal approval. This left banks no option but to give mortgages to inner-city people they knew could not repay--or pay protection money to ACORN (that was its business before it became a vote-fraud foundry and child-prostitution center)--to avoid charges of racism.

The other remarkable thing about the comments is how frequently the lefties bring up Sarah Palin. If she were the rube they say she is, this would not be necessary. Ms. Horn should take the comparison as a compliment.
- Spike, Brentwood NH

To Louis/Manchester and all others like him who refuse to accept the truth: The economic meltdown was not Bush's fault. You can blame 1995's Community Reinvestment Act (signed by Bill Clinton) which forced banks to make home loans to people who had no business getting a home loan. The Democrats forced loose lending standards with that act and sued banks that didn't comply. That was the beginning of this mess. Jump ahead a few years and don't forget that Barney Frank said just weeks before Fannie & Freddie collapsed that they weren't in danger. In early 2005, President Bush, Senator John McCain, and Senator John Sununu saw the pending fiscal disaster and tried very hard to reign in the lending practices of Fannie & Freddie. Guess who successfully blocked them? Democrats. To be fair, the Bush administration should have been tougher on enforcing existing financial laws and I will agree that they spent way too much money, but I will not tolerate anyone who thinks Bush is solely to blame for this economic meltdown. Chris Dodd and Barney Frank have the most blood on their hands for that disaster. Sununu and McCain lost and Barney Frank and Chris Dodd are both still in office. Unbelievable. The 'blame Bush' lies really fooled a lot of people, much to our detriment.

Oh, and the US Congress has been FIRMLY in control of Democrats since 2006. I blame Democrats for the mess we're in today.
- Bryan, Nashua

Gary Ward of Bedford: Just added you to my "hero" list. Great post!

Ms. Horn/Paylin, (I changed the spelling of the Mooseter after I found out she got 1.2 million for her book before quitting on the people of Alaska), doesn't know what she's talking about. If these vote-seekers don't start to be more tolerant of the views of others - like their fellow Republicans - they'll be permanently in the minority. We don't need to "go back" to a time that never existed, a time when freedoms were fewer, or a future where far-right conservatives (usually of the un-Christian christianists variety) impose their beliefs on the rest of us.

I'm waiting for an honest to goodness sensible Republican, the old-fashioned kind that was respected for their views but able to work with others, to stand up to these LimBeckian bullies who are hijacking what used to be the Grand Old Party. I'm sick of the false charges and false analogies to paint Democrats as everything evil in the land. Do they have to be reminded that we are all Americans? As Jon Stewart said: "Republicans love their country. They just hate 50% of the people in it."
- Nashuan, Nashua

I agree with Jennifer that a growing amount of candidates in the Republican party are not much different from their opponents in the Democratic party, and voters like myself will NOT vote for a fiscal or morally bankrupt Republican candidate; no matter who the state or national GOP endorses! In addition, it is about time and hopefully not too late for every taxpaying citizen to again demand that our representatives are held accountable to our Constitution, that they all take an oath to defend and uphold!! That would hopefully solve the need for tax increases by eliminating any new proposals that are unConstitutional: Our Constitution's principle author, James Madison, wrote, "The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined [and] will be exercised principally on external objects, as war, peace, negotiation and foreign commerce."
- Shawn, Stark

This is really a hoot. Turn the clock back two years and I would swear the writer is a Democrat ranting about the Republicans.

If I laugh any harder, my sides will split.
- Art, Portsmouth

Eight years of a truly bogus Republican Administration vs. one year with a new president. Quit spreading lies and fear. It's the Rebuplicans that got us into this mess. Remember the financial bailout happened on Bush's watch, along with wars based on lies that cost billions each month. I have yet to see ANY politician truly work for the people, and not for themselves.
- Louise, Manchester

CK, you're whining about whiners?
- DM, Hampton

DM Hampton,
That's the spirit, stand on the sideline and whine.
- ck, manchester

Amen Jennifer. I agree with you 100 percent.

If Republicans have any hope of winning in the future, they had better return to the constitution and the limited government principles of the founders. That means not only holding place with taxes, but cutting and eliminating them. We need to abolish the 16th and 17th amendments, completely eliminate unconstitutional bureaucracies and bring the federal government back down to Earth, while empowering the states to take over their role.

