Concord Monitor Endorses Grant Bosse

Bosse best GOP choice in the 2nd District

Four Republicans are vying for the chance to unseat Paul Hodes, the 2nd District's freshman Democratic congressman: state Sen. Bob Clegg, Grant Bosse, Jim Steiner and Jennifer Horn.

Elections are about ideas and resumes. The former is the strong suit of Bosse, the later is Clegg's forte. Our choice is Bosse.

In a career that includes a stint as Senate majority leader, Clegg has proven that he is a tough negotiator and an effective legislator, willing to compromise when necessary. He holds his cards close and seldom lets even his allies know which one he intends to play. That allows him to win more than he loses, but it also makes it difficult to tell where he really stands on an issue and what he will give away in a horse trade.

Republican voters will know exactly where Bosse stands on every issue. He has thought through all the basic policy questions. He's smart, well-informed and an extremely effective and genial advocate for his free-market, conservative positions.

He wants to shrink government, cut spending and look to private enterprise to solve the problems of health care.

Bosse would also work to privatize Social Security, but he realizes any change must protect the benefits of older workers and the transition to a different system would take a generation. Because he has spent five years in Washington as a member of Sen. John Sununu's staff with significant responsibilities, he knows what's doable and what isn't.

While he would not vote for a government bailout of mortgage lenders like Fannie Mae because "failure is important to capitalism," he supports additional funding for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program because, he says, the program exits, it works, and people need the help.

Despite an ideology that is consistent and highly conservative, Bosse shows similar flexibility in his positions on energy. While he backs drilling for oil in Alaska and offshore and a resurrection of the nation's nuclear power industry, he supports tax incentives for alternative energy and a cap-and-trade program to reduce carbon emissions.

The other two candidates in the race, Steiner and Horn, are political newcomers. Steiner, a Concord lawyer, West Point graduate and former Army Green Beret, is respected locally and known to be a man of his word. His military experience gave him leadership skills but his positions, at times, are unclear. He would benefit by beginning his political career in a lower office.

Horn, a radio talk show host, has few thought-out positions. Her campaign consists of a Muzak of conservative clichés that fill what would otherwise be dead air time.

Bosse knows so well where he stands and why that he needs no filler. Because his positions are conservative and clear, he gives Republicans their best chance to replace Hodes.

Grant Bosse on Meet the New Press

Grant checked in yesterday with the guys from GraniteGrok.com for Meet the New Press. Grant talked about the selection of Governor Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate. Grant also touted his superior conservative message, comparing his with those of his Republican rivals.

See Grant Bosse on WMUR

Programming note: Grant's interview with Erin Fehlau on WMUR's Close Up has been moved to next Sunday morning at 10 AM. Grant's consistent conservative message will go head-to-head with Bob Clegg's big-government, big-mandate agenda.

“50 Days, 50 Ways” Hits the Road

Bosse targets waste in transportation programs

(Hillsboro) As New Hampshire families prepare to travel this Labor Day weekend, or stay closer to home to avoid high gas prices, Republican Grant Bosse is targeting wasteful transportation spending during his “50 Days, 50 Ways to Cut Federal Spending” Initiative. Bosse would eliminate the burdensome “Davis-Bacon” regulations that drive up the cost of highway projects, and would repeal the New Starts Transit Program, Essential Air Service, and Next Generation High Speed Rail.

“Congress imposed Davis-Bacon mandates on highway and infrastructure projects across our country, adding $250 million a year to the cost of maintaining our roads and bridges,” Bosse said. “Labor unions support Davis-Bacon because it protects them from competing for government jobs. That’s bad news for taxpayers.”

The New Starts Transit Program spends $1,204,000,000 a year on light rail projects, which are more expensive and less flexible than the bus routes they replace. Essential Air Service spends $103 million a year to subsidize air service, at a cost of $200 per passenger. Congress spends $20 million a year on High Speed Rail even though most of America’s train tracks would be incompatible with trains traveling over 125 MPH.

“Transportation is an essential element in America’s economy success. We have to stop raiding the Highway Trust Fund for other programs, and we have to stop pork-barrel transportation programs,” Bosse added. “This Labor Day, it’s costing New Hampshire families more to get on the road. Let’s cut this spending, and make it more affordable to build those roads.”

To date, Bosse has more than $22.6 billion in taxpayer savings by eliminating unnecessary federal programs. To learn more about Bosse’s aggressive grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.

See for yourself

Salem Community Television will be running last night's Candidates Forum wall-to-wall for the next week. Check out the four candidates for yourself:

8/29/2008 at 3:25 PM
8/29/2008 at 10:45 PM
8/30/2008 at 12:20 AM
9/1/2008 at 3:05 PM
9/1/2008 at 11:01 PM
9/2/2008 at 3:00 PM
9/2/2008 at 10:50 PM
9/3/2008 at 9:05 PM
9/4/2008 at 9:30 AM
9/5/2008 at 12:00 PM
9/5/2008 at 3:30 PM
9/5/2008 at 10:45 PM
9/6/2008 at 8:30 AM
9/6/2008 at 3:35 PM

SCTV 17 should be putting the entire video up On Demand shortly. We'll post when it available online.

Remote Control

John McCain's TV ads have been nothing short of brilliant the last few weeks. But this might be the best so far.

Bosse Applauds McCain's VP Pick, Welcomes Governor Palin to NH Republican ticket

Governor Sarah Palin is a tremendous selection as John McCain's running mate. Governor Palin is a fresh political voice who is cleaning the culture of corruption in Alaska politics. As both a mayor and governor, she has real executive experience, and rock-solid conservative credentials. She will provide real change in Washington, not the empty rhetoric of Barack Obama.

I'm eager to support the McCain-Palin ticket as our Republican nominee on September 9th.

From the Union Leader

Tom Fahey looks at the Second District primary field in this morning's Union Leader:

Bosse has criticized Clegg and Horn aggressively on the campaign trail, claiming Horn has shifting positions on the issues, and that Clegg has abandoned his anti-tax pledge stance of a few years ago.

Bosse said he joined the race because, "I saw a void in the Republican Party for candidates willing to stand up for conservative free market principles, defend capitalism, push for more individual liberty and consistently call for smaller government."

He has been releasing a stream of proposed federal cuts that he predicts will save $30 billion. They include cutting subsidies for oil companies, ethanol, Amtrak and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

On the Air: New Hampshire Public Radio

New Hampshire Public Radio profiles the Second District Republican Primary. Reporter Amy Quinton notes that four candidates are running on the same issues, but that Grant Bosse is differentiating himself by making a real commitment to cut federal spending:

Thirty-six year old Bosse worked in Washington for Senator John Sununu.
He characterizes himself as the true fiscal conservative in the race.
"I am proposing 50 days and 50 ways to cut federal spending. I think if we want taxpayers to believe us again, we have to get serious about where to cut federal spending."
With less money than his opponents, he’s spent most of his time campaigning door to door and town to town – as he did at Bristol’s Old Home Days.
“I’m Grant Bosse I’m running for Congress ..okay Grant, what’s your platform. Smaller government, strong defense, and secure borders…”
Bosse says voters are starting to recognize him.

You can listen to the entire piece online here:
Windows Media

Bosse's Commitment to Cut Spending Dominates Salem Debate

Bosse: $30 billion in annual spending cuts; Opponents; $0

(Salem) Republican Grant Bosse once again outshined his primary opponents at tonight's candidates' forum, sponsored by the Salem Chamber of Commerce. Bosse's unmatched commitment to cutting federal spending dominated the debate, as once again Bosse was the only candidate to propose specific cuts to the federal budget.

"If we're going to prove to taxpayers that we're serious about cutting federal spending, we have to say where we're willing to cut," said Bosse. "And again tonight, my opponents proposed zero dollars in taxpayer savings, while I proposed $30 billion per year."

Bosse highlighted many of the programs listed in his innovative "50 Days, 50 Ways to Cut Federal Spending" initiative, such as ethanol subsidies, corporate welfare, and pork-barrel spending. Bosse also promised on his first day in Congress that he would introduce legislation blocking Congressional pay raises until Congress balances the budget.

"I'm proud to have run the most detailed, most comprehensive, grassroots conservative campaign, but I can summarize it all in just ten words. Stop spending, start drilling, get government out of the way," Bosse concluded. "But 45 years ago today, Dr. King summarized it more eloquently and more succinctly, 'Let Freedom Ring'."

For more information on Bosse's superior grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.

Dispatch from Lancaster

I know it's not yet Labor Day, but I've spotted the first orange leaves of the year while heading up to the Lancaster Fair.

Are you a shill for Big Oil?

If you support using American resources to produce energy, Nancy Pelosi thinks you are. This morning, the Union Leader Editorial Page picks up on Pelosi's insulting comments in Denver, which we mentioned yesterday:

Pelosi's detached arrogance is shared by our own Rep. Carol Shea-Porter. In an interview with the Portsmouth Herald last week, Shea-Porter laughed when asked about Republicans protesting Congress for leaving town without voting on energy legislation. She thinks it's funny that people are angry that Congress chose to go on vacation instead of act to lower high gas prices.

This is the arrogant, dismissive attitude personified by the current Democrat-controlled House. The people demand solutions; the Democrats mock them. Have you had enough yet?

