Updated pages

You can now find the Exeter Democratic Party at our new address: http://www.exeterdemocrats.org/

We're also on Facebook and Twitter.

Exeter Block Party

Click here to view these pictures larger

Just a few memories of the Town Committee's Block Party, from last election season. Enjoy!

Update from State Representative Donna Schlachman

Donna Schlachman has often been asked, “What’s it like?” That is, what's it like being a State Representative. Here's her answer:

Serving as your State Representative has been, in a word, wonderful. The work is hard, time consuming, and fascinating. I am definitely busier than ever before – though happily so. My Concord days have generally been Tuesday-Thursday, with the House in session on Wednesdays from January through June. When I am not in Concord, I find myself attending meetings,researching bills, preparing for committee hearings, preparing for Session, talking with constituents, tracking down answers to questions, and responding to emails. It is a full-time job, and I have no regrets. Being a part of history has been an inspiring experience. I have seen my fellow legislators at their very best and their very worst during debates in Representative’s Hall. On several occasions I have been brought to tears by it all.

Being a Rep is the best job I’ve ever had; even ones that I was reasonably paid for. It is challenging and fun. I have delved into areas I never would have expected to be involved with, or interested in, and loved it. And, I now have friends from over our state. People are incredibly nice and incredibly hard working. I find most of the Reps care very deeply about serving their constituents in Concord and doing what they feel is best for them and for the state. Yes, there are some duds. But, it amazes me that we can get so many good people to do this much work for $100 a year (before taxes) and a free pass through the NH tolls.

In about a month, the regular legislative session, during which new legislation is considered, will come to an end until next January. July is quiet in Concord and I’m taking some time in August as well for some “down” time (though I’ll travel with my laptop.) My work will pick up as the summer comes to a close. Late summer and fall/winter, I will serve on assigned legislative commissions and study committees, as well as work on a number of bills that have been retained by my committee for further development. Responding to constituent needs and issues never stops. I am also involved with crafting several pieces of new legislation that will be introduced next session.

As some of you know, I was assigned to the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee. (There are 22 Standing Committees with 18-20 members on each.) Commerce is a very busy policy committee. We hear close to 100 bills related to banking, insurance and business regulation as well as consumer protection and safety. (About 800 are introduced in the House each session.) Some examples of my committee’s bills are: the “soft landing” bill for NH’s automobile industry; insurance coverage for telemedicine; expansion of Healthy Kids insurance to age 26; coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder; use of education and occupation in determining car insurance rates; transparency in condominium governance; banning phosphates in dish detergents; barring the use of RFID devices in consumer products; capping rates on short-term loans; and the use of fingerprinting in check cashing. Many of this year's bills tried to address problems with our healthcare system – we saw the mess up close and personal.

As a new State Representative, I have found the access the public has to the legislative process to be thrilling. It is democracy at its best. I invite you each of you to spend a day with me in Concord -attend hearings and sit in on the House session. It's a great way to see how the process works. One of the people that came with me this session loved it so much she came back again. Another may just run for office next time. If you have any interest in public service, or are just curious about the process, let’s talk.

I thank you all for this amazing opportunity you have given me by supporting my campaign. It feels like a good fit for my skill set and I hope that you will continue to contact me with concerns, issues and questions. We all know that the news media doesn’t always “get it right” so please call about anything and I will do my best share what I know and/or find out the answer for you.

Very gratefully,
Donna

State Convention for New Hampshire Democrats

Today was the State Convention for New Hampshire Democrats - the first ever for a Democratic Majority Party in the state. Speakers included Governor Lynch, Congressman Paul Hodes, Party Chair Ray Buckley, Speaker of the House Terie Norelli, and Senate President Sylvia Larsen.

Enthusiasm and passion ran high as the speakers talked about the historic passage of the law making all citizens of New Hampshire with respect to marriage. There was a balance of realism and optimism regarding the New Hampshire economy, and great determination regarding what our Democratic lawmakers are doing about it.

The Democratic Party needs your help, your support and your ideas. Leave your comments below or email josephmontibello@gmail.com, and webmaster Joe Montibello will forward your thoughts to the Town Committee's board.

