Thank you Rep. Infantine for participating in NHInsider.com’s 10 Questions feature.

NHI: What role do you see the Internet and New Media playing in the future of the NH GOP?

Rep. Infantine: The media helps publicize a story and can help frame the discussion on a particular event or piece of legislation. The media will report the information they receive and we need to keep them well informed. However, fewer people every year are taking the time to read a traditional newspaper or watch the news. Technology is growing exponentially with text messaging, e-mails and pod-casts having quickly become the communication method of choice.

The NH GOP needs to embrace both mediums more effectively to show the voters what Republicans stand for, what we are doing in the legislature and why they should vote for us.

NHI: To what do you attribute the recent trouncing Republicans saw at the ballots during the Mid-term and State elections this past November?

Rep. Infantine: The NH GOP did not fare well in 2006 because of national events that we could not control and local event we did not explain. We did not differentiate ourselves from the Democrats and the lines between what the two parties stand for and support were blurred. The voters did not see any differences and as a result, there were 23,000 more Democrat straight ticket votes than there were for Republicans.

NHI: How do you propose the GOP gain back their majority status? Can it be done in one two-year cycle or will it take more than one election cycle to recover some of the lost voters?

Rep. Infantine: The NH GOP can take back the seats we lost in 2006 in two years. We will show voters the difference between Republicans and Democrats specifically on the issues of Taxes, Less Government, and Personal Responsibilities. We will call the Governor on the carpet when he takes credit for legislation and ideas brought forth by Republicans. We will also show the voters how our philosophy has created and will keep the NH Advantage.

NHI: When you have a free weekend, where in NH is your favorite place to visit and why?

Rep. Infantine: The wonderful thing about NH is that is has so many great places to go and things to see. I enjoy the NH coast and the White Mountains. I enjoy hiking and skiing with my family in the fall and winter and the beach in the summer

NHI: What role do you envision the NH GOP playing in the upcoming 2008 Presidential primaries?

Rep. Infantine: In 1920, no state wanted the first in the nation primary. It was looked at as being a dog because people figured no one cared or was watching. Eighty six years later the citizens of New Hampshire have turned it into gold. Now everyone wants to steal it. There is no incumbent President of Vice President for 2008 so the field of candidates is crowded with a variety of candidates from both parties. The NH first in the nation primary is now more important than ever and I am confident we will shine and show the rest of the country why we deserves this position.

NHI: How do you propose getting new people involved with the party including getting them to run for various government offices?

Rep. Infantine: The new Chairman must outline a detailed plan to retool the party from the bottom up. We will need to start with creating a new voter database and this has to be done at the local level. I do not want to give away all my plans and ideas but I am convinced that if we outline a plan of action, how we will implement this plan, and what the results will be people will get excited. If we create a winning plan people will get excited and will want to join a winning team. I am confident if we do this we will get more interest from people who are willing to run for office.

NHI: Why are you the most qualified candidate for the NH GOP Chair position?

Rep. Infantine: I am the most qualified because I have the business, management, and legislative experience needed to be an effective Chairman. I have no hidden agenda and I will not run for higher office while I am chairman. I can bring parties together and recreate the unity that the GOP needs at this time.

When Republicans stick together, Republicans win.

NHI: The pundits have said that the Congressional candidates won because of their ‘Grassroots’ campaigns, what would you propose the NH GOP do to awaken their base?

Rep. Infantine: The NH GOP has to reach out to our voters and Republican leaning independent voters. We did not reach out and communicate to them and they were listening to our opposition in the absence of a message from us. We also need to use the internet and energize our local town, City, and county organizations

.

NHI: With the new Minority Party status of the GOP in NH, how does this change the daily operation of the party?

Rep. Infantine: Now that we are in the minority, we need to beef up our staff and work even harder. We need to build the party a block at a time. Our employees need to get out on the road and out of the office to reconnect with our supporters.

NHI: Due to some unfortunate incidents and management the NH GOP finds itself basically broke, what do you propose doing to change that situation?

Rep. Infantine: The GOP has their financial obligation under control and donations for the legal settlements have been secured. We will start off with a clean slate and all future donations will go toward the standard operation of the party. This unfortunate incident is behind us and there is a new group of people at the helm. I have many ideas to raise funds but would rather not share them with all your readers as some are new and proprietary. Rest assured the NH GOP will be able to raise the funds it needs to be effective.

