This week in punditry

Man, I wish I was this popular in high school.

Probably because I posted some of the only detailed analysis of the Manchester Mayor's Race over at RedHampshire, I'm the belle of the ball this week on the talking heads circuit. I'll be joining Doug and Skip of Granite Grok this morning on Meet the New Press at 9am.

James Pindell also points out that I'll be following in Barack Obama's footsteps by hitting all the local Sunday talkers on the same day.

I may not always be right, but I'm usually pithy.

Arlinghaus Radio Tour

Charlie Arlinghaus joins the boys from Granite Grok tomorrow morning at 9:30 to discuss the JUA Lawsuit, and its aftermath on the New Hampshire budget.

Listen Live to "Meet the New Press" from 9-11am on Newstalk 1490 WEMJ or online.

Jeb Bradley- "New Taxes Galore"

In a guest post over at Granite Grok, State Senator Jeb Bradley says that this budget is a mixed bag, but with more to oppose than to support:

There are new taxes galore however. The tobacco tax will go up by 45 cents -- the fourth hike in five years. Non-smokers may generally be callous to the impact this tax has, but smokers, especially low income people, justifiably believe they are carrying far more than their fair share of the tax burden. This increase will also undermine the cross border advantage New Hampshire has long enjoyed – attracting visitors to purchase tobacco products here and fill our revenue coffers. Convenience stores near the borders will be impacted, and meeting our revenue goals with this tax hike is questionable.

Any gambling winnings will be taxed at 10% including those garnered outside of New Hampshire. Will we be sending auditors to Foxwoods and Las Vegas -- or charitable events in New Hampshire -- to guarantee tax collection? Under those circumstances, is the $14 million of anticipated revenue farfetched?

Manchester Tea Party- complete audio

The guys at Granite Grok have posted audio from every speaker at the Manchester Tea Party.

I really liked Doug and Skip's speech. They were really fired up.

The Concord Monitor has posted a picture gallery from the Concord Tea Party.

And Pajamas Media has an event site where you can submit your pictures and comments about the Manchester Tea Party.

Grok doesn't like the van

Our friends at Granite Grok make history today, by agreeing with the Concord Monitor editorial page:

Another case made for a more limited government - so, cops need satellite TV on a stake-out?

Over at NH Watchdog, our friend Grant Bosse alerts us that even as the NH State budget is in $250 million in the whole (our state budget is about $1 Billion / year so it is a hefty percentage - thanks Democrats for boosting spending 17% during the cycle!), the Liquor Commission decided to use $442,000 to buy a van! This as Gov. Do-nothin' is pressuring all departments to cut spending big time.

Guess Commissioner Mark Bodi "doesn't get it" - or worse, believes it doesn't apply to him. Now, this is not just ANY kind of van - it is SPECIAL!