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Manchester Wins for Liberty!

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

In what Democrats are calling a “stunning upset,” for the first time in 34 years, Manchester has a Republican Mayor, Jay Ruias, AND a majority on the Board of Mayor and Alderman. This is fantastic news, a backlash against the Democrats disastrous mismanagement of New Hampshire’s largest city, where we have seen rising crime and homelessness for years under former mayor and now gubernatorial candidate, Joyce Craig.

Our new mayor, Jay Ruias, has his work cut out for him because of Democrats mismanagement over many years. But, he will have support on the BOMA for the first time in more than 3 decades, giving limited-government types a massive opportunity to introduce market-driven solutions to problems.

Congrats to Norm Vincent in Ward 11, and all the other Republicans who won in their wards. Thank you to AFP-NH and all the other grassroots organizations who helped make this success happen. Let’s make sure we maximize on this opportunity, and show Granite State voters that smaller government that lets you keep more of your money to spend as you see fit, is the best way to govern.

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BlogElection 2018

Calling all Independents!

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

Are you tired of all this politics, politics, politics? Can’t wait for Election Day on November 6th to be over? Me too! 🙂

In order for me to win against my opponent, Lou D’Allesandro (80) who has spent the past 20 years in the senate restricting your liberties and raising your taxes, I need YOUR vote!

I’m a unique candidate: I filed for and am the Republican nominee for state Senate in District 20 (Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10, 11 and Goffstown). After a successful primary write-in campaign by Libertarian supporters, I will also appear on the ballot as the Libertarian candidate.

If you are a Republican-leaning independent voter, I ask for your vote on the Republican slate. Start at the top of the ticket with Governor Sununu, and vote all the way down the ballot–local candidates matter much more to your everyday life, so don’t skip us! I am eager to work with Gov. Sununu on his priorities, including educational freedom for all children, regardless of income or zip code.

If you are an independent voter who doesn’t feel comfortable voting Republican, I ask for your vote in the Libertarian column. I am willing to work across the aisle on issues independent voters care about, including marijuana decriminalization/legalization (with a homegrown provision) and healthcare costs which can be brought down through market competition.

To all voters: I will never support a sales or income tax because #LFOD! Our low tax/low spending culture is exactly what makes New Hampshire better than everywhere else, and I will work to protect this advantage!

EIGHT Letters to the Editor have appeared in the Union Leader in support of my candidacy: from small business owners, health care professionals, single mothers, techies, and more. Only one appeared for my opponent.

Hard working taxpayers want a representative who will look after their interests. You want a senator who is not bought and paid for. You want a fresh, independent voice, someone who is highly qualified and an independent thinker. That’s me!

Running against an institution like Lou is a David against Goliath struggle. I’m sure you, like me, have received a gazillion mailers from him. You will only be getting one from me, because this is all I could afford, and like you, I have to live within my means.

To put things in context, compare our most recent campaign finance filings:

Lou D’Allesandro CAMPAIGN FINANCES
Raised: $407,721
Spent: $179,462
Reporting Date: October 31, 2018

Carla Gericke CAMPAIGN FINANCES
Raised: $25,940
Spent: $9,174
Reporting Date: October 31, 2018

Money shouldn’t matter this much when we are trying to elect our local representatives, but it certainly buys a lot of misleading mail.

It’s incredibly hard to get your name out there on a limited budget, so please, tell a friend or family member in Manchester and Goffstown that there is a real choice for a fresh start on Tuesday.

I respectfully ask for YOUR vote on Nov. 6th. It’s time to vote like your rights depend on it (because they do! And Lou didn’t think you worthy of having a say at all!).

I, CARLA GERICKE, promise to serve with integrity, character, and compassion. Let’s get to work on building a better future for us all!

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BlogElection 2018

Taxpayer Protection Pledge, and all kinds of good stuff

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

Last week was super busy, and I’m playing catch up on informing you about my race.

First, and most awesomely, my billboard on South Willow went up! 😀

Last Wednesday, I got to hang out with Grover Norquist (pictured) and many other candidates who support the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, which I signed:

"I, CARLA GERICKE, pledge to the taxpayers of the state of NEW HAMPSHIRE, that I will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes."

