Fergus Cullen

" Welcome back to outlawed number three of veterans forum on AM 680 WI KEO. Not the best day but nonetheless say it's the stat of the week we're in the midst of the christmas season. Eight great season people of good Chia -- had a good weekend. We certainly did turn -- I caught a -- American tanks that great great movie really enjoyed did Denzel it's fabulous. And Russell Crowe a whole bunch of other people's good good good movies just darkening and striker about the turn of the bullet break as we continue to discuss things both international but more importantly locally allowed to do the stuff in the back yet. The back he had stuff is the important stuff can look out the look out your window over the fence the Asian -- you look around -- corner -- this another neighbor another friend well. New Hampshire is very very much like that to Massachusetts. Even though sometimes politics are a little bit different oft times as a a commonality via based upon our appreciation for doing what. And we are delighted to welcome to Finneran for a we're gonna make sure this is not just a one time appearance. His particularly as we get closer and closer to the primary we're gonna want to reach out to the one on only Fergus Cullen. Fergus is the chairman of the New Hampshire -- Republican buddy guy who has been around the block in New Hampshire a couple of times in can give us some inside stuff Fergus -- welcome difference forum. It thank you project thank you for joining us hi you guys getting hammered out there what's no rain as it -- what -- what's the as we get we have a lousy money down here with freezing rain."

" Need New Hampshire ski industry is that -- in the last. That is all we early in the capture or."

" job by getting guys it's sex stay odd message without a doubt. -- how long have you been active in the Republican body how long have you had the leadership responsibilities that you now being."

" Well I'd been active -- Ager you know and 1988 primary that -- the last time we -- open primary up both the Republican democratic side. I was high school student and I'd go around that you're the Democrats are okay and that didn't really matter. But an active or about 20 year. And that's been chairman of the New Hampshire Republicans award this year advocating that chairman in January."

" Congratulations any championship you know speaking of that 88 campaign. In yesterday's Sunday go. John Sununu -- former governor I'm not -- about the sanity of former governor give us a great little trip down memory lane talking about George Bush then Vice President beating senator straddle Bob dole. And it was it's a great great radical for those of us who a political junkies Ferguson got to jump right on this because. Not that it happened on you all watch around the -- stewardship. But for the first analog time it's a legitimate question. Is New Hampshire a a red state still are is that become a blue state and what do you see. Looking as you peer down the road with him binoculars."

" It's a tossup states and that you don't you captured did go to year but that the state where. Only 26% of registered voters are Democrat. I -- that no other juror Republican that's true that by this book state that is very competitive stated. Moderates they in the most that -- in the northeast. That's good for both parties because that means that both at work here. But I mean it's sitting next year at least what the wreckage of 2006 and burger here is an equilibrium election where things come back in to balance. You know last year we lost both of our congressional seat here was out by Republicans. -- scored the legislative it's -- 19 warm a seat plastered imagine that speaker. Thank you wondered your altered and out that's we did last year or looking -- come back out next year -- what that they -- equilibrium election."

" I'm curious in the eyes I you know sometimes -- the benefit of hindsight you see something that was occurring you just didn't see it when it accurate it's only in the rearview mirror. To lose 91 seats now I know you have 500 plus but still that's you know close to DM 20% of the membership. That -- last what was driving now what with the driving issues up the era at the time because I think going to have to would have to have some relevance to the presidential primary."

" It does add a -- that you know last year we -- idol election goes off year election though presidential race no US senate race. Or is that too popular public in -- in the capture of the opposite ticket -- governor's race which fortunately for Republican perspective. Well well out last year it meant that our legislative -- that audio it's like but he vote. In order to be competitive and win their races at the top of the ticket in their own district that's asking awful lot. Well or candidates were swept out the in most cases to know all the Euro. And we're insisting next year presidential year which is that it via competitive rate in the entrant competent that whoever the Republican nominees is. It's going to be someone's going to be competitive in the capture have a chance to carry capture for the Republican Party. We know we're gonna have a nationally targeted at the US that it is here with Republicans on you know off the ticket -- for the Republican Party. And that that's been set the stage for competitive races are down about are good candidates running good campaigns in the district should had a chance to win on their own merit. That's really all he can were all."