Utter Contempt

Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer couldn't contain their contempt for those Americans wishing to put American resources into American gas tanks:

Seeming to enjoy the back and forth, she followed with another question: “Can we drill your brains?”

She went on to refer to the protesters, who continued to chant sporadically, as “handmaidens of Big Oil.” Arguing that increased offshore drilling would reduce gas prices by only a couple of pennies a decade from now, she referred to the demonstrators as the “2-cents-in-10-years-crowd.”

Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer swiped at the demonstrators, too, saying that “sophomoric chanting” won’t solve the energy crisis and that “all thinking Americans know” — stressing the word "thinking" and looking at the crowd — that America doesn’t have a quarter of the word’s fossil fuels yet uses a quarter of the world’s energy.

Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer; this is the "Leadership" that Paul Hodes has supported 99% of the time.

Bosse Releases Two New Radio Ads

"Stop Spending", "Start Drilling" highlight Bosse's superior conservative message

(Hillsboro) Republican Grant Bosse has released two new radio ads, each highlighting his superior conservative message. "Stop Spending" and "Start Drilling" will run now through the September 9th Republican primary.

"I'm proud to have run the most aggressive, most detailed, most grassroots campaign," said Bosse. "I'm running for Congress to stop spending, start drilling, and get government out of the way."

"Stop Spending" highlights Bosse's innovative "50 Days, 50 Ways to Cut Federal Spending" initiative, which will propose more than $30 billion in annual taxpayer savings by the September 9th primary. "Start Drilling" promotes Bosse's Comprehensive Energy Plan, which calls for drilling in Alaska and off our coasts, as well as a leveling of the tax code to allow all alternative energy to hit the free market.

The Bosse campaign has also produced web videos for its two ads, which can be seen at www.Bosse2008.Blogspot.com. For more information on Bosse's aggressive grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.


STOP SPENDING



START DRILLING

From Dartblog

Jennifer Bandy writes on Dartblog about Grant's superior conservative message, and his use of new media to get that message to voters across the Second District.

While focusing on this traditional approach to politics, he is also utilizing new media to communicate with potential constituents. He has a blog that he updates frequently with videos, stories from the trail, and issue based content. This use of the internet is indicative of his forward thinking. Bosse takes inspiration from the past, including an encounter with Ronald Reagan as a child, but he is not trapped by it. That is what we need in the politicians in the future.

Nashua Candidates Forum

On August 14th the Second Congressional candidates participated in a candidates forum in Nashua. Grant blew the other candidates away with his superior conservative message, and unmatched commitment to smaller government.

See for yourself!

From NHFacts.com

Grant submitted a guest blog on NHFacts.com, a conservative blog for Cheshire County Republicans. Grant detailed his innovative "50 Days, 50 Ways to Cut Federal Spending" initiative.

Over fifty days, I am offering fifty ways to cut federal spending. Each day, I am proposing a federal program we don’t need. Pork-barrel spending, corporate welfare, political slush funds, and even well-meaning but inefficient spending programs are all going under the ax.

I’ve suggested ending the $6.3 billion ethanol boondoggle, and the federal peanut subsidy. I’ve gone after pork like the Robert C. Byrd Scholarships and Ted Stevens’ program for whaling museums, and proposed legislation blocking Congressional pay raises until the budget is balanced.

So far, I’ve come up with more than $20 billion in annual savings to taxpayers, and I’ll propose $30 billion before the September 9th Republican Primary.

“50 Days, 50 Ways to Cut Federal Spending” offers voters a real commitment to cutting the size of the federal government. Only by committing ourselves to fiscal discipline can we rebuild the Taxpayer Majority, take back the Republican Party, and restore accountability to Congress.

Charles M. Arlinghaus: Conventions are tax-funded indulgences

Charlie Arlinghaus, whose columns are must-reads for anyone tracking the Lynch Fiscal Meltdown at the State House, turns his attention to the taxpayer subsidies for the Democratic and Republican Conventions in this morning's Union Leader:

The Democrats and the Republicans will each receive a check for $16.82 million courtesy of you and me. In addition, state and local taxpayers in Minnesota and Colorado will contribute tens of millions of dollars for the dubious privilege of having their city disrupted by the descending hordes of delegates, media and camp followers. In 2000, state and local taxpayers funded $77.6 million of the two conventions, according to the Campaign Finance Institute.

Ending this waste of tax dollars is just one of the 50 Ways we can cut federal spending.

Bosse National Security Plan

Defending this nation is the first responsibility of Congress. Providing our military with the mission, the tools, and the training it needs to protect America’s security and American interests should be the first responsibility of any candidate for Congress. The following ten national security priorities address current and future threats to American security, provide our military with the next generation capabilities it will need to keep us safe, restore Congress’s Constitutional war powers, and advance the cause of world peace by promoting stable democracies around the globe.

Win the War against Islamic Fascism
A narrow sect of Islam is trying to bring a new Dark Age upon the world, and is willing use both the powers of government and the tactics of terrorism to achieve its goals. This hateful ideology is a threat to peace and prosperity everywhere. Iraq is a central battleground in this larger war. Congress needs to build on the progress of the last 18 months, and provide our troops with the tools they need to complete their mission and come home. The recent plan by the Iraqi government and American diplomats to draw down America’s military presence in Iraq is great news, but would be undermined if American forces were to leave before the Iraqi people were able to provide for their own security.

In Afghanistan, remnants of the Taliban government continue to hide across the Pakistani border. The departure of Pervez Musharaff could provide an opportunity to remove these safe havens, as a more legitimate Pakistani government might be able to take a harder line against radical Muslim elements without destabilizing the country.

Diplomatic and military efforts continue is other parts of the globe with less attention, notably in the Horn of Africa and Southeast Asia. We need to deny radical Islamic groups from obtaining the power or the weapons they seek to bring about their hateful vision.

Defend Democracy
Democracies do not go to war with one another. America’s long-term security is enhanced in a world of peaceful democracies. We should foster free elections and free people, and defend democratic allies under siege from tyrannical neighbors. This means support for South Korea, Taiwan, Israel, and Georgia.

Our diplomatic efforts around the world should always be anchored with allies that share the fundamental American value of self-determination. The United Nations is limited in its ability to foster democracies, given that so many of its member governments deny their own people those rights. As John McCain has suggested, we should center our diplomatic strength in a league of democracies, and use our economic and political will to help plant and nurture the seeds of democracy internationally.


Provide Border Security
The American public has lost faith that Congress is serious about addressing illegal immigration. Congress approved a border fence, and has refused to fund it. The American public can not be asked to support any changes to our immigration system until this basic promise is kept.

Congress has also ignored the illegal path into our country through our ports, where the vast majority of cargo coming into the United States is uninspected. Both our customs and agricultural inspection systems need to be modernized to take advantage of information technology, which will allow faster, more efficient, and more complete inspection of goods coming from overseas.

Provide Energy Security
We need to be able to access our own energy reserves. Many oil producing nations are hostile to the United States and American interests. In fact, it is this oil wealth that often keeps oppressive and hostile regimes in power, at the expense of their people. Bringing American energy reserves online can tip that balance and provide a measure of energy independence.

Congress needs to immediately lift the ban on offshore energy production, allow exploration of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, and allow oil and coal sand deposits in the Western United States to be developed. Streamlining regulations and preventing nuisance lawsuits will provide incentives for building new refineries and nuclear power plants. Leveling the tax code and removing Congressional interference from the energy market will also spur development of alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass. This will help to displace fossil fuels imported from hostile nations.

These proposals are also included in Grant Bosse’s Comprehensive Energy Plan.

Repeal the War Powers Act
Congress has abandoned its Constitutional authority to declare war, opting instead to give the Executive Branch nearly unlimited war-making authority under the War Powers Act. Forcing the legislative branch to restore its intended role would also force Members of Congress to take responsibility for their foreign policy decisions. Congressmen would not be able to duck responsibility for an unpopular war, and would be invested in victory rather than cheerleaders for defeat.

Eliminate the Department of Homeland Security
While federal airport inspectors concentrate on footwear and water bottles, our airports remain vulnerable. The Department of Homeland Security has quickly become the third largest Cabinet Department in the U.S., but this top-heavy bureaucracy has not added to our security. Eliminating this Department would allow its constituent agencies to continue their duties unencumbered by an unnecessary layer of management. The Coast Guard could be moved under the Department of Defense. Border patrol and immigration services could be reunited under a single agency. And airlines could be made responsible for airport security. In place of the unresponsive and much derided Transportation Security Agency, airlines would be accountable to their passengers for any hassles and delays in getting through the airport terminal.

Our efforts to secure the homeland should not compromise our civil rights. Intelligence agencies should have the ability to intercept communications between terror suspects. However, evidence collected without warrants should not be used against American citizens in court. We can give our security agencies the tools they need to stop terrorist attacks without denying the rights of all Americans.


Reform the VA System to specialize in service-related care
The Veterans Administration hospitals should provide our servicemen and women the best possible service-related care. However, we can not expect a government bureaucracy to compete with the innovation and flexibility of the private sector in delivering general health care services. By concentrating limited VA resources on service-related injuries and diseases, we can improve medical outcomes for veterans, while supporting research into the unique health challenges facing the military.

This proposal is also included in Grant Bosse’s Comprehensive Health Care Plan.

