New Hampshire

Splaine: What you might have missed in Portsmouth from the NH presidential primary

Published

2 years ago

February 2, 2024

Splaine: What you might have missed in Portsmouth from the NH presidential primary

Jim Splaine
| Columnist

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.

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New Hampshire

Mashpee Boy Scouts carry injured woman down N.H. mountain

Published

4 hours ago

November 25, 2025

Press Room

Mashpee Boy Scouts carry injured woman down N.H. mountain

Local News

Brodie Perry and Jack Borowski carried the woman for two hours down to the base of the mountain.

From left, Brodie Perry and Jack Borowski. Paul Perry

Two members of the Mashpee Boy Scouts of America Troop 36 carried an injured woman down Mount Lafayette in New Hampshire over Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend.

Brodie Perry and Jack Borowski, both seniors at Mashpee Middle-High School, were leading the troop’s annual hike in the White Mountains when they came across the injured woman, they told Boston.com.

The two scouts asked the woman and her family members, who were trying to carry her down, if they needed any help to which they said no, Borowski said. The woman’s legs were shaking, and her family kept dropping her as daylight quickly ran out, they noticed.

The troop followed behind the family for a while, and ultimately Borowski and Perry offered to carry her down.

It took the two scouts two hours to carry the woman two miles to the base of the mountain, they said.

“If we were to just keep walking and go to the bottom, I don’t know if they would get down, or if they did get down, they would definitely be injured even more than they were,” Perry said.

Both Borowski and Perry value the skills they learned in the Boy Scouts.

“As you begin, you’re someone who listens to the leaders … but as you go, you slowly become the person who’s leading. It’s a really good natural way to go from someone who’s like beginning to someone who’s truly teaching the people around you,” Perry said.

“I’ve developed a lot as a person. You get a lot of experience in leadership and survival skills and helping other people,” Borowski continued. “It’s just really good program to help improve you as a person.”

Borowski is already an Eagle Scout, the highest Boy Scout rank, and Perry is set to be named an Eagle Scout in the next month or so.

After high school graduation, Borowski plans to enlist in the military, and Perry wants to study engineering at a four-year college.

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New Hampshire

Teen Driver Accused Of Fleeing Trooper, Crashing Into A House: New Hampshire State Police Roundup

Published

21 hours ago

November 24, 2025

Press Room

Teen Driver Accused Of Fleeing Trooper, Crashing Into A House: New Hampshire State Police Roundup

CONCORD, NH — A man from Concord was accused of driving 135 mph during another traffic enforcement initiative in New Hampshire, this time, on Interstate 93 in Bow on Sunday.

Logan Drew, 22, of Concord, was among 35 drivers stopped during the enforcement effort. According to state police, around 9:30 a.m., a sergeant in a state police aircraft saw a driver in a vehicle traveling south “at an extremely high rate of speed,” a report said. The trooper clocked the vehicle at up to 130 mph. Information was relayed to troopers on the ground, and Drew was pulled over, the report said. He was charged with reckless operation and operating after suspension charges. Drew is due in Concord District Court on Jan. 9, 2026.

During the enforcement, which lasted three hours, 40 violations were observed. Of those, 25 drivers were traveling at 90 mph or faster. Two of the drivers had suspended privileges.

Find out what’s happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

State police said driving recklessly at 100 mph or more carries a minimum fine of $620 and a 60-day license suspension. After the first of the year, the fine increases to $930 and a 90-day loss of license.

Logan Drew was arrested on several charges on Nov. 23. Credit: NHSP

Find out what’s happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Teen Accused Of Crashing Into Home, Fleeing Scene

A teen from Gilmanton was arrested last week on several charges after a chase in the Lakes Region.

Around 12:45 p.m. on Nov. 18, a trooper attempted to stop the driver of a 2013 Ford Taurus on Route 104 in Meredith for having tinted windows. The driver, Patrick Cameron Hamel, 19, of Gilmanton, was accused of refusing to stop, speeding, and illegally passing other vehicles. He then lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a home on Shoreline Drive in New Hampton.

Hamel was arrested and charged with reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, reckless operation, conduct after an accident, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal restraint, and disobeying a police officer. He was held on preventive detention and was due to appear in court on Nov. 19.

