Replies

Excellent endorsement for the NH primary.

Too bad Hunter did not even get included in the latest sidebar poll. I bet he beats Huckabee if he is.

First, the mega-barf alert. For the record, here's Bob Smith's 2004 endorsement of Kerry for president.

Dear John,

As someone who worked with you daily for 12 years as a United States Senator, I am acutely conscious of the fact that we disagree on many important issues. Despite our differences, you have always been willing to engage in constructive debate in an effort to forge sound public policy.

I deeply respect your commitment to our nation and your patriotism which, I believe, was forged when you-like I-proudly wore the uniform of the United States Navy in Viet Nam...

Because of the courage and character you demonstrated in Vietnam, I believe you when you say that you'll do a better job than President Bush to win the peace in Iraq, as well as to win the war against terrorism.

President Bush has failed to restrain federal spending, sending our deficit spinning into the stratosphere. I well remember that you were one of a handful of Democrats who crossed the aisle to forge a bipartisan coalition in the Senate to balance the federal budget. Therefore, I believe you will succeed where President Bush has failed, to reduce spending and once again balance the budget.

As an environmentalist who served as Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, I know that this Administration has turned environmental policy over to lobbyists for the oil, gas and mining interests. On the other hand, I know first-hand of your commitment to a more balanced approach to environmental policy--one where we can have both jobs and profit for industry as well as clean air and water. There is no stronger evidence of this than your outstanding leadership and support in the restoration of the Florida Everglades.

John, for each of these reasons I believe President Bush has failed our country and my party. Accordingly, I want you to know that when I go into the booth next Tuesday I am going to cast my vote for you. So will my wife, Mary Jo, and all three of my children: Jason, Bobby and Jenny.

Moreover, I will do all that I can to encourage my friends in New Hampshire and Florida to join me in supporting you.

I wish you Godspeed, and every best wish for victory next Tuesday.

Cordially yours,

Bob Smith

U.S. Senator, N.H. (Retired)

Now, here is Bob Smith publicly endorsing someone he knows is a traitor. How can anyone now take anything Smith says with the least bit of seriousness? Thank God that we NH Republicans threw this clown out of office back in 2002!

NH surprise?

I liked Sen. Smith’s pro-ecology record and general conservatism when he was in Congress. I don’t recall the specifics of his departure from the Republican party during his run for President in ‘96 or ‘00(?), but I gather that contributed a lot to young Sununu getting the GOP Senate nomination over him around then, even though Smith was the long-standing incumbent.

A good endorsement for Hunter, and I hope Smith gets back into public policy stuff in the semi-near future. Maybe a run for NH Governor?