New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen on 2000 Democratic Convention

In-Depth Coverage of the Democratic National Convention

(CNN) -- Jeanne Shaheen became New Hampshire's first female governor in 1996. Her election ended a 16 year draught for Democrats in the New Hampshire's governor's mansion. During her time as governor she created a Kids Cabinet to deal with issues facing New Hampshire's children and Jeanne Shaheen was elected to the state senate, in 1990. She served three terms as state senator.

Chat Moderator: Welcome to the Allpolitics chat room, Governor Jeanne Shaheen.

Governor Shaheen: Hello, it’s very nice to be here to do this chat today. I haven't done this with CNN before, so it’s exciting for me.

Chat Moderator: Will the Northeast remain in the Democratic column in this presidential election?

Governor Shaheen: Well, I think that's something we're all going to work very hard on. I think it's particularly helpful to have Joe Lieberman on the ticket. He is obviously from Connecticut, from the Northeast, and particularly understands some of the issues we face in the Northeast --things like availability and affordability of home heating oil.

Question from Paul: As you were first in New Hampshire to be elected as a female, I'm sure you can relate to Senator Lieberman. Some thoughts, please, on what it is like to be first.

Governor Shaheen: I think one of the very exciting things about Gore's choice of Senator Lieberman is that it opens doors for all Americans. It reminds us that the Democratic Party is the party that stands for expanding opportunity for all Americans.

For me, it was very exciting to be the first woman governor. But I don't think people elected me because I was a woman. I think they elected me because of what I wanted to do to make a difference for people in New Hampshire -- to make sure that we create good jobs for people, that we provide access to health care, that we provide good schools for children of the state.

And I think people will support Al Gore and Joe Lieberman, because they will make a difference for people throughout this country.

Question from Bigfoot: Governor, I was curious as I am from New Hampshire, what do you feel your three biggest successes were, and what were your three biggest disappointments?

Governor Shaheen: I think working to improve schools, expanding public kindergarten, starting a child health insurance program that has meant that 9,000 children in New Hampshire now have health insurance, and reaching a settlement agreement with our largest utility, so that we can lower electric rates for people.

I think my biggest disappointment has been that we have not yet fully funded a plan to pay for education in the state.

Question from Cyborg: Governor, overall, how has the Democratic National Committee been going? Anything that you wish would have been done, instead of what we've seen?

Governor Shaheen: I think this convention has really energized people. The delegates that I have talked to here are very excited. I think we're going to come out of this convention unified and ready to go back to our home states and work very hard for Al Gore and Joe Lieberman. I think the one challenge that we're all feeling is there has been so much to do and so many places to go that we can't be everywhere we want to be.

Question from Elie: Governor Shaheen, how does government create "good jobs for people, provide good schools"? Don't American citizens do that for themselves?

Governor Shaheen: Absolutely. It's citizens who make those things happen, but there's a role that government needs to play in investing and making sure that there are not regulations that prevent the economy from prospering and prevent schools from doing well.

For example, in New Hampshire we have one of the fastest rates of export growth in the country. As Governor, I've lead two trade missions to Europe that have brought back almost $500 million dollars in business to the state. And that means $500 million for the businesses of New Hampshire.

That's important for government to understand, that we can help provide access to international markets for small and medium size businesses, so they can compete globally.

Question from Vermont Fisk: Do you think Hillary's run for the Senate is hurting Gore?

Governor Shaheen: I don't think so. I think it's important for us to have a good candidate for the Senate in New York, so that the Democrats can hold on to that seat.

Chat Moderator: What can Vice President Gore do to improve his standing with women voters?

Governor Shaheen: I think it's important for the vice president, and for this campaign in the next two and half months, to point out the difference between Al Gore and George Bush on issues that matter to women and families.

Al Gore supports a prescription drug benefit for our seniors. Al Gore believes that women should make their own reproductive decisions, not government. Al Gore understands how important it is for people to have health care.

Question from Ruckus: Governor, generally speaking, most of the general public feel as though it is of no use to vote in national, state and local elections. Why do you think most people feel this way, and how can this apathy be overcome?

Governor Shaheen: Many people don't think their vote counts. But that is absolutely wrong. Everyone's vote counts. In 1960, if just one person had voted for Richard Nixon instead of John Kennedy in every precinct in Pennsylvania, Richard Nixon, not John Kennedy, would have been president.

Every vote counts. You need to vote in November. It makes a difference. It could be the difference between whether or not you can afford prescription drugs, if you are an older person; whether or not you have access to health care, if you are a child; whether or not we continue to have Social Security; and whether we pay down the national debt or give it back to the wealthiest people in this country in tax cuts. You need to vote.

Chat Moderator: Thank you for joining us, Governor Jeanne Shaheen.

Governor Shaheen: It's been my pleasure.

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Presidential Race 2000
The conventions

Gore takes center stage tonight to accept Democrats' nomination
August 17, 2000
Democrats nominate Gore for presidency
August 17, 2000

Gov. Jeanne Shaheen's Biography
Gore/Lieberman 2000
Democratic National Committee
America 2000 Democratic Convention

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