As I've stated a number of times, I'm retiring from my stint here at NH INSIDER.

I would like to thank Stephen DeMaura and Bob Demaura, the son / father team that built this site.

What drew me here was the idea of a place where opposing views could get aired on the same web page. NH INSIDER remains the only place in NH where this is done day in and day out. I hope it continues its mission.

I also want to thank every front page blogger I've worked with. Regardless of viewpoint, I've learned more than you could possibly know.

To those of you who disagree with me the most I can honestly say that your ideas HAVE sunk in more than I've let on. I've often dug in hard and swung sharp elbows--particularly in election years. But when all is said and done I do take the time to ponder your arguments and integrate them into my worldview.

The same sentiment goes for people who have posted over the years. I don't see anyone as an enemy--I share your passion if not your viewpoint. That makes us fellow activists in some sense.

I intend to stay involved in politics of course. Non election years are a time for building relationships and infrastructure. That is quiet work and I look forward to it.

I also look forward to finishing writing projects I began before 2004. As a writer I never set out to write exclusively about politics. That was just something that evolved.

My gut keeps telling me that its time to return to my roots.

You'll be seeing me around. No doubt I'll  be setting up a personal web site sooner or later. I'll also be playing musical gigs around the state. Drop by and say hello.

So for now, goodbye, take care and best of luck to everyone!!!

I'll be writing a more reflective and heartfelt last column, but for now I just can't help myself:

MISSION ACCOMPISHED

Well here we are.

Unbelievable as it may seem, this endless election will come to an end and another era of the American experiment will begin.

There is nothing left to write except this: VOTE

Today's UNH WMUR tracking poll shows NHraces tightening. That always happens, but the swing in the first district is so wild that I am back to my old skepticism about that poll. Does it tell us anything of value? I don't know.

Tensions are high at this point and polls tend to induce uncontrolled mood swings amongst activists--LOL.

Regardless of polls, the only thing to do is to keep working.

Today we opened up a huge space in Raymond for GOTV operations. I had a lot of fun putting up Dem signs in the windows. The windows, by the way, are about fifty feet wide and twelve feet high.For a town that has never seen ANY GOTV efforts, that alone is a statement.

The object of course is to win, and the harder you work in the final four days the better your chances.

On another front, John McCain and Sarah Palin are now throwing the kitchen sink at Barack. It's not working, but it's beginning to grate on me. I mean trying to create phoney scandals is pretty sad with just days to go.

I'm sure that everyone in NH will be glad when election day finally arrives so we can return to some kind of "normal" life.

I sure will.

Jeb Bradley has two tax plans. One is called the fair tax which is a national sales tax. The other is Jebs version of Steve Forbes failed flat tax.

Both plans would raise taxes on most Americans. They would hit the middle class and people below the poverty line especially hard.

Carol Shea-Porter raised Jebs inchoate tax plans in Monday's debate. Jeb did everything he could to change the subject. He refused to answer questions about the so called fair tax at all, but Carol pressed for an answer.

Even though Jeb has had two years to brain storm these schemes he could offer no details.

The truth is that these taxes, like Jebs decision to run, were only half thought out.

That is not the leadership we need in these hard times.