NHInsider thanks Ms. Kathy Sullivan, Democratic Party Chair, for participating in our 10 Questions feature!

NHI: What is your proudest moment as NH Democratic Party Chair?

KS: John Lynch and John Kerry winning the state in 2004. The happiest moment was the 2006 election, but the proudest was 2004, when New Hampshire Democrats showed we had the strength of character to overcome the devastating defeat of 2002.

NHI: Who has been your greatest inspiration in politics?

KS: My parents, lifelong Democrats who each held elective office. My mother, a very sweet person, was also a little toughie – having served as an Army nurse in England during the D-Day invasion, she did not believe in self pity. My father, also a World War II veteran, was put in an orphanage with his sisters, when he was just a little boy, because his parents could not afford to keep all their children at home. He ended up graduating from law school, putting four of us through college and graduate school. I get my backbone from them.

NHI: What was your least favorite part about being Party Chairman?

KS: Phone jamming. Contrary to the belief of some Republicans, it did not give any pleasure to see people incarcerated for breaking the law in order to win the election. That is now what our democracy is about. Also, on a lighter note – biting my tongue on some issues!

NHI: During your time as Democratic Party Chair you have faced off against many Republican counterparts, who do you consider as your most able adversary?

KS: Steve Duprey, he was very smart (a fellow Cornell Law School graduate), tough and capable. Wayne Semprini would be next. He is smart, and had the potential to be an excellent Republican chair.

NHI: What words of advice do you have for youth who are interested in getting involved in politics?

KS: It is capable of honor, but bring your armor. It can be a tough, tough business. Be strong, always be honest, and always obey the law. It is amazing how many people get in trouble because they think it is okay to lie or be unethical. What is with that?

NHI: How do you hope your tenure as Chair is remembered?

KS: When we had a disastrous election in 2002, the New Hampshire Democratic Party came back smarter, tougher and stronger, and swept the table in 2006. Pretty cool accomplishment.

NHI: Have you considered running for office?

KS: Not really; I’m more of an Irish street fighter than a policy person.

NHI: If so, in what position could you see yourself?

KS: The state legislature, driving leadership crazy.

NHI: Many do not see you retiring from politics, what is your next move?

KS: Many do not know me! Being party chair was not part of a plan, I more or less fell into it. So, I just may fall out of it!

NHI: Any words of wisdom for your successor?

KS: (1) When hosting a fundraising dinner, remember, the audience is there to hear the guest speaker, not you. (2) Never lie to the press. You should never lie to anyone (I had a very Catholic upbringing), but do not lie to the press, they will know you are lying, and they will lose all respect for you. By following that rule, I had a pretty decent relationship with all the political reporters (the editors are another story!). (3) When things get bad, don’t feel sorry for yourself; there are people a lot worse off than you are, so pick yourself up and get back to work.

If my successor wants any other advice, I will give it to him or her in private!!