" Fergus before we get to the -- versus -- had to I have to ask you mentioned about the relatively who the relative low number of people registered as Democrats. Up in New Hampshire. You'd probably be surprised to hear that it's probably not much more than a third here in Massachusetts 13 of the registered voters are Democrat may be about for only 14% to -- registered Republicans leaving about a little bit more than half as independents help me understand. The how old the Republican presidential candidates. Will you animate those on enrolled independent voters to come to the Republican side in this primary. I'll just use McCain for an example but it's you know it is the burden falls on all laid them. How can you excite the independents to take a Republican ballot with the the variety of choices that exist on the democratic side -- in the sense that it's a boom year of democratic momentum."

" Sure that one of the political and demographic changes over the last decade New Hampshire has been defined by the rise of independent. They're now 44% of of voters in new capture that's up from 30% in just the last 12 years you know independence are growing that we found there coming out of I'd if you will of both. Of the traditional ardent Democrat enrollment -- Republican enrollment is also. You know the three major Republican candidate most likely to win the nomination McCain Romney and Giuliani. All make the argument that -- except in the past when he or -- the and McCain got 49% of the vote in the primary here eight years ago he turned what would've been a very narrow window among registered Republican. Into a rout by -- support independence. Mitt -- been able able to make the argument that he would never been elected governor in Massachusetts if you weren't able appeal and when. Support in the and that of course mayor Giuliani as part of is that campaign pitch is that -- they would let -- state in a especially in the mid Atlantic region. I hate it ability to win independent -- all three of those candidates can make the argument. And one thing is very important as we go to 2008 both Republicans and Democrats are going to be talking about change this is different from 1988. When George Bush was running for president today. I'm world President Reagan but I'm my own guy in 2000 when Al Gore Democrat take on world to Bill Clinton ought to in my own guy. Both of the candidates major party next year will be occupants."

" Which are going to Fergus Cullen he is the chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party right on the ground lots of experience he sees this firsthand. I'm curious before I get to it's speech of last week I don't want to ask about the evangelicals this up another issue that is Althea. You BR expertise with we got to New Hampshire. Which of the who really is more compelling in terms of organization. All message can somebody with messianic message really have success in New Hampshire. With out. Having spent time money and having an on the ground force or is it going to be old fashioned political organizing precinct. By precinct which one trumps."

" I really think organizations still matters a great deal you know that the great they -- as well I would be that. Yet a celebrity candidate what a lot of money could win the primary simply by doing a lot of advertising. And I had been heartened to -- in the process that we have on the those candidates that they that's now wasn't enough that rot off the -- have to do. Hard work and heavy lifting go to town hall meeting -- rubber chicken -- And build -- grassroots organizations that work be successful here. You know according to all we saw last week 18% Republican likely -- vote primary are open that up by their local. -- about one in five voters here. And what -- that we know about the northeastern Republican Democrat that we had the kind of private about religion is not something that a lot of people really public about I think that's important that people have date but the heat build -- that state is actually less important I really believe that organization trumped everything but you build an organization. By having a strong message connecting with people that's what church volunteers that would deter or they should go."

" Let me step them with that point Ferguson let me -- to emphasize to all listeners. Fergus Cullen is not just the chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party. But by by necessity as well as by choice. I'm aligned in the in the oncoming upcoming primary hasn't identified -- embraced endorse any of the particular candidates. Let's go right to you mentioned by the evangelical presence in New Hampshire. Not as substantial apparently is it might be in Iowa Mike huckabee tell me what's going on -- on the ground in New Hampshire on behalf of Mike huckabee have you ever seen anything like it you just give just give us some details on."

" Well it certainly has our hands at the moment I thought governor huckabee about and they'd go even -- capture at area. Christmas party dinner that night he had a bounce to it -- a lot of confidence and he worked the room with laws that the any candidate worker -- The entire cycle of color -- the first table to table that wasn't -- about it every signal or that are elected in personal connection. At some level over a he's got a funny message is the best communicators in the field you're -- arm while that why that is or Republican. We all recognize that President Bush a lot of strength like communication skills are not that -- one of the -- strike. And so having somebody -- good communicators really matters to Republicans because. One of the reasons perhaps why almost the president all these are having trouble in the popularity all of it because from I'm not as effective at communicating -- because it should be. And was somebody like governor ought to -- a lot of fuel for. You know -- organization. You're not as strong as that of other and it's but he a lot of good people whip and he certainly is generating volunteers and that's something. That from the other candidates were not doing as well ought to be. Dollar for dollar is frantic -- campaign obviously putting a little more effort in an energy and so I would that he would capture. But he didn't hear everyone likes them that they approach people -- he's been accurate."

