Capitol Closeup

Paul and Peggo reprise the second of their Holiday  Specials for Paul's last Capitol Close Up broadcast. It's time for change and transition in 2023. Peggo has conducted Songweavers, the women's Community Chorus at the Concord Community Music School for 11 years. On January 24, the Songweavers will have an open sing for folks to sign up. Songweavers is a folk ensemble, no reading music necessary.  All songs are learned by ear. Today's show features songs written by  Peggo and Paul around the theme of "Joy".  We're wishing you a Joyful  New year for 2023.

Paul speaks with Rob Werner, NH state director for the League if Conservation voters. In a wide ranging discussion, they cover the recent election cycle's lack of focus on climate change despite recent landmark federal climate change legislation representing  historic investments in the nation's infrastructure and green economy. They talk about prospects for NH to join its neighbors progressive climate change agendas. Rob recently returned from the annual COP27 UN climate conference in Egypt and they discuss "the good, the bad and the ugly" in the global effort to deal with our fast warming planet.

Paul interviews Democratic leader Carlos Cardona of Laconia. A rising star in New Hampshire Politics, Cardona talks about growing up in a poor village in Puerto Rico without electricity or running water. After moving to New Hampshire and graduating from Laconia High School, Cardona has devoted himself to political action. As a gay Latino, Cardona has been a powerful advocate for fairness, equity and justice, facing down white supremacists and breaking through political prejudice. He believes the New Hampshire Democratic Party has changed, expanding and accepting a new generation of leaders ready to meet today's challenging times.

Paul speaks with Zandra Rice Hawkins and Sarah Robinson of Granite State progress about Women's Reproductive rights, the Right Wing attempt by NH Education commissioner Frank Edelblut and his cronies to pit parents against teachers and school boards with the purported "Parental Rights" push, designed to limit what schools can offer to LGBTQ+ and transgender students, and the landmark health care legislation passed by President Biden and Democrats in Congress which will help thousands of Granite Staters pay for medication and health care.

NBA superfan and analytics nerd Matt Robison joins legendary radio host and sportscasting icon Ken Cail on Cail and Company to break down the Celtics and the NBA season. 

Paul Speaks with New Hampshire State Representative Mel Myler who is running for re-election in Merrimack County District 9 encompassing Hopkinton and Bow about the peril to our democracy. Representative Myler is the ranking member and past chair of the NH House education committee with a cat bird seat to the controversial policies of New Hampshire's libertarian leaning commissioner of education, Frank Edelblut and Governor Sununu, who support diverting public funds for private education. Myler speaks frankly about a New Hampshire Republican party now held hostage by free-staters whose extreme views threaten the ability of legislators to work for the common good.

Paul Hodes speaks with Attorney Mike Lewis, former New Hampshire Prosecutor and advocate for child welfare about the failure's of society in general and New Hampshire in particular to prioritize the welfare of children. They discuss an upcoming law review article Mike coauthored with his wife, Leah Plunkett, about child welfare in the post-Dobbs era and what can be done, including by those who claim to be "pro-life", about truly caring for the lives and welfare of our children.

Paul interviews the "Skyguy", Professor John Gianforte, UNH astronomy Professor and director of the UNH observatory. They talk about recent advances in astronomy, the impact of the Webb telescope, the origin and age of the Universe, how to contemplate Space-Time, exoplanets, NASA's mission to crash a spacecraft into an asteroid and the Fall Astronomy Festival coming up this weekend at the UNH observatory.

Paul Interviews Alicia Preston, a native New Hampshire Republican strategist, consultant, writer, radio personality who grew up in a divided political household and now represents the "Republican of conscience" wing of the GOP. She believes in traditional, conservative Republican values and rejects the MAGA/Trump approach to politics. They cover her fascinating career from radio and TV news to rubbing elbows with would be Presidents.  They discuss the recent polling about the critical New Hampshire races. 

Paul and veteran NH political reporter Kevin Landrigan break down the primary races in New Hampshire. Governor Chris Sununu faces a test of his strength with independents against three primary opponents. The Republican race for the US senate nomination has gotten hot and heavy. In the Spring Incumbent Maggie Hassan was seen as vulnerable. Now, Democrats are breathing easier. With the national parties spending millions, a late endorsement by the Governor, but without any endorsement from former President Trump. the Republicans appear poised to choose a bombastic MAGA conspiracy theorist as their candidate.

Paul and Michael Graham of the NH Journal engage in a rollicking conversation that rolls from Michael's start as a professional standup comedian to the editor of NH's leading conservative right wing news source. Along the way they dive into the differences between Democrats and Republicans and run down the upcoming Republican primaries in NH's gubernatorial and Federal races. A lively and fun conversation from opposite sides of the aisle.