Modernize the Department of Defense budget and procurement process
The Pentagon’s outdated and bureaucratic method of selecting and developing new weapons systems punishes risk-taking by project managers and rewards setbacks and cost-overruns. Providing incentives in procurement contracts to deliver ahead of schedule and under budget would shorten the time between the drawing board and the battlefield. Congress should put a stop to the inter-service rivalries that prevent ground forces from deploying small unmanned aerial vehicles for battlefield surveillance, and similar turf wars within the Pentagon.

Congress should work with the Joint Chiefs of Staff to establish long-term plans for next generation weapons systems. Setting out goals for the war-fighting capability our military will need in the next war will eliminate the need for Congressional interference through earmarking, and provide a more efficient and more transparent means of modernizing our military.

Reform the diplomatic corps
The path to advancement in the State Department leads through posh embassies in friendly and prosperous nations, while postings to dangerous and desolate nations are often unrewarded. The State Department should institute career incentives for service in these parts of the world. Members of the diplomatic corps unwilling to serve when called upon for high-risk assignments should not be rewarded with promotion.

Concentrate on human intelligence gathering
While the Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency have made great strides in signals intelligence and satellite imagery, our nation’s human intelligence capabilities have languished since the Church Committee in 1975. While high-tech intercepts can provide invaluable data to policy makers, they can not replace human intelligence. Having agents providing first-hand intelligence from countries hostile to U.S. interests can tell us whether dictators are losing their hold on power, if saber-rattling regimes really intend to attack their neighbors, and if U.S. diplomatic efforts are succeeding. Recruiting and developing human intelligence assets should be the nation’s top intelligence priority.

From the Concord Monitor

Grant recently met with the Editorial Board of the Concord Monitor. Melanie Asmar summarizes Grant's staunch defense of the free market, and unmatched commitment to reduced federal spending and smaller government.

In a meeting with the Monitor's editorial board last week, Bosse, a former radio reporter who worked as a staffer for Sen. John Sununu for five years, displayed an in-depth knowledge of policy and a devotion to capitalist principals.

Bosse said he agrees with traditional Republican views on foreign policy and social issues but believes that "at its heart, the Republican Party is a taxpayers' party." Bosse described himself as a "free-market conservative" and said he thinks Republicans should focus more on economic reform.

For starters, Bosse said, Congress needs to control spending. He pointed to his proposal for 50 different cuts to the discretionary budget that he says would save $30 billion a year, or 1 percent of the overall budget. Doing so for eight years would save enough money to finance Social Security, he said.

“50 Days, 50 Ways” Goes Back to School

Bosse targets waste in education programs

(Nashua) As New Hampshire kids prepare to go back to school next week, Republican Congressional candidate Grant Bosse today called for the elimination of three federal education programs that manage to spend more than a billion dollars a year without actually teaching anything. Bosse called for eliminating taxpayer subsidies for graduate school loans, stop paying colleges to administer financial aid programs, and close the outdated schools operating on U.S. military bases.

“Taxpayers should be forced to underwrite college students wishing to pursue advanced degrees. Loans are available for would-be doctors, lawyers, and engineers in the private sector,” Bosse said. “And why are we paying colleges to administer financial aid programs, when they are the very institutions receiving the financial aid? If these schools want to receive federal money, it’s not too much to ask that they at least handle their own paperwork.”

Bosse’s innovative “50 Days, 50 Ways to Cut Federal Spending” initiative has targeted corporate welfare and Congressional pork, but has also highlighted outdated federal programs that are no longer justified. The latest of these is the Domestic Dependant School System, under which the Defense Department administers its own schools on military bases within the United States. This systems dates from the age of segregation when children of U.S. soldiers couldn’t attend whites-only schools in some states. Closing down these unnecessary schools would save $788 million over the next decade.

“A lot of the waste in our federal budget comes from Congress trying to buy our votes, but some of it comes from good ideas whose time has past,” Bosse added. “We no longer have to operate a separate school system on our Army bases for these kids to get an education. Soldiers and their families are part of the communities where they live. They should be part of the school as well.”

To date, Bosse has saved more than $21 billion in taxpayer savings by eliminating unnecessary federal programs. To learn more about Bosse’s aggressive grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.

Democrats Launch Convention on Taxpayers' Dime

“50 Days, 50 Ways” attacks campaign welfare, breaks $20 billion

(Nashua) As the Democratic Party launched its National Convention with taxpayer funds, Republican Grant Bosse called for an end to taxpayer subsidies for political parties. The Presidential Election Campaign Fund will divert $55 million in taxpayer funds this year for Presidential candidates, and for the Democratic and Republican Conventions. This latest proposal has pushed Bosse’s innovative “50 Days, 50 Ways to Cut Federal Spending” initiative to more than $20 billion in specific federal spending cuts.

“Taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for politicians to throw a party,” Bosse said. “We need to end campaign welfare once and for all.”

The Presidential Election Campaign Fund receives its funding throw “voluntary” check-offs on IRS tax forms. Taxpayers can choose to have $3 from their taxes siphoned off into public financing. Taxpayers do not pay extra if their check the box. The money is diverted from the Treasury, leaving less money available for other government programs. It provides matching funds to qualified Presidential candidates, and subsidizes both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.

“I hope Jeanne Shaheen and Paul Hodes enjoy their week in Denver,” Bosse added. “I just wish they weren’t spending our money to do it.”

To date, Bosse has more than $20 billion in taxpayer savings by eliminating unnecessary federal programs. To learn more about Bosse’s aggressive grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.

Joe Biden Says It All

Four Veterans

I never knew William "Jack" Mitchell, John Davison, Robert Caughey, John Bissonnette. In fact, all I knew of them was that they had served their country, defending the freedoms we all enjoy, and that they died without anyone to honor them, to remember them, and to bury them. Hundreds of people came together from across New Hampshire yesterday to change that:

Four lifetimes of details died with the men who were interred yesterday at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery. Little is known about their families, their jobs or even the service that earned them full military burials, but that didn't matter to the hundreds of people who assembled in their honor.

They were veterans, three Army and one Air Force, and that was enough to draw other service members - retired, reserve and active duty - to Boscawen to bear witness to the passing of four nearly anonymous men. With flags and uniforms and prayers the crowd provided trappings common at memorials for casualties of a modern war.

I was proud and honored to be there to witness this moving tribute to four men who had been forgotten and will now be remembered.

From the Laconia Citizen

Grant met recently with the Editorial Board of the Laconia Citizen. John Koziol writes about Grant's aggressive grassroots campaign in this morning's edition.

If the voters of the Second Congressional District want a representative who will bring home the bacon, Grant Bosse says he is not your man.But if they want somebody who will help them "keep dollars in their own pockets" instead of sending them to Washington, D.C., then Bosse, during a recent meeting with the editorial board of The Citizen, said he may, indeed, be just they guy they're looking for.

Obama-Biden- The GREATEST TICKET EVER

If you don't believe me, just ask them. It's hard to believe that Barack Obama found someone more in love with his own voice than himself, but Joe Biden fits the bill. I can't wait for the new commercials:

Clean.
Articulate.
Not Ready to Be President.
Obama-Biden 08!

Biden Has Served As Obama's Top Foreign Policy Critic, Even Saying Obama Is Not Ready To Be President:

Biden Said Obama Is Not Ready To Serve As President. ABC's George Stephanopoulos: "You were asked is he ready. You said 'I think he can be ready, but right now I don't believe he is. The presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training.'" Sen. Biden: "I think that I stand by the statement." (ABC's, "This Week," 8/19/07)

Biden: "If the Democrats think we're going to be able to nominate someone who can win without that person being able to table unimpeachable credentials on national security and foreign policy, I think we're making a tragic mistake..." (Sen. Joe Biden, "The Diane Rehm Show," 8/2/07)

Biden: "Having Talking Points On Foreign Policy Doesn't Get You There." ("Biden Lashes Out At Obama," ABC News' "Political Radar" Blog, blogs.abcnews.com, 8/2/07)

Biden Attacked Obama For Voting Against Funding U.S. Troops In Iraq And Afghanistan, Accusing Him Of "Cutting Off Support That Will Save The Lives Of Thousands Of American Troops." Biden: "And, look, Tim, if you tell me I've got to take away this protection for these kids in order to win the election, some things aren't worth it. Some things are worth losing over. That would be worth losing over. Hundreds of lives are being saved and will be saved by us sending these vehicles over which we are funding with this supplemental legislation. And I want to ask any of my other colleagues, would they, in fact, vote to cut off the money for those troops to protect them? That's the right question. This isn't cutting off the war. This is cutting off support that will save the lives of thousands of American troops." (NBC's "Meet The Press," 9/9/07)

Biden On Obama's Leadership On Iraq: "I Don't Recall Hearing A Word From Barack About A Plan Or A Tactic." (Jason Horowitz, "Biden Unbound: Lays Into Clinton, Obama, Edwards," The New York Observer, 2/4/07)

Biden On Whether He Would Meet Unconditionally With The Leaders Of Rogue States As Obama Said He Would: "Absolutely Positively No." Biden: "Would I make a blanket commitment to meet unconditionally with the leaders of each of those countries within the first year I was elected president? Absolutely positively no." (Sen. Joe Biden, Remarks At The National Press Club, Washington, DC, 8/1/07)

Bosse Sets Priorities for Federal Spending

“50 Days, 50 Ways” Approaches $20 Billion

(Concord) Republican Grant Bosse today called for more an additional $800 million in savings as his groundbreaking “50 Days, 50 Ways to Cut Federal Spending” Initiative approached $20 billion in annual savings to taxpayers. Bosse called for the elimination of the Economic Development Administration, the consolidation of Military Exchanges, and level funding of the Federal Building Fund.

