An interested crowd of 40 people gathered in the Levenson Room of the Portsmouth Public Library at 6:30 on Tuesday night, June 2nd, to hear about the goals and objectives of the 603 Alliance.  This event was organized by the Seacoast Republican Women as an informational meeting, and attendees were mostly SRW members, although others came from neighboring areas, including some from Massachusetts.  Members of the 603 Alliance Steering Committee were on hand to introduce 603 Alliance project to the membership and guests.

Diane Bitter, acting as Moderator for the presentation, began with a brief history of the 603 Alliance, relating the genesis of the organization, from the first brain-storming session in January, up to the launch at the Summit of Grassroots Leaders on April 19 at the Nashua Crowne Plaza.Mike Rogers then ran a video clip that contained excerpts from that Summit and identified the speakers for portions of the video.  The Conservative Business League of New Hampshire (CBL-NH), the sister organization of 603 Alliance, is an important part of the team-work that is necessary to complete the 603 project, and Fran Wendelboe led the audience through the explanation of the purpose of CBL, inviting them to become members.In each presentation, the key components are:  1)  Why was the establishment of the 603 Alliance required, and what are the issues that led to this decision by the founding members and 2) How do we “fix” the problems we find ourselves, as voters, facing?  Presenting those two important pieces of the project were Mike Rogers and Andrew Hemingway.

During the question-and-answer period that followed, Andrew, Mike, and Fran were joined by Sylvia Smith to field a host of great questions from the attendees — who were clearly paying close attention.  Among the many insightful questions, the audience wanted to know details of the Caucus and what 603 plans for beyond the Primary Election.

Finally, with all questions answered, the guests were invited to attend a Training Session for those interested in becoming Associate Members and working with the 603 Alliance team.  Once the formal part of the event had ended, there was much discussion in small groups and everyone went home to give the 603 Project some deep thought.

Report submitted by Diane Bitter
Photos courtesy of Lin Wickett