Shaheen at center of Kerry switch

[Feanorcurufinwe]

When news broke yesterday that John Kerry's campaign manager was getting the ax, it was Jeanne Shaheen, New Hampshire's former three-term governor and Kerry's national chairwoman, who was by the candidate's side for his firing. AP reported that the decision to toss Jim Jordan was made jointly by Kerry and Shaheen.

For anyone who questioned whether Shaheen's title was largely symbolic, her role in what is thus far the most significant shakeup of the Kerry campaign was the clear answer. Individuals close to the campaign, including Shaheen's husband, said emphatically yesterday that Shaheen is running the show.

...

"It's almost like Pedro in the eighth inning," Billy Shaheen said of Jordan. "Time to go, because it wasn't happening."

Jeanne Shaheen announced her support for Kerry in late September after much speculation about whether she'd even endorse a candidate for president. In turn, Kerry made her his national chairwoman, a title that could convey great power and influence or simply be a gesture of thanks for her backing. But Shaheen is a veteran campaigner, not just from her races for governor and the U.S. Senate but also in her prior roles running presidential campaigns for Jimmy Carter and Gary Hart.

...

"She is somebody that John Kerry trusts implicitly," said Kerry's New Hampshire spokesman, Mark Kornblau. "She obviously has a working knowledge of New Hampshire that's unparalleled."

Over the last several weeks, Kerry has more aggressively criticized former Vermont governor Howard Dean, who has held a double-digit lead in New Hampshire polls for the last few months. Shaheen said she's just one of many people involved in discussions about how best to illuminate the differences between Kerry and Dean, but many insiders quietly attribute the shift to Shaheen. They also expect Kerry to continue on that course.

"I think he needs to make it very clear to the people of New Hampshire how important this race is and that he's a fighter, and he's going to fight for every single vote in this race," Shaheen said.
http://www.cmonitor.com/stories/news/state2003/0c0c353a_2003.shtml

[NewYorkerfromMass]

1. New Hampshire is ground zero

I'll be the first to say Kerry has to win. Localizing the campaign to Boston is a good move. Sounds like we have 2 very strong women running things now. Well... 3 if you include Teresa. :)