Thank you Mr. Cullen for participating in NHInsider.com’s 10 Questions feature.

NHI: What role do you see the Internet and New Media playing in the future of the NH GOP?

FC: A bigger one. Internet communications are growing in importance every day, but they have yet to replace more traditional forms of communication, and it’s easy to overstate the impact new media has. Even NHInsider, with respect, is something of an echo chamber, with more anonymous name calling than insightful posts. I wish fewer people would post anonymously, and more would display a greater degree of civility.

NHI: To what do you attribute the recent trouncing Republicans saw at the ballots during the Mid-term and State elections this past November?

FC: The NH Democrats beat us at every facet of winning campaigns: candidate recruitment, fundraising, messaging and communication, ground game and GOTV. They did a great job at the those factors within their ability to control, and put their candidates in a position to capitalize on events outside their ability to control that also worked in their favor, specifically discontent about the situation in Iraq that grew as the election approached. Congrats to the Dems; I have to give credit where credit is due. But here’s what the election results were not: It was not a defeat of lasting conservative principles. It was not an ideological defeat. It was a temporary Republican defeat. There’s a difference.

NHI: How do you propose the GOP gain back their majority status? Can it be done in one two-year cycle or will it take more than one election cycle to recover some of the lost voters?

FC: To borrow a metaphor someone wiser than me came up with, there’s a difference between a political tsunami and a political earthquake. A tsunami recedes, but an earthquake changes the landscape, permanently. What happened last fall was a tsunami, but demographic changes in New Hampshire have been a slow-motion earthquake taking place over years. Republicans need to understand that we are not living in the same state, politically, that we lived in as recently as ten years ago. But I reject the idea that NH has become a Democrat state. If that is so, why are just 26% of registered voters proud enough of the Democrat party to register with them? That percentage has actually dropped from 30% ten years ago.

NHI: When you have a free weekend, where in NH is your favorite place to visit and why?

FC: Standing alongside any cross country running race course or track coaching high school athletes, if I’m not competing myself. If you think I’m passionate about politics, you haven’t seen me working with young people. More broadly: Distance running on trails or hiking in the White Mountains. I’ve hiked the AT across NH, from Hanover to Gorham, have run up Mt. Washington seven times (best time: 1:06), and am a member of the 4,000 footer club, having climbed all 48 such peaks at least once. That’s nothing compared to my mom, who’s in her upper 60s and is working on her seventh lap of the 48 high peaks.

NHI: What role do you envision the NH GOP playing in the upcoming 2008 Presidential primaries?

FC: The party’s role is to be a good host to candidates and provide them with a level playing field where all candidates are given the opportunity to tell their stories and a fair chance to earn support. Let me go a step further. If I’m Republican chairman, I will not attack any of the Democrats who come to campaign here. I might make fun of them if they give me the opportunity, and if they attack the President or Senators Gregg or Sununu it will be my duty to defend. But I will not attack Democrat presidential candidates campaigning here in the primary. The First in the Nation primary is bigger than any one party or any one election in terms of its importance to New Hampshire to issue gratuitous attacks to score a short term political point at the expense of preserving the primary.

NHI: How do you propose getting new people involved with the party including getting them to run for various government offices?

FC: Having a fresh, younger face leading the party wouldn’t hurt. More broadly: The presidential primary is a unique opportunity for us to bring new people into the party. Someone who gets excited about a presidential candidate and becomes an activist for the first time needs a home after the presidential primary circus leaves town, and I want them to stay on as activists in our party. I’m sure the Dems see the same thing on their side.

NHI: Why are you the most qualified candidate for the NH GOP Chair position?

FC: Anyone who’s read my columns in the New Hampshire Union Leader over the past couple years knows I’ve been a conservative voice on issues facing New Hampshire, and have demonstrated that I can advocate and articulate a conservative position on issues in an artful and persuasive manner. Communications is a big part of the job.

NHI: The pundits have said that the Congressional candidates won because of their ‘Grassroots’ campaigns, what would you propose the NH GOP do to awaken their base?

FC: We’re pretty awake right now, thanks. Hard to sleep through the din following the last election. I know my fellow candidates for chairman have noticed the same thing I have: Large crowds at county and city committee meetings and a focus on taking the steps needed to return the party to majority status. The Dems probably had the same feeling at a time four years ago: beaten, but hardly demoralized.

