Join us in the Free Statewww.freestateproject.org

101 Reasonsto Move to

New Hampshire

Researched and prepared by Michelle Dumas on behalf of theLPNH Welcome to the Granite State Committee

www.lpnh.org

HistoricalPrecedent

More than 200-year history of independence, smallgovernment, and local control

Just a few of the famous people in NH history

Josiah Bartlett -Second signer of the

Declaration ofIndependence

General John Stark Popularized the Live Free

or Die state motto.Commanded NH forces in

the Revolutionary War

Marilla Ricker Firstwoman lawyer certified totry cases in front of the

Supreme Court and ran forgovernor all before

women even had the rightto vote

John Sullivan NH s firstgovernor, fought in theRevolutionary War andjoined the NH Seacoastuprising at Fort William

and Mary in 1774

Matthew Thornton Signer of the Declarationof Independence served

on the NH court,legislature, and executive

council

Robert Frost Won hisfirst of four Pulitzer Prizeswith his 1924 volume of

poems named NewHampshire

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Famous spirit of independence andLive Free or Die State Motto

For more than 200 years, New Hampshire has held fast to the values ofself-reliance, small government, and independence. For its symbolicsignificance, there is no state more suited to the Free State Project.The motto was popularized by General John Stark, a New Hampshirecitizen and leader in the Revolutionary War, who wrote, Live free ordie. Death is not the worst of evils.

New Hampshire was the first state todeclare itself independent fromEngland in 1774

New Hampshire patriots were the firstto seize powder and guns from thefort of William and Mary in 1774

On December 14, 1774, more than 400 NH Seacoast-area patriotsmobbed the gates of the William and Mary fort following the visit ofPaul Revere confirming rumors of English ships and troops on the way.Within hours, the fort was overwhelmed and the patriots made awaywith 97 barrels of powder later distributed to militias throughout thestate as building blocks for the nascent continental army.

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New Hampshire was the firststate to adopt a revolutionary constitution, 1776

New Hampshire was the first stateto hold a ConstitutionalConvention, 1778

New Hampshire was the first state torequire that its Constitution be referred tothe people for approval, 1783

The historical precedent set byNew Hampshire for the FSP issimply unmatched. The spirit ofindependence lives on today.Join the Free Stater s in NewHampshire and be a part ofhistory in the making.

ConstitutionalAdvantages

Constitutions are far more difficult to changethan statutes; thus, a constitution that limits thepower of the legislature provides a more stablebasis for both determining the state s libertyorientation and ensuring the ultimate successof the Free State Project.

New Hampshire offers MANYconstitutional advantages favorable toachieving the goals of FSP members

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New Hampshire s constitution is theONLY constitution in theWORLD that expressly protects its

citizens right to revolution.

Art. 10. [Right of Revolution.] Government beinginstituted for the common benefit, protection, and security, of thewhole community, and not for the private interest or emolument ofany one man, family, or class of men; therefore, whenever the endsof government are perverted, and public liberty manifestlyendangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, thepeople may, and of right ought to reform the old, or establish a newgovernment. The doctrine of nonresistance against arbitrary power,and oppression, is absurd, slavish, and destructive of the good andhappiness of mankind.

New Hampshire s governorship is the weakestof all the states due to our unique,constitutionally mandated system of checksand balances against the power of thegovernor. The Executive Council holds the distinction ofbeing the first and the last of its kind in the nation. It is avestige of the Colonial era and a public reminder of thecontinuing indication of the basic distrust Granite Statecitizens have for dictatorial government.

Art. 60. [Councilors; Mode of Election, etc.] There shall bebiennially elected, by ballot, five councilors, for advising thegovernor in the executive part of government

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New Hampshire offers the best representation ofany state NATIONWIDE with a 400-member

House of Representatives.