The same day, I attended an informative session regarding the recent US Supreme Court Wayfair decision. In a nutshell, the Wayfair decision turns NH business owners into tax collectors for other states and 12,000 taxing jurisdictions in conflict with our own state sovereignty and no sales/income tax status. As your senator, I will work with Gov. Sununu to make sure we protect our business owners from this atrocious federal overreach.

On Thursday, I attended two sign waves. One on Route 114 at 7AM for Goffstown voters, and one at 5PM in Ward 10. Lo and behold, my opponent drove by. What are the chances!?! It was cold, wet and windy out, but the volunteers who came out, and the waves and honks of encouragement warmed my heart. Thank you!

After the last sign wave, I headed over to St. As in Goffstown to meet with Republican students. I received this email from one:

"I just wanted to reach out and thank you for coming, tell you that I will be out door knocking for you, and to wish you the best of luck with your campaign."

On Saturday morning, I attended the Candidate Meet and Greet at Jupiter Hall organized by Manchester Ink Link (read my op-ed for them here). Sadly, the voter turnout was low, but it did afford an opportunity to speak to other candidates, including Democrats. I was shocked that when I went to say "hi" to my opponent and his wife, he decided to give me an overly-crushing "power handshake." I couldn’t help thinking, Oh, you’re like that, huh?

On Sunday afternoon, I popped in at the Eddie Edwards campaign HQ to drop off more door hangers and say hello to the volunteers who were phone banking. There was a mix of candidates in the room, and we had an interesting conversation about the role of government with regard to non-violent, first time offenders, and whether restitution rather than incarceration is a better approach, as I believe. I genuinely cannot wait to have these exchanges of ideas at the State House where I can make a real difference!

You know the drill: I ask for your vote on Nov. 6th, and promise to serve with integrity, character and compassion. Onwards!

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BlogElection 2018

Vote like your rights depend on it…

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

The following op-ed appeared on Manchester Ink Link:

Did you know there will be two Constitutional amendments on the Nov. 6th ballot? Since political TV ads are spilling over from Massachusetts that may lead to confusion for Granite State voters, here’s a breakdown of the two questions that will appear on your New Hampshire ballot:

Question 1 restores taxpayers’ ability to sue the government: Vote YES on 1

Question 2 protects your private information from government snooping: Vote YES on 2

Question 1 restores taxpayer standing, a 150-year-old NH tradition that was stripped away by the state Supreme Court in 2014. “Yes on 1” means taxpayers can once again sue to hold our local government accountable to the people. My opponent, Lou D’Allesandro (80) was one of only two senators who voted against this taxpayer-friendly remedy. I urge you to vote for me, and to vote “Yes on 1.”

Question 2 protects your private and personal information. It’s one sentence: “An individual’s right to live free from governmental intrusion in private or personal information is natural, essential, and inherent.” D’Allesandro voted against this right to privacy. If, like me, you are concerned about the growing surveillance state, you should vote “Yes on 2.”

Isn’t it empowering to know you have a voice on these important issues? Apparently, my opponent thinks he knows better than you do, and does not think you should have a say at all.

My opponent has also said he won’t support a sales or income tax, yet as far back as 1982, he refused to take the “No New Tax” pledge, and ran on a platform of raising taxes, which he has, indeed, been doing for the past 20 years. I have signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge and will never support a broad-based sales or income tax.

D’Allesandro has had 20 years in the Senate to address issues facing our state. Why would you continue to place trust in him, especially when he voted not to place trust in you by voting against these two commonsense Constitutional amendments?

Remember, in order for a Constitutional amendment to appear on the ballot, it must have ⅔ bipartisan support in both chambers. It also requires that ⅔ of Granite Staters vote YES on Nov. 6th. Show him you know what’s good for you by voting YES on these questions, and by voting for me, Carla Gericke.

