Press Release from NH GOP
Posted December 31st, 2007 by Jane Aitken
Here is what you have all asked for as proof that the NH GOP is on our side. You are the first to see this.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 31, 2007
From: Fergus Cullen, Chairman, New Hampshire Republican Party
NH REPUBLICANS: DON’T LIMIT DEBATE PARTICIPANTS
CONCORD – New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman Fergus Cullen releases the following statement regarding primary weekend debates:
“Limiting the number of candidates who are invited to participate in debates is not consistent with the tradition of the first in the nation primary. The level playing field requires that all serious candidates be given an equal opportunity to participate – not just a select few determined by the media prior to any votes being cast.”
“Therefore, the New Hampshire Republican Party calls upon all media organizations planning pre-primary debates or forums for both parties to include all recognized major candidates in their events.”
“The New Hampshire Republican Party has notified FOX News of our position, and we are in ongoing discussions with FOX News about having as many candidates as possible participate in the forum scheduled for January 6.”
Fergus Cullen
Chairman, New Hampshire Republican Party
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Happy New Year to Everyone
- Jane
UPDATE: If you read the comments below you will come across an article in the LA Times Blog. In it, Fox is trying to pass off the blame. I have notified both the campaign and the NH GOP about this.
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Thanks for Posting the Article
I'm glad you saw it too, Rosie, and were willing to make the effort to post it!
If Fox ignores
the statement, it is to their disadvantage. You cannot stop the truth.
http://www.youtube.com/wa...
And another different story!
This is a quote from todays The Caucus, which is a political blog on the NY Times newspaper website.
"...Fox, meanwhile, has invited five G.O.P. candidates to a forum with Chris Wallace scheduled for its mobile studio in New Hampshire on Sunday. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Senator John McCain of Arizona, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee received invites, leaving Paul of Texas and Representative Duncan Hunter of California on the sidelines.
The network said it had limited space in its studio — a souped-up bus — and that it invited candidates who had received double-digit support in recent polls."
Here's the deal
What FOX is doing is arguably criminal election fraud/manipulation. The NH GOP cannot afford to be seen endorsing a corporation's short list of candidates. The NH GOP is not on the floor of the state house. Give and take, compromise and deal making may be something you do with the Democrats but it is not something you do with private corporations, extortionists or mob bosses. (substitute your own label here) .
Where is the outrage at the circumvention of the democratic process? The NH GOP is the body that is risking their credibility by attaching their name to this farce. FOX has long since lost theirs.
.
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Washington doesn't need more lawyers.
It needs a doctor!
Dr. Ron Paul *** RX for Freedom
True or False
I am a member of the Manchester NH GOP so I do not post this in anger or spite.
While I appreciate Fergus' statement the LA Times quotes FOX news as saying....
"Over the weekend a Fox News spokeswoman told Top of the Ticket that the New Hampshire Republican Party was making the choice of candidates to participate in the televised GOP presidential debate on Jan. 6 with Chris Wallace moderating."
http://latimesblogs.latim...
Good find..
Hi Rosie -- good find!
I spoke to Fergus on the phone on Saturday, and he sounded very upset and sincere when he said that this was not the live free or die way and he would try to get them to change their minds.
So, perhaps Fox, as it said in the article, are just trying to pass of the blame so they won't be the brunt of the anger.
I think there was another article in the UL where Fergus once again expresses his dismay that the media thinks it can control who we see and don't see.
But, I am certainly going to bring this article to the attention of the NH GOP.
To all the heavy handers
Look, I can't respond to all the people making stupid sweeping statements below about what the NH GOP could do or has to do or should do.
Pipe down.
I'm going to assume most of you whiners haven't donated to the NH GOP. I'll assume you don't know anyone who works at the NH GOP. I'll even go so far as to assume you don't live in New Hampshire. The saying I believe is, "You don't run things here." and you sure as hell aren't Gail Wynand. There are things going on behind the scenes that you don't know anything about. You can shout CFR till you're blue in the face, combine it with any other letter combinations, yell COLLUSION at your computer screen all you want.