Art. 9. [Representatives Elected Every Second Year; Apportionment ofRepresentatives.] There shall be in the legislature of this state a house ofrepresentatives, biennially elected and founded on principles of equality, andrepresentation therein shall be as equal as circumstances will admit. Thewhole number of representatives to be chosen from the towns, wards,places, and representative districts thereof established hereunder, shallbe not less than three hundred seventy-five or more than four hundred

New Hampshire offers atrue citizen legislature agovernment of the people

based on their $100 per year pay to legislators.

Art. 15. [Compensation of the Legislature.] The presiding officers of bothhouses of the legislature, shall severally receive out of the state treasury ascompensation in full for their services for the term elected [two years] the sumof $250, and all other members thereof, seasonably attending and notdeparting without license, the sum of $200

More than any other state, New Hampshire scompensation system ensures that its representatives aremotivated most strongly by a desire to serve the people. Apay raise would require a Constitutional amendment!

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New Hampshire s Constitution is oneof the few in the nation that DOESNOT mandate the provision of apublic school system.

To abolish government-controlled schools inmany other states would require a

constitutional amendment.

New Hampshire (Article 83): it shall be the duty of the legislatorsand magistrates, in all future periods of this government, to cherishthe interest of literature and the sciences, and all seminaries andpublic schools

Unlike some, NewHampshire s Constitutiondoes not specificallyprohibit secession. While

this is not a goal of the Free State Project,it could be a critical bargaining chip during negotiationswith the federal government.

PoliticalAdvantages

The Free State Project is a plan in which 20,000 ormore liberty-oriented people will move to a singlestate of the U.S., where they may work within the

political system to reduce the size and scope ofgovernment.

New Hampshire is that state!

New Hampshire offers us the most existing politicaladvantages to facilitate the achievement of our goals.

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In New Hampshire, the FSP alreadyhas at least two FREE STATEPROJECT MEMBERS ALREADY IN

THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES!It s true! At least two FSP members are already members of theNew Hampshire legislature. Active New Hampshire-basedFSPmembers have a fast-track head start on electing members to officeto work within the political system in order to reduce the size andscope of government!

New Hampshire boasts aLIBERTARIAN ANDFREE STATE PROJECT

MEMBER ALREADY APPOINTED TOAN OFFICIAL POSITION BY THEGOVERNOR OF THE STATE!Again, it s true! John Babiarz, chair of the LPNH and FSP member,was an appointee of Governor Benson to the Efficiency inGovernment Commission, a commission formed to streamline anddownsize New Hampshire state government. As an extension of thisCommission, a number of Porcupines and Libertarians have beeninvited to work on a Task Force authorized by Governor Benson, toassist in analyzing New Hampshire government and makingrecommendations to streamline and cut costs. Currently, JohnBabiarz is serving as an appointee of Governor Benson on theConsensus Revenue Estimation Panel. In New Hampshire, FSPmembers have hit the ground running but need YOUR help tosustain their momentum.

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The FSP HAS LIBERTY-MINDEDFRIENDS IN THE EXISTING NEWHAMPSHIRE LEGISLATURE.

Numerous membersof the New Hampshire House ofRepresentatives have attended FreeState Project meetings, publicly voicedsupport for the Free State Projectcoming to New Hampshire, and/or have reached out toestablish alliances with FSP members already in NewHampshire. Free State Project members and the politicalactivity they bring is welcome in New Hampshire!

New Hampshire s Governor Benson is asigned friend of the Free State Projectand has publicly voiced his support forthe Free State Project on numerousoccassions.

Governor Benson has expressed his support of the FSP in amultitude of ways: in television interviews, in state andnational newspaper stories, by speaking at the 2003 LPNHconvention, and by agreeing to participateas the keynote speaker at the 2004 LibertyDinner organized by the New HampshireLiberty Alliance, a political actioncommittee founded by Free State Projectmembers already residing in NewHampshire.

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In New Hampshire, the FSP hasreceived a friendly reception frommany in the major parties. The Chairof the New Hampshire GOP, Jayne Millerick, waswelcoming to the Free State Project and indicated that thegroup would be happy with the political activity in the state.From a Stateline.org article:"If these individuals choose to come to New Hampshire they'll findan atmosphere that's very open to grassroots activities and verystrong and independent voter participation."

