Tales from the Trail - NH's First-In-The-Nation Political Primary

As a self-described political junkie, there is nothing better than living in NH during the first-in-the-nation-presidential-primary season. You get the chance to see all of the presidential hopefuls in a variety of venues allowing people to compare their performances and how they have massaged the message since their last NH visit. To date, I am disappointed by the fact that I haven't seen Hillary, but I'm working on securing an invitation to one of her upcoming events.

There was the NH Democratic Party's 2006 Election Celebration in Manchester on December 10. Barack Obama addressed the 1,500 people who paid $25 a ticket to see him and celebrate the national legislative sweep of Republicans from office. Obama still had the neon glow from his rousing Democratic Convention speech and the buzz of a fresh voice in American presidential politics. Many of the state's political heavy hitters were in the room, enamored by this candidate perceived as an agent of change.

At a Concord City Dems continental breakfast fund-raiser on Presidents Day, Gov. Bill Richardson gave one of his better speeches. In the matter of full disclosure, I was committed to this candidate when I met him at a Christmas party in New Ipswich at the home of one of his dearest friends. I was smitten for six months, but have recently decided that I am once again an uncommitted Independent. Well-received, the Governor was strong and sure in his message of experience as a leader and diplomat and because of the throng of people who wanted to shake his hand, it took him twenty minutes to get from the podium to the exit door.

One winter day, there was a political twofer at New England College in Henniker. The weather promised to be snowy, slick, and basically unpleasant, but despite being hesitant to take on a potentially dangerous drive, I packed an overnight bag just in case, and took the hour long drive to see Rep. Dennis Kucinich followed by Bill Richardson. Kucinich was fantastic. He has the heart, mind, and vision of a person who I would happily have as our president - but too few take him seriously.