Paul Hodes' Live Blog at Blue Hampshire

What does he expect to do better in the Senate than he can in (0.00 / 0)

the House?  Does he expect to repeal the Patriot Act?  Does he expect to repeal the military commissions authorization?  Will he move to delink law enforcement from the war on terror?  Will he abandon the prosecution of drug users as criminals?  Will he redirect the Pentagon away from the reliance on electronic warfare?  Will he promote the expansion of the peace corps and provide support for graduate education in foreign languages and affairs?

What does security-of-the-person mean to him?

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by: hannah @ Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 09:52:28 AM CST

What is the status of the "Ombudsman Bill" ? (4.00 / 1)

Paul's Bill to help all returning War Veterans to get their much needed benefits without the long waits that some experience,passed the House. What is going on in the Senate and when will they pass companion legislation?

Not in the shot

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by: JonnyBBad @ Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 10:46:11 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Veterans Ombudsman Office (4.00 / 3)

The Veterans Affairs Department created an Ombudsman's office based on my proposal. Every day I hear moving stories of our veterans, both from prior conflicts as well as veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, who have come home and found themselves in a bureaucratic nightmare with no place to turn. The Ombudsman's office is a start and I will continue to stand up every day to make sure that our veterans receive all of the benefits and services that they have earned.

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by: PaulHodes @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 18:15:33 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Infrastructure (4.00 / 1)

We do have a debt problem and while stimulus spending for recovery is necessary, it has to do the right things.  Congressman DeFazio, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, actually voted against the Recovery Act because not enough of it was for infrastructure improvements, which are actually stimulative, unlike simply mailing everybody one-time checks.  

Infrastructure funding is particularly vital now, because 30 years ago, Ronald Reagan decided he wanted to cut taxes and just stop paying for things in America.  No more building levees-who needs New Orleans?  No more road and bridge maintenance-that worked out great in Minneapolis-no modernizing the electric grid-remember last December when eight hundred thousand New Englanders lost power because of ice...in New England?  And of course, even that reckless cutting didn't offset the tax cuts, because Reagan decided that deficit spending is okay when it's for lasers that shoot down missiles from space, like that ever worked.  

Will a Senator Hodes support big increases in funding for infrastructure maintenance and development, which actually do stimulate the economy?  And not just general improvements to the electric grid and repaving highways--will he fight to finally widen I-93, institute rail service from Boston to Nashua, Manchester, and Concord, and support efforts to create the long-awaited North-South Rail Link in Boston, connecting Northern New England to the rest of the east coast?

--
"Act as if ye have faith and faith shall be given to you." -Aaron Sorkin

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by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 13:47:12 PM CST

Infrastructure (4.00 / 1)

Working families are suffering through the worst recession since the Great Depression. We have seen an economy built on a foundation of sand washed away. Our great challenge is to rebuild a working economy for the 21st century that delivers real security for the American people. I believe that the building blocks of the working economy for the 21st century are: An energy policy that makes us energy independent, creates new jobs, and attacks climate change; Portable, affordable, high quality health care for all Americans; An education system that produces creative and innovative leaders, and; Investment in traditional infrastructure which has been deferred for too long, and new infrastructure to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

As your Senator I will continue to support innovative and financially responsible ways of funding infrastructure investments and to fight for New Hampshire's infrastructure needs.

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by: PaulHodes @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 18:25:35 PM CST

[ Parent ]

"Innovative and financially responsible ...funding" could (0.00 / 0)

mean selling old highways to foreign investors and setting up toll roads.  Expecting the financial community to take responsibility for anything is probably a bad idea.

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by: hannah @ Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 00:06:50 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Town Hall Invitation (4.00 / 2)

Mr. Hodes. I want to extend an invitation for you to have a town hall meeting at Nashua High School South at some time upon your return to New Hampshire, hosted by the Nashua South Teenage Republicans Club. Please don't be deterred by the fact that we are a Republican group, I promise that we will extend the same respect to you that we would if we had Senator Gregg or another Republican have an event at our school. We will invite members of the community and publicize the event, but do not have the funds to provide security.

I called your office two Thursdays ago and also emailed you a few days prior about this request. Your office said they would call me back the next day - that was over a week ago. And the response I got from the email was a general form letter regarding healthcare. Over the past four years, I have only received form letters as responses, usually weeks or months after my first inquiry. I don't say this to be critical, but I ask that you please look into ways to better your response process so that the questions and concerns of your constituents are answered.

