First, it was Paul Hodes back in July. Now it's New Hampshire's other Democratic Representative, Carol Shea-Porter.

U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter has decided to endorse Barack Obama for President, UnionLeader.com has learned.

The freshman 1st District congresswoman had been considering staying neutral in the primary, but has now decided to get involved.

[...]

Her backing may be a plus for Obama especially among women, who have strongly favored Clinton so far in the New Hampshire Democratic primary race, according to polls.

It seems to me that this endorsement could also pull a lot of weight in a sense not mentioned here by John DiStaso, the Union-Leader columnist who broke this story: Shea-Porter has quite the grassroots organization, which she used last year not only to knock off Republican Congressman Jeb Bradley in a race few thought she could win but also to defeat Democratic state Rep. James Craig, who had quite a bit of institutional backing and, again, who few thought she could defeat. If Shea-Porter puts some or all of the support of her grassroots organization behind Obama, it could be a big deal.

Beyond that, there is a certain symbolism that looks good for Obama in having the support of both Democratic members of Congress from New Hampshire, two who might perhaps be the highest ranking officials in the state to make endorsements this fall (with Governor John Lynch and former Governor-cum-Senate candidate Jeanne Shaheen both remaining neutral). Clearly Obama already has momentum in New Hampshire -- and one can't imagine having the backing of both Hodes and now Shea-Porter is going to hurt much.

The AP is reporting that Democratic freshman N.H. Congressman Paul Hodes is going to endorse Barack Obama for president tomorrow.

Hodes, a first-term congressman, will make the announcement during a morning event in Concord. Hodes will praise Obama as a force for change and applaud his grassroots campaign, an Obama source said.

Hodes is expected to tell the crowd that voters have an opportunity to finish what they started last year, when they ousted Republican majorities in the state House, Senate and Executive Council.

Hodes's endorsement could provide some added momentum to Obama in a state where the three most recent polls (w/o Gore) have shown Obama surging to within single digits of Clinton.

Crossposted from my Katrina recovery blog:

Rep. Paul Hodes (D-NH) is the new Congressman for NH-02, the district I vote in. He held a town hall meeting tonight at Dartmouth, then held a private meet and greet with the Dartmouth College Democrats. He is not running for President, but Congress still matters, so here's his take on Gulf Coast recovery issues.

At the meet and greet, I asked Rep. Hodes about New Orleans. He didn't know about the Road Home program, so I told him a little bit about that. I asked if he knew what Congress was planning to do to help New Orleans beyond waiving Stafford Act matching fund requirements. His answer was not a solid one, but it was encouraging. He said he did not know what specific moves Congress is considering, but that action will be taken. He said a lot of people were upset that Katrina was not included in the Speaker Pelosi's top priority "100 Hours" agenda, and that it has gotten lost, perhaps forgotten, amid higher profile issues like Iraq, but that the House will move on the issue as soon as possible.

I can't blame Rep. Hodes for not knowing more about the issue, or knowing what committees are doing what. He's only been in Congress for six weeks, so he's still learning about the system, and doesn't have much of a voice as a freshman. What encouraged me about his answer was this: while taking the next question, he looked to his assistant, pointed at me, pointed at his brain, made a pen-writing-on-paper motion, and mouthed the words "Road Home." After the meeting, the aid came over to get my contact information and said they'd be in touch with information.

Katrina might not be high on Rep. Hodes' list, but I was encouraged by his desire to get more information and get back to me on it. I don't think I saw him do that on any other issue. I like Rep. Hodes - I voted for him - and this is one more reason to smile.

Crossposted from my Katrina recovery blog.

(crossposted at dailykos)

The 2006-midterm elections presented Democrats with a historic opportunity to strengthen the party brand and retake control of both houses of congress.  Party members of all stripes helped secure an election day capped with record setting victories through the nation.  

Although Howard Dean's 50-state strategy emphasizes long run party building over the short term electoral gains, its immediate success was vitally important not only to Americans hoping to derail the Bush agenda, but also to Democratic people powered movements in general.  Would grassroots level party building strengthen the brand or would it be wasted on people picking their noses in "red America"?

The Hill published an article highlighting some of the fundraising efforts of freshmen Democrats in the House.  Apparently, many are doing quite well.  David Loebsack (IA-02) has raised about $71,000.  Kirsten Gillebrand (NY-20) has raised $65,000 in PAC money alone.  Earl Perlmutter (CO-07) has raised $79,000.  Charlie Wilson (OH-06) has raised $34,000.  Paul Hodes has raised $35,000.  Jason Altmire (PA-04) and Patrick Murphy (PA-08) have both raised $50,000 in PAC money alone.  Zack Space (OH-18) and Steven Kagen (WI-08) have both raised $35,000 in PAC money.

As far as simple financial numbers go, this is good news.  All of these candidates are vulnerable to some degree.  So, if all of these House members are already off to good starts, they may be able to force out potentially strong challenges early on.

But the article also has some worrying relevations.  For one thing, Nancy Boyda (KS-02) has raised only $13,000.  Considering the presidential vote in her district (Bush won it by 20 points), Boyda is probably one of our top five most vulnerable Democrats.  Plus, she will not have Sebelius' coattails helping her and will instead have to contend with the Republican tide at the top of the ticket from the eventual Republican nominee and Senator Pat Roberts. Finally, she will possibly face a rematch against Jim Ryun. More over the flip...

[cross-posted from Blue Mass Group]

With a fundraising reporting deadline coming up on August 23, I wanted to fill MyDD readers in on the Congressional race in NH-02, where Democrat Paul Hodes is attempting to knock off Charlie "Catch and Release" Bass.  If you are so inclined, you may donate to Paul's campaign at the netroots ActBlue page.  [Or at the BMG Act Blue page! --ed.] [Sorry, should have mentioned that.  What happened to the link? -DaveMB]

The last poll on the race from UNH was disappointing, giving Bass a 53-25 lead.  This post, from a blogger named NH-02 Progressive, puts the most positive possible spin on the result.  The poll shows that Hodes' name recognition is still very bad, and that voters are not yet identifying Bass with Bush.  Hence, Hodes needs money -- he has a significant amount but needs DCCC help and a lot more donations.

Rahm Emmanuel just did a big fundraiser for Hodes in Boston and the people at Swing State Project are sounding a bit more excited about the race.  Some netroots money may help keep the momentum going.  If you are within driving distance of Keene and feel like canvassing, the Cheshire County Democrats are doing some there this Sunday.

An independent poll was conducted by the University of New Hampshire with relatively good news for Democrats as we try to knock out incumbent Republicans: (likely voters, MOE 6%)

NH-01
Jeb Bradley (R) 49%
Jim Craig (D) 33%
undecided 18%

Jeb Bradley (R) 52%
Gary Dodds (D) 29%
undecided 20%

NH-02
Charlie Bass (R) 42%
Paul Hodes (D) 35%
undecided 22%

Neither of these seats has been in the top tier, but it looks like NH-02 should be, especially since only 20% of likely voters are familiar with Paul Hodes.