I will appear on the Nov. 6th ballot as both the Republican and Libertarian candidate. You can read about my 25 years of real-world experience here, but in short: I’m a former lawyer, writer, non-profit director, and volunteer. I own a home in West Manchester with my husband of 24 years, Louis Calitz, where we live with our rescued dog, Nervous Nellie.

It’s time for a fresh start in District 20. It’s time for a new, independent voice, one who is not beholden to lobbyists and special interests. It’s is also time to elect a senator who will support marijuana legalization for adult use, as 70 percent of Granite Staters want.

I trust YOU to make your own decisions for yourself and your family, and I want to encourage a freedom-friendly climate for you to excel at doing just that. This means a stronger economy and higher wages through less government regulations and red tape, lower taxes through lower spending, and more of your hard earned money left in your own, capable hands to spend as you see fit.

I ask for your vote on Nov. 6th — if you are someone who won’t vote Republican, vote for me as the Libertarian candidate — you might even find this a little exhilarating; already, more choices for you!

I promise to serve with integrity, character, and compassion. Let’s get to work!

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BlogElection 2018

Your liberty comes first

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

The following op-ed appeared as part of "Granite State Debates" in the print version of today’s Union Leader:

I am the Republican nominee for state Senate in District 20, running against a 20-year incumbent, Lou D’Allesandro (80), the self-declared “Lion of the Senate,” who has seemingly unlimited funds from out-of-state special interests to send countless mailers to every door. This is a David against Goliath struggle. In 2016, when I first ran, I received 40% of the vote. This time, with your support, I can win.

When speaking to voters, I sadly hear: “I’m a lifelong Republican, but I vote for Lou.”

Why? My opponent usually votes Democratic party line, so he votes against your interests. He votes against your gun rights. He votes against free speech. He votes against a balanced budget. He votes for higher healthcare costs and higher taxes. He votes against Gov. Sununu’s priorities like school choice and lower energy costs. He is rated a “Constitutional Threat” by the NH Liberty Alliance and gets an “F” rating from the economic watchdog, Americans for Prosperity. His voting record does not reflect Republican values at all.

This past legislative session, D’Allesandro voted against his constituents on two commonsense Constitutional amendments that will appear on your Nov. 6 ballot, both which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.

Question 1 restores taxpayer standing, a 150-year-old New Hampshire tradition that was stripped away by the state Supreme Court in 2014.

“Yes on 1” means taxpayers can once again sue to hold our local government accountable to the people. D’Allesandro was one of only two senators who voted against this much needed taxpayer-friendly remedy. I urge you to vote for me, and to vote “Yes on 1.”

Question 2 protects your private and personal information from government snooping. D’Allesandro voted with Democratic senators against your right to privacy. If, like me, you are concerned about the growing surveillance state, you should vote “Yes on 2.”

This election is crucial to the future of our state. We cannot afford to continue to support “a nice guy” who has been stripping away our liberties for 20 years.

My opponent’s high-tax policies will result in a sales and income tax. If this happens, expect everything that makes New Hampshire exceptional to erode, and we will simply become a province of Massachusetts.

As a former lawyer for Silicon Valley high-tech companies, a nonprofit director, writer and volunteer with 25 years’ real-world experience, I have the skills, time, energy, and understanding of limited constitutional government to best represent you in Concord.

There is a lot of frustration in today’s political landscape. The stakes have become too high because government is too big, too involved in every aspect of our lives. President Reagan said: “Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem." I agree, and believe government that governs least, governs best.

My opponent should be judged not on his personality, but on his appalling 20-year voting record. If you are a lifelong Republican, why would you continue to support someone who works against Republican principles, and makes Gov. Sununu’s job harder?

[Carla Gericke is a former lawyer and writer who lives in West Manchester with her husband of 24 years. She is the Republican nominee for N.H. Senate in District 20, which includes Goffstown and Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 and 11.]

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BlogElection 2018

“I’m a lifelong Republican, but I usually vote for your opponent, a Democrat”

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

May I ask you why? I understand Lou D’Allesandro used to be a Republican, but he switched parties to become a Democrat a long time ago. Lou usually votes Democratic party line, so he votes against the 1st Amendment, the 2nd Amendment, against school choice, against healthcare freedom, for higher energy costs, for higher taxes, etc.