Thank you for your service as congressman. Good luck in your run for senate. If you want to respond to the invitation privately so that you can answer more policy-related questions from my fellow bloggers, please give me a call at 603 508 1359 or email me at chriscrawford09@gmail.com.

Thanks

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by: eyore33 @ Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 14:29:07 PM CST

How can we end the two disastrous wars in which we find ourselves? (4.00 / 1)

How long will "we're doing everything we can" pass as the excuse? Just sayin'.

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by: xteeth @ Sun Nov 15, 2009 at 06:37:31 AM CST

What (if anything) can be done about the banks (4.00 / 4)

who are scrambling to raise fees, change terms and screw credit card customers before all of the new consumer protection regs kick in next year? Seems like there should be some retroactive provisions to prevent the kinds of currently-legal-but-totally-unethical abuse that these companies are inflicting on their "valued customers" just now in order to maximize their ill-gotten gains before the rules change.

May seem like small potatoes in comparison with a lot of other issues on the table, but for some people it may be the difference between staying afloat or going down the drain.

Wish I could participate in the live blog, but Tuesday is a work night at my moonlight gig, and hanging out online is not a possibility for me at that time. I will enjoy reading the exchange.

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by: GreyMike @ Sun Nov 15, 2009 at 22:01:22 PM CST

Claw-back Provisions (4.00 / 1)

Previously given monies or benefits that are taken back due to specially arising circumstances.

Not in the shot

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by: JonnyBBad @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 16:35:03 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Holding Credit Card Companies Accountable (4.00 / 2)

Thanks for the question. We need to hold credit card companies accountable for their actions. I fought for tough new rules to prevent interest rate increases and other contract changes that hurt New Hampshire families. President Obama signed these rules into law, and instead of using the time to prepare for the regulations, credit card companies responded by ramping up the very practices we fought to end.

I supported a bill to move the effective date of these new rules up to December of this year, to put an immediate end to these practices.

Now I am working to pass tough new rules on Wall Street and to focus on protecting consumers in our financial system. We have to hold the folks who got us into this mess accountable and look out for small businesses and working families in New Hampshire.

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by: PaulHodes @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 18:10:50 PM CST

[ Parent ]

"Working families" does not strike me as a winning (0.00 / 0)

phrase at a time when more and more people have been deprived of an opportunity to work for adequate pay and, as a result, have a lot more time to pay attention to political campaigns.  Never mind that 51% of the adult population is now single and struggling to survive alone.

Also, "accountable" is to account as marriageable is to married.  Do you proposed to require money lenders to open their records for public inspection on a routine basis?

Do you consider an election as an opportunity to extract an account of their service from public officials? If so, does that include a description of errors (e.g. delayed implementation of regulation) and how they are going to be corrected?  The 2013 start date for health insurance reform suggests a lesson not learned.  

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by: hannah @ Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 00:25:31 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Will health care reform (4.00 / 4)

be all its cracked up to be?

Stupak-Pitts, notwithstanding, what I'm hearing is that the public option will be available only to those uninsured at the time of the bill's implementation.  It would be the same as in order to qualify for S-CHIP (Stat Childrens Health Insurance Program), children have to have been w/o insurance for 6 months.

If this is the case, it stinks. Right now, my family pays $1519.20 PER MONTH for insurance that still exacts high co-pays and deductibles. We are not happy with it, but also do not wish to lose our home and go bankrupt if someone has an illness or accident. This, quite frankly, a rip-off of the worst order. No other product would be allowed to be sold under these terms and conditions.

Am I understanding the terms of the public option correctly? If so, it will not change much.

Health insurance isn't a choice, like a vacation or a boat or a fancy car. It is a necessity. Yet there is more consumer protection when one buys a car.

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by: Jennifer Daler @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 13:38:03 PM CST

Why do congressional Democrats, including Paul Hodes, (0.00 / 0)

support creating a pilot shortage and further discriminate against young aviators who want to dedicate their career to flight? H.R. 3371

Why do congressional Democrats support the pilots' unions positions when pilots overwhelmingly vote Republican?

Why does a proposal for minor regulatory changes to restore air service to New Hampshire communities and create local jobs go unanswered?

Why do congressional Democrats support policies which put airplane passangers at greater risk, increase ticket prices for consumers in a struggling economy previously boosted by ease of mobility once assured by the Kennedy-Cannon Deregulation Act of 1978, and, per my recent visit to the Lloyd's insurance market, put pressure on underwriters to further increase already high insurance rates for U.S. carriers?

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by: Alex Gallichon @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 19:41:07 PM CST

Clean Government (0.00 / 0)

If elected to the Senate, how will you build on your record of fighting for earmark, ethics, and campaign finance reform?

