For more than 20 years, Europe has been producing clean energy – and tens of thousands of jobs – from its offshore wind resources. Just last year, nearly 300 turbines were installed in order to bring their current offshore wind generation up to just under 5,000 MW. Here in America, we have an immense offshore wind resource sitting right off our shores, yet as the article points out we are still struggling to get our first turbines into the water.

Offshore wind turbines located near Denmark. Flickr photo by Kim Hansen.

Let’s put this into perspective

America needs real, sustained leadership at both the state and federal levels to advance large-scale clean energy sources in this country if we are to protect current and future generations from the dangers of climate change. NWF’s recent report, Wildlife in a Warming World: Confronting the Climate Crisis, details the devastating impacts we are already seeing across America from climate change. America’s reliance on high-polluting fossil fuels simply has to change if we are to confront this urgent threat, and our vast offshore wind resource presents a truly compelling alternative.

As President Obama said on Inauguration Day:

“The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. But America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it. We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries—we must claim its promise. That is how we will maintain our economic vitality…”

Appropriately-sited offshore wind power is a viable, reliable and clean source of energy that can move America away from polluting fossil fuels that are warming the planet at unsustainable rates. Atlantic wind power is available in close proximity to our largest population centers, and blows strongest during times of peak demand — offering a massive local energy source that can diversify our energy mix and offer a hedge against the volatility of fossil fuel prices. A robust offshore wind industry in the U.S. promises to be an economic powerhouse — with hundreds of thousands of new jobs in design, manufacturing, construction, and operation. We can no longer afford to ignore this opportunity: offshore wind power can and must be part of America’s energy future.

An offshore wind turbine in the Thames Estuary, U.K. Flickr photo by Phil Hollman

Fortunately, there is good news

All along the Atlantic coast — from Maine to Georgia — states are taking steps forward in the pursuit of offshore wind energy. Most recently, newly elected North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory has called for offshore wind development off the coast of North Carolina. After more than a decade of delay, the Cape Wind project in Massachusetts has secured the contracts it needs to cross the finish line, and an exciting demonstration project is moving forward in state waters off of Rhode Island. Both of these projects could potentially commence construction as early as next year.

Additionally, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is moving the leasing process forward in varying forms off the coasts of 10 states (Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia). Seven pilot-scale projects just received funding from the Department of Energy, and Congress recently prevented the critical Investment Tax Credit for offshore wind from expiring at the end of 2012.

The potential and interest are there. Now is the time to move beyond these preparatory building blocks and into real action to ensure favorable, predictable markets for clean energy.

Let’s look at the Maryland example, the central focus of the Washington Post article. Governor Martin O’Malley and the leadership of the General Assembly are pushing a bill designed to spur progress in advancing offshore wind energy off Maryland’s coast. The federal government has already identified a formal Wind Energy Area for Maryland, and six companies so far have expressed interest in building projects within it.

And there is broad public support. Business groups in Maryland, as well as environmental and public health organizations, are all actively supporting this offshore wind bill as a key next step in making offshore wind a reality off their shores. A January poll found that a growing number of Marylanders and a strong bipartisan majority, 72 percent, support developing offshore wind power. Maryland residents from all political and geographic subgroups said they would pay $2 more per month on their electricity bills to support offshore wind.

Governor O’Malley’s quote in the article hits the nail on the head:

“If we do nothing, large chunks of Maryland will be underwater in the foreseeable future. There will be drought, there will be famine and human pain, suffering and displacement — that’s the one thing we really do know for sure; 98.99 percent of all scientists agree.”

The time for stalling is over.  Climate change has not stalled – quite the opposite. Our reliance on polluting fossil fuels continues. Our state and federal leaders must lean into the wind and take meaningful steps forward to ensure America harnesses our largest untapped clean energy resource.

TAKE ACTION – Speak up for offshore wind energy!

Waves from Hurricane Sandy batter the Brooklyn coast. NASA photo.

It has been refreshing to see our leaders – from President Obama to Governors Cuomo and Christie – connect the dots and acknowledge that climate change is fueling these more frequent and intense storms, but investing in sea walls and storm response plans is  just not enough.

