Two Congressman Will Address Portsmouth Dems

Two Democratic Congressmen from New Jersey and New York will be the guest speakers at the Portsmouth Democrats’ Annual Banquet on Friday, Sept. 28 at the Portsmouth Harbor Events and Conference Center.

U.S. Rep. Steven Rothman, D-NJ, of New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District and U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, D-NY, of New York’s 21st Congressional District will speak on behalf of President Barack Obama. They will explain the importance of re-electing the President and the key role that New Hampshire Democrats will play in doing that.

Hailing from Englewood, N.J., Rothman has served in Congress since 1997 and is a leader in the field of national security. In his second term in Congress, Tonko of Amsterdam, N.Y. is a champion of clean energy jobs. They both served in the 111th Congress during President Obama’s first two years in office and helped pass historic legislation like the Affordable Care Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” 

Several Granite State Democratic candidates are also invited to make remarks: Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Maggie Hassan, Democratic First Congressional District candidate Carol Shea-Porter, State Senate candidate Martha Fuller Clark, Executive Councilor candidate Bill Duncan, and Steve Shurtleff on behalf of the state representatives.  U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s office will be represented as well. 

“This is a great chance to hear directly from our Democratic candidates,” said Larry Drake, Chairperson of the Portsmouth Democratic Committee. “I encourage anyone wanting to see Democrats elected this November to attend.” 

Tickets are $40 and reservations with payment are required.  The event starts at 6:00 PM with a social hour (cash bar: beer, wine and signature “Blue Hawaiian” drink).  Dinner will be served at 7 p.m.. There is a choice of entrees: braised short ribs, chicken florentine, and sweet potato tower with grilled vegetables.

Checks payable to “Portsmouth Democrats” (indicate menu choice on check) should be mailed to Larry Drake, 579 Sagamore Ave., Unit 20, Portsmouth, NH 03801.  For more information, call 603-373-8517 or email larrydrake57@gmail.com

Submitted by Larry Drake, chairman, Portsmouth Democratic Committee