Robert B. Dole
Born: 1923
Filed from: Kansas
NH Primaries -- Votes
1980 -- (R) 597
1988 -- (R) 44,797
1996 -- (R) 54,738
Platform: Restoring American supremacy on the international scene
Seriously wounded in WWII, he was the last veteran of that war to be nominated for president. He resigned his Senate seat and position of Majority leader. He espoused the return of power to the states, lower taxes under a fairer tax system, less government, a balanced budget, self-sufficiency in energy, and guaranteed military strength. Witty and warm. "Now I know why it's called 'The Granite State' - it's so hard to crack."
Georgiana Doerschuck
Born: 1930
Filed from: New York
NH Primaries -- Votes
1992 -- (R) 58
1996 -- (R) 140
Platform: Abolish the Cyber Age
Georgiana Doerschuck Series I © 1998 N.H. State Library
The desktop publisher vowed to toss out her computer if she won, and to shut down all other computers in the nation to end radiation leaks. She also promised to replace nuclear power plants with windmills, solar panels and hydroelectricity. She believed that women shouldn't work outside the home until their children graduate high school, and proposed a Wive's Fund to pay them, financed by 10% of husband's earnings. "It was a pleasure to go to the polls and vote for myself"
Paul Fisher
Born: 1904
Filed from: Nevada
NH Primaries -- Votes
1960 -- (D) 6,853
1968 -- (D) Write-in 506
1992 -- (D) 82
Platform: Anti-tax; anti-monopoly
This independently wealthy businessman proposed abolishing all income, real estate, payroll, and personal taxes. He invented the pressurized pen used on all space flights since 1967, and gave thousands of them away during his campaign. "I'll step aside in favor of any candidate who is honest enough to satisfy my standards."
Ben Fernandez
Born: 1925
Filed from: California
NH Primaries -- Votes
1984 -- (R) 202
Platform: Full employment
Ben Fernandez Series I © 1998 N.H. State Library
This son of Mexican immigrants, born in a converted boxcar in Kansas City, KS, was the first person of Hispanic heritage to run for President of the U.S. An economist who served as Special Ambassador to Paraguay in 1973, he advocated full employment for the American workforce and also better relations with Latin America. "I would like to serve as a super role model for every youngster in America."
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Born: 1890
Filed from: Kansas
NH Primaries -- Votes
1952 -- (R) 46,661
1956 -- (R) 56,464
Platform: "A man who can win"
In 1952 when General Eisenhower, whose party affiliation was previously unknown, was commanding NATO in Europe, his name was put on the NH ballot by NH friends. He never came to the state in the primary, yet he defeated Senator Robert Taft (OH), the titular head of the Republican party who had vigorously campaigned in the Granite State. "I was deeply moved. Any ordinary American would be if other Americans felt that way about him."
Edward M. Kennedy
Born: 1932
Filed from: Massachusetts
NH Primaries -- Votes
1972 -- (D) Write-in 954
1980 -- (D) 41,745
Platform: The Kennedy heritage
Edward M. Kennedy Series I © 1998 N.H. State Library
The brother of President John F. Kennedy was burdened by Chappaquiddick and stories of womanizing. Nevertheless, the Kennedy charisma and mystique fired up audiences, and his infectious good humor generated enthusiasm everywhere. He was a leading champion of comprehensive national health insurance. "I favor relieving the American people of the fear of financial burden as a result of sickness and major illness."
Gary Hart
Born: 1936
Filed from: Colorado
NH Primaries -- Votes
1984 -- (D) 37,702
1988 -- (D) 4,888
Platform: New ideas from a new generation of leadership
Gary Hart Series I © 1998 N.H. State Library
Having had experience in President Kennedy's and Senator McGovern's campaigns, this Senator was a superb political organizer who canvassed the grassroots in the NH primary tradition and defeated the favored candidate, Vice President Mondale. When he ran a second time, he had lost his good name after allegations of sexual impropriety. "The people of New Hampshire can literally have the power to change the course of history."
Barry M. Goldwater
Born: 1909
Filed from: Arizona
NH Primaries -- Votes
1964 -- (R) 20,692
Platform: Ardent conservatism
Impaired with a bad limp from a heel operation, he "remembered every footstep" of his NH campaign. He advocated privatization of Social Security and allowing NATO commanders in Europe to use tactical nuclear weapons at their discretion. "Sometimes I think this country would be better off if we sawed off the eastern seaboard and let it float out to sea."
John Glenn
Born: 1921
Filed from: Ohio
NH Primaries -- Votes
1984 -- (D) 12,088
Platform: Nuclear non-proliferation & foreign policy
John Glenn Series I © 1998 N.H. State Library
This former astronaut fought against other countries acquiring the atomic bomb. Though he relied heavily on Boston TV in his campaign here, he opposed a New England regional primary and strongly supported NH's first-in-the-nation status.
"Person-to-person, grassroots democratic politics is still more effective than the impersonal media campaign."
Lenora B. Fulani
Born: 1951
Filed from: New York
NH Primaries -- Votes
1992 -- 402
Platform: Social Justice
This psychotherapist headed the New Alliance Party, advocating economic reform. She was the first female "fringe" candidate in NH to receive federal matching funds. She qualified for $642,497, thus costing the taxpayers approximately $1,598 for each of her votes. "A leader of a different color."
Gerald R. Ford
Born: 1913
Filed from: Michigan
NH Primaries -- Votes
1976 -- (R) 55,156
Platform: Whip Inflation Now (WIN)
Gerald R. Ford Series I © 1998 N.H. State Library
Abruptly elevated from the Vice Presidency to the Presidency in 1974, upon the resignation of President Richard Nixon, the public knew little of this former U.S. Congressman. With quiet dignity he completed Nixon's term and restored confidence in the Presidency. Subsequently, Ford campaigned in NH for re-election. "Trust is leveling with people before the election about what you're going to do after the election"
David M. Kelley
Born: 1924
Filed from: Tennessee
NH Primaries -- Votes
1984 -- (R) 360
Platform: Campaigned as "Last Confederate Soldier"
David M. Kelley Series I © 1998 N.H. State Library
He filed a full slate of 22 delegates and alternates to the Republican National Convention, yet finished 9th behind Reagan, Stassen, and six write-in candidates. "Send blacks back to Africa, not on a compulsory basis."