YOUR COMMENTS

Hummm..."Garbage?!?!?!?"...Was Big John referring to the bills, or the people protected by the bills---Gay marriage, transgengered anti-discrimination...Was this delibrately vague?...codespeak maybe???? Sounds to me suspicously like the de-humanizing talk bantered about the 1930s in the Weimer Republic.
Remember, we are all human. And deserve respect and to be treated with dignity.

---SWL
- Rep. Steve Lindsey, Keene, NH

28 years of Reaganomics?

There's a questionable number right there.
- Rowland, Fremont

Bob,

Are you forgetting that Carroll County has been called the most conservative county in the US? Are you forgetting that the only place in all of New England that Goldwater won was Carroll County?

Like I said, winning a special election with about 10% of the total voters is only a statement about voter apathy, NOTHING ELSE!
- Robert, Dover, NH

We or more specifically I can no longer afford A Democrat point of view, idea, law or policy. I'm sick of it.
- Bob, Salem

Those Democrats who are using the excuse that it was a "largely Republican District" et. al are overlooking the fact that not all that long ago New Hampshire was a largely Republican state. Yet they won the Governor's Office along with the House and Senate! Hmmm... The GOP is outraising the Democrats nationally and winning special elections all over the country as well. The cancer has been cut (W.) and now the healing for America's Conservatives has begun. That didn't take long, did it!
- Bob Pickett, New Castle

One down, on to 2010 to defeat NH Democratic Chairman Ray Buckley's push to remake NH into little San Francisco. If it ain't close, they can't cheat.
- Mae, Plaistow

MikeP, Merrimack. What the heck are you talking about? Where do you get you information? No other Country on earth even compares to the standard of living the United States enjoys (before January of 2009 at least). I would seriously like to know where you got those figures. Maybe those thousands of people entering Laos or Guam or illegally every day, or maybe it was the hundreds of thousands that keep trying to sneak into Mexico. Reaganomics sustained us through Clintonomics (sleeping and dishonesty) and it took the 2006 elections and mindless (not so much) mainstream media to crush the economy. Ejoy your coolaid. Obama lied,Democracy died!
- Allan, Rochester

To those who criticize me for not embracing their Republican trickle-down economics, consider this: In 1980 the US ranked third in standard of living. After 28 years of Reaganomics we rank 15th.

Sure, we could go back to the time before the internet where other countries weren't using computer controlled machines to make perfect duplicates of whatever they wanted and then send nightly updates via email... but, I don't think that's very realistic...
- MikeP, Merrimack

Good job Jeb. Ray Buckley's social agenda for NH is finally being seen for what it is and thr North country isn't having any of it.
- joekelly, manchester

This is hilarious. A year ago, the UL was telling Jeb Bradley not to ever run for office again, while they supported John Stephen.

Now the UL is treating Jeb winning a $100 a year state senate seat as a great victory!

Jeb's been downsized. He's gone from being a completely ineffective Congressman, to a state senator. What's next - the hog reeve of Wolfeboro? It used to be that the guys in organizations that outlived their usefulness and everyone wanted to get rid of got kicked upstairs, with some honorary title the confers privilege but keeps them out of everyone's hair. It seems the NH GOP has a whole new program - they're kicking Jeb downstairs, very slowly.
- Susan Bruce, Jackson

I am disappointed by Sununu's use of the term "garbage" to descibe the gay marriage bill. I am certainly not for gay marriage, but I wish everyone could be civil. Ditto for Ray Buckley. The heated rhetoric is never welcome.
- Michael, Portsmouth

Most of these comments are just plain funny. Good for Jeb, but seriously folks, you're not jamming your bibles, wars, guns, trickle down, and whatever else R's use to control people down our throats anymore. America finally grew up last year. Its about time.
- Ed, Manchester

You can't make this stuff up: Tomorrow the Democratic NH senate is going to take up the transgendered bathroom bill. Yesterday's election is just a taste of what this clueless out of touch NH democratic party is in for in 2010.
- Jay Collins, Laconia

