Thread: GOP contenders picnic with Strafford County faithful

Article published Aug 19, 2007
GOP contenders picnic with Strafford County faithful

STRAFFORD — Several GOP presidential candidates were back in the Granite State on Saturday afternoon for the annual Strafford County Republican Picnic.

Almost every one who spoke under the large tent on the Payne Drive property of Brian and Sandy Payne preached the importance of regaining the many elected spots the GOP lost in 2006.

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee joked how nice it was to be under the tent with so many like-minded people.

"I've often said that being a Republican in Arkansas is about as uncomfortable as being Michael Vick at the Westminster Dog Show," Huckabee joked.

Vick, the NFL quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, was recently indicted on federal dog fighting charges.
Huckabee said the key to the election is not to focus on what Democrats do wrong, which he said is easy to do, but to convince voters that Republicans can provide the type of leadership they've lost confidence in.

Huckabee stressed securing the border and fixing the current tax system by replacing it with a consumption tax.

Texas Congressman Ron Paul received the loudest ovation.

Paul said his campaign is focused on freedom, liberty and the Constitution, which are things he feels the Republican Party has lost sight of. He also said the party has become to big government focused and has lost its way on foreign policy.

"Quite frankly, I think the traditional Republican, traditional American, the constitutional foreign policy of the founders, that of minding our own business is a great policy," Paul said.

Paul endorsed national sovereignty and said the United States should leave the United Nations.
Other candidates Tom Tancredo, Ron Gilbert, Robert Haines and John Cox also gave speeches along with representatives from the John McCain, Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani campaigns.

"We're pleased that so many candidates came or were represented," said Phyllis Woods, chair of the SCRC.

Local politicians, U.S. Sen. John Sununu and former 1st District congressman Jeb Bradley also took part.

Bradley, who was defeated by Carol Shea-Porter in the November elections, called her "Carol Shea-Pelosi" because she has sided with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on major tax increases and other bills.
"She said she was the independent voice, she's been independent all right, independent of our 'live free or die' values," Bradley said.

Bradley also criticized Shea-Porter for voting in favor of health and home benefits for illegal aliens and voting against missile defense.

Former DHHS Commissioner John A. Stephen has been rumored as someone who may make a run for the 1st District congressional seat. Stephen was at the picnic meeting and said an announcement regarding his political future could come this week.

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar ... /708190020

Goooooooooooooo Ron Paul

Bring the Republican party back to good People and away from another Bush Wanna be

Ron Paul for President

Tom Tancredo Vice President sounds soooooooooo good to me