Union Leader - Shaheen Gets Her Say in Denver

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Union Leader - Shaheen Gets Her Say in Denver

By: Linda Killian

Speaking last night at the Democratic National Convention, former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen said she is running for the Senate because the country needs change and a new direction.

Shaheen greeted the state's delegates with a shout of "Hello, New Hampshire," when she took the stage and gave them a wave and a smile. They answered by hoisting green-and-white "Shaheen for Senate" signs.

Shaheen was one of only four Senate challengers the Democrats chose to highlight during a portion of the program focused on winning more Democratic seats in the Senate. Shaheen is running against Sen. John Sununu.

Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, who heads up the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, introduced Shaheen and the other candidates by saying, "We can and we must elect a stronger Democratic majority to the Senate to overcome the obstructionism that threatens Barack Obama's agenda."

Schumer said Democrats believe there are 17 states in which they have a chance to defeat Republicans. They are hoping for the possibility of getting a 60-vote majority in the Senate to prevent filibusters by the Republicans, he said.

Last night, Shaheen called for a new economic direction.

"No more country-club economics at the expense of working families and no more tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas," she said.

"We need a new national security direction, making America safer by rebuilding our alliances, refocusing on terrorism, and bringing our troops home from Iraq," Shaheen said.

Shaheen said she has been inspired by Obama's history-making candidacy.

"I know something about making history. More than a decade ago, I was the first woman elected governor of New Hampshire. And with your help, I will become the first woman senator from New Hampshire," she said.

Earlier in the day, Shaheen appeared with Schumer at a news conference at the Colorado Convention Center to discuss the Democrats' prospects in November.

Schumer introduced Shaheen by saying, "This could be a sea change election for the U.S. Senate."

Shaheen focused on energy policy in her remarks at the news conference and said people in New Hampshire and New England will be facing a crisis this winter as they try to afford heating oil. Some could be faced with a choice between staying in their homes and affording prescription drugs or food.

"We're going to see people freezing to death in their homes" if the cost of home heating oil is not addressed, she said.

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