When was the last time a democrat actually won that district? Decades? Ever? The funny thing is the Republicans are all giddy over a "sure thing", a "slam dunk". I guess when you're a loser any victory feels like the greatest thing ever.
- Tim, Manchester

I think the voters are mad as hell at the waste and hypocracy in both parties.The tea party was NOT a Republican battle cry and I hope all incumbents go down the road followed by a term limits vote.They work for us and if that doesn't work for them they are out of here!
- Tim, Boscawen

To those who criticize me for not embracing their Republican trickle-down economics, consider this: In 1980 the US ranked third in standard of living. After 28 years of Reaganomics we rank 15th. During that same time we went from being one of the countries with the broadest distribution of wealth to being on par with Mexico. Sorry, folks, that dog don't hunt.
- LJC, Manchester

Eh. Take your victories where you can get them. At least Bathroom Bud didn't get in.
- Rowland, Fremont

LJC

You don't understand many things...and some of us don't understand why people vote to give money to people who can work and don't. What's the reason for that? Oh wait...they're poor or poverty stricken right? Nope..sorry, not all of them. And its the ones who aren't that are reaping all the benefits and the middle class struggles even more due to it.
- L.A., Derry

I gotta love (or laugh at) those statements that we somehow take money from the middle class to give to the "very wealthy". Maybe if you take your nose out of the Pelosi Handbook of Things To Say for a couple minutes and used the time to read a newspaper, you might notice that the wealthy aren't being handed over gobs of hard-earned middle class cash.

Taxpayers in the group that includes only the top 1% of adjusted gross income filers pay 39.9% of the income taxes paid by all individual taxpayers and taxpayers in the top 5% pay 60.1% of the income taxes paid by all individual taxpayers.

Those "very wealthy" are helping float your boat, Bucko. The latest numbers I could find (that's called "research") show that in 2007, the federal gov't spent $2.8 trillion. There were 138 million individual taxpayers back then. If you use a nifty thing I like to call "arithmetic" that averages to a little over $20,000 per taxpayer. Did *you* pay $20K in taxes? I sure didn't, and I have an upper-range, but hardly wealthy, salary. If not, then somebody paid the rest. And outside of individual taxes, things like corporate taxes, estate, gift, etc. are usually paid by those "very wealthy".

Or maybe you're referring to the recent corporate bailouts, where some truly wealthy people got some truly healthy bonuses. In that case, I agree that it's just wrong to take my hard-earned taxes to pay for some failed executive's penthouse condo.

*** However, which is the party that's been handing out this cash and promising more to come? ***
- Marc, Derry

Congrats to Jeb. If NH Democrats had governed these past several years like traditional conservtive NH Democrats of the past they might have had a chance of staying in power......there is no chance of that now. They will be slaughtered in 2010. This is the largest collection of fools, radicals, and clueless people I have ever seen in government. Someone out here pointed out that most of these people never thought they would get elected in the first place, and only got to Concord on the Bush backlash. What a toxix mix this crew is, and then you add in someone like Ray Buckley and you have a clown-show in Concord.
- Jay Collins, Laconia

My last post on this subject. But where is Ray Buckley and his acid tongue today? How many times has he poked his head into these discussion boards to either gloat or demonize the Republican party? Sory Ray, reality is but a cold slap in the face, isn't it?
- Thomas Thorpe, Portsmouth, NH

hey LJC from Manchester!
you just can't understand why people would vote for a party that 'takes' money from middle class and gives it to the rich? i don't know how it works where you live but alot of people are looking for work right now and i don't see any poor people hiring. i don't say give the bank away but trickle down from the rich is the only way it has ever worked. bubble up from the poor just don't cut it.
john
- john, bow

Regardless of party affiliation, Jeb is a great guy and is not a lawyer, but a businessman! That is enough for me!
- Gary Hoffman, Bedford

Congratulations Jeb from all of us in Nottingham! Great Job!
- Brian S., Nottingham

No one heard of Bud Martin?

If they haven't heard of Bud Martin then they shouldn't be voting. I've heard of him and I'm not even in his district.

No one initially heard of Barack Obama, John Lynch, or several elected House Representives either, and they won, as Democrats. So I'm not buying the arguement that Martin didn't win b/c of name recognition.