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by: Dartmouth Dem @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 20:47:34 PM CST

Would love to join this live blog... (0.00 / 0)

but David Plouffe's book-related appearance in Portsmouth is at the exact same time!

The Merrimack County Dems meet tomorrow night, too.

Ah, can't we spread out the love, y'all?

:-)



Be the Change you wish to see in the world (Gandhi)

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by: KrisSchultz @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 22:33:42 PM CST

Here's an issue, Congressman - no charge. (4.00 / 1)

Introduce a bill to significantly expand the Do Not Call law.

The commercial exception is: vendors can bother you despite your enrollment if you're already a customer. That might have made sense if the vendor was Frank's Fiddles - but it is very difficult to avoid being a customer of - say - Bank of America.

Change it to allow calls only regarding previous transactions. We're still talking "commercial speech."

(The risk is job loss at overseas call centers.)

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by: elwood @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 17:55:02 PM CST

Spending (0.00 / 0)

Mr. Hodes, most people my age (17-year-olds) support the policies that are being set forth by President Obama and the Congress. The only problem that many have is the spending.
Two questions:

1. How are we going to be able to balance this budget in the long-run? (Realistically)
2. Should we really expect a public option to pay for itself, while most government programs that were supposed to pay for themselves have contributed to the debt?

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by: eyore33 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 17:56:23 PM CST

Good Evening Folks (4.00 / 4)

Congressman Hodes here - I want to thank BlueHampshire for the chance to be with you tonight and I look forward to your questions.

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by: PaulHodes @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 18:02:56 PM CST

Thanks for the opportunity to chat with you. . . (0.00 / 0)

most people my age (17-year-olds) support the policies that are being set forth by President Obama and the Congress. The only problem that many have is the spending.
Two questions:
1. How are we going to be able to balance this budget in the long-run? (Realistically)
2. Should we really expect a public option to pay for itself, while most government programs that were supposed to pay for themselves have contributed to the debt?

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by: eyore33 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 18:05:08 PM CST

[ Parent ]

As you look to the Senate - (4.00 / 2)

what do you think of the filibuster? It's a Senate rule, not a constitutional provision. This week it's being used against health care.

Should it be eliminated or somehow changed?

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by: elwood @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 18:08:45 PM CST

keeping Americans employed (0.00 / 0)

Hello Congressman,
Would you support or propose a bill that would give tax credits to companies that hire Americans and add additional taxes to companies that lay off Americans and offshore their jobs or even worse lay off Americans and bring folks from offshore to America to replace them?

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by: homeyjim @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 18:10:35 PM CST

Question on health care, and thanks for joining us! (4.00 / 3)

Health care reform is the right thing to do and the moral thing to do.  It's also a political winner (especially given the 72% percent support for the public option in today's ABC poll).

But with changes coming in gradually, are there "bridge" mechanisms in place, or proposed, that would help people mired in the worst of this health care crisis, while we wait for the full extent of the reform to take effect?

birch, finch, beech

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by: Dean Barker @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 18:11:25 PM CST

Health Care (4.00 / 5)

The health insurance reform plan that I supported includes immediate help for folks that are uninsured, and for those that have insurance but are struggling to afford their premiums. The House plan includes immediate reform of the health insurance industry to prevent discriminatory and abusive practices such as denying coverage to those with pre-existing conditions and dropping individuals from their health insurance plan when they get sick. The proposal would enact a temporary, $5 billion insurance program with financial assistance for those who have been uninsured for several months or denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition. We expect to protect seniors immediately by preventing the scheduled 21% pay cut for physicians treating Medicare patients.

I'm running for the United States Senate to stand up for health care reform and to be a voice for New Hampshire's working families in a system that too often makes things harder, when it should make things easier.

To stand up for meaningful health care reform, please text JOIN to 46337 and receive updates from our campaign.

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by: PaulHodes @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 18:38:49 PM CST

[ Parent ]

This doesn't answer my question above. (n/t) (0.00 / 0)

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by: Jennifer Daler @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 18:42:49 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Thanks - that is most encouraging. (0.00 / 0)

Particularly about the pre-existing conditions.

My only wish is that the Senate can pluck up the necessary courage to pass something close to the House bill.  Please bring that great progressive spirit among many in the House with you when you head on over to the Senate!

birch, finch, beech

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by: Dean Barker @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 18:50:58 PM CST

[ Parent ]

eliminating pre-existing conditions is great (4.00 / 1)

but is there anyting in this health INSURANCE bill to prevent the insurance companies from jacking their rates in response?

