YOUR COMMENTS

I found it interesting to read all the blogs at this site and to really learn how people feel. How would the "voters" feel about a Sheriff w/ a Military background and no-non sense attitude? Would he last or be ousted due to lack of political strength?
- SGT SFC, Hampton Falls

I hope the Attorney General takes a closer look at the police misconduct complaints that have been coming from the town of east kingston( Rockingham County)
- Ronald Kirby, East Kingston

Jim in Exeter,

Don't worry about the police problems or so called corruption you can see and that you hear about in the news......that means that while there are some individuals who are making poor decisions the fact that they are charged, or resign, or published in the press indicates another law enforcement official somewhere (or several most likely) recognized the problem and took some sort of action.
I don't think NH has a problem, just people that take more interest in it and a press who has the ability due to the size of the state to report on things that in other areas would probably not make the news.
- Michael, Manchester

This was all really kind of stupid, because there was absolutely no shot Lovejoy was getting elected. He has no law enforcement background (actually, thanks to Dan, we now know he might have a little!!). He wasn't getting in then, and he aint getting in now. However, like it or not, this was the ego of Dan Linehan at its finest. Whether you like him or hate him, if you know him, then you know I am correct. He has a "how dare you" attitude toward anyone who opposes him. Ask the deputy he was found to have held against his will after firing him , ask those at the Manchester Airport who lost their jobs when Linehan's stubborness lost the police contract. You were either with him or against him, and if you werent with him, you had a problem. And Spike, this really isnt about Lovejoy, who no one disputes is a dope. It is about Linehan, who everyone now KNOWS is a dope.
- Jay Mack, Portsmouth

Does NH have an unusually large number of police problems? Seems like the UL reports at least one or two firings, arrests, or resignations of officers and law enforcement officials every month. How does this compare to other states?
- jim, exeter

Walter-

Sheriff's do have the most authority in the state; just ask one, or a trooper or a local cop. Sheriff's do more than you describe and I'm guessing you don't realize this because your probably not a criminal. The point is that the high Sheriff is an important L.E. position and should not be any politician off the street.
- m, concord

The real question is why this matter was not prosecuted by the former AG???????
Now THERE's politics for you!
- BettyAnne, Salem NH

Whats the point in getting a conviction annulled?

Later in life you can answer "NO" on an application that asks "have you ever been convicted of a crime that was not annulled"

Without that answer you prob won't get the job.
- BA, Derry

Someone here actually called the County Sheriff the most powerful law enforcement position in the county? Overseeing people who hand out eviction notices and other civil paperwork and who drive inmates back and forth to court? Yeah that's power alright.
- Walter, Concord

It may be sad to some but laws are ment to be followed. Those who enforce the law should know the rules.
- Bob, exeter

I hope David Welch has the proper ethics not to vote on this matter as he obviously is not seperate, neutral and detached. Shame on him for condoning someone who breaks the law. Hopefully the legislature will see this and take a hard look at his committee appointments and more importantly the voters will see this arrogance. Linehan did not know it was against the law to violate the Hatch Act, He did not know it was against the law to unlawfully detain a deputy, and finanly he did not know the law was wrong to release confidential information. What he should know is you do give up certain constitutional rights when you enter law enforcement. This was not about rights, it was about tampering with an election and shame on him and everyone who comes to his defense. Election 2010 will be very interesting.
- Jon, Epping

Spike

How in the world can you blame the democrats for this? Wasn't Kelly Ayotte the attorney general when Linehan lost the airport? It was Linehan's arrogance that finally caught up with him. Rockingham County lost millions of dollars when they got thrown out of the airport. I am a taxpayer and I was livid when this happened. I am sure that you could ask a lot of his employees how they feel because of the airport loss and they would tell you how this has affected their income.

As far as Craig Benson, another one that was arrogant. He lost his seat because he thought that he was better than everyone else.

Dan Linehan/Craig Benson=Republican=Arrogance

Go back to sleep, Spike
- rodney, salem

I wonder how much it costs to get a conviction annulled. As a resident of Rockingham County I appreciate knowing the truth about people I’m voting for.
“Non public” information contradicts transparency in government. Once again the law protects criminals.
Thank you Dan for years of service. Good luck to you and remember: “When a door closes, and window opens”
- Kathy, Raymond

He broke the law, plain and simple, Spike. If you don't like it then work to change the law. Until then, it's the law.

It's pretty obvious, except to partisans like Spike, that the release of the annulled conviction was politically motivated by Linehan against an opponent so he is being punished appropriately.

What's the point in annulling convictions if they will be used against you later in life anyways?
- Bob V, Manchester

Semper Fi Dan!
- Jim Gaudet, Manchester NH

What the news headlines on this incident should say is this. Sheriff and assistant forced to resign because of illegally making voters aware of the truth.
An annulled conviction doesn't automatically make the person innocent. The voter should be able to make their own decision on this.
- Steve, Raymond

It is a sad day for NH when men of this character is forced out of office for partisan politics. Rockingham County will not be better off for this and the people will not be well served. Dan and Mark kept the bad guys off the street and worked for the battement of the people they served. I wish them the best as they go forward.
- Bob Letourneau, Derry

Spike is absolutely correct. Go back and read the stories about Lovejoy's crime and his conviction, and ask yoursellf why Lovejoy was so adamant that the public not be aware of his past conduct. Remember, this is an individual that wanted to be the most powerful law enforcement official in the county. Thank you Sheriff Linehan for having the courage to let the people know exactly why Lovejoy was not fit to be Sheriff. As the years go by Dan you will always be remembered for your strength, courage and integrity. No one will remember the man who cried foul! Hold your head high, you deserve to.
- Reed Malloy, Newmarket, NH

It seems as though Linehan was caught by a niche law that makes it a crime to tell the truth (about his opponent's annulled conviction), not unlike the "outing" of the "spy" Valerie Plame. It's notable that the office of Attorney General just changed from Republican to Democrat. The newsletter editor who received the illegal truth is also a prominent Democrat.

Months ago you reported that Linehan's opponent was asking around regarding being appointed to the position, although he was asking the wrong people. He knew the nature of the investigation, which you were unable to report at the time.

The partisans in Concord have ruined another career, like the public career of Craig Benson, joined by the subordinates whom Linehan stated he had difficulty managing. But it's nice they won't be able thus to simply reverse the outcome of the 2008 election for Sheriff.
- Spike, Brentwood NH