Our Democratic Representatives

Governor John Lynch

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen

Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter

State Senator Margaret Hassan: 107 North Main Street Room 302 Concord, NH 03301 maggie.hassan@leg.state.nh.us

State Representatives
Judith E Day : 141 Mill Road , North Hampton, NH , 03862-2218
John W Henson : 15 Grove Street , Exeter, NH , 03833-2709
Trinka T Russell : 2 Dundee Circle , Stratham, NH , 03885-2141
Joseph A Russell : 2 Dundee Circle , Stratham, NH , 03885-2141
Donna L Schlachman : 2 Langdon Ave , Exeter, NH , 03833-2210

County Treasurer David Ahearn

Absentee ballots

There is an application form to be filled out and returned to the Town Clerk's office if you need an absentee ballot. You can download the form, which includes the eligibility requirements for absentee voting, from the state's website.

SeptemberFest

The Exeter Democratic Committee presents the 2nd Annual:

SeptemberFest !

Saturday, September 20th, 1 - 4 pm

At the home of Karen & Bob Prior
16 Pickpocket Road, Exeter

Meet your Democratic candidates & talk with the
campaigns for:
* NH State Legislature & NH State Senate
* Executive Council & Governor
* US House of Representatives & US Senate
Come and enjoy conversation and good political banter with your neighbors and friends!!

Share food (contributions of desserts and beverages are welcome)!!

Participate in a fund-raising raffle of memorabilia (T-shirts, Signs, & more) from the Democratic National Convention!!
For information or to RSVP, please call 603-580-9255

David Lovejoy for County Sheriff

David Lovejoy is running for County Sheriff.

• president and founder of Execuguard International LLC


• involved in security investigation fields for over 15 years


• small-business owner for the past 25 years

Debra Crapo for County Register of Probate

Debra Crapo is a candidate for County Register of Probate. former member, Rye School Board, former member, Rye Budget Committee former vice-chair of the state's Democratic Party.

Crapo, if elected, would make the office more user-friendly because she says many people will deal with the probate office at one time or another, and she wants to clear up some of the confusion about the position.

Block Party - You're Invited!

Come join us at the Grand Opening of the Democratic Campaign office in Exeter. Meet candidates and enjoy music, food and fun. Click the image for more details.

Our Candidates

State Representatives:

Judith Day
Frank Heffron
John Henson
Robert Mike-Mayer MD
Joe Russell
Trinka Russell
John Sammel
Donna Schlachman


David Ahearn for County Treasurer

Debra Crapo for County Register of Probate

Beverly Hollingworth for Executive Councilor

David Lovejoy for Sheriff

Carol Shea-Porter for U.S. Representative

Maggie Hassan for State Senator

John Lynch for Governor

Jeanne Shaheen for U.S. Senator

Contact Us

You can call the Democratic Campaign Office at (603) 778-9493.

Donations are welcomed, and may be sent to:

The Democratic Town Committee of Exeter
c/o Jackie Weatherspoon, Town Chair
1 O'Neil Court
Exeter, NH 03833

Joe Russell

Joe Russell is a candidate for State Representative. Retired Air Traffic Controller, Boston Center for 26 Years Air Traffic Control Supervisor for 4 Years Current Stratham Planning Board Alternate Married with 3 Sons Stratham Resident for 11 Years

Robert Mike-Mayer MD for State Representative

Robert Mike-Mayer MD is a candidate for State Representative. Board Certified Family Physician for the Past 10 Years Participant in the Seacare Program in NH, Providing Care to the Uninsured and Indigent Volunteer for Exeter Hospital Sponsored Free Care Clinic Strong Advocate for Universal Health Care Coverage Strong Advocate for Protecting and Respecting Our Environment

John Sammel

John Sammel is a candidate for State Representative. WWII Veteran 12 Years, Retired S/M. Sgt, Air Force/National Guard Construction (Environmental) Farmer (Livestock) North Hampton Resident, NH Resident since 1979

An Un-Conventional Party Fund Raiser

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment became law granting women the right to vote. On August 26, 2008 Senator Hillary Clinton will give the Democratic National Convention Keynote Address live from Denver. Join friends from around the State of New Hampshire as we gather to share our many electoral victories: the ceilings shattered, the electoral maps re-written, the politics redefined.