The Democrats, actually Marxists, only have lies, scare tactics and obfuscation to help them, and we all know that all it takes is a candle to bring light to darkness. The candle of liberty has been lit by the TEA Party movement, and we are working on building it into a torch. The Republican Party had better learn quick that we are in control or they will be replaced.
- Andrew J. Manuse, Derry, NH

I quite agree with Ms Horn, I'm sure I'm not the only person who voted for someone on the republican ticket and left with a bad taste in their mouth. The only reason we did so was because the alternative was worst. If the republican party were to go back to following the wisdom of our founding father, they might find that the american public would be willing to trust them again.
- Emile M. Proulx, Manchester, NH

Amen.

When conservatives run against liberals, the conservative wins every time.
- Tom, Campton

Thank you Jennifer! Now if we can get Frank Guinta to sound like this, we will have an electable slate for 2010.

For the Democrats that are so quick to put down Republicans who take a stand, answer this; "Who is the last pro LIFE candidate you put forth in a Congressional election?" The only thing in the middle of the road is roadkill.
- Wayne S, Manchester

Jennifer, you talk a good talk but can/will you walk the walk?

When the republicans were in charge they spent like drunken democrats and Bush did not veto ONE spending bill that came his way. Not one.

Republicans talk about limited government but don't practice it. They talk about states rights over that of the far-reaching federal government but that too is only lip-service meant to garner votes.

These are just some of the reasons why people declare themselves as being independent.
- Jim D, Hillsboro

Hughan

Which platform are you talking about the NH State GOP platform or RNC? It is a good day when a Republican Elected official actually votes the platform. The party platform is the minimum benchmark to measure a conservative, since the platform has many statements in it that are appealing to conservatives. There is definite room for improvement on the state GOP platform.

Now that Bobby from Deerfield has sounded off, where is Bill from Deerfield and his sermon about Bush the Devil Incarnate.
- Chris, Merrimack

Thank you Jennifer Palin for making your stand on issues so very clear. I suppose this eight grade level diatribe will continue until you talk your way back into oblivion. I think we can agree on one thing- democracy. If the people elect liberals, they do it because they want that agenda over the conservative agenda. If Democrats are in the majority, it’s because our democracy is working; it’s the will of the people.

Your fictitious portrayal of America is right out Ayn Rand. Conservatives want to return to a time in this country that never existed. Our land, air, water and natural resources were polluted and exploited by greedy barons on the backs of immigrants, slaves and child labor. When our great country was founded, you couldn’t vote, let alone run for public office. The majority of people had no right to vote and no democracy. We were a republic then and remain largely a republic today. The only difference is today we all have the right to elect the people who represent us.

As more people won the right to vote, they elected people who would fight to make America a place where they could pursue an education, and work and live in a safe and healthy environment. When has a conservative demanded that acid rain be mitigated, or higher mileage be imposed on cars, or that safety glass or seat belts be installed on cars, or insisted that our elder citizens be able to live out their lives with dignity and respect, or insisted that our rivers be free of industrial pollution? Never is the answer. People want these things. Liberals support that agenda and democracy is working.

We can’t turn back the clock to a time that never existed, no matter how romantic you try to paint the picture.
- Gary Way, Bedford

The state may be turning more "democrat". They certainly aren't turning more "democratic".
- steve, nashua

I appluad Scozzafava for falling on her sword to ensure the right's vote would not be split. I expect any candidate in that postion who was behind in the polls to do the same. This helps people to vote their conscience, rather than voting for who they think has the best chance of winnings.
- Jim, Manchester

Nice article Horn. Republicans want to brand themselves as conservatives but their platform changes to buy votes. What is a moderate, center, or right wing republican? Conservatism is not a sliding scale...I'm sticking with conservative candidates and not republican candidates. They are more concerned about keeping their jobs instead of doing their jobs!
- Hughan, Manchester

Great article, Jennifer! Thank you thank you thank you! You are finally beginning to sound like Bob Giuda!
- Jim Buttolph, Rumney