We need to aggressively cut carbon pollution and pursue clean, renewable sources of energy – including offshore wind – in order to protect future generations of people and wildlife from the dangers of climate change.

Offshore Wind Energy in Germany = Jobs, & Not Just Along the Coast

I recently had the pleasure of spending a few days with Senator Joachim Lohse from Germany, a global leader in renewable energy. Thanks to the Heinrich Boll Foundation, which fosters transatlantic dialogue on critical issues, Senator Lohse came to America to share the amazing success story of offshore wind energy development in his state of Bremen. National Wildlife Federation was honored to join the Blue-Green Alliance for a US tour with the Senator, bringing Germany’s story of offshore wind job creation to key leaders, government agencies, stakeholders, and the media in Washington DC, Maryland, and New York.

Headed into the White House Council on Environmental Quality. (L to R: Andreas Marcotty, BGA; Catherine Bowes, NWF; Senator Joachim Lohse, Bremen, Germany; Rebecca Bertram, Heinrich Boll Foundation, Mike Williams, BGA) Photo: BGA

In Senator Lohse’s state of Bremen, Germany, new jobs in the offshore wind industry more than doubled over the last two years (See Lohse presentation).  There are currently just under 3,000 jobs in the offshore wind industry in Bremerhaven (Bremen’s port city), a number which is expected to reach 14,000 by 2020. Across Europe, over 300,000 jobs have been projected to result from pursuing the region’s aggressive offshore wind energy goal of 40 GW by 2020.

And these are not just coastal jobs - over 60% of the economic development benefits from offshore wind energy in Germany have rippled across the country for project development and supply chain manufacturing industries.

Jealous!

Everyone we met with over the course of the tour used the same word in response to hearing Senator Lohse describe Germany’s commitment to clean energy, where renewables currently make up 25% of the country’s energy mix:  Jealous!

The photos he showed of the buzzing port activity in Germany – including massive steel and concrete construction opportunities – left us all wishing we had the leadership here in America necessary to move us forward in harnessing our own offshore wind energy resource.

Offshore wind energy foundations ready for construction at the booming port of Bremerhaven, Germany. Photo: Joachim Lohse

At a time when the twin imperatives of advancing clean energy and revitalizing our economy could not be more clear, we simply can no longer afford to ignore the massive job-creating energy source sitting right off our shores.  A recent poll found that Americans prefer clean energy to investing in more fossil fuels by a 4 to 1 margin, yet renewable energy only makes up 4% of our energy mix. It is time to get serious about clean energy sources like offshore wind.

Take Action: Critical tax credits for wind energy expire at the end of this year. Click here voice your support for offshore wind energy!

Conference speakers, L to R: Carol Murphy, Pete Grannis, Adrienne Esposito, Gordian Raacke, Frank Murray, Kevin Law, & Catherine Bowes (photo: Beth Fiteni)

The day started with opening remarks from Pete Grannis of New York State Comptroller’s Office, who highlighted the impact of climate change on the state’s budget and economy: “Climate change represents the greatest market failure we have ever seen.”

Throughout the morning, environmental and public health advocacy groups described offshore wind as a clean alternative to the devastating impacts our reliance on fossil fuels has on current and future generations of people and wildlife.  New York’s environmental community is united in support of offshore wind energy, and recently joined over 200 national, state, and local organizations in sending a letter to President Obama calling for bold action to advance this critical new clean energy source for America.

Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Long Island: “Switching from polluting energy sources to offshore wind power will benefit all of us. It means cleaner air, a healthier environment, and keeping our energy dollars in the local economy rather than paying for imported fuel to run Long Island’s power plants.”

Representatives from the offshore wind industry then inspired the group with examples of how offshore wind energy development has revitalized port communities in Europe, creating thousands of jobs and providing a reliable cost-effective source of electricity.  Presentations showed how current advancements in offshore wind technology are driving down costs, helping reduce conflicts with other ocean uses, and expanding local economic development opportunities. Launching a robust offshore wind industry here in America will expand high-quality career opportunities in technology innovation, manufacturing, engineering, and project operations.    

Karsten Moeller from Siemens Energy, one of the leading global suppliers of offshore wind turbines, confirmed that “Offshore wind is a real, big industry in Europe. Innovation is driving down the cost and increasing the performance of this job-creating technology.”