Quit making excuses.
- Tim, Amherst

Bud Martin not only did not take the taxpayer Pledge but I read that he never even responded to the group who keeps track of that stuff. So much for accessibility. Plus I guess people don't want the focus to be on any more 'silly' legislation while spending is going out of control so they voted for someone with fiscal common sense. Let's hope this is a pattern all over NH as people realize they have been burned by the Democrats.

Americans are being looted at every turn and have been burned by the new president. A $400 tax cut is not going to make up for the horrendously expensive policies of this administration and one can't help but realize that Obama is likely bankrupting the country on purpose on behalf of his foreign banker backers. During the presidential campaign Obama said his energy policies would cause energy prices to skyrocket and would bankrupt coal plants. And idiots still voted for him. Cap and trade, based on phony 'climate change' is about to come down on us... after that there are draconian laws to control food and medicine and the control of the sheep in this country will be complete.
- Sue, Manchester

Good month for the NH GOP. First Lynch sides with them on the definition of marraige, and now Jeb Bradley.

Working to take back the House and then working with a moderate Lynch is a good step for NH.

Now if we can only get the Obama Administration to pay their taxes we'll be all set. Like Joe Biden says, it's the Patriotic thing to do.
- Mark, Manchester

I love the excuses being made by the partisan left on here. If the district hs never won by a Democrat and you insinuate that name recognition never gave the Democrat candidate a chance....

... then why even vote? Why wasn't anyone saying this leading up to the election? Have you no faith in the electoral process?

Anyway, the district went back to a GOP candidate and that is significant in a cycle that was HUGELY anti-GOP for alot of good reasons. However, many are begining to switch back.

Bradely won fair and square on being the better candidate. This is not Minnesota where Al Franken's campaign supervisors magically finds more ballots in a voting machine 1-month later or finds ballots in the trunk of his car 2- months after the election. It's a convincing and legit victory.

The GOP won this race, and congrats to them. Their efforts beat the Democrats, and fundraising on local, state, and federal levels is beating the Democrats. A storm could be brewing...

...now back to the future.
- Ben, Concord, NH

Martin was very well known in the district. Aside from being the Democratic nominee and almost winning in 2008 he was a judge for many years and a community activist. He is a good person who everyone knew.
- Nick, Wolfeboro

Thomas Thorpe: we liberals don't "dumb down" the electorate when Republicans win. But I for one do not understand why middle class people would vote for a party dedicated to taking their money and giving it to the very wealthy. It just makes no sense.
- LJC, Manchester

"Peggy Gilmour (D), proceeded to spend about 12 of her 15 minutes telling all the 4th graders that 13 out of 24 Senators are female, and isn't that great, how much fun they have, and we really run the place now"

I am so glad to hear us women are out of the kitchen. One day I hope my daughters can be whom ever they want to be. Thanks to Peggy Gilmour leading the path for them! Peggy your running the place into the ground! Peggy needs to go!

Tommy from Hollis , how did you keep a serious face during that pep talk of hers?!
- EV, Hillsborough

Buckley can't spin this one away, it was a spanking. By a man written off for dead by Democrats and some Republicans, too. You can't keep a good man down.

There'll be a lot more where that came from. Congratulations to Bradley and new GOP leader, Governor Sununu.
- Steve, Manch

Wait a minute "Jack" from Somersworth and the rest of you liberals crying in your granola this morning. What is this claim that Jeb won because no one knew his opponent? Martin just came off running for the same seat in a previous election just a matter of months ago. Of course people know who Bud Martin is, that's why his losses continue to get deeper with each election! Why, when you liberals lose, do you always have to dumb down the voters?
- Thomas Thorpe, Portsmouth, NH

Republican candidate heavily promoted by the Union Leader wins in a heavily Republican district against a virtual unknown. Yawn.
- LJC, Manchester

Big congrats! It's wonderful to see that common sense won out over a well-funded smear campaign. Hopefully this will be the beginning of something much bigger!
- Margo, Moultonborough

You're right, Tommy... totally tangential.