NHI: With the new Minority Party status of the GOP in NH, how does this change the daily operation of the party?

FC: The party is really like a new business start-up in terms of where we are and how we move forward. We have a lot of block & tackle basics to take care of in terms of reestablishing the grassroots organization that atrophied over the past several years. Being in the minority focuses the mind real quick.

NHI: Due to some unfortunate incidents and management the NH GOP finds itself basically broke, what do you propose doing to change that situation?

FC: I don’t claim any special fundraising prowess, but I have the skills needed to raise the money it takes to keep the party going. A big part of that is a willingness to handcuff myself to the phone for hours at a time. A key task is to get Republican donors who have shied away from the party in recent years to feel confident again about our direction. We start to do this by showing progress in basic areas like organization and more effective communications. When donors see us moving back onto the right track, I think they will start to reinvest in the party again.

Thank you Mr. Estevez for participating in NHInsider.com’s 10 Questions feature.

NHI: What role do you see the Internet and New Media playing in the future of the NH GOP?

EE: Like it or not, we are living in interesting as well as difficult times. Therefore, we need to have the courage and competence to lead the GOP in the months and years ahead. The party needs to do a better job communicating using the new technology that is available.

I believe strongly that the party needs a person to work solely on communicating with the media and controlling the stories. This will make us a more organized and effective political force. The Democrats have a full-fledged communication operation and are equipped with some of the most advanced technology available. We need to catch up with the Democrats when it comes to technology and many other areas.

When we have the proper technology, it will be easier for us as a party to contact voters, media, and communicate our message more effectively.

NHI: To what do you attribute the recent trouncing Republicans saw at the ballots during the Mid-term and State elections this past November?

EE: Obviously, many citizens took out their frustration on GOP candidates because of the President and some of the administrations controversial policies, as well as various scandals in Washington. However, I believe that the New Hampshire GOP is also to blame for the recent defeat in the past election.

This is because the New Hampshire Republican party underestimated the power of the Democrats. Above all, there was no game plan in place due to lack of financial funding, winning issues, an organized grassroots effort, and above all good a communication strategy.

NHI: How do you propose the GOP gain back their majority status? Can it be done in one two-year cycle or will it take more than one election cycle to recover some of the lost voters?

EE: I am not running for chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party because I think that it will be easy. I think that this job is going to be a very difficult endeavor and that is why we need strong and effective leadership in this position. Our goal should be to win back the majority in Washington and in Concord.

We can achieve this task and we will with my "4 part plan to restoring the New Hampshire Republican Party."

First, we must rebuild our war chest with a massive fundraising effort. Second, we must improve our communication skills in order to more actively communicate our message. Third, we must find good candidates to run for office state wide. Fourth, we must give the help and support that is needed to all of our grassroots volunteers who are the backbone of our operation.

The Democrats have been very successful in organizing their grassroots efforts and we must prove that we can compete with them. To win back the majority will not be an easy effort. There will be many hardships and difficulties that will face us and our victory may not happen in only one cycle, but we will win back the majority once again because we will build a strong foundation for future success.

NHI: When you have a free weekend, where in NH is your favorite place to visit and why?

EE: I love all of the entire state New Hampshire. Wherever I go I am proud to call New Hampshire home.

However, I find myself most at peace when I have the time to walk the beach on the New Hampshire seacoast. It is truly a beautiful and relaxing experience.

NHI: What role do you envision the NH GOP playing in the upcoming 2008 Presidential primaries?

EE: The New Hampshire GOP will play a tremendous role in the 2008 Presidential primary. Time and time again New Hampshire has proven that when we make a statement the entire nation listens.

I think that in 1968 when an unknown Senator from the Midwest named Eugene McCarthy almost defeated the sitting President of the United States Lyndon Johnson, people began to respect the New Hampshire presidential primary even more because of the strong message that it sent to the nation.

Above all, our responsible voting sets precedent for the nation in regards to what should be expected from a candidate who seeks such a powerful and prestigious office.

As chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party, one of my top priorities will be to preserve and protect New Hampshire's First in the Nation Presidential Primary status. We owe this not only to ourselves, but to future generations.

NHI: How do you propose getting new people involved with the party including getting them to run for various government offices?