“At a time when Americans are facing touch choices on how to stretch their paychecks, I don’t think it’s too much to ask of the federal government to hold the line on new building construction,” Bosse said. “Tough times call for touch choices. Congress should also set priorities for its spending.”

The Economic Development Administration spends $201 million a year, supposedly to generate job growth in “depressed areas”, but its funds are regularly raided by Members of Congress seeking to send tax dollars back to their supporters. The Pentagon currently operates three separate Military Exchanges, one for the Army and Air Force, one for the Navy, and another for the Marines. Consolidating these into a single Military Exchange would save $76 million a year without affecting the goods and services available to our military forces. The Federal Building Fund is a revolving loan fund that receives payments from federal agencies as well as Congressional Appropriations. Funding it at 2005 levels would save an estimated $552 million dollars.

“These three programs certainly aren’t the sexiest targets for budget savings, but making these changes will lead to real savings for American taxpayers.” Bosse added. “It’s time we elected budget hawks who are willing to tackle out-of-control spending, and who pay more than lip service to cutting the federal budget.”

To date, Bosse has proposed $19,995,700,000 in taxpayer savings by eliminating unnecessary federal programs. To learn more about Bosse’s aggressive grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.

"Let's See How Far We've Come"

Grant is proud to release his latest web video, "How Far We've Come". Set to the Matchbox Twenty song of the same name, "How Far We've Come" showcases Grant's superior conservative message, and aggressive grassroots campaign.

Revoke the Games?

Russia should not be allowed to invade peaceful, democratic neighbors without repercussions. Revoking the 2014 Winter Olympics isn't nearly enough, given the number of people killed because of the Russian invasion of Georgia, but it is a start. Here's a way to add you voice to that effort:

http://www.revokethegames.com/

Grant Bosse Returns to the Airwaves

Commercial highlights Bosse's conservative message, commitment to smaller government

(Concord) Award-winning reporter Grant Bosse returns to the New Hampshire airwaves today with the first radio ad for his Congressional campaign. The 60-spot, titled "Broken" highlights Bosse's conservative message for the Republican Party, his commitment to cutting federal spending, and his plan to increase domestic energy production, both from offshore drilling and alternative energies.

"I got my start covering New Hampshire politics on local radio, and it's good to be back on the air," Bosse said. "Whether it's on the radio, in the mail, or going door to door, I'm committed to reaching as many people as possible between now and September 9th in order to earn their vote."



The ads will run in various radio markets across New Hampshire between now and the Republican Primary on September 9th. For more information on Bosse's superior grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.

Bosse Continues Fight Against Corporate Welfare

“50 Days, 50 Ways” Cuts Taxpayer Subsidies to Private Business


(Hillsboro) Republican Grant Bosse today continued his fight against corporate welfare and Congressional pork, calling for the elimination of three more federal programs that cost taxpayers $73 million a year. So far, Bosse has proposed 31 specific cuts in federal spending, which would save taxpayers more than $19.1 billion every year.

“The best way for American business to compete internationally is for Congress to remove the regulatory hurdles that stand in their way. Taxpayers should be let off the hook,” Bosse argued. “Corporate welfare doesn’t stimulate the American economy. It allows Congress to reward businesses owned by their friends and political allies, and punish businesses run by their competitors.”

Bosse would eliminate the Foreign Market Development Program, which subsidizes U.S. agricultural exports at a cost of $24 million year, the Appalachian Regional Commission, a $39 million pork-barrel project that duplicates existing development and highway projects, and the Emergency Steel Guarantee Program, which spends $10 million a year even though steel prices have risen 67% since 2003.

“When politicians argue that we need their pork barrel projects or corporate welfare, we should ask if it’s worth sending the bill to the next generation,” Bosse added. “So far, I’ve proposed $19.1 billion in annual savings from our bloated federal budget. I’m still waiting for my Republican challengers to offer their ideas.”

To date, Bosse has proposed more than $19.1 billion in taxpayer savings by eliminating unnecessary federal programs. To learn more about Bosse’s aggressive grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.

Nashua Candidates' Q&A

New Hampshire Public Television has posted highlights of last week's Candidates' Q&A from Nashua City Hall online. You can watch streaming video here. Real Player is required.

Thanks again to Gene Chandler for moderating, and for the Nashua Republican City Committee for organizing the event. I'd also like to thank New Hampshire Public Television for doing a pretty good job editing a two-hour event down to a half-hour. They even treated me pretty well, even though I called for the elimination of taxpayer subsidies for public television.

They should be posting the entire event online soon, and I encourage all interested voters to watch all four candidates and make an informed decision on September 9th.

Bosse Targets Tax Fraud

“50 Days, 50 Ways” Goes After Unearned Income Tax Credits


(Concord) Republican Grant Bosse today called for the elimination of unearned and under-served tax credits that cost law-abiding taxpayers $8.5 billion a year. The Earned Income Tax Credit provides incentives for low-income families to move from welfare to work by tying tax credits to earned income. This “reverse income tax” was strongly advocated by free-market economic Milton Friedman, and has broad bipartisan support.

“The Earned Income Tax Credit makes it easier for people to climb onto the economic ladder, but handing out tax credits to people who aren’t eligible defeats the purpose of the program,” Bosse said. “We shouldn’t be taking money from taxpayers just to hand it out to people who haven’t earned it.”

The Government Accountability Office recommends that Congress establish better verification for the Earned Income Tax Credit, and provide clearer definitions of which families are eligible. These steps would save taxpayers $8.5 to $9.9 billion a year. The IRS estimates that more than a quarter of the credits paid go to people who are not eligible, despite a five-year effort to reduce improper payments.

“The Earned Income Tax Credit is a good idea, since it provides incentives for work rather than welfare,” Bosse added. “But let’s make sure our money is going to people who deserve it, and save $8.5 billion a year while we’re at it.”

To date, Bosse has proposed more than $19 billion in taxpayer savings by eliminating unnecessary federal programs. To learn more about Bosse’s aggressive grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.

From the Concord Monitor

Shira Schoenberg profiles Grant's superior grassroots campaign in this morning's Concord Monitor:

Reaching voters

One recent day, Bosse had a typically busy schedule: A 9 a.m. website post on his newest proposal to cut federal spending, a workout at the gym, followed by door-to-door campaigning from 10 a.m. to noon. During a lunch break, Bosse typed e-mails and a blog post and chatted with a journalist. Then, more door-to-door campaigning and a radio interview done while sitting in a car in the Boys and Girls Club parking lot before taking a tour there. A short break before driving to Manchester to throw the first pitch at a New Hampshire Fisher Cats game.

That day, Bosse knocked on 65 doors, greeting voters with a smile and a flier, asking them to call him with questions. Occasionally, he chatted about health care or energy.

From GraniteGrok

GraniteGrok talked to Grant again in yesterday's installment of "Meet the New Press". Grant updated his "50 Days, 50 Ways to Cut Federal Spending" initiative, which will approach $20 billion in annual savings this week. Stay tuned.

Get Grokked this Saturday

Meet the New Press launches another two hours of radio designed to make the Old Media nervous. Grant will be joining them shortly after take off at 9am.

Click here to listen online.

Victory for the White Mountain National Forest

A big win for the White Mountain National Forest, multiple use, and local control.

A big defeat for Jeanne Shaheen's radical agenda, disguised as environmentalism.

But the fight against nuisance lawsuits blocking responsible use of our natural resources isn't close to over.

Bosse: $10.5 Billion in Savings, Opponents: $0

(Hillsboro) Republican Grant Bosse today topped $10.5 billion in the innovative “50 Days, 50 Ways to Cut Federal Spending” Initiative. Bosse called for the elimination of three more corporate welfare programs as his fifty day crusade against wasteful federal spending reached the halfway mark. Meanwhile, his Republican opponents failed to name a single dollar they would cut from the federal budget.

“If we’re going to rebuild the Taxpayer Majority that has been the foundation of every Republican victory in our lifetimes, we need to tell voters exactly where we’re willing to cut the federal budget,” Bosse added. “I’ve already proposed more than $10.5 billion in annual savings, while my opponents couldn’t find a single program that they would vote against.”

Bosse outlined “50 Days, 50 Ways” at Thursday night’s Nashua Republican Committee Town Hall Meeting, promising more than $30 billion in real spending cuts by the end of the Republican Primary. Despite a question asking how they would control spending, neither Bob Clegg, Jennifer Horn, nor Jim Steiner could name a single federal dollar in savings they would support.

Bosse is calling for the elimination of three additional corporate welfare programs that provide taxpayer subsidies to private business. Bosse would eliminate the $28 million Export Enhancement Program, the $30 million Minority Business Development Agency, and the $53 million Market Access Program.

“American business should be free to prosper without Congressional interference, and without fear that Congress is underwriting their competition. We can’t afford corporate welfare,” Bosse added. “I am willing to stand up to this wasteful spending. It’s surprising my opponents are unwilling to support even a single dollar in cuts from our $3 trillion federal budget.”