" You know I'm looking at yesterday's paper the Sunday globe. And great picture of an and a high school with a bunch of high school kids standing behind a hold on -- science in you know he had to pick up a gets out before he left there and ripped through a couple of numbers and he would leave those kids just craving more remarkably it seems to make."

" You know it does have a connection that way -- currently cool factor and it is -- they about music and other culture coming out of -- to blow -- the -- An instrument that desperately wrong all at connection with young people that might be a little bit unexpected get and other aspects that personality there are a lot of young people were tracked to the Republican Party is -- that think urging regardless of who -- on the."

" Let's jump over to -- Massachusetts guy a former governor Mitt Romney I think he took a bad rap last week a little bit about what I'll call an ambush in the press about the illegal immigrants working for the landscape company had his house I think much ado about nothing he did what any of us could do. And try to -- system an old friend the guy who ran the landscape committee -- you can only have legal people here in any depended on a friend it's not I don't think it's fatal when anyway. Tell me about the -- Speech on his Mormon faith what she just sense of the importance of that and has he been able to stop any -- either free fall are any kind of sag that was occurring perhaps in the polls."

" You know what things that I got it's what we argue about such ruler and go to our country. You know we are indeed christmas speed and these days and I think order -- get frosted yeah I'd unity -- wish somebody. Merry christmas. Without being afraid that you might be sending someone -- I think that that's part of that -- there's that governor Romney last week in order and those were the date that there at the plate or state and religion in public life. And that's locate where somebody. Merry christmas without the raises your and that was something which was hurt if governor -- your capture -- for those with the most. It's the most campaign that -- most or all of needing. He has been aiming a campaign directly at art of the Republican base of people most likely to state in this primary. You know -- counter intuitive political on -- The New Hampshire primary. Of course independents can vote either Republican or the democratic primary. And -- campaign is that making a bet all our. That there primary it would be dominated by registered republic and they've been aiming their met this -- are directly or face the -- He brought a very good camp in the action that -- very good organization the only ones thought that adds that -- that that are very strong position."

" We're talking to Fergus Cullen he's the chairman of the New Hampshire Republican party's gonna take some calls as well while we have for a little bit longest 6172666868 is the -- but. One last question before we get to a couple of calls two Fergus going to ask he'd just made the point about huckabee momentum run any time and effort and the focus like in the other candidates to I'd mistreated but is Giuliani focused on other states in a different timetable not that he's ignoring New Hampshire. But it doesn't seem to me is if he's putting in the same amount of time. Or making the same effort with resources with organization that I sense from from Romney that I heard from about -- From you moments ago would tell us what you see a sense about Giuliani."

" What Giuliani has been running a little bit of a different strategy one that is little or national Q well certainly a little more aimed at the February that partners. It's been needed do well not survive in the early states. And then bring -- messaging and in national I certainly think that they're Giuliani is that a good job you'd capture it because it real opportunity here. Given that independent you have the option of voting Republican primary. But this said earlier I think several candidates can make -- case slightly distracted. I think that Giuliani especially can make that case whether he would demonstrate that that your actual world will find out much certainly has been doing some of the town hall meeting. They've got pretty all the organization I've been impressed by the level support the Giuliani has been able to attract. From conservative though that they disagree with Giuliani on some issues but there are attracted by his leadership skills by its projections strike. He'd go to just buys a primary we have -- also John McCain as well Senator McCain on Saturday at town hall meeting in actually capture. At 240 people on on a beautiful Saturday when people could -- with the shopping and -- McCain has -- or support those within eight years ago that it's still look at. He's been working very hard you're -- wrote that support in two other Republican to independent again. He's also going to have a good out of here that your. Bottom line as the primary is the month away I think that five candidates were you that we -- percent of the Republican vote here. All that walk as the capture at least that's how shall."

" We're talking with talking to Fergus -- he -- the chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party let's go to Kevin Kevin's column from Boston Kevin your idea with Fergus -- and Tom Finneran."

" I am pleased given. A the out of the Bob has put the Republicans in -- that Giuliani as a terrible sleaze factor route would be -- beauty gate at all. Outgoing is that what is up on the police commissioner has more Romney it would more -- the Mormon of them as I can now about our act. In the case. I don't hold any Cano island also the issue with the immigration be out -- and finally -- is deceit as soft on Klein and very. Over on immigration all of the map back in none of them are looking at anything any currency nick Abbot I. Maybe if you look at the -- on the democratic side that Bill Richardson Spanish it's static agent got. -- black and you got Hillary was."