Paul interviews Natch Greyes, an attorney who heads Government Relations for the New Hampshire Municipal Association. They talk about the housing crisis in New Hampshire and recent changes to the laws that govern the conduct of the State's planning and zoning boards. New rules and regulations seek to spur the development of Work force housing and create more transparency on the planning and zoning process.

Paul and Kevin Landrigan unpack the Gunstock Ski area controversy and examine the impact of the Free State Movement on New Hampshire Republicans and New Hampshire politics. How far right are Republican candidates for the US Senate and House? What has been the impact of the FBI search of Mar-A-Lago on politics in the Granite State?

Paul catches up with Rob Werner, State Director of New Hampshire's League of Conservation Voters. They discuss the new landmark federal climate change law under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus the overall state of play in New Hampshire renewable energy and the State's recent 10 year energy plan.

The normally sleepy August news lull exploded in recent days with the Manchin budget megadeal, Republicans' sudden turn on help for veterans exposed to toxins, suspiciously missing Secret Service texts...and the list goes on.  A major reset on the political state of play is underway, and Paul and Alicia run through all of it...

Paul interviews Max Richtman, President of the National Committee to to Preserve Medicare and Social Security about the recently announced US Senate deal finally allowing the Government to negotiate with the Pharmaceutical industry for lower Medicare Prescription drug prices for key drugs. While most of the attention has been focused on the climate change provisions and the fact of a deal, which came as a surprise even to Washington insiders, the Medicare Prescription Drug Reforms are big news. Paul and Max take us behind the scenes about the original dead-of-night 2003 deal to prohibit drug price negotiations and the challenging path to this historic deal. They also cover late breaking good news on insulin prices with a tip of the hat to Senator Jeanne Shaheen.

Today, we tackle something that seems like one of life's problems to worry about later...as in, much later: how to get your kids, especially your teenagers, some assets for the future.  After all, who has the time or the money to worry about that anyway? And that's fair enough. But what if we told you that each $1000 you invest now means anywhere from a quarter of a million to a million dollars by the time your kid retires? It's true.  In fact, most of our worries about retirement could be taken care of for our kids if we're able to start early and make a relatively small investment now. And the even better news is, it's easy. Mike Morton of Morton Financial Advice boils down what to do into three simple steps that could profoundly change your kids' futures decades from now. 

Paul speaks with Author, publisher and former New Hampshire State Rep and Senator Mary Ellen Humphrey about her recent books. Mary Ellen Humphrey will be at Gibson's Bookstore in Concord to talk about "Politics and Poltergeists" and "My Mountain Friend" on Tuesday, July 28 at 6:30 PM. The politics book takes the reader behind the scenes in the NH state house, with a fantastical thriller twist. The mountain book is a memoir, including the challenges of healing from childhood trauma through immersion in New Hampshire's natural landscape. Don't miss this  fascinating conversation filled with wry observation and a lifetime of wisdom.

Paul and Zandra Rice Hawkins of Granite Sate Progress and the NH Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence discuss New Hampshire gun laws, including new legislation signed by the Governor which prohibits the state from enforcing Federal gun safety regulations. The new law has created confusion, consternation and chaos in the law enforcement community and threatens the safety of citizens and schools.

The panel discusses whether the Hutchinson testimony and Dobbs ruling have fundamentally altered the political landscape in America, whether Congressional dysfunction is the root cause of our biggest problems, and whether you'd want to wake up next to Mitch McConnell.

Paul reflects on Independence Day, the warning from past Presidents in great speeches about the dangers to the Nation from within and the importance of unity.

Part 2 of the episode where financial Advisor Mike Morton joins Matt to walk through what to do, or not do, about the current bear market. For example, what about delaying retirement? Spending Less? Or maybe is all of this good news, especially if you're under 30? (hint: the market still remains in better shape than it was three years ago).

Financial Advisor Mike Morton joins Matt to walk through what to do, or not do, about the current bear market. For example, what about delaying retirement? Spending Less? Or maybe is all of this good news, especially if you're under 30? (hint: the market still remains in better shape than it was three years ago).

The panel dives into whether President Biden should Pardon Donald Trump, or even open up his whole thought process on what to do to public view.  Then, does it matter that Democrats are grousing about whether Joe Biden should lead the party in 2024?  And why are Republicans turning on Dan Crenshaw?

Paul speaks with Jessica Martin of Intown Concord about the planning for Concord's biggest annual community event, Market Days, June 23-25 and then turns to politics, interviewing State Representative Debra Altschiller about her run for the NH State Senate in District 24.

The panel gets into the possibilities and pitfalls as the January 6 committee goes public.  Also, an inside view on how elected leaders deal with difficult problems involving complicated, often painful tradeoffs, like sanctioning China for repressing Uygurs or whether to meet with Mohammed bin Salman.  Is our political system equipped to deal with issues like this?