Troopers were assisted by New Hampton police and firefighters and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Trooper Nathan Cobis at nathan.f.cobis@dos.nh.gov.

Patrick Cameron Hamel was accused of fleeing state police and crashing into a home in New Hampton on Nov. 18. Credit: NHSP

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Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the New Hampshire State Police and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains how to request the removal of a name from New Hampshire Patch police reports.

Troop A Blotter

11/01/2025 01:05, HAMPTON FALLS, HERNANDEZ PEREZ, JANCY Y. (23); BIDDEFORD, MAINE, 631:3 (RECKLESS CONDUCT-DEADLY WEAPON), 318-B:2,I (CNTRL DRUG: SCHED 1-4; POSSESSION), 265-A:3,I(C) (DUI AGGRVTD ATTEMPT TO ELUDE POLICE), 264:25 (CONDUCT AFTER ACCIDENT), 265-A:2,I(A) (DUI-IMPAIRMENT).

11/01/2025 09:37 SOMERSWORTH, MERCIER, EDWARD J. (49); SOMERSWORTH, 594:7 (ARREST ON WARRANT).

11/01/2025 11:57, EXETER, JACK, ADAM (35); NOTTINGHAM, 262:23 (OPERATE AFTER CERT AS HABITUAL OFFENDER).

11/01/2025 16:33, NORTH HAMPTON, BUEHLER, JOSEPH LEE (49); PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 265-A:2,I(A) (DUI-IMPAIRMENT).

11/02/2025 01:54, GREENLAND, DENELLE, OLIVER T. (26); NARRAGANSETT, RI, 265:79 (RECKLESS OPERATION), 631:3 (RECKLESS CONDUCT-DEADLY WEAPON), 642:2 (RESIST ARREST/DETENTION), 263:1,III (LICENSE REQD; OP W/O VALID LICENSE), 264:25 (CONDUCT AFTER ACCIDENT).

11/02/2025 09:03, HAMPTON, REYNOLDS, RYAN MARK (40); DIEPPE, NK 265:79 (RECKLESS OPERATION), 639:3,I (ENDANGERING WELFARE OF CHILD).

11/02/2025 10:55, HAMPTON FALLS, MCRAE, HEATHER JOYCE (61); SOMERSWORTH, 265:60 (SPEEDING 25+ MPH OVER 65 LIMIT), 261:178 (SUSPENSION OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION), 263:64,VII (DRIVE AFTER REV/SUSPENSION).

11/02/2025 14:30, HAMPTON, BURR, THOMAS SPENCER (33); BARTLETT, 265-A:2,I(A) (DUI-IMPAIRMENT).

11/02/2025 17:12, NORTH HAMPTON, HOLT, DAVID FREDERICK (59); PELHAM, 594:7 (ARREST ON WARRANT).

11/02/2025 23:32, GREENLAND, ROBICHAUD, CASSIDY R. (24); AUGUSTA, ME, 270:29-B (RECKLESS OPERATION OF BOATS).

11/02/2025 23:34, NORTH HAMPTON, EUCEDA, JONATHAN JOSUE (25); MANCHESTER, 263:1-A (IMPROPER PERSON OPERATING VEHICLE), 261:178 (SUSPENSION OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION).

11/02/2025 23:34 NORTH HAMPTON, MUNOZ BENITEZ, LENON I. (36); LONDONDERRY, 263:64,VII (DRIVE AFTER REV/SUSPENSION), 263:64,VI (DRIVE AFTER REV/SUS-SUBSQT).

10/27/2025 21:32, HAMPTON, DODIER, JACOB ANDREW (19); DOVER, 263:64,V-A(B) (DRIVE AFTER REV/SUS-ORIGINAL AND YOUTH), 263:63 (DRIVING WITHOUT GIVING PROOF), 265:25 (FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY), 263:12 (PROHIBITIONS RE: DRIVERS LICENSE).

10/28/2025 21:19, HAMPTON, ELBROLOSY, ABDELRAHMAN (28); QUINCY, MASSACHUSETTS, 265:79 (RECKLESS OPERATION).

