CONCORD – In another attempt to avoid taking a policy position, Jeanne Shaheen is ducking questions about legislation that would deny workers the right to a secret ballot vote on union representation.The bill also exposes workers to intimidation, coercion and retaliation from union organizers.  

The Union Leader reports that Shaheen has refused to offer a position on the legislation despite requests for comment. While she has declined to discuss her stance, the big unions and special interests groups which have contributed tens of thousands of dollars to her campaign, are spearheading efforts to pass the card check bill.  

Exhibiting the same lack of leadership that plagued her six years in office, Shaheen has continually refused to discuss her positions on numerous issues including second amendment rights, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) legislation, and a bill that would increase funding for New Hampshire’s acute care hospitals by over $20 million per year.                                                   

“Instead of clinging to her standard, partisan talking points, Jeanne Shaheen should be honest and upfront about her liberal agenda and record of failed leadership, higher taxes and increased spending.” said New Hampshire GOP Chairman Fergus Cullen.  

“She refuses to tell voters where she stands onthe card check bill, yet she accepts tens of thousands of dollars from the liberal advocacy groups and union bosses who are campaigning for this harmful legislation. New Hampshire voters deserve clear and direct answers from Mrs. Shaheen rather than the artful dodges, carefully scripted responses and canned political rhetoric that have dominated her campaign,” said Cullen.                                                                                                                                                                                        

Jeanne Shaheen Has Failed To AnswerQuestions About Card Check Legislation While Accepting Thousands From Unions: 

The Union Leader: “The opportunity for intimidation is obvious. Employees would lose their right to decide their fate in secret, free from intimidation, and would instead be subject to the bullying of bosses who hold cards out and demand that they sign. Last year this legislation passed in the U.S. House but failed in the Senate. Which makes Jeanne Shaheen's position on it relevant. Voters should ask Shaheen what she thinks about this. If enough people ask, maybe she'll stop dodging the question.” ("Union Rules: NH Goes Evergreen," The Union Leader, 7/18/08)

Jeanne Shaheen Has Accepted $153,750From Labor Unions (OpenSecrets.org,2008 Race: New HampshireRace, Sector Totals)

Jeanne Shaheen Won’t Take AStand On Second Amendment Rights: 

The Eagle Tribune:"U.S. Sen. John Sununu's office released a statement saying the SupremeCourt ruling got ‘it right.’ Former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen did not return calls asking for a comment." ("N.H. residents, GOP politicians applaud high court gun ruling," TheEa gle Tribune, 6/27/08)

The Keene Sentinel: "New Hampshire’s Washington delegation was nearly unanimous in its delight. Republican U.S. Senator Judd Gregg said the ruling was ‘a historic moment,’ adding, ‘I applaud the court’s ruling.’ Republican U.S. Senator John Sununu said the ruling ‘gets it right.’ All the candidates we heard from applauded the decision. We didn’t hear from Governor John Lynch or Senate candidate Jeanne Shaheen, however.” (Editorial, "Firearm Clarity?," The KeeneSentinel, 6/30/08)

Jeanne Shaheen Refuses To TellGranite Staters How She Would Vote On FISA:

The NashuaTelegraph: "Presidential candidate Obama is still stuck in some hot water with his liberal base for voting to support the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act legislation that gives retroactive immunity to telecommunication companies that cooperated in the wiretapping President Bush approved after the Sept. 11 attacks…So how would [Jeanne Shaheen] have voted? We’re still waiting for an answer to that question, posed Thursday afternoon." ("State House Watch: Three Bills Waiting ForAction” The Nashua Telegraph, 7/13/08)

From 'Coalition of the Willing' to 'Coalition of the Waiting,' McCain Leaves Vets Behind

Concord, New Hampshire – Senator John McCain's visit to New Hampshire this week will no doubt include conversations about the Coalition of the Willing – but campaign speeches continue to overlook the growing Coalition of the Waiting at home.

Among those waiting are the 47 million Americans without health care coverage, and an increasing number of veterans whose once-reliable Veterans Affairs health care system is now failing them. Senator McCain, a veteran and respected war hero, has repeatedly voted against fully funding the VA.  And as a candidate for president, McCain is proposing to dismantle the VA health care system, giving veterans a voucher or debit card and leaving them to fend for themselves against the insurance companies. That would be the end of VA health care – the end of America's promise to care for our veterans throughout their life time.