New Hampshire offers the criticaladvantage of allowing fusioncandidates. A fusion candidate is

defined as one who has been nominated by two or moreparties, and appears on the general ballot with all partiesnoted.

The advantage is absolutely critical to the political success ofFSP members. It means the ability to run as a Libertarian-Republican or even as a Libertarian-Republican-Democrat,capturing all of the straight-ticket votes.

How successful is this strategy in New Hampshire? In the2002 election, 59 seats of 400, or 15% of the House, waswon with fusion! Every single fusion candidate on thegeneral ballot won! In 1992, 2 Libertarians won seats usingjust this method.

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In New Hampshire you have theopportunity to completely OVERHAULTHE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE

BRANCHES every other year as NH is one of only ahandful of states to run elections on the biennial cycle.

The New Hampshire voter populationmakeup hints at its citizens spirit ofindependence and a dissatisfaction withmajor parties; a huge potential opportunity for a third party

Approximately 37% are registered Republicans and 27%are registered Democrats but a full 36% are registeredIndependents.

Geographically, New Hampshire is theperfect size to optimize and facilitatecampaigns. 180 miles long and 50 miles

wide with an extreme width of 93 miles, within a matter ofhours you can reach any corner of the state by car. Contrastthis with some of the larger states in the U.S. To effectivelyexecute a statewide campaign in one of these states, anairplane would be necessary an expensethat our competitors may be able to afford,but one that would not be an option formost FSP candidates.

#22NEW HAMPSHIRE OFFERS SMALL,EASY TO CANVASS, WINNABLEDISTRICTS.

In terms of representation (population / # ofrepresentatives) New Hampshire offers the smallestdistricts in the NATION.

Small districts facilitate success! If your goal as an FreeState Project member is to WIN and to work WITHINTHE POLITICAL SYSTEM, small districts faroutweigh overall population concerns.

New Hampshire districts are small enough that thecandidates get to know their constituents personally,in many districts, you can walk from one end toanother in less than in an hour, and seats are oftenwon with no more than a couple-hundred-dollarcampaign budgets.

Remember, New Hampshire has the largestlegislature of any state or province in anycountry in the WORLD. With NH s 400-member House, every legislator representsvery few constituents. In some districts,candidates need as few as 700 votes towin! Even multi-seat districts are easy towin re-read advantage #18 theability to run fusion candidates.

#23NEW HAMPSHIRE HAS A LONGTRADITION OF LOCAL CONTROLTHROUGH TOWN MEETINGS.

Town meetings in New Hampshire and other New Englandstates are probably the most direct access to governmentgiven to citizens in America.

Though town meetings such as this areunfamiliar to many from other parts of thenation, in New Hampshire these meetingshave deep idealogical roots and reflect thecitizens commitment to local control. Topics covered intown meetings are diverse and the meetings themselves areoften quite lively. Since Colonial times they have givencitizens, not their representatives, the ability to participatedirectly in the making of their laws and the raising andspending of taxes.

The New Hampshire Constitution even prohibits unfundedstate mandates, providing a check upon state control andensuring that decision-making remains with the localjurisdictions.

What better atmosphere could there be for FSP members tobegin repealing unwanted government intrusion, to

demonstrate that our ideas are viable, and tocreate pockets of freedom on a local level to

act as statewide and nationwide examples ofthe benefits of freedom?

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NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWNS VOTE ONTHEIR BUDGETS LINE-BY-LINE, INTHE FORM OF WARRANTS.

The result is incredible control by towns and citizens over theirbudgets, unlike many states that simply elect representatives tobring home the bacon for their favorite pet projects.

NEW HAMPSHIRE HAS THE 4TH

LOWEST PERCENTAGE OFGOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT INTHE COUNTRY, AS A

PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL LABOR FORCE.