To Bobby from Deerfield, Which party was the party of segregation and supported the KKK for nearly a century after President Grant, a republican, made that group of bigoted idiots illegal? it was not the GOP. The dem's may have figured out a way to buy minoty votes, but that does not mean they are the party that has the best interest of minorites (or anyone else who wants to really better themeslves) at heart.
- jeff, goffstown

Is Jennifer Horn running for congress in New Hampshire, or South Carolina? It's a bit hard to tell from this article. If she continues pandering to her party's radical base and talks like this until next november, she'll get 3% of the primary vote.
- Mark, Keene

Marxist Democrats (Shaheen, Hodes, Shea-Porter ) and Weenie Republicans (George Bush, Charlie Bass ) are the cause of all of this country's ills. They buy votes and personal power with our tax dollars and the future tax dollars of our children. They're all pigs. God Bless Doug Hoffman in NY 23. We need candidates like him for 2010.
- Mike, Dunbarton

Hallelujah!
- Bob, Bedford

Keep telling yourself that Republicans are losing elections in New England because they're "acting like Democrats," Jennifer. Those of us who vote know that the economy tanked largely due to the Republican platform of deregulation and letting big business run wild, which doesn't mirror the Democratic platform whatsoever.

And to everyone blaming Mass. transplants for NH's political turn to the left: you should actually thank them. Most Mass. residents who move here are conservatives who want to get out of "liberal" Mass. and avoid paying income taxes. Look at the voting trends in any NH poll of residents who have lived here for under 10 years vs. over 20 years. People who recently moved to NH are more likely to vote Republican than those who have lived here their whole lives. If it wasn't for Mass. transplants our state government would be even more Democratic than it is now.
- Dan, Manchester

Nice op-ed, but Ms. Horn's last memorable one, in the wake of Obama's victory, was in the style of Rodney King begging, "Can't we all just get along?"
- Spike, Brentwood NH (other district)

Bobby in Deerfield left out one thing. At the moment the only jobs created or saved (pathetic claim) are in government. For all the injustices he points out in his claims his socialist views will only ensure we turn into a society with its hands out rather than one of go getters who take hold of the opportunities available to us all and run with them. Those before us created the wealth of this nation with hard work and the freedom to dream. Those like Robert seek a society where the majority turns to government for its daily bread and in the end our wealth will diminish along with knowing the value of a day’s hard work. If you have a thirty year old man child living at home playing video games he is the socialists dream come true.
- Deb, Derry

Texter is 100% correct. For years as New Hampshire changed dramatically around me I too blamed all the changes and things I didn't like about the changes, on those moving here, mostly from Massachusetts. Then I saw the truth: the fault lies solely with those who were beguiled by the lure of money on properties that had been in their families for generations and it snowballed into the lure of a fast buck to those of a new generation who wanted more than the American dream of home ownership and wanted more money through property turnover. This became a way of life for some and the American dream changed from the promise of owning your own home to the mesmerizing dream of easy wealth at the expense of and loss of the real, generations old New Hampshire way of life. For those decrying and death of this way of life I say this: mourn it, say a prayer over it, and then bury it; it's gone. Keep what you can of it but know it ain't coming back. The fault lies in the mirror.
- Tom, Dover-Foxcroft, Me.

As an extremist on the left (social) and right (economic), I am unrepresented by both parties who are trying to reach the middle. So, I won't vote for any candidate of either major party.
- DM, Hampton

Bill,
Didn't the Village People retire to Dixville Notch?
- Andy, Milford

Finally, I politician who at least pays lip service to actual political principles. I removed myself from the Republican roles precisely because of the party's abysmal and cowardly lack of principles that lead toward more individual freedom and less government. Jennifer, you have my vote.
- Roger Theriault, Nashua

I am in the 2nd district, watching Kuster {R} being supported by the CEO of Stonybrook yogurt who is socialist, fits the pattern of NY-23.

It is time we begin pushing Ms Horn as the Republian Conservative candidate and get the message out Now!
- ken Klinedinst, Warner

Nothing will change until those running for office seek to change themselves. I'm sure we will hear about lots of change in the coming election as we did the last election. Then once in office we will get all the things that were never mentioned during the election.