Additionally, speakers discussed how tapping our offshore wind energy resource will benefit New York’s electricity grid overall by supplying much needed megawatts during peak demand times without increasing local pollution. Offshore wind also helps bring down the overall cost of energy across the rate base, through a process known as price suppression where renewable energy effectively outcompetes more expensive dirty power (because the fuel cost is $0) in the hourly auctions managed by the electricity grid operator.

Carol Murphy, Executive Director of Alliance for Clean Energy New York spoke in detail about this point: “According to the New York Independent System Operator, for every 1,000 MW of wind on the system, consumers save $300 million in wholesale energy costs.” 

Bill Moore, President & CEO of Deepwater Wind described additional benefits for NY’s electric grid that will result from tapping offshore wind energy: “One of the many advantages of offshore wind energy is that its highest levels of production correspond with periods of peak electricity demand, such as summer afternoons and heat waves.” Deepwater Wind recently released data showing how much clean electricity their proposed offshore wind project would have produced during New York’s recent heat wave.

Over 100 people gathered in Melville to hear an update on New York’s progress in building offshore wind energy. (photo: Tara Bono)

Frank Murray, President & CEO of New York State Energy Development Authority (NYSERDA) mentioned NYSERDA’s efforts to analyze offshore wind energy for New York and will soon be releasing a detailed report on the opportunity: “I am a true believer in offshore wind energy. I believe it is possible, inevitable, and a wise investment.”

Todd Stebbins, Director of Environmental Affairs for Long Island Power Authority, described the collaborative project proposal with NYPA and ConEd and shared thoughts on integrating offshore wind energy into LIPA’s portfolio: “Offshore wind energy will displace fossil fuel use, benefitting the environment especially in areas that are in non-attainment [of air quality standards]. There are challenges here, but they are not insurmountable.”

Perhaps the most important quote of the day came from an engaged member of the audience, who asked the panelists “What can we do to just get things moving to make sure these projects get built and come online?!?”

Offshore wind energy projects – like this one in Copenhagen – have been producing energy and jobs overseas for over 2 decades. (photo: ReLI)

Critical discussions are also underway on Capitol Hill regarding energy tax incentives needed to support the development of this new industry here in America.  National Wildlife Federation strongly supports extending the Investment Tax Credit for offshore wind energy in order to help level the playing field for this new clean energy technology that must compete with a mature fossil fuel industry that still receives billions in taxpayer subsidies.

U.S. Representative Tim Bishop, from NY’s 1^st District (Long Island’s East End) highlighted this in his remarks at the conference: “There are an alarming number of colleagues [in the House of Representatives] in full blown denial of the crisis we face with climate change, yet the science is overwhelmingly clear. It is imperative that we renew tax credits for clean energy in order to reduce our reliance on oil and confront the dangers of climate change.”

At the end of the day, key questions about the feasibility and cost of offshore wind energy were answered and excitement about this new clean energy source continued to grow among the conference’s attendees. Looking forward, leadership from both state and federal government is critical in order for New York to finally take advantage of this golden energy opportunity.

Press coverage of the conference included articles in Newsday and the Long Island Business News, as well as local TV coverage.

Snowy Owl circling over Duxbury Beach. Photo credit: Frederick Bowes

That is why I am so proud that my home state of Massachusetts is poised to lead the nation in the pursuit of offshore wind energy. Our offshore winds hold great potential for reducing harmful pollution, creating jobs, and–by providing opportunities to spend our energy dollars locally–increasing both energy independence and economic development across the Commonwealth. Sited correctly, renewable energy development is critical for protecting people and wildlife from the dangers of climate change. Europe has been producing offshore wind energy–and thousands of jobs–for over a decade and we still do not have a single turbine in the water here in the Atlantic Ocean.

Mesmerizing flocks of shorebirds work their way along the coast. Photo credit: Frederick Bowes

Please attend an upcoming public hearing (Natick 5/22, Hyannis 5/23, Boston 5/30) and show your support for offshore wind energy in Massachusetts. The fossil fuel industry-funded opposition to Cape Wind is already rallying their troops and spreading misinformation about how this project will impact electric rates, so it is critical that supportive voices come and help set the record straight. According to NSTAR, this contract with Cape Wind will increase rates pennies per day at most, or $1.16 per month on average. Click here for hearing details.

