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New man in charge
Michael Brunelle is the new #2 for state Democrats
Manchester’s Michael Brunelle, 24, took the reins right away after David Scannell stepped down from his post as executive director of the New Hampshire Democratic Party last month. A University of New Hampshire graduate, Brunelle is a former state representative and more recently the political director for the state party. Brunelle worked with Sen. Chris Dodd’s presidential campaign.
Q:How do you feel about taking the helm at a time like this for Democrats in New Hampshire?
Well, I am extremely honored to have been selected during such a historic time. Back-to-back legislative majorities for the first time in our history in New Hampshire. We reelected the governor with the widest margins in history. Winning the senate seat for the first time in 35 years. Democrats have a lot to be proud of.
What does the party need to do to stay on top two years from now?
I think the election results show the people of New Hampshire believe Democrats have delivered real results and they have put their trust in us to lead during these challenging times. We’re going to do everything we can to strengthen our grassroots and to raise resources that are necessary. ... We’ll continue to support candidates and we’ll continue to bring our message forward.
What is that message?
I think the Democrats, over the past several years, have brought forward real choice and a real difference between the Republican Party. We’re expanding health care access. We’re working on education and solving the problem in that area. We’re making sure we protect the taxpayers. Democrats have made a lot of progress in a lot of areas. Helping working families in Manchester and the state at large. Helping with home heating assistance for people who are struggling not only to heat their homes but to help put food on the table. We want to get to a point where that doesn’t have to happen. We’re making sure we continue to move New Hampshire forward.
What are some of your priorities, even just for the next few months?
First of all, we want to make sure the inauguration goes well, not only for governor, but also [Sen. Jeanne Shaheen], Congressmen [Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter], as well as President-elect Barack Obama. New Hampshire Democrats will be helping in leading the effort to experience this historic time in our country’s history... Also, we’re making sure we’re hitting the ground running, cultivating development at a grassroots level.
Are you concerned the state’s budgetary issues will hurt Democrats in 2010?
Gov. John Lynch and the legislative majorities have really worked well together, not only with the progress of change, but also in making good policy decisions, while also being fiscally responsible. We balanced the budget and kept our eyes out for taxpayers. They’ll continue to do that. Gov. Lynch is a great leader who has been able to reach across party lines for the good of the state, and I think he will continue to do so.
Why should the party feel confident with you steering the ship?
The New Hampshire Democratic Party should feel confident because we have great elected officials throughout this state and the country. Congresswoman Shea-Porter and Congressman Hodes have strong track records fighting for working families. Sen. Shaheen has been able to deliver real results. The governor and the legislature have a proven long list of accomplishments and they’ll continue to do what’s in the best interest of the people of New Hampshire. That’s why we should be confident.
What are your thoughts on David Scannell leaving?
He ... was instrumental in making sure we keep New Hampshire blue with historic majorities. I wish him well. We have a lot of great people — it’s really a function of staff, message, grassroots and candidates. All of those things we really have going for us.
Who are some Democratic politicians you’ll be paying close attention to during the next two years?
We have a lot to protect. We’re going to continue to work with all candidates. The congressional delegation, Gov. Lynch and even the executive council, we have a lot to be thankful for as Democrats. We’ll continue to work with Democrats and we’ll continue to deliver results. We have a whole slate of people to protect and work with, and we’re going to do that.
Why are you personally good for this role?
I think I will be able to have success, as I said, because we have such great candidates. There are a lot of great people governing us, and that makes our job easier. I’m proud to have worked for the Democratic Party for many years now. It’s something that’s very special to me. This is a responsibility I take seriously. I’ll work hard every day in making sure we’re as organized as possible. — Jeff Mucciarone
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