Society is too dumb to see the bad direction we are heading in and will fall for any feel good claim made by those who are leading us this way by Democrat or Republican. We have forgotten about asking questions and demanding a straight answer to them then holding those we elect accountable. The answers are soon forgotten lust like no one remembers North Korea getting everything they asked for by the Clintons then going ahead and making nuclear weapons after they got their demands. We now have another Clinton negotiating on our behalf again and this time Iran will have nukes. I'm sure that will work out well for many.
- Deb, Derry

Returning the the roots of segregation, tax cuts for the rich, no health care for anyone that isn't rich, no social security, no medicare, no medicaid, marriage only for one man one woman, beating obedience into children, catastrophic cycles of boom and bust, debt and servitude for the poor as far as the eye can see. A return to the nineteenth century - diamonds for them, starvation and slavery for you. Now that is a Republcanic party that many would join. Just a few more rabid drug taking corrupt radio hosts to bring you into the fold - and you still won't have health care.
- Bobby, Deerfield

Republicans have not tried to sound like democrats they have done what they always did except during the Bush years with great flair. That is to give all the power to corporations running the show. Where as democrats want the government to run the show. Either way it sucks because no one is representing the people. We are in a fine mess of who to choose and trust: Rich corporations or government? Corporations don't care about us and our rights at all and the government has shown they do care however they don't know how to manage or run anything except to run it into the ground. Not much of a choice.
- Joanne, Manchester

You have just printed a blueprint for continued Democratic victories! I am a Democrat and thank you for your lack of foresight!
- Putney, Manchester

She is totally tone-deaf with the electorate (but maybe not the extremes in the party base).

I hope Charlie Bass comes back. New Hampshire- and the NH GOP- need him and other conscientious types who realize that the world is not black or white and know that public policy is not the same as a bumper sticker.
- Francais Greene, Plymouth, NH

Good piece, Jennifer. Middle-of-the-road conservatism is dead; true conservatism is alive and well, and is making a strong comeback. The race in NY is a prime example. The Republican poseur, quasi-liberal Scozzafava, just dropped out of the race because she was lagging way behind in the polls. Meanwhile Hoffman, the true conservative, was surging way ahead. This speaks volumes, both for the party in power and for the growing sentiment of the people.
- Susie, Horseshoe Bay, TX (NH native)

The Republican liberty caucus has a statement called the Liberty Compact that reads " I pledge to the citizens of this State, and to the American people, that as their elected representative I will work to: restore liberty, not restrict it; shrink government, not expand it; reduce taxes, not raise them; abolish programs, not create them; promote the freedom and independence of citizens, not the interference of government in their lives; and observe the limited, enumerated powers of our Constitution, not ignore them."
Jennifer and anyone else who is running for state office next year, sign this compact and show everybody you are for real.
- Chris, Merrimack

- Leo, Canterbury: You talk of "brainwashing" of the kids. This editorial is worse, it is "brainwashing" of the parents. The spend and tax republicans who controlled the legislature and corner office for so many decades in NH gave this state its present economic woes. John H. Sununu was the worse because he changed the way NH raised and spent taxes. He spent three years of tax collections (YES taxes in NH!!!) in two years and left with a deficit. That is supposedly the republican NH advantage.
- Gary L. Kerr, Chichester

Ditto
- Bob, Salem

Great essay, Jennifer! Wish you were in my First C.D.!
- Ed Holdgate, Live Free or Die Sandown, NH

I certainly hope that republicans return to the roots that made the party strong, and electable. True republicans are far more libertarian (on most issues) than anything else so I feel they offer the best alternative to the democrats who seem stuck on worshipping Karl Marx and his various disciples. The democratic party has not been the party of "the working man" for several generations no matter how much they may state to the opposite. The GOP however has lost its way. It needs to reestablish its base and beliefs. Once again it can be the party of good jobs and a strong country.
- Jeff, Goffstown

I say we vote everyone out, start over and treat all parties equally meaning we do not treat Dems and Repubs as a cut above! Let all candidates participate in all televised/aired debates and lets cap how much they spend, a novel idea eh?
- Jeff, Manchester

Well put! However, the challenge is to reverse the 'dumbing down' and brainwashing of our kids in schools, who have been force fed lies for generations now. How do you do that?
- Leo, Canterbury