NASHUA, NH — The New Hampshire Democratic Party celebrated a triumphant, sold out McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner last night, headlined by Congressman Ro Khanna. The dinner — one of New Hampshire's premier political events — is celebrating it’s 65th year, and honors the work of Senators Tom McIntyre and Jeanne Shaheen and features prominent members of the Democratic Party from across the state.
Several exceptional party leaders were presented with awards at the dinner for their work on behalf of Democrats across the state:
Paul Grenier, Mayor of Berlin won the McIntyre-Shaheen Legacy Award.
Deb Reynolds, Former State Senator of Plymouth won the Dunfey Kanteres Award.
Congressman Khanna of California's 17th Congressional District and Silicon Valley delivered an inspiring keynote address offering a powerful defense of New Hampshire’s First in the Nation primary:
"For over 70 years, politicians have visited New Hampshire with the hope of making it into the national conversation. They know the story of Bill and Jeanne Shaheen, who took unknown figures like President Jimmy Carter and Senator Gary Hart and made them national leaders — not because of their brand names or war chests but because of their ideas and ideals.
“New Hampshire represents the best of the American experiment. That is why it has never been more important for leaders to come here. Mr. President, at a time when people are questioning whether town hall democracy can survive in a nation where our elected representatives are being expelled, whether facts can pierce through online lies, whether door to door citizenship can lessen the hate, come to New Hampshire.
“Show the world that democracy is part of our truth, an indelible part of the American character.
“The truth is we Democrats need to be campaigning up and down in every battleground state this primary season for President Biden’s re-election. From Keene to Berlin, Plymouth to Portsmouth, I have had the privilege of seeing your great state. We must make the case to voters in these places this year about what Democrats have done to improve their lives.
“And let me be clear. It would be political malpractice to strip New Hampshire of delegates — disenfranchising Granite State Democrats for a decision out of your control —when we all know that the 4 electoral votes here may determine the Presidency."
NHDP Chair Ray Buckley reflected on the success of the evening and the promise it holds for the future.
"Tonight’s event was an unqualified success, with the largest turnout of any event since the beginning of the pandemic. Congressman Khanna's speech not only celebrated our recent victories but also galvanized us for the future. His message serves as a clear reminder of the critical role New Hampshire plays in shaping the national political landscape. We look forward to carrying this momentum into the upcoming special elections and beyond to November 2024."
The McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner stands as a testament to the unity and strength of the Democratic Party in New Hampshire. As the Party prepares for a pivotal election year, the success of this event underscores the commitment of its leaders and members to make a lasting impact on both a local and national scale.
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