One result of these revolutionary changes is that the Democratic Party is not accepting donations from special interest groups, and the Republican Party is especially interested in capitalizing upon the economic disadvantage they expect this will create. We intend to disappoint them. Together we must invest in this election and be ready to battle in every state. Our fifty-state strategy will be a winning strategy only if it is adequately funded.

Discover the "fun" in fund raising. Come join members of the National Women's Leadership Initiative at the New Hampshire Version of

DENVER 08

An Un-Conventional Party Fund Raiser
Tuesday, August 26, 2008

7:00-10:00 p.m.
1258 Union Street

Manchester, NH

This event directly supports the National Women's Leadership Initiative through the Obama Victory Fund, benefiting democratic nominees in all states at all levels. As a bonus, each ticket includes a chance to win a seat at the National Women's Leadership Initiative Conference featuring a Keynote Address by Senator Barack Obama. The conference will be held in Washington, DC in early October.

Please see the attached ticket and RSVP as soon as possible.You may mail or fax your donations as instructed, bring a check along to the party, or donate online at https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/OVFWLF?custom1=Kathy+Gillett.
Write-in the amount that corresponds with the ticket level you choose. This will identify you with the NH chapter, and you'll receive an email confirmation with event details. Donations of $1000 or more will also automatically include a seat at the October conference with Senator Obama, however these seats are limited, so sign up soon.

We look forward to celebrating together on this historic day with our historic candidates!

In Solidarity,
NH Co-Chairs, National Women's Leadership Initiative
Kathy Gillett 603-203-5163
Ann McLane Kuster 603-848-2600
Mary Rauh 603-498-0882

(The National Women's Leadership Initiative is a joint effort between Women for Obama and the DNC Women's Leadership Forum.)

Women for Obama

“Women have always made the difference in every election, and this year, your voice, your hope will be the deciding factors in forging a new future for America.”
— Barack Obama

Barack Obama's campaign site has a page specifically relating to issues that women are concerned about:

http://women.barackobama.com/page/content/WFOhome

Donna Schlachman for State Representative

Donna Schlachman is running for State Representative. A thirty-year resident of Exeter, she has dedicated herself to serving the community in a wide array of volunteer positions. Donna's focus on the economy, education, and health care in New Hampshire make her a great candidate for State Representative.

Learn more about Donna at her website, http://www.donnaschlachman.com/.

Carol Shea-Porter for U.S. Representative

Carol Shea-Porter, the first woman elected to national office in the history of the state of New Hampshire, is seeking re-election as a U. S. Representative.

A native of New Hampshire, Carol grew up in our public schools and attended UNH. Carol has experience with local politics, having served in town and county positions. She founded a Multi-Purpose Senior Center and has also been a teacher.

As our Representative, Carol introduced the Middle Class Tax Assistance Act, which would allow taxpayers to deduct state or local property taxes from their federal income taxes. She helped pass laws to reduce interest rates on student loans, increase the minimum wage, and provide tax incentives for the production of renewable energy.

We hope you will support Carol Shea-Porter's re-election.

Frank Heffron for State Representative

Frank Heffron of Exeter is running as a Democratic candidate for State Representative.

Frank announced his candidacy in the local papers (read his words at seacoastonline.com)

Here's Frank with Barack Obama.

We asked Frank Heffron to give us three things that he will stand for if elected. He told us he will work for:

• An equitable and affordable education funding plan


• Protection of our natural resources


• Assistance to those hardest hit by rising fuel and food prices

A bit about Frank's background: after graduating from Columbia Law school he was a lawyer for 37 years - including working for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in the 60's. He's a member of the Exeter Area Kiwanis Club and has volunteered as an overnight host for the Seacoast Interfaith Hospitality Network, a local organization dedicated to helping homeless families get back on their feet.

Please lend your support to Frank Heffron, candidate for State Representative.