Heading Back to the Airport

Ok. Just finished lunch in Concord and heading back to the Manchester airport.

I am very proud to be part of today's delegation. Everyone here made a compelling case for our basic democratic rights and we generated enough pressure that Sens. Sununu and Gregg felt the need to issue press releases explaining the votes again.

Most importantly we took the fight for DC Voting Rights *outside* the district - something that I've always felt we needed to do. There was definately a buzz in the NH legislature about our visit and testimony today. We need to do more of this, I'll be helping groups like DC Vote with their outreach in Montana in the coming weeks - and we'll definately be increasing efforts as the 2008 elections heat up!!

Met With The Governor

We all met with Governor Lynch who was very kind and offered a lot of advise. He used to live on the Hill and is a Georgetown Law grad..so he has some District ties. We'll see if he helps us at the next NGA meeting....

Hearing is over

Lots of questions at the end by a few reps. Same stuff we always hear in opposition, handled expertly by Chairman Gray and Ilir Zherka. Off to meet with the Governor now.

Wells and Alexander up now

Time is short...but they are both bringing new information forward. We are certainly doing a full court press here in Concord. Things are moving forward quickly as they holding off further questions until the end....

I also spoke, had only a minute so went real fast...plugged my New England roots.

Sen. Paul Strauss did a great job, quoting the NH constitution and its rights give to all citizens.

Jack Evans And Muriel Bowser Speak

Councilmember Evans spoke on the financial aspects of our plight. Addressed the lack of a commuter tax, non-taxable properties, etc. Did a great job of educating the committee.

Bowser was up next. She talked about Walter Reed and the BRAC process and how we have no vote in that process.

Next up Kwame Brown.

(We only get 5 minutes per speaker...but they have all been powerful.)

Commerce Clause Smackdown

A citizen-laywer is testifying against the bill. His argument is the same as what we heard in Congress, the whole the "Constition says states" thing.

A NH legislator then tore threw the testimony by bringing up the Commerce clause up - nice job!

Mary Cheh is now schooling the committee on the Constitutionality of the DC Voting Rights act.

Out of Order...

Some posts are out of order...spotty service. Sorry.