1. New Hampshire 12.44%2. Massachusetts 12.02%3. Pennsylvania 11.92%4. Nevada 11.59%

FREE STATE PROJECT MEMBERSWHO HAVE ALREADY MADE THEMOVE TO NEW HAMPSHIRE,MARVEL ABOUT HOW OPEN AND

INVITING THE NH POLITICAL SYSTEM IS:

"The NH Legislatures interest and willingness to work with us, hasbeen incredibly exciting!" David Mincin

NH legislative process empowers the citizen to a degree ofinvolvement much greater than I have ever experienced in any ofthe other nine states where I've lived. Here is a state where you aretruly represented and can make a difference. Calvin Pratt

#27NEW HAMPSHIRE IS ACTIVELYSEEKING TO REDUCE THE SIZE ANDSCOPE OF GOVERNMENT, CUTCOSTS, AND IMPROVE EFFICIENCY.

SOUND FAMILIAR?

As the first bill he signed into law, New Hampshire s Governor Bensonestablished the Efficiency in Government Commission appointing LPNHchair, John Babiarz to pinpoint ways the state could streamline operations,create new efficiencies, and save taxpayers money.

Governor Benson also has a sense of humor that advocates of limitedgovernment everywhere can appreciate:

"TAX ME MORE"A special account for those who want to pay higher taxes

CONCORD, March 6, 2003 Today Governor Craig Benson announcedthat he is setting up a special "Tax Me More" account for those who feel thattheir taxes aren't high enough.

"The voters spoke loud and clear last November: No income tax, no salestax, no tax increases, no way. I have put forward the first budget in a longtime that controls spending and lowers taxes. But every now and then I hearsomeone wants to spend more money or raise some tax," said Benson. "I cancertainly respect a difference of opinion and I want to accommodate thosewho feel that their taxes aren't high enough. That's why I am setting up the'Tax Me More' account for those people who want to pay more in taxes."

Anyone wishing to pay higher taxes can make their checks payable to "TheState of NH / Tax Me More Account" and mail their checks toAdministrative Services, Room 120, Statehouse Annex, Concord, NH,03301. All voluntary tax payments should be accompanied by the "Tax MeMore" tax form. Copies of the form are available the Governor's CustomerService Department and can be obtained by calling (603) 271-7626.

#28 NH HAS A LONG TRADITION OFTRANSPARENCY IN THE LEGISLATIVEAND EXECUTIVE BRANCHES.

To create a truly free political entity, it is essential to havetotal legislative transparency. In New Hampshire, completeand absolute transparency is already part of the politicalsystem and culture.

91-A:1 Preamble. Openness in the conduct of public business is essential to ademocratic society. The purpose of this chapter is to ensure both the greatest possiblepublic access to the actions, discussions and records of all public bodies, and theiraccountability to the people.

II. All public proceedings shall be open to the public, and all persons shall be permittedto attend any meetings of these bodies or agencies no vote while in open session maybe taken by secret ballot. Any person shall be per-mitted to use recording devices,including but not limited to, tape recorders, cameras and video-tape equipment, atsuch meetings. Minutes of all such meetings, including names of members, personsappearing before the bodies or agencies, and a brief description of the subject matterdiscussed and final decisions, shall be promptly recorded and open to public inspectionwithin 144 hours of the public meeting

In New Hampshire, all state business is conducted and votedin public. Meeting minutes and all public records are freelyavailable and easily accessible, many on the state website. Ifa citizen is unable to travel to the State House to sit in onlegislative sessions, it is easy to listen in by streaming audioas provided on the state website. Very few states enjoy suchopen accountability between its Executive and Legislativedepartments and its citizens.

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New Hampshire iswell known for

their first-in-the-nation primariesthat will provide the FSP with UNMATCHED leveragein the national debate.

Once we begin winning state- and local-level offices in NewHampshire we will add real strength to liberty-orientednational candidates at primary and debate time. The benefitsof liberty and freedom will be broadcast to the nation andthe world in an unprecedented way. Like-minded advocatesof small government all over the U.S. would finally have aroadmap and example to follow.