To date, Bosse has proposed more than $10.5 billion in taxpayer savings by eliminating unnecessary federal programs. To learn more about Bosse’s aggressive grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.

Bosse's Conservative Message Dominates Nashua Debate

"Stop Spending, Start Drilling, Get Government Out of the Way"

(Nashua) Republican Grant Bosse emerged the clear winner at tonight's Second Congressional District debate, held at Nashua City Hall. Bosse's conservative message dominated the event, as he remained the only candidate to say exactly where he proposes to reduce the size of government, and cut federal spending.

"If we're going to win back the Taxpayer Majority that has been the backbone of every Republican victory in our lifetime, we need to tell taxpayers where we're willing to cut the federal budget," Bosse said. "I'm proposing more than $30 billion a year in taxpayer savings. Tonight, my opponents proposed not a single dollar."

Another highlight of the debate was Bosse taking Jennifer Horn to task for her flip-flop on Second Amendment rights. Bosse read a direct quote from Horn saying she supports "common sense restrictions to protect kids from guns". Horn complained that she was misquoted.

"I'm amazed at the shift of the political winds since the Heller decision. Even Barack Obama and Paul Hodes now say they favor the Second Amendment," Bosse added. "New Hampshire voters have had enough of candidates like Jennifer Horn taking a firm stand on both sides of the issue."

Bosse also outlined his Comprehensive Energy Plan, Comprehensive Health Care Plan, and innovative "50 Days, 50 Ways to Cut Federal Spending" initiative. Bosse said his conservative grassroots campaign, while the most detailed of the Republican contenders, can be summarized in just ten words. "Stop Spending, Start Drilling, Get Government Out of the Way," Bosse concluded.

For more information on Bosse's superior grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.

From WMUR

Adam Sexton from WMUR followed Grant's aggressive, grassroots campaign this morning, and put together the following profile.

Tonight at 6...

WMUR will run a profile tonight during the Six O'Clock News. Tune in before heading over the Nashua City Hall for the GOP Debate at 7.

A tragic day in Hillsborough and Hopkinton

Tragedy struck our area this morning, as a Hillsboro native and Hopkinton police officer was killed while driving home from the job. Our deepest condolences to the family of Sean Powers, who not only served his community with pride, but served two tours in Iraq as a United States Marine.

Please keep Officer Powers and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Bosse Backs More Choice in Health Care, What About Bob?

(Nashua) Republican Grant Bosse today called on rival Bob Clegg to drop his push for increased health care mandates which are driving up health insurance costs for New Hampshire families. Bosses’s Comprehensive Health Care Plan would allow all Americans to buy health insurance across state lines, avoiding the costly mandates that Clegg has helped impose in New Hampshire.

“We can’t mandate our way to lower health insurance costs. We need to expand consumer choice, and leave health care decisions to patients and their doctors,” Bosse said. “Bob Clegg has consistently voted for more mandates and more government interference in health care, and that’s going to mean higher health insurance premiums for all of us.”

Clegg supported Governor John Lynch’s recent health insurance legislation which creates a state bureaucracy to design a health care plan for all New Hampshire insurance companies, set the price for that plan, and require every company in the state to offer it. Clegg was also the lead sponsor of the bariatric surgery mandate that Lynch let pass into law without his signature. Both bills will decrease health care options for New Hampshire families, and lead to higher health insurance premiums.

“Bob Clegg’s health care mandates were too much for even John Lynch to support, but we’ll be paying for them anyway,” Bosse added. “I want to expand health care options for New Hampshire families, and help make health insurance affordable by getting Congress out of the way. What about Bob?”

To learn more about Bosse’s aggressive grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.

In the news: Farm Bureau and Timberland Owners Picnic

Grant addressed the New Hampshire Farm Bureau and New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association Picnic in Belmont this week.

From the Concord Monitor:

Grant Bosse, a former legislative aid who is seeking the Republican nomination in the 2nd District, blasted federal farm policy, which he said gave big incentives to only a few select crops. The message, the Hillsboro Republican said, is simple: "If you don't grow corn, you don't count."

From the Laconia Citizen:

Bosse said the Farm Bill was "an abomination" because it said to the many farmers in New Hampshire that "if you don't grow corn, you don't count."

By subsidizing some prices, "we are paying to make food more expensive," said Bosse.

Gunman Kills Arkansas Democratic Party Chairman

Having worked in the front office of the New Hampshire Republican Party, in John Sununu's U.S. Senate office, and in other campaign offices over the years, I understand that such offices attract not only those interested in winning elections and shaping public policy, but some disturbed and sometimes violent people. Tragically, one of those people acted on his violent impulses, opening fire at the Arkansas Democratic Headquarters and killing the State Party Chairman Bill Gwatney:

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - A man barged into the Arkansas Democratic headquarters and opened fire Wednesday, fatally shooting the state party chairman before speeding off in his pickup. Police later shot and killed the suspect after a 30-mile chase.

Police said they don't know the motive for the 51-year-old suspect, whose name has not been released. However, they said moments after the shooting, he pointed a handgun at the building manager at the nearby the Arkansas Baptist headquarters. He told the manager "I lost my job," said Dan Jordan, a Baptist convention official.

Chairman Bill Gwatney died four hour after the shooting. The 48-year-old former state senator had been planning to travel to the Democratic National Convention later this month as a Hillary Clinton superdelegate.

My prayers are with Mr. Gwantey's family and his colleagues. I'm reminded of the standoff earlier this year in Senator Clinton's New Hampshire office. The men and women who give their time and energy to the political process shouldn't be in the line of fire.

Gateway Pundit has a comprehensive roundup. It appears that the suspect lost his job at Gwatney's dealership, and his motives were not political. Not that motives will comfort Mr. Gwatney's family.

What About Bob?

Why Won’t Clegg Take Taxpayer Protection Pledge?

(Keene) Republican Grant Bosse today asked why rival Bob Clegg has so far refused to take the “Taxpayer Protection Pledge”. Bosse has pledged to oppose any increase in federal taxes. Clegg signed the pledge from Americans for Tax Reform as a candidate for State Senate, but hasn’t made a similar commitment in his campaign for Congress this year.

“Why won’t Bob Clegg take the Taxpayer Protection Pledge? He’s taken it in the past. Why is he now open to increasing taxes if elected to Congress?” Bosse asked. “I’ve made a firm commitment to not only oppose tax increases, but to actually cut federal spending. What about Bob?”

Bosse is proposing 50 specific spending cuts over the final 50 days of the Republican Primary campaign. He signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge on Tax Day, April 15th. Americans for Tax Reform lists Bob Clegg as signing the pledge as a state candidate, but does not list him taking the federal Taxpayer Protection Pledge. Jeb Bradley, Jennifer Horn, and John Stephen are also pledge signers.

“Washington doesn’t have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem. The answer can’t be higher taxes,” Bosse said. “I’ve committed to both cutting spending and opposing any tax increase. What about Bob?”

To learn more about Bosse’s aggressive grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.

Earmarks: How Congress Legalized Corruption

To absolutely no one's surprise, Barack Obama has been securing federal funds for his top fundraisers:

In 2006, Sen. Obama requested an earmark $300,000 to replace and update the projector system at the Adler Planetarium. In 2008, he requested $3,000,000 for replacement of the projector system and other equipment in the Sky Theater. For reference, this is three times the amount he earmarked for the HIV/AIDS Policy and Research Institute at Chicago State University.

While the Adler Planetarium earmarks look normal on the surface, there is a catch. The Chairman and two of the Vice Chairman of the Adler Planetarium Board of Trustees raised a total of almost $250,000 for Sen. Obama’s 2008 Presidential campaign. The Adler Planetarium was probably pleasantly surprised when they found that their earmark increased by $2.7 million dollars, in other words, by a factor of ten.

Bob Clegg continues to defend earmarks, and thinks we can reform the process. That's not even close to good enough. We need to abolish earmarks, and shut down these political slush funds once and for all.

Hattip: Instapundit

Bosse Tackles Pork in Energy Bill

“50 Days, 50 Ways” Looks for Efficient Energy Policy

(Hillsboro) Republican Grant Bosse today focused his “50 Days, 50 Ways to Cut Federal Spending” Initiative on energy policy, targeting three programs that waste taxpayer dollars while interfering with the energy marketplace. Bosse’s Comprehensive Energy Plan would remove Congressional interference in energy research, and provide incentive-based support for real energy breakthroughs. Bosse recommends cutting the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, the Energy Star Program, and the Office of Surface Mining Coal Reclamation Grants, saving taxpayers $278 million a year.

“Congress should not decide where America will get its energy over the next century. Congress should level the playing field so that the most efficient new sources of energy have a chance to prosper,” Bosse said. “By funneling federal support to cherry-picked projects like the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, Congress makes it harder for inventors and entrepreneurs to make real breakthroughs that will help make America energy independent.”

The Hydrogen Research Initiative spends $183 million a year to research using hydrogen as a fuel source for automobiles. The Energy Star Program costs $75 million a year, and the Office of Surface Mining Coal Reclamation Grants spends $20 million a year, and has more than doubled over the past two years.