10/29/2025 00:26, EPPING, CARLETON, NICHOLAS J. (28); EPPING, 263:64,VII (DRIVE AFTER REV/SUSPENSION), 261:178 (SUSPENSION OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION).

10/29/2025 03:08, EAST KINGSTON, TUITE, CAMERON JAMES (24); EAST KINGSTON, 265-A:2,I(A) (DUI-IMPAIRMENT), 265-A:2,I(B) (DUI; ADULT>.08; MINOR>.02), 265:79 (RECKLESS OPERATION), 634:2,II (CRIMINAL MISCHIEF), 644:2 (DISORDERLY CONDUCT).

10/29/2025 09:38, HAMPTON, RIVERA, JOSE LUIS (58); CAMBRIDGE, MA, 265:79 (RECKLESS OPERATION).

10/29/2025 16:13, NORTH HAMPTON, BOURNE, MELISSA D. (28); ELIOT, ME, 263:64,VII (DRIVE AFTER REV/SUSPENSION), 263:64,VI (DRIVE AFTER REV/SUS-SUBSQT), 261:40 (UNREGISTERED VEHICLE).

10/30/2025 19:30, ROCHESTER, HORTON, REBECCA CLAUDETTTE (30); ROCHESTER, 263:1,III (LICENSE REQD; OP W/O VALID LICENSE).

10/30/2025 21:00, DOVER, KEPFORD-SEKMEN, MARISSA SUE (32); SOMERSWORTH, 263:64,VI (DRIVE AFTER REV/SUS-SUBSQT), 263:64,VII (DRIVE AFTER REV/SUSPENSION), 265:109 (OPERATING WITHOUT LIGHTS).

10/31/2025 05:15, GREENLAND, DENGLER, NOAH J. (23); WESTFIELD, NEW JERSEY, 265:79 (RECKLESS OPERATION).

10/31/2025 08:18, SEABROOK, BIANCUZZO, JOSEPH J. (54); HAVERHILL, MA, 265:79 (RECKLESS OPERATION).

10/31/2025 22:15, EXETER, MOULTON, KYLE ROBERT (24); RAYMOND, NH 265-A:2,I(A) (DUI-IMPAIRMENT).

10/31/2025 22:39, ROCHESTER, WILLARD, COLIN AVERY (26); S TAMWORTH, 265:79 (RECKLESS OPERATION).

10/31/2025 23:44, DOVER, MACIAS CARRIEL, ANGEL DANIEL (17); ALTON, NH 263:1,III (LICENSE REQD; OP W/O VALID LICENSE).

Troop B Blotter

10/30/2025 13:35, NASHUA, BALL, SHANE EDWARD (23); MANCHESTER, 265:79 (RECKLESS OPERATION), 265:79-B (NEGLIGENT DRIVING).

10/31/2025 10:04, NASHUA, JONES, CRYSTAL LEE (38); LOWELL, MA, 263:1,III (LICENSE REQD; OP W/O VALID LICENSE).

11/01/2025 01:00, MANCHESTER, DROUIN, DANIELLE (35); RINDGE, NH 265-A:2,I(A) (DUI-IMPAIRMENT), 265-A:2,I(B) (DUI; ADULT>.08; MINOR>.02).

11/01/2025 03:22, RAYMOND, MCCLAUGHRY-BERTELSEN, SAVANNAH LEIGH (18);

MANCHESTER, 631:3 (RECKLESS CONDUCT-DEADLY WEAPON), 265-A:3,III (DUI AGGRVTD 0.16+), 265-A:2,I(A) (DUI-IMPAIRMENT), 265:79 (RECKLESS OPERATION), 265-A:45 (TRANSPORT ALCOHOL OR MARIJUANA BY MINOR), 265-A:44 (OPEN CONTAINER ALCOHOL OR MARIJUANA).

11/01/2025 17:26, MANCHESTER, ERICKSON, THOMAS ALEXANDER (61); MANCHESTER, 262:23 (OPERATE AFTER CERT AS HABITUAL OFFENDER), 263:64,VI (DRIVE AFTER REV/SUS-SUBSQT), 263:63 (DRIVING WITHOUT GIVING PROOF), 263:64,VII (DRIVE AFTER REV/SUSPENSION), 265:22 (YELLOW/SOLID LINE VIOLATION).

