The New London Town Green sported its brightest fall colors on October 10 for the “We the People Rally,” hosted by the Kearsarge Democrats. The event drew 150 people who enjoyed live music, pumpkin painting, and speeches by Democratic candidates.

The Kearsarge Democrats represent New London, Sutton, Wilmot, and Andover. With masks required, the rally gave voters a chance to socialize safely and meet Democratic candidates in person. The event was the brainchild of Maureen Strachan, chair of New London’s Democratic Town Committee.

“The rally made me feel hopeful; so many people showed up and enjoyed the music, the candidates, and their fellow Democrats,” Maureen said. “We are fortunate to have so many capable citizens who want to make New Hampshire a better place.”

Retired schoolteacher Sandy Schmid directed the children’s activities, setting up a Statute of Liberty replica for them to learn about and tables for decorating their own pumpkin people. Their pumpkins, with multi-colored faces and funny hats, were placed by the Statue of Liberty. Elise, who introduced herself as “an almost seven-year-old,” enjoyed the activity and exercising her free speech rights.

“I liked that I could cheer and boo as loud as I wanted in public, especially about needing to support our schools,” Elise said. “And it was so much fun that I got to see Senator Shaheen in person and make a pumpkin person showing all the different kinds of people in America.”

The first candidates to speak were Mike Cryans, who seeks a second term as Executive Councilor in District 1, and Cinde Warmington, first-time candidate for Executive Councilor in District 2. Mike emphasized the Democratic councilors’ successes in keeping Governor Chris Sununu in check, while Warmington highlighted her health care background as an asset not currently represented on the council. 

Senate Majority Leader and gubernatorial candidate Dan Feltes talked about his working-class background and history of helping the state’s working people. He later discussed Governor Chris Sununu’s close alliance with President Trump and unprecedented vetoes of 79 mainly bipartisan bills in the last legislative session.

“Governor Sununu does better at press conferences than President Trump, but just like Trump, he refuses to accept medical expertise on public health standards and wearing masks,” Dan said. “Governor Sununu has done nothing to protect our public schools, which is disqualifying for his rare bid for a third term as governor.”

Dan said that like Trump, Governor Sununu wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act and even vetoed the state Democrats’ bill to make COVID testing free. In conclusion, he said, “We need to take New Hampshire back and have a real recovery that works for working people.”

In her speech, US Senator Jeanne Shaheen stressed the consequential nature of the 2020 elections and the urgent need for changes in leadership. She highlighted US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s four-month delay of the national COVID relief package and his failure to include funding for towns and cities or for hospitals and health care workers. In closing, Senator Shaheen urged people “to vote for Democrats up and down the ballot.”

Other candidates who spoke included Karen Ebel, now Deputy Speaker of the New Hampshire House, who seeks a fifth term as state representative for New London and Newbury, and Karen Zurheide, also of New London, who seeks these towns’ other state representative seat.

“Constituent service and the needs of our district have always been job one for me,” Karen said. “With your vote, I will continue to fight for better healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and a healthy environment.”

Jenn Alford-Teaster of South Sutton is a candidate for the New Hampshire State Senate, District 8. A public health scientist at Dartmouth College, she would seek to expand the health care systems in our communities and work with business and education leaders to expand vocational training, apprenticeships and worker retraining options.

The other candidates for state representative who spoke were Linda Tanner and Sue Gottling, Sullivan District 9; Tom Schamberg, Merrimack District 4; Ken Wells, Merrimack District 1; Faith Minton, Merrimack District 25; Brian Sullivan, Sullivan 1, and Lee Oxenham, Sullivan District 1. Mario Ratzki is running for Merrimack County Commissioner, District 2.

After the candidates’ speeches, longtime New London resident Barbara Rosenfield, who is nearly 90 years old, reminisced about her late husband, Jay Rosenfield. In 1998, he was the very first Democrat ever elected in New London to the New Hampshire State Legislature.

“How exciting to see Jeanne Shaheen, who has done so much for our state, dating back to when she was governor of New Hampshire,” Rosenfield said.

The Andover Area Democrats, who represent Andover, Danbury, Salisbury, Warner, and Webster, set up a table at the rally to support their candidates. Wilmot and Sutton were represented by State Representative and Wilmot Selectman Tom Schamberg.

“It was a beautiful day to celebrate Democrats and political camaraderie,” said Marie Nardino of Andover.

New London resident Elizabeth Meller appreciated the opportunity to meet Democratic candidates and ask them questions in person. “I also got to say hello to many friends I had not seen since the COVID lockdowns, high-five them with my elbow, and know we are still here, working together.”