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

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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.