I am a resident of NH-2 2nd District, and I really, really want to see Paul Hodes beat Charlie Bass a little over a month from now. However, I think things need to change pretty quickly for that to happen. I don't think the Hodes campaign is living up to its potential.
The Hodes campaign has been far too passive, and have let Charlie Bass campaign put him on the defensive. Bass has hit the airwaves much harder and quicker. Hodes has the same amount of money that Bass has, but I'm not sure where his money is going. Hodes' first TV ad was mediocre at best (nothing memorable), and they have not produced a second ad yet (what are they waiting for?) The Hodes campaign needs to put out some positive ads highlighting some of his stances on the issues, while also putting out some ads highlighting Bass's almost-lockstep voting record with the Bush administration (Iraq War, Social Security privatization, deficit spending, Real ID bill, Terri Schiavo, etc.) There is so much to attack Bass on, but the vast majority of votes still think Bass is "independent"!! Hodes really needs to hit the airwaves hard the next 3 weeks if wants any serious chance to win this race. So far, this hasn't been the case. Why haven't they? His name recognition is still pitifully low for a 2nd time challenger.
I have been doing voter IDs much of this week for independent voters, and very few know anything about Hodes at all. The good news is there's still potential (over 50% I've talked to are undecided), but the bad news is that they're not going to vote for someone they know nothing about. And on top of that, Bass has fairly strong support from many independents, because they stil believe that Bass is a "good guy" and "independent". The Hodes campaign has done very little to point out his record to the general voting public and define Charlie Bass. I have heard rumblings that the campaign has been lazy and I'm concerned. Where is the media attention? Where is the grassroots effort?
I write this diary tonight but I think the next 2 weeks in this race are incredibly important and urgent. Maybe I'm crazy, but things need to change fast if Hodes wants to win what should be a winnable race. There is no Senate race and no competitive governor's race, NH residents need to focus their energies on this race!!