Stop whining you fools. They're not going to pull sponsorship of the event if Paul isn't invited. I wouldn't either in their shoes. Fox doesn't actually NEED the NH GOP to run the event. Would the candidates still participate? Probably. Would the GOP be willing to really battle this out? Of course not! These are people who have worked together for years. They're not supporting Ron Paul, they can't choose a candidate. They've done what they could without being overtly obvious. They're doing exactly what they should. Letting FOX and everyone else know they want all the candidates in, and showing completely FOX's position that Paul is to be excluded if possible. Obviously they're talking this through, and the repetitious shouts of whatever lead me to believe the none of you have any experience in large contract negotiation.
And for all of you whining about Jane, you should be smacked. Plain and simple. This is her life you fools, your ignorance of how much work she does for this campaign CONTINUALLY astounds me. I don't agree with Jane on a whole lot, I don't think we have the same ideas on what needs to be done for this campaign in particular, but NO ONE can say she's not working her ass off for this movement. Meanwhile you armchair quarterbacks talk about brown nosing and "oh she's just kissing the GOP Rump!" You should be ashamed of yourselves. Learn some respect and quit acting like children.
-James
My point exactly.
You said, "There are things going on behind the scenes you don't know anything about..." EXACTLY MY POINT, DUDE!!! The more I sit here and look at your "comment", the angier I get....however, I will keep my head, and propose a few questions for you. Who's side are you on? Because you don't strike me as a typical Paul supporter - at least not the type I've personnaly met. All that anger....hmmm. Why not direct that energy toward our opponent instead of at your own fellow teammates? We are not your enemy, dude. Whatever you trouble is, it is NOT us. We are on the same team...at least I think so in your case....
Vote Freedom
Vote Liberty
Vote RON PAUL
I'm No "Armchair Quarterback", Dude...
My opinion is every bit as valid at yours. Thank you for allowing me to take the high road and simply thank you for your comments. Have a nice day, and also, please remember that we're on the same team.
Vote Freedom
Vote Liberty
Vote RON PAUL
Thanks James
I don't know if we've ever met or what we don't agree upon, but when I'm just relaying first hand info from people who've contacted me, yes, I should not be smacked since I'm just trying to keep everyone informed. I'm just the messenger.
I have been ill for three months and confined to home and pretty much computer stuff, but I've tried to keep the GOP members across the state, meetups, and other groups, informed of what is going on since communications are important when it comes to schedules, debates, etc.
And also, people in the other states like to hear what is going on in NH and Iowa.
Even if I don't like the message, I don't know how I am at fault or have the power to change it, as much as I might try.
As for this article to which Rosie so astutely called our attention (I do know Rosie and she can vouch that the NH GOP hasn't ever done anything to block RP to date) I will send that along to both Chairs and see what they think about it.
- Jane
NH GOP
I am certainly not an "armchair" supporter or whatever you said. I work here in my town in Florida for Ron Paul all the time. I have a right to an opinion as a republican and a Ron Paul supporter. It is the duty of the respective Republican Party Headquarters to support ALL GOP candidates and NH GOP should pull their sponsorship if all GOP candidates are not represented. They need to make a statement. Contracts. Fox markets itself as "fair and balanced". that would be a breach of contract if they do not present all the GOP candidates fairly. RON PAUL 2008 Jazzloversinc
"Heavy-Handed, Whining, Fools"?
Who are you to say that we should be "smacked" verbally or any other way? We still have free speech here and I, for one, am not going to be silent until or unless the GOP does everything possible to make sure Ron Paul and the voters are treated fairly. FOX has been willing to say that it is the NH GOP's decision as to which candidates are invited. The problem is either with the GOP or FOX or both. By the way, it is the "things going on behind the scenes" that have us all concerned.