Congrats, Jeb. Now play nice.
- Mathias, Manchester

I deal with politicians on both sides of the aisle. Only one, sitting, United States Congressmen ever handed me a business card with a phone number that he, himself answered: Jeb Bradley (it was his cell).
Jeb is a salt-of-the-Earth guy who cares deeply, about the great state of New Hampshire. We need more of those. Congrats Jeb.
-Jude
- Jude Augusta, Hampton Falls, NH

There was no loud and clear message here! Only a little more than 10% of the voters in the district voted for Bradley.

The only message here was of voter apathy and voters being sick and tired of outside sources getting involved on both side of the isle.

Had this been a local election with true local grassroots efforts you would have seen a bigger turn out and would have a better idea of what the voters are thinking.

I would like to call on both Chairman to stay out of local races like this in the future. My friends who live in the district were very turned off by the mudslinging on both sides and I know many voters did not vote because of it.

So Congrats to Mr. Bradley. We can only hope that we see the Jeb Bradley of his early days in the NH House before he got the Washington Bug. Please stand up to your party and vote how you feel, not how Papa Sununu tells you to.

Oh, by the way, the joke will be on you who did think Jeb had any interest in being your State Senator. This race was a stepping stone and he will be working on his race for Gov, US Senator, or US Congressman and will quickly lose interest in the people of District 3.

You could tell that from his signs. If he had any interest at all in being a State Senator he would have made signs that did not include the date of the Special Election.

Judge Martin however was very serious about being a State Senator and his signs proved it, they did not have any special wording on them, so like the Frugal Yankee he is, they could have been used next year, too bad Mr Bradley will only be a place holder and not a serious Senator!
- Robert, Dover, NH

I wonder what the outcome would have been if the Dems ran someone who people had heard of before?
- Jack, Somersworth

Way to go, Jeb!! Congratulations
- Jayne, Goffstown

Here is a bit of tangential evidence why Jeb Bradley was successful.
Last week I chaperoned a 4th grade visit to the State House. Naturally the schedule was tight with only about 15 minutes spent our elected officials in the House and Senate Chambers. Peggy Gilmour (D), proceeded to spend about 12 of her 15 minutes telling all the 4th graders that 13 out of 24 Senators are female, and isn't that great, how much fun they have, and we really run the place now.
I felt bad for my Son, and embarrassed for her. At least she didn't talk about how great the "Bathroom" bill is!
- Tommy A, Hollis

Jeb's win reflects voter sentiment in his District that he is capable and hard working and cares very much about the future of our state. Congratulations!
- Mike, Newmarket

Congratulations Senator Bradley. Now, get to work!!
- gr chase, Exeter

"State Democratic Party Chairman Raymond Buckley said the seat has always been held by a Republican, and just a few years ago, Democrats didn't even run a candidate for the seat."
Buckley may want to revisit this statement. He seems to have forgotten about George Cleveland who came within 500 votes of winning.
- Mark Hounsell, Conway

Welcome back, Jeb. Congratulations! We know you will do a great job for us all.
- Jackie Atkinson, Litchfield, NH

Nice. The people in this district clearly are impressed with the Democrats idea of "change", so they go back to the tried-and-true. More to come.
- Tom, Campton

The good news is this District has been Republican for years and tonight it remains in the Republican column.
The Democrat was definitely a LIBERAL and that is where the GOP needs to go with future victories.
Obama will lose his popularity as the electorate learn more about where the Democrats want to take us.
The NH Liberal Democrats need to be replaced with principled conservatives.
Take the fight right to the Democrats - beginning with Ray Buckley who is just down right insulting to the good people of NH!
Chairman Ray and Obama have a very low opinion of any who differ with them.
bnyoung@metrocast.net
- Niel Young, Laconia

Hey Bill in Amherst - didn't we proud NH folk tell you to move to Mass a few days ago???

Congrats to Bradley!

Democrats - your chairman seems oblivious to the obvious - the Conservative Revolution has started and will not stop until the White House is back in sane hands in 2012!
- Marc, Weare

Hooray Bradley won!!!

