NEW HAMPSHIRE

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

        February 1, 2006

 New Hampshire’s unique place in the presidential nomination process is once again under attack.
 

 This booklet* assembles the words and viewpoints of many candidates, journalists, and activists who have had direct experience with the New Hampshire primary over several decades.  We hope after reading the startling quotes below from the DNC Commission’s report (December 10, 2005) on Presidential Nomination Timing & Scheduling that you will share our dismay at this needless attempt to destroy a process that has long benefited our country.
 

 The DNC & RNC staffs are talking…
 

             “DNC staff have been advised by RNC staff that no penalty was imposed on Iowa and New Hampshire in 2004 because the entire nominating process was uncontested – incumbent President George W. Bush faced no opposition for the nomination.  RNC staff have further advised, however, that they fully expect pressure to be placed on the RNC chairman in 2008 to impose the automatic sanctions on Iowa and New Hampshire if those states hold their events prior to the first Tuesday in February, regardless of what the Democratic Party rules may provide; and that they expect statements (challenges) to be filed against Iowa and New Hampshire if the RNC chairman fails to impose the required automatic sanctions.” (pg. 25)
 

 The DNC Commission wants Howard Dean to work with the RNC…
 

             “The Commission urges Chairman Dean and the DNC to begin a series of discussions with the RNC as the RNC begins to draft its 2012 rules in anticipation of the 2008 Convention.  Discussion about the Democratic Party’s rules for the next cycle before the current process has even begun will be necessary to attain what the commission believes is truly necessary, a bipartisan solution for 2012 and succeeding cycles.” (pg. 43)

Startling, but true. We hope you will agree that New Hampshire has proven time and again that we
represent the true spirit of our electoral process. And that when you return home you will join us and Victory NH in our effort to protect this process by reaching out to your convention delegates, representatives, and party chairmen to voice their support and help preserve New Hampshire’s first in the nation primary tradition.

           Sincerely,
                                  

           William M. Gardner                                              Michael P. Chaney

           Secretary of State                                             President and CEO
                                                                                 NH Political Library

* Copies of this booklet: The Time Tested Presidential Proving Ground are available from:
The New Hampshire Political Library