NH GOP complicit in fraudulent election manipulation
By all measures dead Fred is ranked below Ron Paul. If he is included while Paul is excluded by FOX and the NH GOP does not withdraw it's sponsorship of the event and protest strongly and publicly then they are complicit. Period, end of story. Wake up people. Judge them by their fruit, painful as that may be for some.
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Washington doesn't need more lawyers.
It needs a doctor!
Dr. Ron Paul *** RX for Freedom
Well said!
\And I agree 100%.
Vote Freedom
Vote Liberty
Vote RON PAUL
Fed-up
I agree that if the GOP is sincere about the statement they released, they would withdraw their support from this event if Dr. Paul is not included. I am also concerned that Chris Wallace is supposed to moderate.
How Does the NH GOP Explain This?
This L.A. Times article says that a Fox Spokesperson claims that the NH GOP selects the candidates for the debate. Apparently, Fergus Cullen has not responded.
http://latimesblogs.latim...
The fact is, Faux and the NH
The fact is, Faux and the NH GOP are playing both end against the middle. Both are maintaining deniability, both blaming eachother. The simple fact is, THEY ARE BOTH IN THIS TOGETHER. Faux has nothing to lose...they can do whatever they want - they are a corporation, not elected, and don't represent anybody except their stockholders. The NH GOP is in a more precarious position. They represent voters, and must try not to alienate too many of them. By releasing that press statement, Cullen simply, and publicly, separated the NH GOP from Faux, thereby giving the illusion of neutrality - when that may be very far from the truth. In fact, to me at least, it made the NH GOP seem NEUTERED, not neutral. The impression I've gotten from that often quoted press release is that the GOP in NH has aquiesced to Faux, and plans no other action to reverse Paul's exclusion. If they truly represented the "live free or die" motto, then they would, in protest, withdraw from this farse and tell Faux to pack sand - Cullen should tell Faux, "go park your mobile studio in the Walmart parking lot, because you're not welcome here".
Thats all only my opinion. So if you don't like it...I don't care. You're free to have your own view. Thats the magic of freedom of speech.
Vote Freedom
Vote Liberty
Vote RON PAUL
Sorry for the repetitive post
Sorry for the repetitive post looks like we both found the blog at the same time.
Something Smells Bad....Smells Like NeoCon Around Here....
I suspect that if Ron Paul is not allowed into the debate, Mr. Cullen's days as the GOP Chairman are numbered. Can you say, "Vote of no confidence"? For him to claim that, as a CO-SPONSOR of the event, that all the NH GOP can do is "continue talks" with Faux is just silly.
The press release states that the NH GOP will try "having as many candidates as possible" - what, are they having the thing in a 4X4 closet? Only four guys will fit? I guess that may be the case seeing as the "front runners" are nothing but EMPTY SUITS (however, they may have a hard time getting Ghouliani's head through the door).
Mr. Cullen, and the NH GOP should simply say to Faux, "Hey Faux, if you don't play fair and balanced and let all viable candidates participate, then we'll just back out of our half of the sponsorship and cancel the whole thing."
Vote Freedom
Vote Liberty
Vote RON PAUL
I doubt his 'days are numbered'
Since most people who live in NH know that it's not his doing.
Check out this video with Fergus Cullen
http://www.nhgop.org/
Scroll down the page a little and you'll find it. Interesting.
Information that is good to know..
I'm glad the reporter questioned the suddenly high poll numbers for Huckabee (can you say CFR boys and girls?) I'm glad they emphasized that all the LIBERAL papers are supporting McCain and the liberal Senator Lieberman as well.
The party chairman has to make casual observations and not go too deep because he cannot endorse. So his comments are about superficial things about Huckabee being a good speaker, etc... This video was banal chit chat.
He does talk only about RP in this video and says that even in June they have wide support -- which the press would not acknowledge. Good for him for acknowledging us early on:
http://www.youtube.com/wa...
