With approval ratings at 80 percent and a little known GOP opponent, Governor Lynch has the potential to do a lot for his party this fall. But Lynch says his bipartisanship knows no bounds.
New Hampshire Public Radio's Josh Rogers reports.
No one has ever accused Governor Lynch of being a thrilling stump speaker………His rhetorical flourishes are as rare as any deviation from his claims that bipartisanship is what voters want. Speaking at a recent fundraiser for District 7 Democratic State Senate hopeful Harold Janeway, Lynch touted the candidate as someone who buys-in to his approach to governing.
"Harold Janeway really shares that belief that the way we get things done is really rolling up our sleeves and focusing on how we achieve results for the people of NH."
As he exited the event, Lynch said the public could expect more campaigning for others……As to exactly how much, the Governor was unsure…….Lynch did, though, stress that it would be in the service of a familiar goal -- more bipartisanship.
"And I'm hoping to have more people in the house and senate who embrace that tone and attitude……
-Does that extend to campaigning on behalf of republicans who you feel have contributed to bipartisan successes?
"I'm going to work to get more people who embrace that same kind of attitude regardless of party affiliation -- I'm going to work hard to do that."
-So you would not rule out appearing on behalf of republicans?
"No, I'm not going to rule anything out."
Lynch's apparent open-mindedness on this score is far from standard practice…..No one contacted for this story could point to an example of a past Governor willing to expend political capital on behalf of candidates from the other major party..….. State Republican Committee Vice Chairman Wayne McDonald considers Lynch's comments little more than an empty ploy to boost his own popularity…..
"He's seeing the potential, and I want to stress the word potential of a big victory, if you believe the polls."
McDonald went on to say that supporting people on another party's slate is something no loyalist should ever condone.
"If I was a nominee of the Democratic party and saw my governor campaigning for my opponent I would be embraced and rightly so. Surely if it was the other way around we would be enraged."
The top official in the state Democratic Party, meanwhile, was quick credit Lynch's embrace of bipartisanship for boosting the fortunes of the state party……But Kathy Sullivan also moved to make promises on Lynch's behalf that he would not make himself.
"I fully anticipate that Governor Lynch will support the democratic ticket."
But when asked why the Governor didn’t choose to say as much when given the chance, Sullivan had no straight answer.
"Oh, probably because he wasn't ready for the question from you, Josh. Ha, ha, ha."
But for Democrats looking for an edge in tight statehouse races, being able to run under the Lynch imprimatur isn't laughing matter……….
"I will work with Governor Lynch to reach across party lines to help create an atmosphere of cooperation in the statehouse."
That's District 18 State Senate candidate Betsi DeVries campaigning in Manchester……Appearing with her, was New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson…….Devries said she was glad to get Richardson's help…….When asked if Governor Lynch might provide a more useful boost……..Devries tread lightly.
"I just don't know…. Because he's not in a campaign mode, he's still acting as governor of the state it's not a conversation we've had yet. I think it's just premature."
-When would it not be premature?
"You know, maybe we'll discuss after the primary and maybe it will come together then."
But regardless of what does or doesn’t come together for individual candidates and the Governor, as long as things don't change dramatically between now and election day…….history would indicate that democrats across the ticket will prosper. Andy Smith is director of the UNH survey center. He says if a Governor can win 60 to 65 percent of the vote their party tends to make statehouse gains.
"Right now it looks like Lynch is going to be in that range and if that's the case than democrats will pick up 30 to 40 seats based on historical trends there. That's going to make politics quite different."
A question in the coming months will be whether that historical probability will be enough for Democratic candidates, or will they want more direct help from the most popular man in their party.
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