11/02/2025 07:42 BEDFORD, SANTOS, JONATHAN A. (38); MANCHESTER, 594:7 (ARREST ON WARRANT).

Troop D Blotter

10/27/2025 10:46, BOW, MAYANGE, ABDULLAHI (30); BURLINGTON, VERMONT, 263:1,III (LICENSE REQD; OP W/O VALID LICENSE), 265:37-A (DUTY WHEN APPROACHING HIGHWAY EMERGENCY).

10/28/2025 19:08, CONTOOCOOK, WELCH, BRUCE (52); HOOKSETT, 261:178 (SUSPENSION OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION), 263:64 (DRIVE AFTER REV/SUS).

10/28/2025 21:20, TILTON, KNOX, MEGAN N. (38); DANBURY, 594:7 (ARREST ON WARRANT).

10/29/2025 00:59, CONCORD, BUTLER, JAMIE L(43); ASHLAND, 594:7 (ARREST ON WARRANT).

10/29/2025 20:41, WARNER, ALLISON, JAMES MATTHEW (46); WARNER, 631:2-B,I(A) (DV; SIMPLE ASSAULT; BI OR PC).

10/30/2025 08:45, HOPKINTON, ZAREMBO, DOUGLAS SCOTT (33); WILMOT, 265-A:2,I(A) (DUI-IMPAIRMENT), 265:22 (YELLOW/SOLID LINE VIOLATION).

10/30/2025 16:49, CONCORD, RILEY, CAMERON JAMES (39); LACONIA, 265-A:2,I(A) (DUI-IMPAIRMENT), 265-A:2,I(A) (DUI 2ND; IMPAIRMENT), 264:25 (CONDUCT AFTER ACCIDENT), 634:2,II (CRIMINAL MISCHIEF), 318-B:2,I (CNTRL DRUG: SCHED 1-4; POSSESSION), 265-A:37,I (ALC INTERLOCK MV NOT EQUIPPED W/INTERLOCK).

10/31/2025 22:26, BOW, VIEU, MICHAEL R. (59); BOULDER, MONTANA, 159:3-A (HAND GUNS ARMED CAREER CRIMINAL), 159:3,I (FELON IN POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS WEAPON), 637:7 (RECV STOLEN PROP; $1501+).

11/01/2025 07:03, SUTTON, SHARIAN MAYANCHA, ANGEL ABRAHAM (41); BROCKTON, MA, 263:1,III (LICENSE REQD; OP W/O VALID LICENSE), 265:60 (SPEEDING 21-24 MPH OVER 65 LIMIT).

11/01/2025 23:54 BOW, SMITH, BOBBI ALEXANDRA (32); HILLSBOROUGH, 261:178 (SUSPENSION OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION).

Other Arrests

11/04/2025 17:56, WALPOLE, SCULLY, BRANDY N. (29); KEENE, 265-A:3,I(D) (DUI AGGRVTD PASSENGER UNDER 16).

10/29/2025 19:45, OSSIPEE, RYDER, CODY E. (30); CTR OSSIPEE, 265-A:2,I(A) (DUI-IMPAIRMENT), 631:2-B,I(F) (DV; SEXUAL ASSAULT; CONTACT & FORCE), 631:2-B,I(A) (DV; SIMPLE ASSAULT; BI OR PC), 642:2 (RESIST ARREST/DETENTION), 642:1 (OBSTRUCT GOVT ADMINISTRATION).

11/16/2025 15:27, LYME, FENIELLO, MARIE A(65); RAMSEY, NJ, 644:8,III (CRUELTY TO ANIMALS; NEGLIGENT), 644:8,III (CRUELTY TO ANIMALS; NEGLIGENT).

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New Hampshire

Maura Sullivan collects endorsements from former top military officials

Published

2 days ago

November 24, 2025

Press Room

Maura Sullivan collects endorsements from former top military officials

Maura Sullivan, a Democratic candidate for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, is endorsed by Frank Kendall III, former U.S. Air Force secretary under the Biden administration, and Christine Wormuth, former U.S. Army secretary under the Biden administration.

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