Endangered piping plovers nest on Massachusetts' beaches. Photo credit: Frederick Bowes

Please come out and join me in speaking up for Cape Wind and a clean energy future for Massachusetts.

And as always, please be in touch if you’d like to get involved in NWF’s Offshore Wind Campaign in other ways. We are working all along the Atlantic Coast to show public support for offshore wind energy…and we need your help!

For too long, America has ignored an immense clean energy source sitting right off our shores.

We’ve chosen to remain dependant on fossil fuels that cause dangerous air and water pollution, threaten our national security, and place future generations of people and wildlife in jeopardy from climate change. And we’ve overlooked a golden economic development opportunity that can create thousands of high-quality jobs while revitalizing our maritime industrial heritage all along the Atlantic Coast.

Today, we are one step closer to change. Secretary Salazar just announced that the Obama Administration has hit the accelerator in developing our offshore wind energy resources off the Mid-Atlantic coast. NWF applauds this decision (NWF & VCN statement of support) to responsibly expedite the permitting process for offshore wind projects, recognizing the important role that offshore wind must play in securing a clean energy future for America. We believe developing offshore wind energy is critical for protecting wildlife from the dangers of climate change when designed and constructed in an environmentally responsible manner.  It is possible to protect our coastal and marine wildlife in the pursuit of offshore wind energy, and today’s announcement sets the stage for both.

What does today’s announcement mean?

Because of this important decision, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) can now move forward with the leasing process for offshore wind projects off the coast of New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. With strong environmental conditions, developers will now be able to begin site assessment activities on their reserved blocks of ocean in order to collect the data necessary to design construction and operations plans for their projects. A comprehensive environmental review, including an Environmental Impact Statement, will be required at that point to ensure that the proposed projects are safe for people and wildlife. NWF believes this approach will allow for an efficient permitting timeline for this critical clean energy source without sacrificing environmental review.

 When will offshore wind energy leases be issued?

There is so much interest by the offshore wind industry in developing projects off the Mid-Atlantic that BOEM will have to grant leases through a competitive auction process. The auction logisitics are still being finalized, although NWF and our allies are calling for a swift, efficient process (see BOEM Auction Signon Letter) that gets leases into responsible developers’ hands as quickly as possible. We expect as many as 10 leases to be granted across these 4 states in the Mid-Atlantic region by the end of 2012.

 Offshore wind energy – a wildlife-friendly energy solution

National Wildlife Federation applauds the Obama Administration for hitting the accelerator in the pursuit of offshore wind energy for America. By expediting the permitting process for responsible offshore wind energy without sacrificing critical environmental review, America is one step closer to harnessing the massive economic and environmental benefits that will come from tapping this immense domestic clean energy source.

But this is just beginning! The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has estimated that well over 200 GW of wind energy potential is available in the Atlantic Ocean using current technology, as much as is generated each year by nearly 200 average coal-fired power plants. And the Department of Energy has set a goal of developing 54 GW of offshore wind generation by 2030. Launching a robust offshore wind industry in the U.S. has the potential to create thousands of high quality jobs while producing clean, domestic energy that does not produce harmful pollution.

There is much more work ahead to ensure that America does not continue to leave this enormous clean energy opportunity on the table, but today’s announcement is a critical step forward.

Photo by Phil Hollman

Today, Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar joined Governor Lincoln Chafee and Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation for a press conference to announce a key step forward in the process to develop offshore wind energy in New England.

There are significant wind energy resources in the federal waters off the coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and today’s announcement means that we are one step closer to bringing that clean, job-producing energy ashore.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE), the agency tasked with managing the permitting process for offshore wind energy, will now formally collect information from developers interested in the area as well as information about environmental and other issues needed to prepare an Environmental Assessment. Once these steps are complete, BOEMRE will move forward and begin issuing leases for site assessment activities off of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, which Secretary Salazar today said will happen in 2012.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, U.S. Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed, U.S. Rep. David N. Cicilline and Governor Chafee. Photo credit: Providence Journal

National Wildlife Federation is thrilled to see this continued commitment by the Obama Administration to pursue offshore wind energy in an efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

And it can’t come soon enough. There are over 1,000 offshore wind turbines creating jobs and clean energy overseas and the U.S. is behind – way behind – in taking similar advantage of our offshore wind resources.