At a time when record numbers of veterans are coming home from war with stress disorders and complex injuries, we need to know why:

McCain Was One of 13 Senators To Vote Against Increases In Veterans' Health Care.  In 2006, McCain voted against an amendment to add $430 million for outpatient and inpatient health care and treatment for veterans. Amendment passed 84-16.  [HR 4939, Vote #98, 4/26/06]

McCain Voted Against A $2 Billion Increase In Veterans' Emergency Funding.  In 2005, McCain voted against an amendment that would increase funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs by $1.98 billion and designate it as emergency spending.  Over half of the funding would have gone to veterans' regional health networks and to provide mental health care and treatment.  Amendment failed 46-54.  [HR 1268, Vote #89, 4/12/05]

McCain Voted Against A $10 Million Increase In Readjustment Counseling for Veterans.  In 2005, McCain voted against an amendment that would provide an additional $10 million for the Readjustment Counseling Service, offset with a $10 million reduction in the HealthVet account.  The amendment failed 48-50.  [HR 2528, Vote #242, 9/22/05]

Two Days After Iraq Invasion, McCain Voted Against A $1 Billion Increase For Veterans.  Two days after the invasion of Iraq in 2003, McCain voted against an amendment that would increase spending on veterans' programs by approximately $1 billion and put the same amount toward deficit reduction. The amendment failed 49-51.  [SCR 23, Vote #74, 3/21/03]

McCain Voted Against Rolling Back Tax Breaks for the Rich to Fund Health Care for Veterans.

In 2006, McCain voted against an amendment to make veterans' health benefits a mandatory program, spending $104 billion over five years. The funding would have been offset by closing corporate tax loopholes and rolling back the Bush tax cuts for millionaires. Amendment rejected 46-54. 

[SCR 83, Vote #63, 3/16/06]

New Hampshire for Health Care, a project of SEIU, is part of Americans for Health Care, a national grassroots campaign pushing for access to quality, affordable health care for every American. Health Care Voters have waited long enough for comprehensive health care reform, and will attend Senator McCain's town hall in Nashua this week to highlight the gaps in his health care proposal.

Concord,NH— State Senator and candidate for the 2^nd NH District Congressional Seat, Bob Clegg, is proud to announce he has received the endorsement of the Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire for his Republican Primary campaign.

“Firefighters and all first responders work hard, put their safety at risk and do it all for the benefit of others. They deserve our utmost respect in return,” said Clegg. “I have worked hard to ensure that promises made to firefighters, both active and retired, are kept. I am honored and humbled to receive the endorsement of these fantastic men and women and look forward to working with them over the next several months.”

“Bob Clegg has always supported our fire fighters,and now we’ll support him,” said David Lang, President, PFFNH.“In the House and Senate he has shown he will stand up for and stand next to, first responders and we know he is the best republican candidate for US Congress in the 2^nd District.”

Clegg received the endorsement by unanimous vote last night at the 10^th Biennial PFFNH Convention held at the Ashworth By The Sea in Hampton, NH.

For more information on Bob Clegg, log onto his website at www.cleggforcongress.com.

First Responders Organization Picks Jeb Bradley in Republican Primary for US Congress

Wolfeboro, NH— The Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire closed out their state convention yesterday by announcing Jeb Bradley has received the republican primary endorsement of one of the state’s most important professional organizations. The PFFNH, which represents the 39 local chapters of the International Associations of Fire Fighters, noted Jeb’s history of support when announcing the decision.

“ Jeb Bradley has a proven record on issues affecting the members of our organization and that is why we have chosen to support him in his Republican Primary campaign. In the legislature, and in Congress, he was a champion of fire safety and first responder issues and we know he will continue championing those interests. ” said David Lang, President, PFFNH.

“These men and women have tough jobs, but they get up every day and put themselves at risk for the safety of others. It is an amazing and selfless career choice, and I believe they should be supported and appreciated, “said Bradley. “I am honored to receive this endorsement and look forward to a win in September!”

For more information on Jeb Bradley, check out his website at www.jebforcongress.com .

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