GOP Executive Council Primary: The Fight to Replace Ruth

A supporter for former Senator Russell Prescott takes a sign that will be displayed prominently in his own front yard. (Cheryl Senter, NHPR)

The District 3 GOP Executive Council race stands out among this year's primary contests.

The reason: state Senator, and Finance Committee Chair Chuck Morse...former 2-term state Senator Russell Prescott....and one time Congressional candidate Sean Mahoney.

Charlie Arlinghaus of the Josiah Bartlett Center says all are contenders.

T.20
4:40 Too often in politics you see a candidate with a huge money advantage, a huge geographic advantage, or a huge ideological advantage that overwhelms the other two...there isn't an obvious front runner, there isn't an obvious geographic base. There isn't an obvious disadvantage one of the candidates have. So you have three people who have to win a race on old fashioned campaigning, and appealing to their base.

What they are all after is a chance to serve on the relatively obscure Executive Council.

A councilor's primary responsibility is to review state contracts over $5,000 and vote on gubernatorial appointments.

The position pays a little more than $12,000 a year.

Unlike state representatives and senators, Executive Councilors don't have a direct say on political proposals- like taxes, gambling, gun control or abortion.

Sean Mahoney, right, and state Sen. Chuck Morse talk before the forum. (Cheryl Senter, NHPR)

But their views on education funding, or school vouchers matter, because councilors are the ones who approve judicial nominees.

Union Leader political columnist Fergus Cullen says what voters will try to do is figure out each candidate's political worldview.

T.21
10:46 I think principles and ideology matter to the primary voters. Things like the judicial activism. That's something that conservative primary voters really care about...And they know the E.C. is the ones responsible for appointing those people. so ideology and political philosophy is what is driving them. That moral compass on how they are approaching appointees and contracts.

But what makes it difficult to distinguish between Morse, Prescott and Mahoney is that, at least politically they are about as similar as the colors crimson, burgundy and maroon.

All oppose broad based taxes.

All believe less government is better government.

All preach fiscal discipline.

Speaking at a recent candidate's forum in Brentwood former Senator Russell Prescott for one, stressed, he's got a track record to support the claim that he's the conservatives' conservative.

T.23
2:33 I have never voted for any new taxes. I have always voted for second amendment rights...I have always voted for vouchers and school choice...and I have always voted to reduce taxes, and that was in 2001, eliminated the death tax... You will not have that with any other candidates that are here tonight. I am a solid Republican.

Without naming names, Prescott was picking on a small handful of votes cast by current Senator Chuck Morse over his 8 years in the New Hampshire Legislature.

Morse didn't back down from the challenge.

T.23
5:25 I can stand by my record as a fiscal conservative and making a difference in Concord, on any issue. And if anyone in the audience wants to debate me on where I voted, I can go back and point to my fiscal conservative values, and I can show you that.

The exchange highlights a slight, but key difference between the two men.

At the end of the day, Prescott is more likely to stick with a conservative issue like vouchers.

Morse, at the end of the day, is more likely to stress his credentials as a true-blue fiscal conservative committed to the bottom line.

When not going after each other, Morse and Prescott each point out their other opponent, Sean Mahoney, has never held elected office before.

State Sen. Chuck Morse hammers down a point during the forum. (Cheryl Senter, NHPR)

Morse, for example, has been a selectman, a state representative and a state senator, most recently chairing the finance committee.

It's a resume that has led influential lawmakers to back him, believing he's a money man who is also savvy enough to wrangle with a Democratic governor.

Mahoney, a wealthy businessman, is the fresh face in the race.

He's the one talking about new ideas- like making the hundreds of contracts the council considers available electronically, improving efficiency.

And having no record, has also freed Mahoney to speak in broad terms, and throw primary voters classic Republican red meat.

T.4
1:00 I want to make sure that we keep activists judges out of NH...We've seen it here in NH, with the onerous Claremont decision that was handed down several years ago....Every time a governor puts forward a nominee for the Judiciary here in NH, I'll make sure I vet that candidate to make sure they do not bring a judicial activism approach toward the judiciary...make sure it is there job they interpret the constitution... not create some sort of agenda where they are overstepping the bounds of the judiciary.

After hearing the candidates, many voters shrug and say Morse, Mahoney and Prescott are so similar they'd be happy with any of the three.

The resemblance forces District 3 voters like Gary Giaruso to pick out the difference in style and presentation.

The forum in progress. (Cheryl Senter, NHPR)

After sitting through the hour-long forum in Brentwood, Giaruso offered this assessment.

T.30
1:30 I think Russ Prescott was a little more genuine, spoke a little more from the heart. Chuck Morse seemed to be a little more animated, and up for it, and more aggressive...(and Mahoney) He seemed very smooth, the other two guys seem more political.

Most observers agree, at this point, the race is too close to call.

But it's clear that Mahoney has sown some key endorsements; the Union Leader, the Portsmouth Herald, Foster's Daily Democrat and perhaps most importantly cherished outgoing councilor Ruth Griffin.

Morse meanwhile, has the most money.

As of the September 6th reporting deadline he had raised $152,000.

Mahoney, marshaled some $127,000, but over half of that was the businessman's own money.

And Prescott had raised about $21,000 dollars.

But before anyone rolls their eyes about Prescott's chances, UL columnist Fergus Cullen suggests a quick drive around the district.

2:10 ... He has tremendous sign coverage, for what it's worth. Especially on commercial locations, outside people's business...it's very difficult for someone to put your sign on their lawn, especially if it's a business. And they've got an easy out.

Longtime Republican Executive Councilor Ruth Griffin talks after the forum (Cheryl Senter, NHPR)