NH is lucky to have very interesting candidates
Portsmouth Herald | By Jim Splaine, Guest Columnist
The four of us were sipping our $1.09 McDonald’s 'senior coffees' at our table. The candidate was now four minutes late. Friends I invited to join me were three experienced local political-type activists. Regardless of their own allegiances, each was willing to extend the courtesy, and curiosity, of meeting someone we didn’t know.
Before another minute passed, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Karishma Manzur rushed in with an energy and smile like the best of campaigners, ready to shake hands as we introduced ourselves. Apologizing for being just a bit late, and foregoing getting coffee to save time, she sat down and went into her opening comments. It was all new from there.
'New' as in refreshing. That seemed to be the unanimous opinion of my friends after she left almost two hours later. Even her opening comments were different than the usual − they weren’t mostly about herself.
Among our observations were that it was refreshing, for a change, to talk with a candidate who didn’t try to put a spin on every answer. 'Frank,' 'honest,' 'sincere,' 'articulate,' 'persuasive,' and 'energetic' were other descriptions. Another was that she was real in the way candidates often aren’t. You know the type − those who are just voicing their poll-driven focus-meeting tested well-paid consultant-written answers looking to get your vote rather than laying it out as they believe, whether you agree or not.
Manzur had contacted me a week earlier after she read a column I wrote about Doris 'Granny D' Haddock and her efforts as she approached age 100 to encourage honest disclosure of campaign money. That’s one of Manzur’s priorities, and she doesn’t hesitate to say where other candidates of both parties get their donations, or where she gets hers.
Karishma Manzur lives in Exeter with her husband and two children. She has a Ph.D. and is a medical scientist, writer, and progressive activist. Meeting her reminded us that there are some exciting not-so-well-known candidates running for major office in our state, and we should give them some of our time. At the very least, these are people who form the pool of potential candidates in both parties for future years if they don’t make it this time.
New Hampshire is lucky to have very interesting candidates for Senate, Congress, and Governor. Before the November midterm elections, which are half a year from now, Republican and Democratic Party voters will be going to the polls in primaries in just four months, on September 8. That’s the day voters in each party select their nominees.
That primary may be more important than the midterm election because members of each party have several choices. After the primary, the list is reduced to just one choice from each party on the November ballot. Take a look beyond just the 'front-runners,' because candidates in each party deserve our attention. They have something to offer.
Following the candidates. Every candidate has websites or Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube sites, all informative with their diversity of issues and positions. Hundreds of news stories have been written about many of them, which can be searched by name. Local news media mention websites in stories.
Helping your choice. Once you choose those for whom you plan to vote, there are great ways to help your choices. They’ll ask for money, of course − but first, ask where they’re getting their funding. Federal and state campaign disclosure websites list many donations to candidates. Another source is CampaignMoney.com. Even more important than contributions are your letters to the editor, placement of their signs. and talking with friends.
This is a difficult time for American democracy. As we recently saw again, it’s both dangerous and tough for people in politics who risk their reputations and lives by being involved. They have personal courage for what they say and who they face as they accept the challenge. We should celebrate them all, regardless of their philosophy or political party. Let’s make change with votes, not violence or anger.
Today’s quote. 'We can take this country back. All we need is to nominate the right candidate. It’s no more complicated than that.' − Rush Limbaugh
Next time. As guardians of the future, education is our Job One.
Variously since 1969, Jim Splaine has been New Hampshire state senator for six years and state representative for 24 years. He was six-term Portsmouth Assistant Mayor for 12 years, nine-term city councilor for 18 years, Police Commissioner, and served on the School Board.jimsplaineportsmouthNH@gmail.com