“Producing hydrogen for automotive use loses 75-percent of its energy, and can actually increase fossil fuel consumption depending on how the hydrogen is made. Why should Congress push us towards hydrogen cars when more efficient alternatives are available?” Bosse asked. “We need to get Congress out of the way if we’re going to make America energy independent.”

To date, Bosse has proposed more than $10.4 billion in taxpayer savings by eliminating unnecessary federal programs. To learn more about Bosse’s aggressive grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.

From the Keene Sentinel

David Greisman of the Keene Sentinel writes about Grant's recent visit with the Sentinel's Editorial Board:

Grant Bosse spent half a decade working for Sen. John E. Sununu as a congressional staffer in Washington, D.C. As the Hillsboro native runs for his own seat in the nation’s capital, he is advocating that the federal government play less of a role in the lives of Americans.

“I think there are areas where the government can establish a safety net, but that doesn’t mean the government should be the first solution,” Bosse of Hillsboro said Friday in a meeting with Sentinel editors.

“There are voices for reform down there (in Washington) right now that are standing up and saying, ‘I don’t need to have the right answer. I’m going to turn power back to the people, and we’re going to have a smaller government, and Congress is going to be making fewer decisions,’ ” he said. “Because it’s not our job to make those decisions for you. I’d add another voice to that chorus.”

From GraniteGrok

The guys at GraniteGrok recognized Grant's latest installment in "50 Days, 50 Ways to Cut Federal Spending".

I think that this is a great idea! After all, don't we often hear the Liberals in Congress wailing about the high salaries and perks of corporate CEOs that don't really deserve all that money? Especially when their companies are not doing all that well? After all, those bad meanies are doing nothing but ripping off the little people. Well...

Goose, meet gander.

Frankly, Grant get(s) to the heart of the matter, the place where the decision to spend is made, but doesn't expand outward enough. Not only should the members of the US House of Representatitives be put on a fiscal diet (as they advocate for the same for CEOs), Senators, too, should be on the hook.

Now, here's the kicker. Not only are the Elected get on the fiscal wagon, but also their staffers. It is they, the folks that make the paper fly, the schedules made and kept, and answer the phones, that often create the bills that spend the money and then advise the Elected how to vote on them. Thus, let's give them an incentive as well to be frugal too - THEY, too, only a get a raise when our pockets stopped being picked. And being the modern equivalent of "flappers", they have the power to have a material effect on the process.

After all, we are the little people....and they have raised their salaries over the years whereby THEY are among the most highly compensated "workers" (cough, cough) in the country (and the world) - and look at the deficit they have put us in!

What About Bob?

Bosse Challenges Clegg to Take No Earmarks Pledge


(Concord) Republican Grant Bosse today challenged rival Bob Clegg to renounce his support for a failed earmark system that has corrupted how Congress spends taxpayers’ money. Bosse is the first candidate in New Hampshire to take the “No Earmarks Pledge”, promising to not only vote against pork-barrel spending in Congress, but also pledging to forego secret earmarks for himself.

“Why does Bob Clegg insist on defending a corrupt earmarks system, which uses worthy federal projects to cloak wasteful pork-barrel spending from public outrage?” Bosse said. “I want to abolish earmarks once and for all. What about Bob?”

Earmarks are individual spending projects, placed in the Conference Reports accompanying federal appropriations. Because they are not included in the text of the bill itself, earmarks do not receive open votes on the House and Senate floors, can not be amended, and are not subject to the same notice and disclosure requirements as other legislation. FreedomWorks has sponsored the “No Earmarks Pledge” in an effort to break Congress’s addiction to earmarks. Bosse is the first New Hampshire Congressional candidate to take the “No Earmarks Pledge” and has been joined by Republicans John Stephen and Jim Steiner.

“Abolishing earmarks will give the public a look at the backroom deals that fuel out of control spending. It will also prevent members of Congress from hiding their pork among the worthy federal projects that would have no problem receiving funding in an open budget process,” Bosse added. “I wiil fight to abolish earmarks, and refuse to participate in this corrupt practice. What about Bob?”

To learn more about Bosse’s aggressive grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.

Bosse: No Pay Raises Until Congress Balances the Budget

“50 Days, 50 Ways” Targets Congressional Pay Raises


(Hillsboro) Republican Grant Bosse today proposed new legislation that would block Congressional pay raises unless Congress balances the federal budget. Blocking Congressional pay raises would save taxpayers $2 million a year.

“Until Congress gets a handle on federal spending, balances the budget, and addresses the long-term liabilities of Social Security and Medicare, how can it possibly justify giving itself a raise?’ Bosse asked. “Not only will I refuse any raise until the budget is balanced, I’ll fight to end the automatic pay raises that Congress has guaranteed itself.”

Under current law, Congress received an automatic increase in pay every two years, unless it votes to block that raise. Both Republican and Democratic leadership have repeatedly blocked open votes on Congressional pay in the past. This is the 22nd budget cut Bosse has proposed since launching his “50 Days, 50 Ways to Cut Federal Spending” Initiative.

“It’s only $2 million a year, but maybe if Congress had to earn a raise like American workers, it would be a little more responsible with our money,” Bosse added. “Until they balance the federal budget, they haven’t earned it, and I won’t take it if elected.”

To date, Bosse has proposed more than $10.2 billion in taxpayer savings by eliminating unnecessary federal programs. To learn more about Bosse’s aggressive grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.

From the Associated Press

Grant responded to the Associated Press' candidate survey on economic issues. Grant argued about how the economic stimulus checks protect incumbent Congressmen, and how Congress needs to get out of the way of the housing market.

Bosse, a former legislative assistant to Sen. John Sununu, said Congress threw money at the struggling economy without lessening the taxes, mandates and over-regulation that slowed it down in the first place.

"This year's economic stimulus package seemed designed primarily to stimulate campaign contributions to incumbent Congressmen," he said. "The first and best step Congress can take to stimulate the economy is simply to get out of the way."

Bosse said the current protections are adequate to provide a safety net for consumers and promote faith in our banks. Bailouts only undermine that confidence, he said, but showing that bankers who make bad decisions won't have to pay the consequences.

"Failure is as important to market capitalism as success," he said.

The Russian Invasion of Georgia

UPDATE: Barack Obama has flopped his flip on the Russian invasion of Georgia, and is now trying to parrot John McCain's immediate condemnation of Russia's aggression.

Gateway Pundit contrasts yesterday's meaningless drivel with today's strong stand for our democratic ally of Georgia:

Nowhere in Obama's original statement did he exclusively condemn Russia but rather took the citizen of the world approach and left America's ally Georgia to fend for itself.

Here is that statement:

"I strongly condemn the outbreak of violence in Georgia, and urge an immediate end to armed conflict. Now is the time for Georgia and Russia to show restraint, and to avoid an escalation to full scale war. Georgia's territorial integrity must be respected. All sides should enter into direct talks on behalf of stability in Georgia, and the United States, the United Nations Security Council, and the international community should fully support a peaceful resolution to this crisis."

But, that was yesterday.

Now Politico is reporting that Barack Obama has released a fresh new statement and has decided to choose sides:

"I condemn Russia's aggressive actions and reiterate my call for an immediate ceasefire... Russia must stop its bombing campaign, cease flights of Russian aircraft in Georgian airspace, and withdraw its ground forces from Georgia."

Suddenly, Barack is sounding McCainish.
Surprised?

Drew thinks someone must have looked it up and told Obama which side we are on.

Under an Obama Presidency, rest assured that Barack will stand strong for America's allies, once he has 24 hours to check with John McCain.

UPDATE: I missed this telling quote from the Obama campaign:

It’s both sides’ fault — both have been somewhat provocative with each other

Moral relativism, appeasement in the face of aggression, and failed foreign policy: Barack Obama- Change You Can Believe In!

Russia has invaded its democratic neighbor in order to secure a key oil pipeline. Anything else you hear is just window dressing. The folks at Powerline are doing great work updating the situation:

Georgia claims to have shot down a number of Russian airplanes, and apparently has captured at least one Russian pilot. There are unconfirmed reports of Russian ships steaming toward the coast of Georgia.

What is most striking about the crisis is how strongly it recalls the bad old days of the Soviet Union. Vladimir Putin has cast aside any pretense of having given up the reins of power, and is directing the Russian Army.

I'm disappointed that President Bush has not more clearly placed responsibility for this war on Russian aggression, but I understand that the U.S. might need to serve as arbiter once the shooting stops. John McCain once again demonstrates his superior foreign policy instincts:

While Obama offered a response largely in line with statements issued by democratically elected world leaders, including President Bush, first calling on both sides to negotiate, John McCain took a remarkably — and uniquely — more aggressive stance, siding clearly with Georgia’s pro-Western leaders and placing the blame for the conflict entirely on Russia.

More from Powerline:

In case that wasn't clear, he adds: "McCain’s initial statement...put him more closely in line with the moral clarity and American exceptionalism projected by President Bush’s first term."

In another weird echo of the Brezhnev years, Obama adviser Mark Brzezinski-- Zbigniew's son--said, "It’s both sides’ fault — both have been somewhat provocative with each other." Sure. Just like the Czechs provoked the Germans in 1938.

