The Democrats will maintain control of the Executive Council, as they appear to be maintaining their 3-2 advantage on the Council.

Councilors Ray Burton (R-Bath), Ray Wieczorek (R-Manchester), Bev Hollingworth (D-Hampton) and Deb Pignatelli (D-Nashua) all won handily.

Executive Councilor Ray Burton (R-Bath) has represented the northern part of New Hampshire for almost 30 years and is witnessing a demographic trend that will affect his district for years to come.

A trend that has seen a decrease in the number of young people but an increase in the number of registered Democrats.
 
Burton said he is worried about the changing demographics of Coos County and the loss of younger working people who decide to leave the North Country.

This past weekend, the New Hampshire AFL-CIO endorsed a slate of legislative candidates at its annual convention.

The union endorsed all 24 Democratic state Senate candidates and Gov. John Lynch (D-Hopkinton). They also endorsed three of the four Democratic candidates running for the Executive Council and a slew of candidates for state representative. The most prominent Republican the union endorsed was Executive Councilor Ray Burton (R-Bath).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                CONTACT: BARBARA RILEY

7/19/08                                                                        202-224-2841

                                                                                    LIZ CHAMBERLAIN

                                                                                    603-430-9560

SUNUNU ANNOUNCES SENATE COMMITTEE SUPPORT FOR TROUBLED BRIDGE IN WEST LEBANON

$1 million will support construction of new Route 4 span over the Connecticut River

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator John Sununu (R-NH) today announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee approved $1 million in federal funding for the replacement of the structurally-deficient Route 4 bridge which connects West Lebanon with White River Junction, Vermont. The funding is included in the fiscal year 2009 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill which is now ready for consideration by the full Senate.  The funding for this project is included within the Committee allocation set out for the fiscal year 2009 spending measures.   

Five Republicans filing for Executive Council: Politicker PhotoCONCORD - Five Republican candidates filed for Executive Council today with the Secretary of State running on a platform for change, fiscal responsibility and better representation with local government.

Among the five, of course, was Ray Burton (R-Bath), incumbent Executive Councilor is running for re-election in District 1. If re-elected, Burton would be the longest serving Executive Councilor in New Hampshire history, according to Secretary of State Bill Gardner.

Republican Executive Council Candidates file together on Agenda for Change

Candidates to run on platform of fiscal responsibility, better representation with local governments and a sharp focus on roads and bridges.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                             Contact: Matt Hagerty

June 4, 2008                                                                                                       cell: 547-5701 CONCORD, NH – All five Republican candidates for Executive Council filed their declaration of candidacy papers together today in an effort to illustrate the need for change on the 5-member New Hampshire Executive Council.

Executive Councilor Ray Burton (R-Bath) will file for re-election on Wednesday.

"I enjoy working hard for the people of Council District One which includes Carroll, Grafton, Coos, Sullivan and Belknap Counties here in Northern NH," Burton said in an e-mail. "There is much to be done for these towns, cities and counties in several key areas such as health, transportation, tourist promotion and economic development. I intend to continue my strong voice of advocacy for the people."

John Stephen campaigning in ConwayCONWAY- This morning congressional candidate John Stephen officially launched his campaign with stops in Glen and Conway calling for less government spending.

Stephen is traveling the 1st congressional district in a bus joined by Executive Council member Ray Burton, his father Bobby, his brother Chuck and various other campaign staffers and supporters.

"We're going to be talking about optimism, hope and trust," Stephen told the crowd at Glen's Patch's Market.

Executive Councilor Ray Wieczorek (R-Manchester) will be holding a fundraiser on Thursday, May 22, 2008.

The fundraiser will take place at Manchester's The Yard restaurant and speakers include former Governor Craig Benson, Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta and Executive Councilor Ray Burton.

"In his three terms on the Executive Council Ray has served the constituents of this District well. Working to assure fair and open bidding, to maintain a close watch on State contracts, and to protect the taxpayer's interests has been the hallmark of his service. Now, more than ever, we need Ray's watchful eyes and ears working on our behalf," the fundraising appeal states.

Executive Councilor Ray Burton's campaign announced that it raised $42,500 at a recent fundraiser.

"As long as I'm around, this area is going to be effectively represented on the Five Member Executive Council," Burton said.