" But -- Kevin -- Kevin let me erupt though these are all Republicans -- running in a Republican presidential primary New Hampshire -- it's it's a stretch for me think that diversity is going to be a big issue let me stay were the first topic you mentioned a bit being a Mormon and let me ask Jeff Fergus this Fergus is that a negative is that going to hurt Robby in any way up in New Hampshire. War is it's really an inconsequential fact that."

" I -- think consequential and here's why and first of all of the demographic terms state religion and they are not cheap and it sure not all that different. Certainly put the fact that that Mitt Romney is remembered yelled yes church were. Note that two -- it has no impact on his race with you like it appeared that -- We at a Mormon member of congress to New Hampshire -- not long ago in the 90s for a couple are. The fact that that person happened remembered yelled yes church was not a political factory in that person's political career in any way at all. There's no reason to think but -- is going to become. A political factor for people that's an issue I think depressed and it talks about an awful lot more."

" I know immigration has been in the news but -- for a get to that the -- mentioned the what what some people referred to as the Giuliani sleaze factor 23 marriages was he having enough -- While he you know who -- knows what was really going on I guess the question is. Does that -- kind of stick it does that leave the residue of bad residue. With in the minds of New Hampshire voters today. Looking for somebody who can who they know with confidence will be able to stand up as mr. clean to what will clearly be a tough national election."

" Well you know -- Giuliani its credit has never played mr. clean as like it's been pretty open book. You know that in this commercial everything laying ground work quite well I think that it of people looking for perfection. I may not be your guy but he acknowledged that he makes mistakes. And people are aware that he's got a background that is maybe not oh boy scout. And that he be factored into their decision. Or already certainly in the early going again just like perhaps the position on the socialist. People were aware -- true that maybe they disagree with the more on social issues and yet many conservatives are supporting and despite that this agreement. I think one thing that title 72. Is that the big they'll have issues and all excellent matter a lot more in the particular on all of -- what do mean by that is. President Bush was elected after talking just like units are now all of the issues about the economy about health care about you name it. And then 9/11 happened. All purpose of his presidency changed but it became about straight national security on international issues people who want to kill Americans at home. And I think voters are looking for things like. Like opposite extract these so called there was this year and how they get to those impressions. Pattern that's what it is talk about the issues with that they're really looking worked like trust this person in a crisis that's what the reasons why they're doing well here"

" appreciate the timeless and let's do one more call before we come up to the break Jeff -- from exiting hey Jeff you're Rania with Fergus Cullen. Of the New Hampshire Republican body and Tom Finneran."

" Comments Fergus criticism -- products that are believe you know -- I already don't did you. -- business."

" Yes my question what -- Yeah and dealers want to -- to Exeter here we were I mean 95% of the time ordered Republican about 12 years ago. Republican house Republican senate you -- Republican Republican Republican. What has happened it is so different here now and I'm I'm concerned."

" Well there are demographic change is taking place captured while the good thing they can out of the speed that the Republicans that -- captured suffered a year ago. Is that exposed for a lot of not that they capture has changed demographically economically and politically. Part of it is people who movements from Massachusetts generally speaking people who live in New Hampshire often work and that is the they tend to perhaps be a little bit more moderate socialist but they also appreciate it captures public reader and I attitude suspect that those they'll back. No -- and act and the -- pretty good Republican voters. But they might be more moderate socialist the other demographic changes captures -- Faster than any other state in the north these. They'll put the national average but than any other state in the north these what's driving that population growth in the migration of people moving to capture from other states. They're becoming -- current just popped -- once you move it from that chooses that we've working people tend to be economically on upper middle class. And they tend to people who are definitely registry in the and the other group are affluent retirees are moving to me afterward maybe they're selling their 600000 are out in the suburbs and they New Jersey buying -- 400000 are out in the capture and they're moving closer Eric Gregg is there yet both -- tend to be much more likely to vote Democrat. They're coming from states where they -- intact where they're used to larger government purposes they're looking for that there while there. These people are -- it demographic change which is frightened not helpful to Republican candidate. But now we know that -- here -- the apt to adjust -- that is how we camp in a little the -- is used speech you know. Put your name on the ballot Republicans that turn out the Republican base -- coast to victory that's not how works anymore now we know"