Yes...Very Interesting
Funny, neither man makes one mention of Ron Paul - a proven contender in the primary. Fergus Cullen would seem to be much like the Old Media, and very much a part of the Neo Conservative GOP. I don't buy his press release anymore than I'd buy ocean front property in Nevada.
I might get bashed on this site for saying this, but I beleive the NH GOP, Mr. Cullen, and Faux News are all in collusion on this matter. Faux has nothing to lose and can say (or not say) whatever it wants. NH GOP must deny any part in this travesty in order to maintain its "level playing field" persona. To say I'm suspicious is an understatement.
Vote Freedom
Vote Liberty
Vote RON PAUL
Collusion?
It doesn't do him any good on January 9th as he said to me on the phone, to alienate 10% or more of the republican base by doing a stupid thing like that. I have posted the invite to the Brunch, which is under the sole control of the NH GOP, and RP's name is prominently on there and as an invited guest.
I think it comes down to
I think it comes down to this Jane. Do you believe the NH GOP should support an event that includes viable presidential candidates? I'm certainly not blaming the NH GOP, I'm simply asking a question concerning their sponsorship.
GOP
Since they don't provide any physical help or money, I suppose Fox can go right ahead and do what they want, even if they don't use a room at the college to do it. One report said they will hold this in their campaign vehicle.
So, even if the GOP said, take our name off it, Fox could still proceed couldn't they? I don't know, didn't see the contract, was just told that they hold the right to choose the criteria.
money talks as the saying goes
..another reason to get back to sound money..they can all be bought off.. from New Hampshire to San Diego,when unlimited amounts of money can be printed out of thin air..
HEAR HEAR
Hear Hear jrbrown1989, you are a true patriot. No time to wuss out now. Those who are afraid, please hide in your basement, I am serious. This is the fighting phase, those who do not have the stomach for it, please bow out now. We need a few brave ones not a lot of people but are scared of the system.
This revolution is worldwide. If America fails, God help us all
I Want to Hear it From Fox News Before I Stop The Calls
That's fine, however, I am not letting up until Fox New Channel let's us know that Ron Paul will not be CENSORED. I have been relentless and will continue until they let us know that Ron Paul will be on the stage. Don't be a Wuss to these Chicken Hawk NEOCON pukes!!
Calls to FOX
No need to stop the calls to FOX.. Just don't be tying up the GOP phones and emails because that would not be helping the cause.
Good move by the NH GOP
This is a show of goodwill by the GOP and I'm glad they took a stand toward fairness.
NH GOP is COmplicit with FOX News Unlesss...
Unless they demand that all candidates appearing on the ballot, including Ron Paul and Duncan Hunter are allowed to appear on the 'Roundtable' (Or whatever Fox chooses to call it). To do otherwise would not only be an endorsement by the party of one or more candidates over another in an undemocratic manner contrary to party rules and traditions, but would also make the party complicit in 'electioneering' by FOX News, which is a violation of both FCC Rules and national campaign finance laws.
Unless the NH GOP wishes to be a co-plaintiff in a lawsuit, they MUST refuse both to endorse this 'Roundtable', as well as sanction any candidate who participates, and warn them they are in violation of FCC Rules as well as Campaign finance laws.
Sometimes you have to take it on the chin, but this is not one of those times. When you have both ethics and the force of law on your side, it's time to play hardball and pitch the B#^$^&@#s inside!
xtrabigg
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Right On!!
Readintg these comments, I was starting to wonder if anybody on this tread had a backbone at all...thanks for showing me that some people realize whats going on.
Pull your heads out of the sand people...Dr. Paul cured my apathy, what about yours?????
Vote Freedom
Vote Liberty
Vote RON PAUL
Be Carefull What You Ask For
Demanding "that all candidates appearing on the ballot" be allowed to appear would be a mistake. NH only requires that candidates pay a fee to on the ballot. If all the candidates were included in the forum I suspect there would a dozen or more.
