GOP candidates and loyalists gathered in Bedford today for their unity breakfast. The event marks the official start of the party's general election push
Candidates and party activists did their best to put a often acrimonious primary season behind them and let bygones be bygones. That task was helped along by the gentle urgings of republican national committee chairman Mark Racicot, stressed that Republican victories here in new Hampshire are crucial to achieving the goals of the Bush presidency.
"If we're going to give this president the capacity to reach the full potential of his leadership. We have to give every effort we've got. every emotion and every bit of treasure talent and time that we can bring to bear."
Racicot's sermon-like tone was offset by a scorching anti-tax message voiced by all who took the podium. Senator Judd Gregg seemed to speak for everybody in the room when he characterized state Democrats.
"In their candidates for governor they nominated someone who needs an income tax...no you explain to me why the candidate for Senate supports a sales tax and supports a candidate for Governor who supports and income tax. And all down the line the Dems have chosen to walk the course of taxing the American people more aggressively. And it makes no sense."
Gregg was followed to the podium by Senate Hopeful John E. Sununu, who unseated incumbent Bob smith to claim the party nomination. Sununu laughed along with the rest of the room when Gregg inadvertently referred to him as Bob Sununu. And when it was his turn to speak, Sununu wasted little time in pointing out how a Jeanne Shaheen victory would also affect Gregg.
"Jeanne Shaheen vote would be to put Teddy Kennedy as chair of ed. With John Sununu you have Judd Gregg as chairman of the education committee, that's not just a difference in priorities that's a difference of vision and I'm standing with the people NH on this one."
If Sununu's stressing the need for loyalty to Gregg was perhaps an indirect broaching of Sununu ousting of Bob Smith. Others were more direct in addressing their bitter primary fights. Gubernatorial nominee Craig Benson said he was the better for having had to face Bruce Keough and Gordon Humphrey. But he implored all Republicans to move on.
"Let's put the past behind us. The past is done and let's move forward to make NH a better place. It's about creative ideas that Republicans can get excited about and solve NH's problems once and for all. Let's put in on track. Let's do this. It'll be fun."
After the speeches Benson's chief primary antagonists, vanquished foe Gordon Humphrey and Humphrey's advisor Jim Rubens, seemed to agree with the man they systematically vilified for months. Humphrey said it was no problem throwing his support to the Cabletron co-founder.
"Well if you recall all of my ads said you can't trust Craig Benson's record. Record. I never said anything about the man personally. So the answer to you question is no."
And for his part, Humphrey spokesman Jim Rubens seems to moved on, if in a freelance capacity, to making the case against a new enemy.
"I'm just making my pitch against Senator Shaheen. If you want that sound bite I'm prepared to give it. Lay it on me. Anti-child. Her management of the foster care system her management of the foster care system. Anti environment: anti-consumer. Her sludge and MBTE are an embarrassment of environment. And anti consumer. Her intercession with the puc to enhance verizon's anti consumer monopoly with telephone services in this state. Anti- consumer, anti-environment, anti child. Not a good senator."
New Hampshire Democrats hold their own unity breakfast in Manchester on Saturday.
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