The Russians, needless to say, are not neutral as between McCain and Obama. Ben Smith recounts that Russia's Washington public relations firm contacted reporters to remind them that McCain foreign policy adviser Randy Scheunemann has lobbied for Georgia. Unbelievably, the Obama campaign aligned itself squarely with Vladimir Putin, putting out a statement that echoed the Russian PR firm's:

"John McCain's top foreign policy adviser lobbied for, and has a vested interest in, the Republic of Georgia and McCain has mirrored the position advocated by the government,' said Obama spokesman Hari Sevugan.

In the common sense-free world of Barack Obama, advocating for a fledgling democracy that is trying to align itself with the West and is threatened by the imperial aspirations of Russia constitutes a "conflict of interest."

The McCain camp responded with this statement:

"The Obama campaign's attacks on Randy Scheunemann are disgraceful. Mr. Scheunemann proudly represented a small democracy that is one of our closest allies in a very dangerous region. Today, many are dead and Georgia is in crisis, yet the Obama campaign has offered nothing more than cheap and petty political attacks that are echoed only by the Kremlin. The reaction of the Obama campaign to this crisis, so at odds with our democratic allies and yet so bizarrely in sync with Moscow, doesn't merely raise questions about Senator Obama's judgment--it answers them."

From the Keene Sentinel

Bosse: Get government out of the way

By David P. Greisman
Sentinel Staff

Grant Bosse spent half a decade working for Sen. John E. Sununu as a congressional staffer in Washington, D.C. As the Hillsboro native runs for his own seat in the nation’s capital, he is advocating that the federal government play less of a role in the lives of Americans.

“I think there are areas where the government can establish a safety net, but that doesn’t mean the government should be the first solution,” Bosse of Hillsboro said Friday in a meeting with Sentinel editors.

“There are voices for reform down there (in Washington) right now that are standing up and saying, ‘I don’t need to have the right answer. I’m going to turn power back to the people, and we’re going to have a smaller government, and Congress is going to be making fewer decisions,’ ” he said. “Because it’s not our job to make those decisions for you. I’d add another voice to that chorus.”

Bosse must first best the four other Republicans seeking to challenge Democratic incumbent Paul W. Hodes for New Hampshire’s 2nd District seat of the U.S. House of Representatives: Bob Clegg of Hudson, Jennifer Horn of Nashua, Alfred L’Eplattenier of Rindge and Jim Steiner of Concord. They will face off in the state primary election on Sept. 9.

If elected to Congress, Bosse said, he will work to make smaller government the rule on issues such as education, energy and health care.

“There are other services that are popping up where we let them, where government gets out of the way, the minute clinics that are being offered through some of the pharmacies, Wal-Mart and CVS and Rite-Aid,” Bosse said. “And you get a licensed doctor, and you can come in for 10 or 20 bucks and get a quick check-up.

“If you just need a basic diagnosis, you don’t have to wait, and it’s meeting those health-care needs at reasonable costs, letting the market find a solution,” he said.

“The tremendous amount of money we pour into health care here in the United States without getting noticeably better health-care outcomes. I don’t trust the government to make those decisions. Some things are too important.”

When it comes to education, certain unfunded mandates involving special education and federal standards are unproductive, Bosse said.

“We have some ridiculous restrictions on local school boards that have nothing to do with education,” Bosse said.

“We’re delivering health care and babysitting services, but not education, in the form of special-education mandates. I think we can provide the best education reasonable for that kid, but if it’s a health-care concern and not an education concern, I don’t think that cost necessarily lies with the school district.”

As for No Child Left Behind, it “was a bad bill,” he said. “I don’t mind testing. I think we should have testing. But we should then give those test results to parents and let them decide how to respond to them. We can give them information, but we shouldn’t be having Washington involved in the daily education of our students.”
Similarly, Bosse said Congress shouldn’t restrict the development of alternative energy sources by offering incentives for some types of energy but not others.

“Right now we have tremendous tax credits for residential solar, and we push people to put in solar panels,” he said. “The sun doesn’t shine everywhere all the time. We should level that out.

“They want to put in wind power. They want to put in biomass. Leveling and making permanent the tax code would send signals to entrepreneurs that if they find a better way to generate clean energy, there will be a market for it.”

And drilling for more domestic oil in the meantime would provide lower gas prices, Bosse said.

“You’re going to increase production, and the futures market will immediately start lowering prices,” he said. “Just lifting the executive embargo on offshore drilling, by moving us one step closer, has caused something like a 20 percent decline over the last month and a half. Not entirely, but it was a big part of it. Another part of that was Americans started driving a little less.”

With the economy likely to be one of the major issues in the upcoming election, Bosse said a vote for him will bring back the core Republican principle of financial prudence.

“We stopped giving Republican voters a reason to support us when we abandoned those principles and we got into a bidding war with Democrats for the affection of New Hampshire’s voters with earmarks and pork-barrel projects and out-of-control federal spending,” Bosse said.

“We really lost credibility as the party of smaller government and lower taxes, and rightfully so. I’m running to restore that credibility.
Copyright © 2008 - The Keene Sentinel

AP Foreign Policy Questionairre

The Associated Press recently ran a story covering the foreign policy priorities for the Second Congressional District candidates. I'm happy to share my complete responses to their questions:

1. What realistic progress can be made in Iraq in the next six months? What action, if any, should Congress take, either in the meantime, or at the end of those six months?

US and Iraqi forces have made remarkable progress over the past 18 months, largely due to an increase in American troops and a change in tactics on the ground. The military, diplomatic, and political progress would be squandered if we were to withdraw before Iraq was ready to secure its own borders and protect its own cities. The Iraqi army and police are closer to this goal than ever before, and we could see significant shifts in American deployments over the next six months to a year. Congress should not endanger this progress by micromanaging ongoing operations.

By responding to the needs of American and Iraqi commanders, Congress can give our troops the tools they need to complete their mission in Iraq and come home. Paul Hodes and Nancy Pelosi have played political games with troop funding. We should never again use such urgently needed legislation as an excuse to add on pork-barrel spending.

2. For the last two months, more U.S. and NATO troops have been killed in Afghanistan than in Iraq. Attacks by the Taliban have grown more complex and deadly. The United States has asked NATO allies to send more combat forces to Afghanistan. Should Congress withhold support for NATO or put restrictions on funding to allies that don't support U.S. efforts? What else should Congress do regarding Afghanistan?

Progress in Afghanistan is complicated by that nation's mountainous terrain, the continued reliance of many farmers on opium, and the proximity of the Pakistani border. By crossing the border into an unstable region of Pakistan, the remnants of the Taliban and the foreign fighters who've joined it are able to find safe haven from NATO forces. The tenuous political situation in Pakistan makes it even harder for NATO forces to prevent this. More troops from our NATO allies would be very useful, but it is even more important to have a stable Pakistan assisting our efforts in the region. We can not allow that government to fall to Islamic radicals.

Congress should use its diplomatic leverage to assist American efforts to increase allied assistance in Afghanistan, but withholding aid to our NATO allies would be counterproductive.

3. Iran's recent war games and tests of a long-range missile have raised worries of yet another Middle Eastern conflict _ this time involving Iran, Israel and perhaps the United States and Israel's allies. Would you vote to support military action against Iran? If so, under what circumstances? If not, how would you as a member of Congress steer the two countries away from war and down a different path?

Iran is pursuing a dangerous and destabilizing nuclear weapons program, continues to push ahead with its long-range missile program, and nuclear processing capability. It has refused to engage in good-faith negotiations with the U.S. and the European Union, and clings to its commitment to destroy Israel. Clearly, diplomatic efforts are limited when only one side is interested in peace.

Before I could support any military action, I would need to be convinced not only that such action were in the national interest, and in response to a clear threat, but that there was a clear and achievable mission. I have not yet seen such a mission described in Iran.

Should a U.S. President ever ask for the authority to use military force, I would insist on an up-or-down vote on a Declaration of War. The current Congress has attempted to duck responsibility for its own actions by claiming that it never really endorsed the war in Iraq. Congress has ceded its war powers to the Executive Branch, and should no longer be allowed to shirk its Constitutional responsibility.

Video Diary/On the Air

See Grant on the radio. Charlie Sherman and Angela Anderson allowed us to tape Grant's recent appearance on WGIR. Here's Part 1 of the interview.

“50 Days, 50 Ways” Now Part of a Balanced Breakfast

Bosse Targets Milk, Sugar, and Orange Juice Subsidies

(Keene) Republican Grant Bosse today targeted the federal government’s wasteful subsidies and price supports on milk, sugar, and orange juice. These programs not only waste taxpayer dollars, but drive up the price of basic foods for all Americans. Bosse proposes deregulating milk pricing, ending sugar subsidies, and terminating the Citrus Canker Compensation Program. Eliminating these subsidies and programs would save taxpayers $1.3 billion annually.

“A failed farm policy and a falling dollar make it more expensive for American families to buy even basic staples like milk, juice, and sugar. We need to get Congress out of the way in order to get food prices under control,” Bosse said. “Eliminating these three programs will not only save more than a billion dollars every year, but it will make each trip to the grocery store a little more affordable.”

The federal government regulates milk pricing through a complex series of subsidies, price supports, and regulations. Ending this practice would allow dairy farmers to seek the best price for their products, free from Congressional interference. In addition to direct subsidies for sugar, Congress also protects sugar producers from competition by blocking imports, forcing Americans to pay far above world market prices for sugar and sugar products. The Citrus Canker Compensation Program pays farmers who lose citrus trees to a bacterial infection, but does not apply to farmers who choose to plant other crops.

