In the Granite State, we have a Democratic Governor!

Governor John Lynch came and visited our booth at the New Hampshire Democratic State Convention in May!

In June, and in keeping with our state's First-in-the-nation tradition, we had the first ever Kids for Democracy State House Day!

We heard from Governor Lynch, State Senator Lou D'Allesandro, and State Representatives John DeJoie and Barbara French!

They talked to us about why they got into politics, about the issues they debate in government, and took us on a tour of the State House!

We got to talk to Dr. Susan Lynch too. She's Governor Lynch's wife and a Honorary Co-Advisor for our Kids for Democracy Chapter in New Hampshire!

Also in June, we helped NH State Senator Joe Foster welcome back former Senator John Edwards of North Carolina to the Granite State!

For a 4th of July Parade, Kids for Democracy marched with New Hampshire Governor John Lynch (2nd from right) and his wife, Dr. Susan Lynch (in striped shirt).

Dr. Lynch is a Honorary Co-Advisor of Kids for Democracy!

Also in July, State Senator Lou D'Allesandro invited Kids for Democracy to his Birthday Party! We also got to say hello to special guest Senator John Edwards!

Kids for Democracy served ice cream at the Merrimack County Democrats' 2005 Pig Roast! We gave visiting Senator John Edwards (D-NC) two of our new T-shirts for his little kids. We also talked to Governor John Lynch, Merrimack Co. Vice Chairman Robert Werner, Co. Chairman John DeJoie, State Representative Tim Ryan, and State Senator Sylvia Larsen.

In September, Kids for Democracy in the Granite State thought of inventive ways to raise money to help the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Click here to read about their efforts!

Top row: at town meeting with Senator Bayh and NH State Rep. Barbara French; bottom, with KFD Co-Advisor and Henniker Democrats Vice Chair Brenda MacLellan; Sen. Bayh presents award to Rep. French at Jefferson/Jackson Dinner.

In October, former White House Communications Director Ann Lewis spoke at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics on 'Women and Politics'. Kids for Democracy was on hand to hear the presentation.

Above left with NH Democratic Party Chairwoman Kathy Sullivan; Above, Ms. Lewis completes her presentation.

In November, a couple of us Kids for Democracy got to meet Senator Joe Biden of Delaware on his trip to New Hampshire. Then our parents listened to his talk about politics and national security.

Also in November, Kids for Democracy and our families joined Senator John Kerry for a huge rally for the mayor of Manchester, NH, Mr. Bob Baines! After the rally, we joined our parents to wave signs for the campaign.

In addition to Senator Kerry, the kids also said hello to State Senators Maggie Wood Hassan and Martha Fuller Clark, and to Mr. Shaheen and State Senator Sylvia Larsen.

In mid-November 2005, Kids for Democracy Advisors were invited by the NH Democratic State Senators to have lunch with Virginia Governor Mark Warner and leading Democratic activists.

Left, VA Governor Mark Warner with KFD NH Co-Advisor and Henniker Democrats Vice Chair Brenda MacLellan, KFD National Co-Coordinator Andrea Lyman, and KFD National Advisor and DNC Women's Leadership Forum Board Member Anita Gonzalez-Cecchin; NH State Senator Sylvia Larsen shows a Time Magazine story as she introduces Gov. Warner.

With State Senator D'Allesandro; kid enjoys 'Lou' root beer!; KFD NH Co-Advisors Kristen Burch & Wendy Thomas; KFD with Senator Edwards.

As their first activity in 2006, Kids for Democracy were official greeters to the NH State Party's 100 Club Dinner. We helped Governor John Lynch greet special guest, former Governor Mark Warner of Virginia. We were also asked by NHDP Ex. Director Kathy Sullivan to lead the guests in the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the program.

In March, Kids for Democracy were asked again to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to open a Dinner for the Hillsborough and Nashua Democrats. The event was aired live on C-Span TV. Our Co-Advisor introduced us to the guests. She told them how being involved with KFD has helped many of us express our own thoughts on issues. Afterwards, we were congratulated by several speakers, including special guest Senator John Kerry (D-MA).

