Lawmakers React to Benson's State of State Plans

By Josh Rogers on Thursday, January 15, 2004.

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Lawmakers look askance at the Governor's plan to deliver the state’s annual progress report at Plymouth State University.

The announcement that Governor Benson plans to deliver the state’s annual progress report at Plymouth state university came without fanfare. It simply appeared on his public schedule. According to Benson spokesman Wendell Packard, the break with tradition driven by a simple goal.
“Well the governor is bringing his state of the state address to the people. If he held it in concord the 424 legislators could attend and not many more people than that. This way, people who have never had the opportunity to view a state of the state in person can share the experience.”

Benson’s plans have drawn a mixed response from lawmakers. Senate President Tom Eaton confessed he didn’t really see the point.
“With the rich history and tradition here, I can’t imagine why he would want to put it anywhere else.”

For his part, House speaker Gene Chandler says Governor Benson has the right to deliver the state of the state wherever he chooses….But Chandler added that his attendance is not guaranteed.

“If my schedule warrants we’ll see.”

Other veteran lawmakers question the Governor’s motives. Concord Republican House rep Liz Hager.
“It really has always been delivered at the statehouse as an official report on the state of the state. It’s never meant to be in my view a campaign stop.”

Democrats are even less circumspect in their take on the governor’s decision. Stoddard house rep Daniel Eaton says it’s driven by politics.
“I think the governor realizes that his numbers are starting to go down, and people are starting to catch on to the voodoo economics and failed policies and he’s trying to do a pep rally in prime time.”

Manchester State Senator Lou D’Allesandro, meanwhile, says the decision believes the governor simply doesn’t want to face lawmakers.
“If the governor doesn’t want the legislature to know what the state of the state is then of course he’ll go to Plymouth. I think this it’s ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. This is just a……well, maybe we’re going to have a virtual message.”

The silver arts center has a capacity of 700. That’s about 150 more seats than representatives hall. But how many of the 424 lawmakers will make the trip is anyones guess. Nashua Republican rep. Paul Laflamme predicted scheduling conflicts.
“7:00 in the evening on Thursday I hope I can make it.”
Other’s Like Rindge republican John Hunt mused about a topic near to many lawmakers hearts.
“Do we get extra milage?”

New Hampton representative Fran Wendelboe, meanwhile says her attendance is nearly guaranteed.

“Well, it’s only five minutes from my house, so
probably.”

Governor Benson is scheduled to deliver his state of the state address on January 29th at 7pm at Plymouth State University.