Watman's World

Many commentators call the upcoming election the most critical in a generation. For once, this may not be an exaggeration. War and financial crisis both add to the normal importance of balloting this time.
In four days, the speeches, fund raising, commercials, polls, debates and other campaigning activities will end. Voters will have heard everything from indisputable facts to debatable figures. They will have coped with misrepresentations and lies.
The decisions we make in the privacy of the voting booth will have a huge impact on our common future. Those choices rest with each person that casts their ballot on November 4th. These are the decisions that really count.
For several years, our fearless cat “Charlee” has compiled a solid record for predicting election results. This year we have matched him against twenty volunteers. Their task was to predict the winners of twelve election contests that Henniker voters will help decide at the polls. These are not necessarily their personal choices.
We offer absolutely no claim that the survey is statistically accurate. However, we do guarantee that each of the participants has carefully considered the issues involved in this year’s voting. The following are the forecasts made by our panel. The percentages represent those that believe that voters will decide in each candidate’s favor.
1. Popular vote for President of the United States-nationwide: (D) Barack Obama-68% and (R) John McCain-32%. In a rare show of agreement, our normally ornery and independent cat “Charlee” sides with the majority’s choices on this and all but the next two predictions.
2. Popular vote in New Hampshire for President of the United States: (D) Barak Obama-70% and (R) John McCain-30%. “Charlee” sees McCain earning a narrow victory statewide. This is obviously a long-shot choice that Charlee hopes will give him an edge against the competition.
3. United States Senator: (R) John Sununu-53% and (D) Jeanne Shaheen 47%. “Charlee” also expects an equally close Shaheen victory for the United States Senate.
4. U.S. Congress for First District: (R) Jeb Bradley-55% and (D) Carol Shea Porter-45%.
5. U.S. Congress for the Second District: (D) Paul Hodes-79% and (R) Jennifer Horn-21%.
6. Governor: (D) John Lynch: 100% and (R) Joe Kenney-0% A Lynch defeat would be a surprise of major proportions. In fact, we’d have to consider it a political miracle.
7. State Senate-District 7: (D) Harold Janeway-79% and (R) Andy Sanborn 21%.
8-9. NH House of Representatives-District 5- Two seats for Bradford and Henniker: (D) Barbara Conner French -75%, (D) Beth Rodd-75% and (R) John Meaney- 5%. Meaney is the only Republican competing for the positions.
Recently, Emails have been spreading throughout the District supporting write-in votes for Eleanor Glynn Kjellman. Kjellman is an incumbent Democratic Representative ousted in her party primary by a joint Rood-French campaign.
10. Register of Deeds for Merrimack County: (R) incumbent Kathi Guay-88% and (D) Lawrence Hennessy-12%. Guay was the only Republican candidate that our group of predictors expected to survive a possible Democratic election tidal wave at the county or local levels.
11. County Attorney for Merrimack County: (D) Katherine Rogers-59% and (R) Tom Reid-41%. 12. County Treasurer for Merrimack County: (D) James Monahan-71% and (R) Roy Maxfield 29%.
In Henniker, voting will be November 4th from 8A.M. to 7 P.M. at the Henniker Community School Gym. White Birch staff will be available to transport seniors to and from the polls from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Those needing this free service should contact the staff at White Birch, at 428-7860.
If you have not registered to vote, you may do so at the polls. You will need to bring a photo ID, proof of residency and evidence that you are a citizen.
A utility bill, rent receipt or lease agreement are some of the documents that may be used to meet the residency requirement. You can prove your American citizenship by bringing your birth certificate or passport. If you are unable to document your residence and/or citizenship, you may complete a proof of residency affidavit and/or a citizenship affidavit.
Polls are interesting. Predictions are fun. However, the only choice that counts is yours. Please do your part and vote on Tuesday, November 4th.