Benson names campaign chairs and pledges to focus on issues he's stressed since taking office "because they're not done yet."
The governor laid out his agenda with a crowd of GOP lawmakers standing behind him…... and flanked by his campaigns' honorary co-chairs former governor Steve Merrill and his former rival Bruce Keough…….Benson's brief list of goals contained a familiar message.
"We need to live within our means, we need to be creative."
The governor spoke of transforming education by discarding tradition in favor of what he calls real world learning.
"It changes the dynamics in education and makes it so we no longer say if the teacher doesn't teach it to you it doesn’t count for your graduation or moving to another grade."
And Benson touted his efforts to re-import prescription drugs from Canada…..
"I don't care if people think it's right or not to import drugs from Canada. It's wrong to allow some of our citizens to go without food or heating their homes so that they can take their prescription drugs."
The governor bracketed his remarks by placing particular stress on the trait that he says makes NH what it is -- the volunteer spirit that keeps government small.
"Volunteers are the reason that NH is the greatest place to live on the face of the planet. Volunteers are the reason that we have such a low tax burden. Volunteers are the reason that we care so much about our families and friends and neighbors -- because people actually make it their business to get out and help. And for those who want to make volunteerism a dirty word, shame on them. That is what makes NH a great place. They don't understand the NH advantage."
To a one, Benson's themes are familiar. But one of his priorities of during the last election was conspicuously absent -- the promise to modernizing government via technology…..Benson had pledged to save millions of dollars through innovation -- but the money has yet to materialize. All in all, however, most in the GOP say Benson's themes will work. Former House Speaker Donna Sytek believes the Governor has met the basic needs of the average voter.
"They care that they aren't paying an income tax…..they aren't paying a sales tax…..and if you were one of the majority of people whose only contact with government is to get your drivers license renewed, you think life is fine."
Former GOP state party executive director Charlie Arlinghaus agrees. He says there is no reason to doubt that Benson's unambiguous stance on taxes and spending will work……Arlinghaus, who managed the campaign of Benson's rival Bruce Keough in the 2000 republican primary does admit, though that Benson's anti-government message and often rocky relationship with lawmakers is a mixed bag.
"On some level his strengths and his weaknesses are the same. His difficulty forging consensus….people like because they want somebody in there confrontational……But by the same token they also want some sense of accomplishment."
And running on a record that's more typified by stopping things than getting things done, could prove an odd fit for an incumbent.…At least that's what Democrats say.
"I think the challenge of running against Craig Benson is…simply laying bare his record or his lack of a record, frankly."
Former state party chair Joe Keefe says given Benson's record on fundamental issues like education funding, controlling the local property taxes and running government in an orderly fashion…..democrats have an embarrassment of riches.
"He's in big trouble in the polls and I'm not sure that all the money in the world can buy a reelection like it bought his initial election, when he has so utterly failed to lead this state."
An early indication of whether the Democrats' dire predictions might come true is expected next week. The UNH granite state poll is asking voters right now how they feel about Governor Benson, and the findings will soon be released.
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