Paul and award-winning New Hampshire journalist Kevin Landrigan discuss the end of New Hampshire's 2022 legislative session and Governor Sununu's vetos. The Governor provoked the dismay of ultra-conservative members of his own party rejecting the legislature's attempt at Congressional redestricting, attempt to usurp the Governor's state of emergency powers and striking down a bill that would have banned schools from instituting mask mandates. They also cover some changes to the state's first ever abortion ban which went into effect at the beginning of the year, which were mildly praised by pro-choice advocates.

Also, the panel looks at recent outrageous behavior and outright stupidity from politicians and asks, is nothing disqualifying anymore? And is Trump in a slump?

Paul interviews NH State Senator Becky Whitley in a wide ranging discussion about what she's found to be the biggest challenges and surprises in a new legislature, how to get things done in the New Hampshire Senate with a right wing majority, her focus on issues around women and children, and her legislative successes. Redistricting has given Senator Whitley new constituents in Bow for November's election and she discusses what she's doing to introduce herself.

It's more than you think.  Also, can Democrats do anything to stave off disaster in the midterms? Ivanka's misdeeds versus Hunter's. And is the Big Lie taking over legislatures?

Paul has a spirited discussion with Kayla Montgomery, Vice President of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood of Northern New England.  They talk about the efforts of the Republican controlled New Hampshire legislature and Executive Council to defund Planned Parenthood and other family health care providers, and about Governor Sununu's shifting statements on women's reproductive health, claiming he is pro-choice while signing New Hampshire's first abortion ban into law and stating publicly that he has done more for the pro-life movement than anyone. And, they discuss the unconscionable ban on abortion which went into effect on January 1 of this year that, for the first time in New Hampshire, limits a women's right to choose, criminalizes doctors, contains no exceptions for rape and incest, and represents a stunning assault on New Hampshire's traditional and popular respect for an individual's right to privacy.

Also, should the baby formula shortage be the subject of political sniping?  How crazy are the ultra-MAGA types in this round or primaries? And Congress does UFOs!

Paul interviews Attorney Brad Cook, the co-chair of the recently empaneled Special Commission on Voter Confidence. They talk about New Hampshire's Republican Party, the legacy of Senator Warren Rudman, New Hampshire's voting system and the various bodies which help ensure New Hampshire's elections stay clean and fair.

The panel looks at whether Democrats win in the midterms on the draft Supreme Court opinion on abortion. Also, "This Week In Trump" looks at some of the newest lowlights, including firing missiles into Mexico. 

Most parents get the dilemma: how do you teach your kids to value what they earn and spend wisely, without loading the stress of the adult world on their shoulders? Mike and Matt get into some best practices, fun tricks, and the pitfalls they've run into as parents themselves.  

Is the problem with Twitter Elon Musk, or is it...Twitter itself?  Also, is the Ministry of Truth a thing? Is the Biden White House trying to have it both ways on student loans?  And does new polling prove that the Fox News freakout about CRT is BS?

Paul interviews Wayland Bunnell, the director of Concord Community Player's upcoming production of "Last Gas", May 6-8 at the Concord City Auditorium. The play by actor/playwright John Cariani is a sometimes gritty comedy set in the last gas/convenience store before the Canadian border in Northernmost Maine. Cariani is well-known for his previous work, "Almost Maine" which has set records for the number of high school and regional theater productions over the past few years.

Also, who's winning the race to the bottom on integrity, Kevin McCarthy or Mitch McConnell? And why do we make a federal case out of everything, literally?

Paul speaks with veteran award winning political reporter Kevin Landrigan about the recent deaths of two notable political figures, Renny Cushing and Kathy Rodgers. Then, a wave of challenges to the GOP's efforts to gerrymander congressional districts from the corner office to the State Supreme Court. Also, the emerging Democratic primary in the redrawn second district for Executive Council, a growing roster of GOP US Senate candidates and a potential high visibility primary for the Democratic race for Governor.

Your human capital, or the amount of money that you make over your lifetime, is one of the biggest factors in your financial success. How steep is the income potential in your current career?  Can you pivot to another career that has a steeper path? What is the job that you really want after your next job?And how much did you think about your current work team and boss? Financial planner Mike Morton walks through the biggest investment you can make...in yourself. 

Plus, does the Proud Boys conspiracy plea end the stupid argument over whether January 6 was an insurrection?  

Paul speaks with Lucy Hodder, a leader at the UNH Health Care Policy and Practice Institute, about the state of health care. President Obama recently visited the White House for the first time since 2017 to celebrate the 12th anniversary of the ACA. The Affordable Care Act was derisively termed "Obamacare" by Republicans who have made it their priority to repeal the law , but it’s now supported by a majority of Americans. Paul and Lucy talk about the benefits of the law and also what more needs to be done to continue health care reform.

Also, how real is this "orgies and cocaine" in Congress story really?  And the Return of Sarah Palin...what is up with that?