May 23, 2008 - 12:52pm
Kaelin to challenge Roberge
By Brian LawsonState Rep. Mike Kaelin (D-Lyndeborough) says that if elected to the state senate he will be more active than his opponent in the District 9 race, current Sen. Sheila Roberge (R-Bedford).
Kaelin announced last week that he would challenge Roberge.
"Our current senator, though she's been in there awhile, hasn't been very active," Kaelin said. "I belief over this year, and last year, she's sponsored one bill a year. Even as a new state rep. I've been able to do more than that."
He added, "I believe I can do a lot more good as a senator than as a rep."
The first-term state rep. said that he would make energy and environmental issues, consumer protection and business development his top priorities.
"We need to do the most we can to encourage businesses to grow while making sure consumers are protected."
Kaelin is an electrical engineer who owns his own consulting business.
Senate District 9 covers Bedford, Greenfield, Lyndeborough, Merrimack, Mont Vernon and New Boston. In 2006 Roberge defeated Peter Flood by 1,100 votes.
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Roberge is active
Sen. Roberge is a very active member of the Senate. Her service to her constituency is exemplary. In 2008 alone, Sen. Roberge sponsored 66 bills, 5 of which she was prime sponsor. Her attendance is remarkable, only missing 2 votes since 1999, the first year posted on the Senate website. If Rep. Kaelin wants to be considered a credible candidate, I suggest he research his accusations before he opens his mouth.
Mike Kaelin is a Liar!
This dope needs to do his research before making false accusations about Senator Roberge's bill sponsorship and activeness in the process.
A simple check of the NH State Senate's site shows 66 bills that she was a sponsor on. I think this first term no-nothing Rep needs to apologize and drop out!
Get serious
I know this is a difficult time for the Republican goblins here in NH. The reality that there is no such thing as a "safe" Republican in NH anymore is upsetting, and jarring to their world.
That said, there isn't anyone who truly believes that Sheila Roberge is a productive member of the NH senate. Her own caucus diminishes her role. Cosponsoring 60 bills is a meaningless statement. Senate cosponsors are not terribly relevant to the process. Her lack of any legislative success or voice on any major issue of the time will be an issue in the campaign. Her lack of connection to the people of her district will be an issue. 24 years in the state senate without a single accomplishment is not something to brag about.
Republicans need to understand that people like Sheila Roberge, Jack Barnes, Bob Boyce, Bob Letourneau, Andy Martel etc... no longer have a place in NH electoral politics. Your eccentrics can serve as a local GOP chair or something like that.
Time to realize NH ain't your Daddy's NH no more.
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