Today’s announcement builds on progress also happening in the Mid-Atlantic region. A draft Environmental Assessment has already been prepared for specific areas in federal waters off of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, where offshore wind leases are also expected to be issued early next year. NWF was joined by over 11,000 of our activists in voicing strong support for moving forward with offshore wind development in these areas in a way that is protective of our coastal and marine resources.

Offshore wind holds great potential to create jobs, cut pollution, and reduce our reliance on dirty fossil fuels. This is a win-win for our economy and our environment, and it is exciting to see America move closer to tapping the massive domestic energy source sitting right off our shores.

America’s offshore wind resources are immense

NWF has joined over 120 organizations in calling on the Obama Administration (Letter to Obama 3.7.11, Loan Guarantee Letter 6.10.11) and Congressional leaders to take positive steps forward to advance offshore wind development in a manner that is protective of our coastal and marine resources. Providing financial incentives such as an investment tax credit is a critical way to support this emerging industry that has the potential to create thousands of jobs while helping revitalize America’s manufacturing and maritime industries.

The Incentivizing Offshore Wind Energy Act is an example of exactly the kind of policies we need at this moment in time. Efforts are also underway in the House of Representatives to promote offshore wind, however two recently introduced bills – the Cutting Federal Red Tape to Facilitate Renewable Energy Act (H.R. 2170) and the Advancing Offshore Wind Production Act (H.R. 2173) – completely miss the mark (NWF letter – HR 2170 and 2173). The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement has recently taken significant steps to improve the permitting process for offshore wind, shortening the timeline and reducing costs for developers while still ensuring sufficient environmental review.  Unlike the bipartisan bill introduced today in the Senate, the House bills actually would slow down offshore wind development while failing to address the primary obstacle facing the offshore wind industry.

NWF is pleased to see interest by both Houses of Congress in offshore wind development, but encourages our Congressional leaders to focus their attention on polices that can generate the critically needed financial investments to truly grow this new industry.  NWF applauds Senators Carper and Snowe, and cosponsors Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), for their much-needed leadership to advance offshore wind energy.

With great potential to reduce harmful pollution, create thousands of high-quality jobs, and help achieve energy independence, offshore wind energy is a wise investment in America’s future.

And it’s no wonder – if we are to confront the twin challenges of climate change and energy independence, we must start tapping the immense energy source available right off the Atlantic coast: offshore wind.

In December, when NWF released a report highlighting the massive energy generation and job creation potential of Atlantic offshore wind, 40 organizations signed on as cosponsors in our call to action. Today, over 120 organizations have united in a clear message to President Obama:  it’s time to get moving on appropriately-sited offshore wind. Among the groups were 13 of NWF’s state affiliate organizations, highlighting the importance of pursuing offshore wind as part of a strategy to protect wildlife from the many adverse impacts of our fossil fuel-based energy system.

In December, 2010, NWF released "Offshore Wind in the Atlantic" along with environmental, conservation, labor, industry, and veteran representatives.

Specifically, the letter calls on the Administration to:

• identify high priority areas for offshore wind development;
• establish a clear and rational process for permitting offshore wind facilities; and
• create standards to protect the Atlantic Ocean’s marine and coastal ecosystems, including avoiding siting in important ecological areas and mitigating habitat impacts.

The letter underscores the notion that by pursuing areas for development that avoid conflicts, we can ensure that wind development in the Atlantic moves forward quickly and efficiently from the start.
 
Another recent example of growing public support for offshore wind can be found in Maryland, where last week supporters packed a General Assembly hearing room to testify on a state bill that seeks to advance offshore wind in Maryland. NWF joined a diverse set of stakeholders in voicing support for the bill, including representatives from United Steelworkers, Building Trades Union, public health groups, and conservation organizations. Marylanders clearly see the many benefits of developing their offshore wind resources, including the significant job creation opportunity.