Kids are congratulated by Hillsborough Democrats Chair Mary Ann Knowles, NH Rep. and Nashua Democrats Chair Jane Clements, and Senator Kerry.

Retired General Wesley Clark (D-AR) visited New Hampshire over the St. Patrick's Day weekend. Kids for Democracy heard the General speak on the need for a strong national security at the New England College.

When asked, the General told the kids that he is not in favor of further drilling for oil in the Alaskan artic wilderness.

NH Chapter Co-Founders (alphabetically): Quinn Glover, Hayden Lynch,

Julia Lynch, Blake MacLellan, Griffin Nozell, Spencer Nozell, Maggie Russo, Thomas Russo, Alex Savard, Ben Savard, Sadie Rose Zavgren

Co-Advisors: Deborah Butler, Kristen Burch, Brenda MacLellan, Rose Russo, Vickey Russo,

Wendy Thomas, & Dr. Susan Lynch (Honorary)

Kids for Democracy in New Hampshire were really active in Governor John Lynch's re-election campaign over the summer. The kids and their families marched in parades with the Governor, attended rallies, and helped open his new campaign office. Governor Lynch showed his appreciation for the kids' efforts by putting them on his official campaign website!

Kids for Democracy were invited for the second year in a row to be volunteers at the Merrimack County Democratic picnic! The kids helped welcome the Governor Lynch and former Governor of Virginia Mark Warner (D-VA). Their greeting was filmed by NECN TV-news.

Kids for Democracy got a chance to hear Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico again this summer at an event for local candidates. At the event, the kids talked to New Hampshire Governor John Lynch, Democratic State Senate Leader Sylvia Larsen, and Congressional candidate Paul Hodes.

Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) visited New Hampshire again over the Labor Day Holiday, and Kids for Democracy got to talk with him a lot at a Democratic picnic! Turns out Senator Biden began his career in politics as a middle schooler, when he ran for student council. Now he's running for President! Governor Lynch was also at the picnic and thanked everyone, including Kids for Democracy, for marching with him in the Labor Day parade!

In late March, Kids for Democracy helped State Rep. Betsi DeVries (D-Manchester) launch her campaign for the NH State Senate. So did U.S. Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN).

After leading guests in the Pledge of Allegiance, the kids asked Senator Bayh if they'd be seeing more of him in the coming months. He said "yes" and that he looked forward to seeing more of Kids for Democracy too!

Kids for Democracy also welcomed New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) back to the Granite State. Governor Richardson is the Chairman of the Democratic Governors' Association and was the guest speaker at the St. Patrick's Day Parade Breakfast of the Manchester City Democrats. At the breakfast, honoring Manchester community leader Louis J. Craig, the kids led more than 300 guests in the Pledge of Allegiance. After the breakfast, Governor Richardson marched in the Manchester St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Kids for Democracy welcomed Indiana Senator Evan Bayh to the Granite State in October, and gave him some t-shirts for his kids! Sen. Bayh was the guest speaker at the State Party's Jefferson-Jackson Dinner and at New England College in Henniker, NH. We also congratulated our good friend, NH State Rep. Barbara French. She won this year's Eleanor Roosevelt Award at the JJ Dinner!

Governor John Lynch invited Kids for Democracy to help him celebrate his Democratic 2006 Primary victory! At the party, the kids and teens also got to talk with NH First Lady, Dr. Susan Lynch. Dr. Lynch, who is an Honorary Co-Advisor of Kids for Democracy, said the kids' efforts and enthusiasm are inspiring!

Left: with KFD Co-Advisor - and new mom! - Kristen Burch, and KFD Co-Advisor Wendy Thomas. Right: with NH State Senator Lou D'Allesandro.

Kids for Democracy got to hear Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana again during his September visit to the Granite State. Also on hand was NH State Senator Lou D'Allesandro. During his speech, he complimented the dedication of the kids and their Co-advisor to democracy!

Kids for Democracy helped welcome Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut to New Hampshire when he visited the Hillsborough County Democrats for their Spagetti Dinner!