Shaheen's candidacy ups the ante for incumbent Republican John Sununu and makes life more than difficult for Democrats who opt to remain in the race.
Jeanne Shaheen announced her run in a 4 line statement that stressed the the need for what she called “real change.†The former 3-term Governor added that she’d bring a common sense approach to Washington……Her candidacy comes after months of speculation, encouragement from national Democrats, and a local draft Shaheen effort led by former state party chair Kathy Sullivan.
"She will beat john Sununu, there is no doubt in my mind."
Shaheen joins a field that -- for the moment at least -- includes 3 other Democrats….Former Astronaut Jay Buckey, failed Congressional candidate Katrina Swett, and Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand……Marchand has said he’d drop out if Shaheen entered; Buckey, for his part, has pledged to stay in. Swett has meanwhile issued a statement that doesn’t spell out her intentions, but does say that she remains committed to ensuring John Sununu’s defeat……So if the Democratic field remains unsettled, most observers say it is clear that Jeanne Shaheen would be John Sununu’s most formidable opponent.
"In a poll that we did in July, Shaheen was leading by 14 to 16 points over Sununu."
Andy Smith is director of the UNH survey center. He says that same poll showed Sununu as being vulnerable against any Democrat, but adds election day remains a long way off.
"He’s shown he can run a good campaign beofre, and he’s able to raise money --so I don't think it's goign to be Jeanne Shaheen in a walk, by any means. I think it’s going to be a very very competitive race."
And should that happen it won’t be for the first time…..In 2002, Sununu defeated Shaheen by a five point margin, even though he trailed in the polls going into the final weekend…….State Republican Party chairman Fergus Cullen says he respects Jeanne Shaheen as a candidate, but stresses that talk about Sununu’s weakeness is premature.
"We feel real confident in John Sununu as our candidate, he’s able to take the long view on complicated issues facing the county – that’s why he was elected in the first place and why we feel he’ll be reelected next year."
The Senator for his part, says he plans to run on the particulars of his record, which he says are New Hampshire voters will respect.
"Look, on environmental matters, on economic matters, taking a stand on the Patriot Act, even being the first Republican to recognize that Alberto Gonzales wasn’t right as Attorney General for the county. Look I think all of those are stands consistent with where the people of nh are and reflect a willingness to step up and use my voice to make a difference."
While Sununu casts himself as an independent, he can expect hsi critics to do paint him as anything but.…….Again, former Democratic party chair Kathy Sullivan --
John Sununu has done nothing except pretty much a rubber stamp for George bush and has not held George bush accountable, despite the incompeteance and corruption of the Bush administation."
Jeanne Shaheen has scheduled a Sunday press briefing to speak about her entrance into the race……One of her Democratic rivals, portsmouth mayor Steve Marchand has meanwhile called a press conference for tomorrow, where he’s expected to drop out.