Appropriately-sited offshore wind can help power our homes, businesses, and vehicles with locally-produced clean energy. Our state and federal leaders must join forces to develop this important clean energy source in a manner that protects our treasured marine wildlife resources.

As the letter to President Obama states, “For the sake of our environment and the hope of building a truly clean energy economy in America, we must see numerous wind farms spinning off our shores within the next few years – and we need your help to make that vision a reality.”

And certainly there was plenty to take in. Our crew managed to build snowmen on many busy street corners of Manchester, including the big one pictured here in front of the Radisson where most of the media is headquartered. It was the perfect magnet, sparking conversations with countless reporters and passersby. The posted pictures will hopefully give you flavor of all the craziness here in Manchester!

Eric was reminiscing about his time on Elm Street in the 60s, when  the 60s were “cool”. Eric grew up in Londonderry, not 10 miles from here. He remembers when he first got his license and cruised Elm Street to be cool – not at all like today where temperatures flirted with the 60s and melting snowmen lined the street (thanks to us, of course!)

Back in the 60s Elm Street was cool in January, but today temperature records were expected to be broken all across the state. And it is not just the temperatures heating up the streets of New Hampshire, this state is red hot with talk of politics and heated debates over what kind of leader this country needs.

You can feel the intensity increasing as the workday ends and more New Hampshire voters head to the polls and out to the streets to join the ranks of campaign supporters that are wildly cheering for their favorite. In just a few hours we’ll see who wins over the guy pictured here – with perhaps the most relevant sign on the street today!

It is getting increasingly interesting to see just what the candidates will do to secure every last vote. I just left a very energetic crowd at the Elks Lodge in Dover, where John Edwards spoke for about a half hour. The crowd remained excited after waiting nearly 2 hours for the guest of honor to speak – but we were not bored. The Edwards campaign has quite an entourage, and we were treated to speeches by none other than actors James Denton (from Desperate Housewives – I confess I didn’t know who he was either ; ) and Tim Robbins (I knew him!). Susan Sarandon was also there for good measure, but unfortunately she didn’t speak.

When Edwards took the stage, the crowd was raging. He clearly has a solid, loyal following here in New Hampshire. I found myself next to an undecided voter who had recently started to lean heavily toward Obama. After hearing Edwards’ passionate words, specifically how he will take back the country for the middle class and kick the special interests out of Washington, it looks like he has won her vote. Amazing what a great speech and a couple celebrities will do!

Despite the multitude of “Friends of the Earth Action Support Edwards” signs around the hall in the hands of children (and of course my “Stop Global Warming” sign), Edwards never mentioned climate change or the environment in his speech.

Earlier today, Eric Orff attended a Romney event in Salem where about 350 people gathered in another NH Elks Lodge to hear how former MA Governor will “change Washington”. Apparently that is the theme of Romney’s stump speeches these days, and it appears that all the candidates – from both parties – are offering change. Given the state of affairs in the country these days, that seems a good thing. The promise of change is far and away the loudest message NH voters are hearing, but the difference seems to be how, or if, each candidate can actually effect change.

Romney actually spoke about energy independence in his speech, but surprisingly John McCain – the most outspoken advocate for action on global warming on the Republican side – did not. I attended a brief rally in Exeter on the steps of the town hall this afternoon – and the message was all about the war on terror. McCain was running really late (another consistent theme of the day!) and again I found myself waiting for the candidate to arrive among a – mostly – patient crowd. While chatting with those around me, I think I uncovered the truly bizarre NH voter we all hear about. Standing next to me was a middle-aged undecided man, and I asked him who he was leaning toward – and why. He said quite confidently, “I’m probably going to vote for Romney, but I’m considering Obama.” Yes, you read that correctly. So naturally I asked “what are you looking for in a candidate, because those two are pretty different!” He said “they are both brilliant, and I am tired of having a President who can’t put a sentence together that makes any sense at all.” So there you have it.

Tomorrow, the voters of NH will tell the rest of the country who they think should be President. And who knows if it will be issues, smarts, hamburgers, or celebrities that influences their decisions. Time will tell, and there’s not much time left! Candidates are attending events well into the evening tonight (I think Edwards’ last event starts at midnight) so they are using every last second they have to convince people that they should be the next President.

On to tomorrow…