EE: We must increase and improve our communication effort. If we can successfully communicate our message effectively we will be able to attract more people to join the party because we will prove that the Republican Party's platform is in the best interest of the state and nation.

As far as candidate recruitment is concerned, we must start this process early and it should be specifically targeted to find viable candidates to take on vulnerable democrats, and fill seats in all districts.

Part of this process is making sure that we have town chairs that are committed to keeping in close contact with the Field Director of the state party. Some areas of the state may not have enough population to form a committee, so we must combine their efforts into multi-town committees.

NHI: Why are you the most qualified candidate for the NH GOP Chair position?

EE: First of all, the other people in this race are very good and qualified candidates. They all have good things to say and I think that in their heart they want what is best for the Party.

However, I believe that I will bring a new sense of hope to the Party and bring new ideas that will bring the Republican Party back to life again. I will also unite that Party as one in an effort to win back the majority. My 4 part plan will re-energize the party with increased fundraising that will rebuild our war chest, better communication strategies, a stronger grassroots effort, and candidate recruitment.

NHI: The pundits have said that the Congressional candidates won because of their ‘Grassroots’ campaigns, what would you propose the NH GOP do to awaken their base?

EE: It has become unmistakably clear that we need to do a better job communicating with both the media and voters.

We also need to do a better job reaching out to the party's base and keeping the grassroots informed of the party's activities and communicating more effectively on behalf of Republicans running for office. The state party needs to be a voice for any Republican that needs help and support.

As chairman of the New Hampshire Republican party, I will implement a weekly email newsletter to our tens of thousands of addresses on file. We also need to grow our email list by calling Republicans who are not on the list and ask them to sign up in order to receive emails. We must also send out a monthly newsletter in order to keep our base informed.

As chairman, I will make sure that the Party has a person who works solely on communicating with the media and controlling stories. The Democrats have a full-fledged communication operation, and have the advantage of the main -stream media constantly sympathizing with them. We need to get out in front of the story and send press releases out to the top newspapers in the state every time we have something to say and to inform the media when a Republican does something good and when a Democrat does something bad.

The state party also needs to do a better job working closely with candidates around the state to coordinate literature drops and to create a larger presence at parades and sign waves. In recent years, Republicans have been outnumbered by Democrats in those activities.

I also believe that by creating small, inexpensive incentives for hardworking volunteers, we can attract more people to conduct these grassroots activities. I think that if we can complete these tasks than the Republican Party will have a grassroots organization that is second to none.

NHI: With the new Minority Party status of the GOP in NH, how does this change the daily operation of the party?

EE: First of all, as chairman I will work to bring the Party together and unite us as one. Abraham Lincoln said, "A nation divided cannot stand." Well, I believe that a party divided cannot stand. I believe that my 4 part plan for restoring the Republican Party in New Hampshire will prove to be a strong and effective tool.

We must aggressively rebuild our war chest through increased fundraising, we must recruit good candidates, we must do a better job communicating our message, and we must also increase our grassroots volunteers. With hard work and determination I believe that we can and we will win back the majority.

NHI: Due to some unfortunate incidents and management the NH GOP finds itself basically broke, what do you propose doing to change that situation?

EE: We must increase our fundraising in order to rebuild our war chest. Our first test will come in November 2007 when we help to re-elect several Republicans in the cities and towns across our state. We must also prepare to help John Sununu for his re-election to the United States Senate.

When it comes to raising money, we must shoot for the stars and never settle for mediocrity. We must reach out to contributors across state lines and convince the National Republican Committee that we need their help financially. We must also utilize the several Presidential candidates that will be in our state to raise money for the state party. Current members of the House and Senate are counting on the state party to do a better job of targeting races and helping fund mail and literature drops. We also need to hold more low-dollar fundraisers for the party, these events will bring activists together, and help cover the operating costs of the party, such as staff, and regular bills. In the final analysis, as chairman, fundraising will be a top priority that will be given the appropriate attention that it deserves.

Thank you Rep Wendelboe for taking the time to answer our 10 Questions internet interview.

NHI: What role do you see the Internet and New Media playing in the future of the NH GOP?

Rep. Wendelboe: I see the Internet playing a large role, particularly with young voters. I-chats, pod casts, and instant messenger are tools that a forward looking re-organized Republican party will embrace in speaking the language of technology. These new tools as well as a fresher website and an electronic newsletter will be part of my communication strategy.

