New Hampshire Republicans were out in force across the state today.
About 70 people combed Manchester's neighborhoods to remind folks to get out and vote.
NHPR's David Darman has more.
GOP officials say volunteers in Manchester canvassed targeted neighborhoods. Manchester coordinator Stephanie DuBois says the party wants to turn out as many Republican voters as possible.
03 137 �we�re really trying to increase turnout. We really want republicans to get out to the polls and vote. And this is a huge effort funded by the rnc. And it�s a new effort, too. They want to see how effective it is this year. For future elections. 03 151
A few of the people helping drop literature and talk with voters were motivated by politics. Others had more personal reasons. Mark Laliberte of Manchester says he got involved because his friend is running for the Legislature in Ward 1.
21 40 �I held a sign for him. Joe dionne for state rep. First time run, so, I�m helping him out. 21 51 so that�s important to get out there, help your friends out and help people you believe in. 21 55
At least two dozen Central High students also helped with the Republican effort. A few were like junior Steve Creamer of Hooksett. He was motivated by political belief, and a little more.
16 35 the fact that I want to get the good word out to people. And that you get a hundred dollars for doing this. That also made me go. 16 40
State Republican officials say they find it necessary to pay some of the students, and that it�s a long time practice in the party. John Dowd, republican state committee chairman makes no apologies for the practice.
34 35 if you go back in politics about 30 years, there used to be �paid volunteers and unpaid volunteers�. I mean that�s the way its been in politics forever. There�s sort of two different kind of folks here. That�s not changed at all. 34 47
Repulican officials say more people may be volunteering because of the tight senate race, and to make sure there is no income tax. They also say many Republicans in the Legislature have taken a keen interest in getting out the vote this year. Redistricting put many candidates in new towns, so they�re making sure their people get to the polls.