Thanks Jane
This is our game to win (or lose). Let's stay focused. Work hard to spread Dr. Paul's message, i.e. our message. It is important to make sure that people who agree with the message get out and vote. This is the only way we will be heard.
This is consistent with the underdog philosophy. As they say at Rutgers -keep choppin'.
Go Ronnie!
Thanks Jane
You were correct as usual...thanks for handling things intelligently.
Endorsements
The state party can never endorse any one candidate but they do know how much support RP has here in NH and therefore also think it's absurd that he would be excluded. They also know that you don't do this to your faithful GOP party members who work hard to put good people in office and the local level, and are linked to a lot of other groups such as people like Jim and myself. My whole life is devoted to keeping this the Live Free or Die State as I do not work.
Just more FREE press for us...
Since it seems that Huckabee is trying to DUCK the press right now in Iowa...LOL!
The GOP can't endorse any
The GOP can't endorse any one candidate. They probably have to write such a general statement and obviously it would apply to Paul.
I hope it works
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I tip my hat to the NH GOP for taking this stand. It is the only sensible position. I wish them well, and I hope they succeed.
Confirmed
I will also confirm what Jane is saying here. I am a member of the NH GOP, and got this email directly from them, with a cc to the NH Ron Paul Campaign manager. I also talked directly to the NH campaign manager about the issue. The NH GOP are really sticking their necks out to stand up to Fox, and we should make sure to say thanks.
the NH GOP is not "sticking their necks out"
The NH GOP is not "sticking their necks out".
Rather, they are trying to play nice with Fox
News who they seem to respect (or fear).
The only right thing for the NH GOP to do is
to drop the sponsorship of the event. I would
really like to see Fox News sue the NH GOP
for breach of contract!
Also note the exact words in the NH GOP
press release "we are in ongoing discussions
with Fox...". And Fox News won't call the Paul
campaign back after repeated attempts by
Kent Snyder to contact Fox News.
Faux Noise is really showing its stripes.
NH GOP..
I am in complete agreement. If NH GOP means what they say..they will withdraw their sponsorship until ALL gop candidates are represented..not just the "MAJOR GOP CANDIDATES" What does that mean? Top Tier...talk about giving themselves a wide margin...WE are the only ones who consider Ron paul MAJOR GOP CANDIDATE> Fox sure doesn't . RON PAUL 2008 Jazzloversinc
RIGHT ON DON BRO!
Once again the anti-neo cons here are right. unlike jane et al, i wont kiss NH GOP rump! they are complicit as far as I am concerned.
People, stop kissing establishment rear! ok? thank you! :)
No rumps
No rumps involved, just respectful and in acknowledgement of the truth.
Cullen is not Anuzis.
On the contrary,
There is ALOT of "Rump Kissing" going on. The NeoCons are at the gate. Heads in the sand will solve nothing. The NH GOP should withdrawl sponsorship of this event - talk about a way to garner support. Their INACTION in this matter is what has me worried, and suspicious...and I won't kiss their butts. The only way I'll be satisfied is if they tell Faux to get bent.
Vote Freedom
Vote Liberty
Vote RON PAUL
Really sticking their neck out would be threatening to drop
sponsorship of the forum.
And even then, when you say "sticking their neck out", this implies that Fox News has the power to impact the NH GOP in some significant negative way. I suppose this is a prime example of the impact of corporate media on the political debate in the US. I knew that Ron Paul is fighting an uphill battle, but I thought that there was more willingness to sacrifice for fairness on the state levels.
Anyway, Thanks for the information, I do appreciate the work you and Jane and others on the ground in NH are doing.
Proof?
They didn't even mention his name.
Tactful
They don't need to mention any names - all parties involved know what prompted this statement. I hope, however, the NH GOP doesn't think of themselves as "sticking their necks out", for I view it as at least the Republican party telling the media establishment that they are just about to go too far into usurping the GOPs authority.
Because
Proof of WHAT.
There are two other candidates being excluded as well, Hunter and Keyes.