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by: susanthe @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 19:07:40 PM CST

[ Parent ]

If you don't mind an electoral question: (0.00 / 0)

Have you drawn any conclusions from the high-profile special elections in either NY-23 or VA-Gov?

Or: what do you think of the Club for Growth's statement that they are considering wading into the NH Senate race?

birch, finch, beech

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by: Dean Barker @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 18:32:19 PM CST

A Clear Choice (0.00 / 0)

I believe this election will present New Hampshire voters with a clear choice. I am standing up for meaningful health care reform for New Hampshire's working families and businesses, my opponents want to protect health insurance companies. I support economic policies that help the middle class, create jobs and help small businesses, my opponents want to return us to the failed Bush policies of the past that brought our economy to its knees. I am fighting to protect a woman's right to choose, my opponents want to take those rights away.

I stand with the people of New Hampshire. I'm running for the people of New Hampshire. As your United States senator, I will fight every day for ordinary people who want a decent job, to send their kids to a good school, to see a doctor when they're sick, and to put something away for their retirement. Give 'em Hell Harry Truman said "This country wasn't built on fear. It was built on courage, imagination and the determination to get the job done." As your United State senator, I will get the job done for the people of New Hampshire. Thank you for the opportunity to be with you tonight.

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by: PaulHodes @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 18:58:31 PM CST

[ Parent ]

That didnt answer the question. (0.00 / 0)

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by: eyore33 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 19:01:30 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Yes, it did (4.00 / 1)

I stand with the people of New Hampshire. I'm running for the people of New Hampshire

.

Means:  No matter what the Club for Growth does, the voters of New Hampshire have the final say.  And, as history tells us, they will execute it regardless of how much money pours into the state.

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by: Dartmouth Dem @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 19:22:37 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Another Healthcare Question . . . (0.00 / 0)

I dont expect answers to all my questions, and apologize to everyone for asking so many, but I have another healthcare question that has to do with my generation that is about to enter the workforce.

If there are young people who simply don't want to buy health insurance, why should they have to?

I remember hearing ads on the radio in New Hampshire from Massachusetts stations saying "Buy your health insurance: It's the law," and thinking "That just doesn't seem right." I feel the same way this time, and was wondering about your opinion on the matter. Thanks.  

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by: eyore33 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 18:37:26 PM CST

I also dislike a mandate (0.00 / 0)

but only because young people (the group most likely to be uninsured) do not have the money to afford a forced private insurance health care plan. If an affordable public option were available, and actual affordable coverage for those who are unemployed (COBRA is NOT affordable), why would a rational person not want health insurance? I'm currently uninsured, and I live every day in fear of something out of my control happening. Why would you not want affordable insurance?

The reason people are uninsured is not because they choose to take that risk, it is because they cannot afford insurance. That is exactly why we need an affordable public option (actually, that's why we need single-payer).

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by: peacekeeper @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 22:21:39 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Unfunded Liabilities (0.00 / 0)

I know this is sometimes a GOP talking point of sorts, but it also a real issue. Are you concerned about unfunded public pensions?

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by: JimC @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 18:42:09 PM CST

Hate Speech (0.00 / 0)

Congressman Hodes,

In your press release yesterday, you said: "I hope they will go further and support laws that could prevent this type of hate speech from turning into violence".

I of course also condemn hate speech but exactly what sort of laws did you have in mind?

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by: JonFromHaverhill @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 18:46:01 PM CST

Hate Speech (4.00 / 3)

Hate filled speech and violence do more than demean our political process. They are a danger to our democracy. I was proud to watch President Obama sign the Matthew Shepard hate crimes legislation into law. I would hope that all those running for office would clearly and unequivocally support the hate crimes legislation and speak out about against against bigotry and hate.

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by: PaulHodes @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 19:05:41 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Hate Speech (0.00 / 0)

Well, yeah, everyone should be opposed to bigotry (even republicans), but now that the Shepard Act passed (after 5 tries), are there any other specific things you think Congress ought to do to prevent hate crime?

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by: JonFromHaverhill @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 19:18:29 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Student Loans (4.00 / 1)

Congressman --

As a Senator, what will you do to increase access to higher education?  Will you commit to supporting increased funding for Pell Grants and other invaluable programs that were cut during the Bush Administration?

Thanks again for joining us tonight.

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by: Dartmouth Dem @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 19:25:18 PM CST

What time does this end? (0.00 / 0)

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by: eyore33 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 19:47:43 PM CST