I got to wear my lederhosen again for a little Oktoberfest fundraiser event today at Mary Hakken-Phillips' place. She is the State Representative for Grafton-12, the towns of Hanover and Lyme.

We can disagree on public policy. "How do we pay for the school renovation?" is a policy issue. "Do trans kids have the same rights as everyone else?" is not. Trans rights are human rights, and human rights can't be up for debate just to appease the unappeasable.

Last night, Robin and I attended the NH Democratic Party's annual Eleanor Roosevelt Dinner. The speakers included our candidate for governor, Cinde Warmington, Representative Maggie Goodlander, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Senator Maggie Hassan, and former US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

Standing out in Enfield for the weekly visibility day to show presence in our community. There's a lot of positive energy out there right now. We got lots of honks and waves from passing cars in support, and only very few negative reactions. People are tired of the chaos and ready for change.

It secured collective bargaining rights, protections, better work safety, five-day work weeks, pensions, and medical care. Unions created the middle class, and when unions are strong, the working class flourishes.

I'm from a very blue-collar background. My family tree on both sides is full of relatives who worked hard manual labor jobs--coal miners, train stokers, and bricklayers. It's indisputable that the labor movement made their lives better.

The lineup of speakers included Senators Mark Kelly, Maggie Hassan, and Jeanne Shaheen, Representatives Chris Pappas, Ro Khanna, and Maggie Goodlander, and a variety of local labor and community leaders.

Today, I attended the AFL-CIO Labor Day breakfast in Manchester as part of a delegation of Grafton Co. Dems, including Mary Hakken-Phillips (Grafton-12), and Ella Barrett (candidate for Grafton-9, which overlaps with my floterial district Grafton-18 in Canaan, Orange, & Dorchester.)

I'm happy to announce that I've been endorsed by AFT-NH! Everyone benefits from good public schools. They turn out competent and prepared students, make communities more attractive for families, and shape an informed society. @aftnh.bsky.social

Other local candidates present will be: Marc Bourassa, NH House candidate for Grafton-10 (from 10 a.m.-3 p.m), Rebecca Harned, NH Senate candidate for NH Senate District 7 (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.), and Katie Hedberg, County Commissioner candidate for Grafton-3 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

And if you're a science fiction reader, I'll have a supply of free books available on first-come, first-serve basis. Hope to see you there!

Thank you very much!