In 2018, he voted against both the upcoming Constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot on Nov. 6th, both which passed with bipartisan support in both chambers.

Question 1 has to do with restoring taxpayer standing, a 150+ year old NH tradition that was stripped in a court case in the last decade. Restoring taxpayer standing means we can once again sue to hold our government accountable to the people. He was one of two Senators (22-2) who voted against this, and it passed by a huge margin in the house (309-9). BTW, readers should vote YES on #1!

Question 2 has to do with protection of our private and personal information against government intrusion. D’Allesandro voted with Democratic Senators against this (15-9). Readers should vote YES! on #2, too!

If you are a lifelong Republican, why would you support someone who works against Republican principles, and makes Governor Sununu’s job harder? I get that Lou is a "nice guy," but he has had a 20 year run, he is 80 years old, and surely it’s time for him to enjoy his retirement with Pat?

I need Republicans to vote for me, a solid candidate with the energy, skills, and experience to implement policies that will actually improve the state of New Hampshire, and keep it awesome!

One last thing, if Republicans lose the Senate, expect a statewide sales and income tax in the next few years. If this happens, expect everything that makes New Hampshire exceptional to slowly erode and disappear.

There are some upcoming Senate races where it is likely that past "solidly Republican seats" will be lost, which means in District 20, we need to pick up this one–and it IS possible, as long as "lifetime Republicans" vote for the actual Republican candidate!

If you are a Republican who is in the "but I vote for Lou" camp, I hope you will reconsider your position and show you truly are a lifelong Republican by supporting the Republican nominee, me, Carla Gericke for State Senate.

I promise to serve with integrity, character and compassion, as stated in the Republican platform, which you can read here.

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BlogElection 2018

Your vote is crucial on Nov. 6, and the choice in District 20 is clear: Carla Gericke

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

Following is the script for my Manchester TV campaign ad:

Greetings Goffstown and Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 and 11. My name is Carla Gericke, and I want to be your next state Senator in District 20.

It’s time for a change. It’s time for a fresh, independent voice with fresh ideas, including marijuana policy reform.

I am running against Lou D’Allesandro, who has spent the past TWENTY YEARS in the Senate raising your taxes. When I’m out door-knocking, there’s one thing I always hear, “Lou’s a nice guy, but I think it’s time for him to go.”

I agree. I have the energy, skills, ideas, and experience to serve you best.

I am a former lawyer and writer with more than 25 years of real-world experience. I finished high school when I was 16, and law school when I was 21. I immigrated from South Africa in the mid-Nineties, and I have been a US citizen since 2000.

I own a home in West Manchester with my husband of 24 years, Louis Calitz, and our rescued dog, Nervous Nellie. My hobbies include cooking, gardening, painting, photography, and, as a diplomat’s daughter, I love to travel. I also practice yoga and shooting.

I am running for Senate because more than a decade ago, I chose New Hampshire as my forever home. I love the Granite State, and want to preserve what makes us great!

We consistently rank as the best state to live, work, and play, because we choose to live within our means, because we know low taxes come from low spending, and because we have no sales or income tax.

I will work to stop the economically disastrous policies being foisted on us by out-of-state interests. Please know this, these policies WILL result in a sales and income tax–and they are supported by Lou!

Are YOU feeling frustrated with politics? Here’s a guess as to why: Government is too big, too involved in every aspect of our lives, and the stakes have gotten too high.

I believe government that governs least, governs best. I believe YOU know how best to spend your hard-earned money, and how to lead your own life.

Let’s restore balance to local politics by electing people like me, who understand markets not meddling lift people out of poverty and help working families prosper.

You can learn more about my positions at: Carla4NHSenate.com, but one of my key issues is government transparency and accountability, and I will work to reverse the growing negative trend towards secrecy in our state government.

Your vote on November 6th is crucial to the future of our state.

