New Hampshire
Splaine: What you might have missed in Portsmouth from the NH presidential primary
The 2024 New Hampshire first-in-the-nation presidential primary two weeks ago was international news. But in Portsmouth’s Ward 1, there was more to the story.
Another election held that day was more personal for two good people. Portsmouth residents Jackie Cali-Pitts and Jennifer Mandelbaum ran for the Democratic Party state representative nomination. Mandelbaum advanced with 392 votes over Cali-Pitts, who finished with 253. A special election will be held March 12 between Mandelbaum and Republican Carol A. Bush of Newington.
Jennifer has experience in health care, and during her campaign she emphasized support for affordable housing, public health, gun safety, reproductive rights and strong public schools. She’ll bring that perspective to Concord.
For 24 years, Jackie has been a remarkable public servant as a steady presence for causes of climate change, science, environmental issues, social justice, women’s choice and equality. Fortunately, in a community like ours where every citizen can matter, Jackie’s going to continue her involvement doing good deeds for others. That’s who she is. Congratulations and thanks go to both.
The results of our presidential primary were reported worldwide, but more than just well-known presidential candidates received our votes. In our state anyone can be listed on the ballot who’s 35 years old and pays $1,000. A total of 24 Republicans ran, along with 21 Democrats.
We know that President Joe Biden received a historic number of write-in Democratic votes, followed by U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson, who were on the ballot. On the Republican side, ex-President Donald Trump topped the field, followed by former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley.
But there were others. In Ward 1 on the Democratic ballot Paperboy Love Prince (that’s his name), received three votes, Vermin Supreme got five. On the Republican ballot, Chris Christie received seven, Ron DeSantis, five; Mary Maxwell, three; Mike Pence, two; Vivek Ramaswarmy, one; John Anthony Castro, one.
Citywide, Portsmouth’s Derek Nadeau received 36 votes on the Democratic ballot, nine in Ward 1. Throughout the state he received 1,612 votes, finishing fourth in the Democratic Primary.
City Clerk Kelli Barnaby and her staff, along with more than 100 election officials and volunteers serving in Portsmouth’s five wards, did an incredible job. They worked long hours counting votes publicly, accurately, and efficiently. Theirs was a stressful job, meaning everything has to be done right, while being watched.
Two years ago, I was appointed by the secretary of state to be on an eight-member Voter Confidence Commission that spent a year holding 20 hearings and public meetings throughout the state to learn ways to make our elections even better.
We heard from some residents who believed the conspiracy theories of how fake ballots could be produced and counted or voting machines could be manipulated by out-of-state, even offshore technology. Our report is on the secretary of state’s website: sos.nh.gov/elections/special-committee-voter-confidence
All of that was refuted by our studies, and from what city and town clerks and voting officials told us. Those who yell “stolen election” and “voter fraud” locally or in our state have no truth behind them. As we found out with numerous reviews, recounts, court cases and thorough analysis in other states, there’s no truth to those accusations.
Thanks to Kelli Barnaby, her staff, and citizen volunteers, Portsmouth and New Hampshire run efficient, honest, accurate, transparent elections — always with paper ballots as backup. We do it right.
Volunteers over age 18 up to, well, any age are needed for the Nov. 5 presidential election in Portsmouth. Anyone wanting to see American democracy up close at its best can contact the city clerk’s office. It’s tough work, but you’ll get free coffee, sandwiches and maybe homemade brownies and cake.
You’ll also have a story to tell — that you were part of making our democracy work.
Today’s quote: “Proving that the unknown small business owner stands a chance against the candidates with millions of dollars in campaign spending, campaign managers, and billionaire backers is incredible. I did it all by myself with no money, DNC [Democratic National Committee] support, and without selling my soul to corporate backers.” — Derek Nadeau, presidential candidate from Portsmouth.
Wouldn’t it be great to hear more candidates say that?
Next time: The Jim Hewitt matter — a lot to consider.
Variously since 1969, Jim Splaine has been Portsmouth assistant mayor for six terms, Police Commission and School Board member, as well as New Hampshire state senator for six years and representative for 24 years. He can be reached at jimsplaineportsmouth@gmail.com.
The federal government has activated the New Hampshire National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing in connection with the war with Iran.
“I’ve had a briefing myself, a classified briefing, but it’s really important on the messaging on this that we really coordinate with the Pentagon,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte told reporters during a press briefing following Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting.
Ayotte said she was unable to share additional details about the nature of the New Hampshire National Guard’s activity related to the conflict, including how many guard members have been activated or what role they are playing.
“We’re going to respect what messaging comes out of the Pentagon just to make sure that our men and women in uniform are fully protected and that we aren’t providing any information that could be used in a way that would be harmful to them,” Ayotte said.
In a statement Thursday, Ayotte said the unit had been deployed in late February to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of the operation.
Earlier this week, Pentagon officials confirmed that members of the Vermont National Guard were involved in attacks against Iran over the weekend, though our news partners at Vermont Public were not able to confirm additional details on the nature of the operation.
During the briefing with local reporters, Ayotte also stressed her support for servicemembers and those close to them.
“I have such respect for our men and women in uniform,” Ayotte said. “As you know, I come from a military family, and they have our full support, and we appreciate them and their families, and obviously anyone who is serving right now, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost someone that they love.”
By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment.
He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads.
The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
Five takeaways from Denver’s restaurant report
Seattle’s Real Time Crime Center triples arrest odds, according to police review – MyNorthwest.com
How to watch San Diego State vs. UNLV basketball game
Milwaukee oversight body asks for more police pursuit policy changes
Stolen bikes derail program that teaches Atlanta youth to ride
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
DOJ continues Biden autopen probe despite former president unlikely to face charges
Fact check: Did French border guards mock influencers returning from Dubai amid Iran war?
Iran’s fight for survival / The widening war / Trump’s nebulous goals : Sources & Methods
Map: 4.9-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Louisiana
Paxton vows he’s ‘staying in this race’ even if Trump backs Cornyn in Texas GOP clash
-
World1 week agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Wisconsin4 days agoSetting sail on iceboats across a frozen lake in Wisconsin
-
Massachusetts1 week agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Massachusetts3 days agoMassachusetts man awaits word from family in Iran after attacks
-
Maryland5 days agoAM showers Sunday in Maryland
-
Florida5 days agoFlorida man rescued after being stuck in shoulder-deep mud for days
-
Denver, CO1 week ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Oregon7 days ago2026 OSAA Oregon Wrestling State Championship Results And Brackets – FloWrestling