New Hampshire offers the bestchance to achieve clean elections.

100% of New Hampshire's votes arerecorded on paper ballots and 60% of NH municipalitiescount them by hand. Counting takes place at the precinct,beginning immediately after the polls close, and in full viewof the public. Very few states offer these protections. NewHampshire is a state in which counting fraud can beprevented.

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IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, EDUCATIONIS MOSTLY FUNDED AT THELOCAL LEVEL. With the exception ofthe $5.80 statewide property tax, all education funding israised at the local level, reflecting New Hampshire s longtradition of local control and education decision-making. FSPmembers will appreciate and find many allies among NHcitizens who deeply believe that much as small government isbetter, closer government is better.

Also noteworthy and of interest to FSP members should bethe Governor s new plan that cuts this statewide

tax nearly in half over the next 5 years.

IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, WEHAVE A CHANCE OF ENDING THEGOVERNMENT MONOPOLY ONTHE SCHOOL SYSTEM. Although education is mostlyfunded at the local level, not too long ago it was ALLfunded at the local level. The current system was createdwith the highly unpopular Claremont decision handed downby the Supreme Court. No issue unites the citizens of NewHampshire quite so much as the disgust over the school-funding situation. There is an enormous opportunity rightnow for any political movement to promote a workablesolution to the school funding situation and END publicschooling in those towns that wish to do so.

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New Hampshire local elections are mostlynonpartisan. This offers an excellentopportunity for FSP members to focus onthe message rather than the political label,

win local offices, and demonstrate first hand, the benefits ofliberty. The LPNH has clearly demonstrated this advantageby electing more Libertarians to office than any other statein the NATION.

Almost across the board, New Hampshire-region newspapers and television stationshave been receptive of and fair to the FreeState Project in front-page feature

articles, special television news segments, event coverage,radio interviews, editorials, and letters to the editor. Manythousands of New Hampshire citizens and the citizens ofneighboring states have learned about the Free State Projectin a positive way thanks to reporters from the Union Leader,Channel 9, WBZ-TV, Tiger Radio, Boston Globe, and othermedia outlets.

New Hampshire tends to be characterizedin the media as a mainstream state. InNew Hampshire, FSP members aregaining media attention not as a fringe

curiosity but as a viable, mainstream movement with ralpotential. If our goal is to establish a beachhead of freedomthat will serve as an example of freedom to the rest of thenation and world, we can achieve that in New Hampshire.

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Unlike many low populationstates, New Hampshire votersare not as likely to beinfluenced by federal

government farm subsidies. NH voters receiveonly $1.08 per capita as compared to $891.44 per capitain North Dakota and $228.25 in Montana.

Within months of selection as the FreeState, Porcupines in New Hampshire both early movers and natives of the state

were already influencing NHpolitics testifying at the State House, networking withliberty-oriented groups statewide, and establishing new non-partisan coalition groups to advance and accelerate the cause

of individual liberty in New Hampshire.

NEW HAMPSHIRE OFFERS A BROAD-BASED, DYNAMIC ECONOMY WITHGROWTH POTENTIAL AND MANYSTRENGTHS.

The reality is that it will take money to achieve success withthe Free State Project. If jobs are scarce, if money is tight,and if it is difficult to support a family, it wouldn t be longbefore we lost activists to reality. In New Hampshire ourmembers will thrive economically from the start and be ableto immediately begin working for and contributing towardthe achievement of FSP goals.

Advantagesof a

Freedom-OrientedCulture

The native political culture of the state is vitally important.Because New Hampshire is oriented toward liberty already,consistently voting for smaller, less intrusive government,

it will be much easier for the Free State Project tointroduce reforms and to live as neighbors with the nativecitizens of the state. New Hampshire indisputably has one

of the nation s leanest, most efficient governmentcombined with strong, inherent values of self-reliance andpersonal responsibility. It is a state in which libertarians

will feel at home.

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Unlike any other state, NewHampshire has a history of

electing and re-electing Libertarians to office.