“We need to stop spending tax dollars just to make food more expensive,” Bosse added. “Americans deserve both a balanced breakfast and a balanced budget.”

To date, Bosse has proposed more than $10.2 billion in taxpayer savings by eliminating unnecessary federal programs. To learn more about Bosse’s aggressive grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.

Fake names added to voter rolls. And you're paying for it.

At least we're not giving groups like ACORN all sorts of taxpayer money to add fake names to the voter rolls:

Officials are reviewing some 200 to 300 fraudulent voter registration cards, Sue Edman, the commission’s executive director, said Wednesday.

And even though the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now caught the fraud and reported it before the cards were turned in, the incident revived a four-year-old partisan debate over the integrity of Wisconsin’s voter registration process, as political groups step up efforts to sign up voters for the Nov. 4 presidential election.

“One woman called us to complain because her husband has been dead for 10 years and a voter registration was submitted,” Edman said.

In about 12 cases, deputy registrars paid by ACORN were “making people up or registering people that were still in prison,” said Carolyn Castore, ACORN’s state political director.

Video Diary

On Sunday Grant addressed the Hillsborough County GOP luncheon in Hollis.

Tapping Tired Wells

This morning, the Washington Post points out the obvious holes in Barack Obama's Energy Plan, a plan which doesn't produce any energy, and a plan endorsed by Paul Hodes:

Mr. Obama's proposal to take some of this money from Big Oil and distribute it, like Robin Hood, to hard-pressed American families doesn't make economic sense. To be sure, Mr. Obama would not copy the tax enacted under President Jimmy Carter in 1980, which netted $40 billion before its repeal in 1988 while imposing huge administrative burdens -- and retarding domestic oil production. Mr. Carter's tax was levied per-barrel, so it directly increased the marginal cost of producing crude -- and made figuring out which barrels to tax ridiculously complicated. Mr. Obama wants a surtax on net oil company profits above a "reasonable" level. The tax would be set high enough to raise $65 billion over the next five years, and the revenue would fund a one-shot tax rebate that Mr. Obama would like to give to families and individuals this year.

Making Exxon surrender money that is now falling into its lap would not necessarily affect its longer-term plans or incentives. Indeed, some of Big Oil's "windfall" already will go to the government: The more profit the companies earn, the more corporate income tax they pay. But to add a five-year tax increase on top of that to pay for a one-year gift to voters would, indeed, increase the cost of doing business. That cost would be passed along in forgone investment in new production, lower dividends for pension funds and other shareholders, and higher prices at the pump -- thus socking it to the consumers whom the plan is supposed to help. If oil prices fall, there might be no windfall profits to tax. Then the Obama rebate would have to be paid for through spending cuts, taxes on something else or borrowing.

And let's remember the other key components of the Obama-Hodes No Energy Plan:

-Force companies to drill on land without any recoverable oil
-Inflate your tires
-Pay your boss to have you carpool

I hope Paul Hodes is enjoying his vacation. We have the opportunity to extend it permanently in November.

50 Days, 50 Ways: National Capitol Arts and Cultural Affairs Program

The Kennedy Center. Ford's Theater. The National Building Museum. The National Symphony Orchestra. Whether you've ever been to these Washington D.C. landmarks yourself, you've already bought a ticket.

Congress spends $8 million each year on these D.C. cultural institutions, using your money. For the past 22 years, Congress has made sure they always have something to do on Saturday night, and used your money to do it. Grants under this program go only to institutions in Washington D.C., are handed out with no competitive process, and often conflict with other sources of public funding.

For example, the Kennedy Center receives 44% of its annual budget from ticket sales, 39% from voluntary donations, 19% from an annual appropriation, and just 0.3% ($500,000) from the NCACA Program. Eliminating this wasteful program might make Members of Congress pay a little more for their theater tickets, but it won't diminish the cultural options available to American consumers.

Bosse Calls for Hodes to Denounce Democratic Insults

Democratic Party Insults Patriotic New Hampshire Workers, Hodes Remains Silent


(Nashua) Republican Grant Bosse today called on Paul Hodes to break his silence, and repudiate the insulting statements from the Democratic Party describing New Hampshire workers as “war profiteers.” The Union Leader this morning editorialized against the Democrats’ recent press release describing New Hampshire firms like BAE Systems and Tyco International as “bilking the American taxpayers for billions.”

“Far-left radicals have taken over the New Hampshire Democratic Party, and are spreading their hatred for patriotic Americans who’ve dedicated their lives to protecting those who protect us,” Bosse said. “Yet Paul Hodes remains silent. When will he stand up and say that these radicals don’t speak for him?”

The Democratic Party has criticized Sen. John Sununu and other Republicans for accepting campaign contributions from employees of defense contractors, even though employees from BAE Systems, Tyco, Raytheon, and Verizon have made similar contributions to Democratic candidates over the years.

“I’ve toured BAE Systems, and seen the ground-breaking work they do to keep our troops safe. They also happen to be New Hampshire’s largest manufacturing employer,” Bosse added. “Paul Hodes can tell us if he stands with the hateful left-wing radicals who run the Democratic Party, or he can continue his silence.”

To learn more about Bosse’s aggressive grassroots campaign, go to www.Bosse2008.com.

Interview with the PBVRC

Grant recently conducted an interview with Nick Manganelli of the Pemi-Baker Valley Republican Committee. Check it out on their blog:

Q: Why are you a Republican?

A: I'm a Republican because the Republican Party has traditionally stood for smaller government, a strong national defense, and individual responsibility. I had the chance to meet Ronald Reagan when he was running for President in 1980. I was just seven years old, but I shook the hand of the man who would be President for the next eight years of my life. I didn't develop a true conservative philosophy until college, when I was forced to defend my political views on a very liberal Dartmouth campus.

In recent years, I've been disappointed in the Republican Party's failure to defend its traditional values. It seems Congressional Leadership was more interested in buying our vote than winning our vote, but they should have known that they could never outbid Democrats for our affection.

50 Days, 50 Days: National Endowment for the Humanities

I'm a history buff. I read military history, biographies, micro-histories of individual events. Love them all. I think real life is more interesting than most fiction. And I believe that we can apply the lessons of history to the major decisions facing us today. But that doesn't mean we should have the federal government paying for it.

Not all good things come from the federal government. The National Endowment for the Humanities dole out $143 million a year. I've enjoyed two of the projects it's helped fund, the "Treasures of Tutankhamen" exhibit and the Ken Burns' Civil War series. 1.5 million people saw the Tutankhamen exhibit, and millions more watched the Ken Burns' films on PBS and on DVD. Neither project should need to take money out of your paycheck.

Here's an overview of the program from the NEH webpage. Judge for yourself if it's worth taking money out of your wallet or increasing the national debt.

On the air

Grant will be all over the airwaves this morning. Grant will be on WNTK's "Wake-Up New Hampshire" at 6:50, then on WSMN's "Morning Liftoff with George and Jodi" at 8:40. Click on the links to listen live!

The Hodes No-Energy Plan

Hodes Get Green Light to Back Drilling

Now that Nancy Pelosi has given him the okay, how long until Paul Hodes reverses himself and comes out in favor of drilling, in areas that actually have some oil:

But what looks like intraparty tension on the surface is part of an intentional strategy in which Pelosi takes the heat on energy policy, while behind the scenes she’s encouraging vulnerable Democrats to express their independence if it helps them politically, according to Democratic aides on and off Capitol Hill.

Apparantly, Hodes didn't get the memo in time, as he outlines an energy plan in the Union Leader this morning that won't produce any new energy. There's plenty of hand-wringing about the evils of oil companies, though he doesn't explain how higher taxes will lead to lower prices. There's the usual canards about price gouging and speculation, which just serve to highlight his economic illiteracy. And there's the dry well of forcing drilling on leased land not currently in production, which Drew Cline of the Union Leader blew apart earlier this week. Otherwise, Hodes wants to pay you carpool and wants the government to help you conserve energy. But no new energy to be found.

Drilling in Alaska? No.
Drilling off our coasts? No.
Using oil sands? No.
Building new refineries? No.
More nuclear power plants? No.

Paul Hodes offers not a drop of new oil, and not a watt of new electricity. He would continue a failed energy and farm policy that has driven up gas prices. Of course, that was before Nancy Pelosi said is was okay to support more drilling, now that she can guarantee that such a radical idea will never actually come to a vote while she is Speaker. Let's see how long Paul Hodes sticks to his No-Energy Plan.

Learn more about Grant Bosse's Comprehensive Energy Plan.

Campaign Snapshot

A busy and meaningful Tuesday on the campaign trail. Grant began the day in Milford, touring and speaking to about a hundred workers at Cirtronics Corporation. From there Grant went to Concord, campaigning door-to-door, and getting a $400 haircut at Hair Biz. Proceeds go to the Autism Society of New Hampshire. Thanks to David Holden for closing his shop so Grant can help a worthy cause. While the group does not endorse political candidates, Grant certainly endorses the great work it does for some very special kids.






You can read more about Grant's day on PolitickerNH. Brian Lawson rode along with the campaign, and has been providing updates throughout the day.