FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:               July 1, 2008

Contact:          Fergus Cullen, Chairman, New Hampshire Republican Party

                        603-225-9341 office, 603-520-5450 cell

NH GOP Chairman responds to Wesley Clark's attack on Senator McCain

Calls on Shaheen, Leading NH Dems to Condemn Clark’s Comments

Concord, NH – New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman Fergus Cullen issued the following statement regarding Gen. Wesley Clark's attacks on John McCain's military service record on CBS' "Face the Nation”:

“Most Granite Staters are appalled by Wesley Clark’s senseless attacks on Senator John McCain’s distinguished history of service to our nation – but apparently not Jeanne Shaheen, Carol Shea-Porter, Paul Hodes, or John Lynch, who have stood in silence without condemning Clark’s comments.

“Senator Obama’s rhetoric about ‘a new kind of politics’ is hollow when he and the New Hampshire Democratic establishment give their silent consent to Clark’s outrageous comments.  Meanwhile, Clark’s comments are received with applause, not condemnation, on the blog of the New Hampshire Democratic party, bluehampshire.com.

“Silence is consent. Jeanne Shaheen and New Hampshire Democrats’ failure to condemn Wesley Clark’s comments suggests she and they agree with Clark. I call upon these New Hampshire Democratic leaders to condemn Clark’s comments.”

BACKGROUND:

On Sunday, Gen. Wesley Clark Attacked McCain's Military Service:

Gen. Clark: "But he hasn't held executive responsibility. That large squadron in the Navy that he commanded? It wasn't a wartime squadron. He hasn't been there and ordered the bombs to fall. He hasn't seen what it's like when diplomats come in and say, 'I don't know whether we're going to be able to get this point through or not, do you want to take the risk, what about your reputation, how do we handle this publicly?' He hasn't made those points Bob." (CBS' "Face The Nation," 6/29/08)

CBS' Bob Schieffer: "Well, General, could I just interrupt you. I have to say, Barack Obama has not had any of those experiences either nor has he ridden in a fighter plane and gotten shot down." Gen. Clark: "Well, I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be President." (CBS' "Face The Nation," 6/29/08)

Gen. Clark's Attack On McCain Contradicts Obama's Promise For A New Kind Of Politics:

"Senator Barack Obama Often Offers A Crisp Sales Pitch To Voters, Imploring Them To Be Part Of Something New, Different And Hopeful. 'If You Want A New Kind Of Politics,' He Says, 'It's Time To Turn The Page.'" (Jeff Zeleny, "A New Kind Of Politics Closely Resembles The Old," The New York Times, 6/16/07)

Obama: "We've got to get beyond the small politics ... the slash and burn politics that have become the custom in Washington." ("Obama Denounces 'Slash And Burn' Politics," The Associated Press, 2/19/07)