A commment for the editor--if you are really wondering why your readership is down please read this story over again and ask yourself where is the news? The first two paragraphs are just plain negative. Revived his political career? Gimmee it a break, it wasn't dead just because he lost close elections.
Moral Boost? Maybe but this piece reads like it is for Dems to enjoy even though they lost.
According to numbers supplied by the Republicans? Gimme another break...I bet the Dems had the numbers too if you couldn't get your own people out there to gather the numbers. Are you trying to cast doubt?
Try hiring a few reporters who aren't Dem activists.
- Annie, Henniker

This is just the start. People realize they got hood winked by the Democrats. They made big promises and dekivered nothing. Buckley is a "silly" man who is helping the Republicans every time he is opening his mouth.
- Ted, Mnachester

Well done! The time is right in New Hampshire for political leaders with a fiscal moral compass. JEB's election is a step in the right direction. Expect to see him stand firm against the rising tide of irresponsible spending schemes that are the bread and butter of those who currently have Concord in a hammer lock.
- Wes Shuler, East Kingston, NH

No big deal? Then I assume all the money that the Democrats spent on this race just to see their 2008 candidate loss by 22 points was just for the heck of it. Spin this all you want, this was a bad loss for Bud Martin and the Democrats.
- Ryan, Hooksett

Bill In Amherst it is news for many reasons. There has been a democratic shift in this state going on for a few years. The democrats spent a lot of money and used any tactic they could to get their guy elected. The news is that hopefully the voters are waking up and seeing the reality of what is happening now in our state government. One can only hope this is only a stepping stone to get those who do not vote for the residents of this state, those who propose useless legislation when none is needed out of office. Time to take our state out of the hands of those who are there for special interests and not for those that elected them!
- Bill B., Pelham

Congratulations to Jeb Bradley for his election as a State Senator, he really put it to the Democrats and it's nice to see him politically active again. The Voters of his district chose wisely, I only wished I had been living in his district and had cast a vote for him but what the heck I will celebrate anyway from afar.
- Richard L. Fortin, Manchester

Bill, Amherst,
The district did vote democratic in November. It does not take too long for people to realize the direction dems will take in NH.
Bathroom bill, genderless marriage, etc . . .
This has to stop.
- Rich R, Farmington

If Jeb Bradley's election was such a slam dunk for Republicans, per John and Bill,
then why did the Democrat leadership spent so much time and money... and
get so vicious in their attacks? Their actions before the election don't match their comments after the election. Today they sound like sour losers.
- Sally Humphries, Hooksett

I wonder how much Ray Buckley is going to have to pay George W Bush to come up here and campaign for Republicans. I bet it won't be cheap.
- Chris, Merrimack

"Revived his political career" with a NH senate seat? Not exactly.
- Ann Hebert, Dover

The first of many Republican wins.

People have come to realize that the big-government Democrats are destroying the country.
- Bill Howard, Exeter

So, Ray Buckley just wants to sweep this one under the rug. Sorry Ray, after the tens of thousands of dollars and countless last minute attack ads you launched on Jeb, you don't simply get a pass on you or your party's despicable conduct. I do hope you have enjoyed the ride. It has always been known in NH that in the end, Democrats do not know how to handle power. The tide is turning. A bright new day dawned this morning for those who believe in fiscal responsibility and moral common sense. Thank you Jeb & your supporters for helping this party, the true party of the people, turn an important corner!
- Thomas Thorpe, Portsmouth, NH

It's a referendum on what voter's think of the garbage that the Democrats are presenting as legislation!
- Bill, Whitefield

Congratulations to Mr. Bradley.

The fact that a former US Congressman winning a state senate election in a solid Republican district is a "morale boost" for the GOP speaks volumes.

And before anyone crowns Bradley as the watch dog of spending remember he voted in favor of the Medicare Modernization Act (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=h2003-669).

You know, the bill that cost 100 billion more in the first year alone than was stated. And also the same bill that created more than $10 trillion in unfunded liabilities.

Anyone care to defend his support of that bill?
- John R, Keene

A former 2 term Republican Congressman with much greater name recognition than the Democratic candidate wins in a district that has NEVER voted for a Democrat. This is not news!
- Bill, Amherst