NHI: To what do you attribute the recent trouncing Republicans saw at the ballots during the Mid-term and State elections this past November?

Rep. Wendelboe: We all know that national politics had a big impact on the state races—the straight ticket voting proved that. I saw it more of a perfect storm on the state level. You had the national situation (the war, immigration, too much spending, ethics) and then locally you had a popular governor, a very organized, well funded and motivated Democratic Party, and an embattled financially strapped Republican Party.

NHI: How do you propose the GOP gain back their majority status? Can it be done in one two-year cycle or will it take more than one election cycle to recover some of the lost voters?

Rep. Wendelboe: Absolutely it can be gained back in the next cycle. Despite that “perfect storm” Republicans lost the majority in the House by only 3400 votes. We lost control of the executive council by roughly 1200 votes and a congressional seat by 6,000. I see at least three State Senate seats that are winnable in the next cycle. We will win back the majority in the House, the Senate and take control back of the executive council with a return to a strong grass roots structure, getting financially back on our feet, and articulating a strong communication message. That message will be based on core Republican issues like small government, frugal spending, and low taxes along with our belief in personal responsibility and protection of personal liberties.

NHI: When you have a free weekend, where in NH is your favorite place to visit and why?

Rep. Wendelboe: A weekend at one of our beautiful lakes is always a truly relaxing treat.

NHI: What role do you envision the NH GOP playing in the upcoming 2008 Presidential primaries?

Rep. Wendelboe: The Republican Party in NH will continue to fight to preserve our first in the Nation Primary. As party chairman, I will guarantee a level playing field and warm welcome to ALL Presidential candidates.

NHI: How do you propose getting new people involved with the party including getting them to run for various government offices?

Rep. Wendelboe: My focus will be on communication, organization, outreach to new voters, and fundraising. The way you motivate people to get involved is for them to see positive things happening. We will turn to growing our local town committees and seek new candidates from their ranks. Training and brainstorming sessions will become priorities. I don’t have all the answers but will focus on team building and encouraging others to share their ideas.

NHI: Why are you the most qualified candidate for the NH GOP Chair position?

Rep. Wendelboe: My ten years legislative experience, particularly on the budget, gives me an immediate grasp of the issues that define the differences between Republicans and Democrats. I won’t need briefings or opposition research before I can respond to the media as counterpoint to actions by the Democrats.

I have been known during my decade plus in NH politics as one of the most quoted voices in our state. I am known as someone who knows the issues, as someone who doesn’t fear going on record, and as someone who can be relied on to deliver insight in a concise and quotable manner.

I have strong organizational skills and will be a full time chair in Concord on a daily basis. I do not work and no one depends on me for their support so I can commit a huge block of time to the chairmanship. I have the strongest record of participation in our state party structure—I’ve been a state committee member five times, on annual dinner committees, on the platform committee three times, I’ve run for Executive Board positions twice in the past, and have attended Lincoln Day dinners and events all over the state for a decade.

NHI: The pundits have said that the Congressional candidates won because of their ‘Grassroots’ campaigns, what would you propose the NH GOP do to awaken their base?

Rep. Wendelboe: I think the results of November 7^th awoke Republicans. The two Democratic congressional winners did not win on their merits but on the broad backlash against incumbent Republicans over national issues. That will not happen again.

NHI: With the new Minority Party status of the GOP in NH, how does this change the daily operation of the party?

Rep. Wendelboe: It makes us the underdog. It makes us more likely to become a more united party. It gives us new purpose.

NHI: Due to some unfortunate incidents and management the NH GOP finds itself basically broke, what do you propose doing to change that situation?

Rep. Wendelboe: I will be very aggressive on fundraising and believe when Republicans see positive things happening in message, organization and outreach, they will open their checkbooks. We need to broaden our donor base. While big donors are much appreciated, I will challenge large numbers of Republicans to invest financially in the re-building of the party even if it is only a $2 a month pledge. Motivating our very large email list to participate this way will carry all the costs of the day to day operation and will enable us to use the annual fundraising drive, semi annual dinner revenue and large donor funds to assist with the cost of funding candidates. I also will spearhead a special fund raising effort to pay off the phone jamming settlement in full as soon as possible.

Rep. Wendelboe has a website for her campaign to win the NHGOP Chairmanship

http://www.franforrepublicanchairman.com/

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!!