League of Women Voters Explains Constitutional Amendments

Concord, NH--The League of Women Voters of New Hampshire has published an informational brochure explaining the proposed amendments to the state Constitution that will be on the statewide ballot Nov. 7.

New Hampshire voters will be asked to vote for or against amendments limiting takings of private property through eminent domain and reworking the method of drawing district lines for the state House of Representatives. Each amendment was approved by the legislature and must be approved by two thirds of the voters to be added to the Constitution.

The League of Women Voters of New Hampshire does not support or oppose either of the two proposed amendments. The brochure provides objective, nonpartisan information for voters including the text of each amendment, an explanation of each amendment and brief summaries of the positions of proponents and opponents.

Printed copies of the brochure are being distributed free of charge around the state. Voters can also read the informational brochure on line at the League's website www.lwvnh.org. To obtain printed copies, please email Jane Armstrong at president@lwvnh.org or leave a message at the League of Women Voters office at 225-5344.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

MARTINEAU FINANCIAL REPORT SHOWS A LACK OF SUPPORT

The candidate’s statements of receipts and expenditures for the general election filed October 18, show that challenger Paul Martineau has been unable to generate much in the way of support or dollars for his challenge to incumbent Councilor Ray Wieczorek.

Only 13 individuals are listed as contributors to the Martineau campaign and Ray Wieczorek has seven and a half times more contributors for a total of 97 contributors during the same time period. Wieczorek raised $15,690 from individuals and Martineau raised $1,315 from individuals. Wieczorek’s average contribution received was $181 versus $101 for Martineau. The lack of interest in Martineau’s campaign is also exemplified by the cash on hand totals shown in the report. Wieczorek, with all his newspaper advertising prepaid, shows cash on hand of $22,380--eleven times more than the cash on handMartineau shows of $2,050. Of the total Martineau raised, $4,100 was his own personal money--which indicates he has raised less than $2,000 for this campaign from individuals.

Governor, Citizens Health Initiative Announce Major Push to Ensure 100 Percent E-Prescribing Capability

CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch and his Citizens Health Initiative - including New Hampshire hospitals, doctors, pharmacists and insurers - announced today a joint push to ensure 100 percent E-prescribing capability in New Hampshire by October 2008, a switch that will help improve health care quality and save lives, while reducing health care costs.

COLLEGE DEMOCRATS HIT THE STREETS

HANOVER, N.H. - This Sunday, don't be surprised if you see more young faces than usual in New Hampshire's Second Congressional District.  More than 150 college democrat activists are "invading" your neighborhood - but they come in peace.

The College Democrats of New Hampshire (CDNH), Dartmouth College Democrats, New Hampshire Young Democrats and the Students for a New American Politics (SNAP) PAC are hosting college students from all over the Northeast on Sunday, October 22 for "Democracy Day," a public event and canvass they created to engage college students in politics and campaign for local democratic candidates.  Democracy Day coincides with the College Democrats of America "Campaign Invasions" that will be taking place all over the United States this weekend.

"We created Democracy Day to get New Hampshire's college students fired up and involved in state politics," says Adam Patinkin of Dartmouth College, president of CDNH.  "We are thrilled to have so many out-of-state college democrats come to our state and help us make a difference in these elections.  We've never done anything like this before - but the response we've gotten locally and regionally has been great."

CDNH expects around 150 college students from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and Vermont to join students from Dartmouth College, the University of New Hampshire (Durham and Manchester campuses), St. Anselm's College, Plymouth State University, and Franklin Pierce College.

Democracy Day kicks off at 9:30AM on Sunday at Dartmouth College with breakfast, followed by a 10:30AM rally for student involvement in the political process, which boasts prominent candidates and speakers including second district democratic Congressional candidate Paul Hodes, State Senator Peter Burling, State Senate candidate Deb Reynolds, Tufts college student and New Hampshire State Representative Scott Merrick (D-Lancaster), and Alexander Lee, candidate for Register of Probate in Merrimack County.  Following the rally, students leave Dartmouth's campus to participate in a Campaign Invasion of the NH-02 district.  Canvass sites include Henniker, Keene, Concord, Claremont and Plymouth, as well as Enfield and Canaan communities.

For more information on this event and the agenda for October 22, please contact  603-738-9599.

For more information about the College Democrats of America and Campus Invasions, visit www.collegedems.com

The New Hampshire College Democrats (NHCD) is the official college outreach arm of the New Hampshire Democratic Party.  The New Hampshire Young Democrats (NHYD) is an inclusive, statewide organization of 18-36 year olds that exists to excite, engage and involve young people in New Hampshire's political community; mentor, recruit and empower a new generation of New Hampshire leaders; advance progressive ideals and values; and elect young Democrats.  www.nhyoungdemocrats.com

JUDICIAL POWER SEIZURE UNDERSTOOD BY COBURN

Manchester , NH – Today Manchester Republican Chairman Jerry T hibodeau released the following statement regarding the state constitution and education funding:

“ Jim Coburn is the only candidate for Governor who understands and correctly interprets the state constitution.

Republican candidate for governor, Jim Coburn , said he would not allow the State Supreme Court to usurp the power of the legislative and executive branches and would ignore the Supreme Court’s opinions regarding school funding.

It is about time New Hampshire has a candidate for governor who is not a mealy mouse, weak-kneed, uninspired executive.

Coburn’s comments are correct and accurate. The constitution states that the legislature “shall make laws that are not repugnant or contrary to the constitution.” The New Hampshire constitution was drafted in 1784 to protect the people.

Jim Coburn understands that whatever the court’s opinion of legislatively passed education plans, the court may not assume legislative powers and impose its own spending system, tax policy or any other legislative function. No governor should enforce a court legislated plan and remain faithful to his oath to uphold the constitution. This is not an attack on the court or its traditional judicial role. It is merely a defense of the separation of judicial and legislative authority.

Jim Coburn also understands the Supreme Court justices overstepped their boundaries and therefore are not acting in the best interest of all the people of New Hampshire .

With years of weak performance, lame excuses, and lack of leadership, haven't you had enough?”