A vote for me is a vote to restore the rightful balance between government and YOU. A vote for me is a vote for a prosperous future for all Granite Staters. A vote for me, Carla Gericke, is a vote for freedom and human dignity. I ask for your vote on November 6th. Thank you!

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BlogElection 2018

The many reasons to vote Republican

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

Pamela Ean, who is running in District 15 and I recently penned an op-ed for the Concord Monitor in which we make a case for your support and vote on November 6th.

"New Hampshire consistently ranks as the best state in which to live, work, and play exactly because of our limited government, low-tax approach to life. Low taxes result from low spending, allowing you to keep your money to spend on the things you personally like and value, allowing you the freedom to choose where to spend your money – including on private charity and the needs of others – instead of having it taken from you under the guise of “helping.” If increasing taxes ended poverty, wouldn’t poverty have disappeared by now?

Raising taxes, increasing fees and adding more regulations, as Democrats advocate, do not help working families and do not put people first. Letting us all make our own decisions on how our hard-earned money is spent is what puts people first.

Instead of suffering under the disastrous ideas trotted out by incumbent Democrats Dan Feltes and Lou D’Allesandro, why not give Republican women like Pamela Ean (District 15) and Carla Gericke (District 20) the chance to show you how rich your life can truly be when you are free from these entrenched politicians’ failed economic policies?

We ask for your vote on Nov. 6 and promise to serve with integrity, character and compassion."

Read the entire op-ed at the Concord Monitor.

(Pamela Ean is a former police officer and public school teacher who lives in Concord. She is seeking the state Senate seat as a Republican in District 15, which includes Concord, Penacook, Hopkinton, Henniker and Warner. Carla Gericke is a former lawyer and writer who lives in West Manchester. She is the Republican nominee for N.H. Senate in District 20, which includes Goffstown and Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 and 11.)

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BlogElection 2018

Meeting ‘n greeting in Manch

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

A big THANK YOU to everyone who attended last night’s Meet and Greet hosted by Jean Mathieu and I at her office on Elm Street. Jean is the Republican candidate for Ward 4, which falls within my Senate District 20 (Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 & 11 and Goffstown).

Thanks to all who offered advice, wrote contribution checks, and took yard signs! I was heartened by your enthusiastic support.

Thanks most of all for caring about the future of the Granite State. I promise to fight every effort to turn New Hampshire into just another tax and spend failed state, and vow to never support a sales or income tax.

I believe YOU know best how to spend YOUR hard earned money. Let’s keep New Hampshire awesome!

If you would like a yard sign or to have me to come speak at an event–I’d love to meet you!–please email me at Carla (at) Carla4NHSenate (dot) com.

Join me at my monthly "Town Square" gatherings at Manchester City Hall on the first Tuesday of August, September and October from 5:30-7PM. Learn more and RSVP on Facebook.

Help me win! Donate today!

Follow my campaign on Facebook and Twitter.

Tell a friend or family member in District 20 (Goffstown, Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 & 11). Word of mouth is a powerful tool!

Thanks for your support! Let’s build a better future for all Granite Staters.

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BlogElection 2018

Why I am voting for Carla Gericke

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

I’m not particularly sappy, but finding this Letter to the Editor in today’s Union Leader brought tears to my eyes.

"I was in an accident and became paralyzed a few years ago and Carla, in keeping with her beliefs, gave me a hand up instead of a hand out by helping to find a part-time job for me with an organization she volunteered with. This gave me a sense of purpose and helped me heal mentally while adjusting physically. When our schedules allow, Carla, Louis, their dog Nellie, and I still go for long outings on the West Side trails, where we all live.

I’m proud to have her as a neighbor and friend and urge you to get to know her too. She has an infectious smile and, with humility and intelligence, a willingness to talk about what interests you. Vote Carla Gericke for New Hampshire Senate."

Chris Lopez is a dear friend who went through a tragic accident when the deck on her house in Canterbury collapsed and she broke her back. With an incredible amount of hard work and dedication, and a spirit that just won’t quit, she learned to adjust to her new life.

Thank you, Chris, for your kind words and your vote. Just so you know, YOU inspire me! Let’s get out on the trail sometime soon! <3

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