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Bayh on campaign to impress A-list politicos in N.H.

Gannett News Service
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh introduced
himself at a dinner Saturday to about 600 of the most
active Democrats in the state that holds the first
presidential primary. Bayh has also been privately
wooing many of the most influential New Hampshire
Democrats.

Here's a look at some of the most important New
Hampshire Democrats and any interactions they have had
with Bayh:

Bill and Jean Shaheen.

Why they're important: Bill, an attorney, and Jean, a
former three-term governor, are at the top of the New
Hampshire Democrat power list. Both backed the party's
winning candidates in the 2000 and 2004 primaries.
Jean Shaheen's endorsement of John Kerry was
particularly helpful to his campaign. Shaheen, who
became the national chair of Kerry's campaign, is also
a strong organizer, although she is now in a
nonpartisan role as director of the Institute of
Politics at Harvard.

Bayh connection: Bayh raised more than $46,000 for
Jean Shaheen's unsuccessful 2002 Senate race.


Gov. John Lynch.

Why he's important: Lynch is the top elected Democrat
in the state. Potential Democratic candidates are
courting him. Wisconsin Sen. Russ Feingold visited him
during a recent New Hampshire trip and New York Sen.
Hillary Clinton has helped him raise funds. Lynch's
two-year term is up in 2006 and his influence in 2008
obviously depends on whether he is re-elected.

Bayh connection: Bayh met privately with Lynch during
a July trip to New Hampshire.


State Sen. Sylvia Larsen, D-Concord.

Why she's important: Larsen, a party activist since
the 1970s, is the leader of state Senate Democrats.
She was an early supporter of Kerry in 2004 and is
watching carefully to see if Kerry decides to run
again but won't necessarily stick with him if he does.

Bayh connection: Larsen has known Bayh for several
years and Bayh attended a July fundraiser for Senate
Democrats held in Larsen's home.


State Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, D-Manchester.

Why he's important: D'Allesandro is one of the most
senior Democrats in the state Senate and represents
Manchester, the largest city. His backing of John
Edwards in 2004 was Edward's top endorsement in the
state. Edwards came to New Hampshire this year to
attend a fundraiser for D'Allesandro. Delaware Sen.
Joe Biden invited him to lunch earlier this year.

Bayh connection: D'Allesandro remembers Bayh's father
and said he gets notes from Bayh from time to time.


State Rep. Jim Craig, D-Manchester.

Why he's important: Craig is the leader of state House
Democrats. He backed Dick Gephardt in 2004.

Bayh connection: Bayh planned to talk with Craig this
weekend.


Manchester Mayor Bob Baines.

Why he's important: Baines, who was a 2000 delegate
for Gore and backed Kerry in 2004, is mayor of the
state's largest city. Baines, who is up for
re-election this year, has gotten campaign help from
Kerry, Feingold, Biden, and Christie Vilsack, wife of
Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack.

Bayh connection: Bayh plans to campaign door-to-door
for Baines Sunday.


Ray Buckley, vice chairman of the New Hampshire
Democratic Party and head of Manchester Democrats.

Why he's important: Buckley is a prominent Democrat in
Manchester, the state's largest city. Buckley backed
Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman in 2004 and
campaigned for Jimmy Carter, who bested Birch Bayh in
the 1976 primary.

Bayh connection: Have known each other a while and
talk periodically.


Pat Russell, state liquor commissioner.

Why she's important: The former state representative,
12-year member of the Democratic National Committee,
and former mayor of Keene is from one of the state's
strongest Democratic areas. She endorsed Kerry in
2004.

Bayh connection: As a college student campaigning for
his father's 1976 presidential bid, Bayh stayed in
Russell's home. She hosted a meet-and-greet for Bayh
in Keene in July.


Kathy Sullivan, chairwoman of the New Hampshire
Democratic Party.

Why she's important: As head of the party, Sullivan
must stay neutral. But she has held the position since
1999 and if she steps down when her current term ends
in 2007, she can endorse a 2008 candidate.

Bayh connection: Bayh and Sullivan have met.


Nick Clemons, executive director of the New Hampshire
Democratic Party.

Why he's important: In Clemons' current position, he
can't work for a candidate. But he was the New
Hampshire field director for Kerry's primary campaign,
ran his state campaign in the general election, and
would be a top campaign aide to snag if he works for a
candidate for the 2008 primary.

Bayh connection: Clemons invited Bayh to speak at
Saturday's dinner.


Compiled by Star Washington Bureau Maureen Groppe.
Contact her at (202) 906-8118 or at
mgroppe@gns.gannett.com