In 1991, New Hampshire state legislators Cal Warburtonand Finlay Rothhaus resigned from the Republican Partyand joined the Libertarian Party. In 1992, Warburton andRothhaus were re-elected and Libertarians Don Gorman andAndy Borsa were elected to the House of Representatives.

In New Hampshire s 1992presidential primary election,

Libertarian Andre Marrou beat incumbentPresident George Bush in Dixville Notch, thefirst town to vote in the nation.

New Hampshire citizens haveelected a high number ofLibertarians to public office.

Presently, there are 30 public offices held byNew Hampshire Libertarians.

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New Hampshire has the highest percapita of elected and appointedLibertarians in the nation.

As of 2003, NewHampshire has thehighest density ofLibertarian Party

members in the nation.

There is a large contingency ofliberty-minded Republicans in the NewHampshire legislative and executivebranches. These individuals consistently vote to reduce

spending, cut programs, lower taxes, and repeal intrusive laws. These individualshave even indicated that they WANT a Libertarian caucus at the State House sothey can push their agenda through.

New Hampshire has grassrootsfreedom-oriented groups springingup statewide. New Hampshire even has a visible

presence of active anarchists in the state.

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#46New Hampshirites HATE TAXES. Atevery opportunity, New Hampshirecitizens vote to cut taxes lowerand lower. The mere mention of introducing new taxes is death to thecareer of politicians in New Hampshire. This vigilance is the primaryreason that New Hampshire citizens enjoy the lowest taxes as apercentage of gross income NATIONWIDE. NH citizens receivetheir tax bills in one lump property tax that provides for anextraordinarily tax-aware electorate that applauds all efforts tolower taxes. In New Hampshire, you keep more of the money you earn.

New Hampshire has NO GENERALINCOME TAX.

New Hampshire has NO GENERALSALES TAX.

New Hampshire has NO CAPITAL GAINSTAX.

New Hampshire has NO INVENTORY TAX.

New Hampshire has NO TAX ONMACHINERY OR EQUIPMENT.

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New Hampshire offers very lowdependence on federal dollars and isthe fourth lowest in the nation!

New Hampshire receives back only 71 cents forevery $1 paid in federal taxes.States that receive more from the centralgovernment than they pay in taxes are less likelyto seek fiscal autonomy or sovereignty. NewHampshire offers a clear advantage for FSPmembers seeking to reduce the size and scope ofgovernment.

New Hampshire offers some of theleast restrictive gun laws in the nation.

Open carry (no permit necessary) is allowed in allbut courtrooms and CCW permits are provided on ashall issue basis no fingerprints,

photos, or special training required asin other states. Obtaining a non-resident CCW permit in New Hampshire is easy.The NH legislature is presently considering a billthat would make concealed carry permits optional.

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New Hampshire is one of only fourstates NATIONWIDE that believes inthe saying: Let those that ride

decide. NEW HAMPSHIRE PLACES NOHELMET RESTRICTIONS ONMOTORCYCLISTS.

New Hampshire is the ONLY STATENATIONWIDE that DOESNOT HAVE AMANDATORY SEATBELT

LAW. In New Hampshire, adults arerespected to make their own decisions.

New Hampshire is one of only fivestates NATIONWIDE that DOES

NOT HAVE A MANDATORY AUTOMOBILELIABILITY INSURANCE LAW.

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At just 7.7%, New Hampshire offers someof the LOWEST federal, state, and localgovernment spending as a percentage of

gross state product nationwide.

At just 6.2%, New Hampshire offerssome of the LOWEST state and localgovernment spending nationwide.

At just $927 per capita, New Hampshireoffers one of the SMALLEST statebudgets nationwide.

New Hampshire is the only state inthe nation that has had a jurynullification bill passed by the House

twice (though killed in the Senate) this mostrecent time (May 2003) by a margin of 220-147.Although juries in New Hampshire have the right to find adefendant not guilty even if the prosecutor has provedhis case, judges do not always notify juries of thisright (although it is implied in the currentinstructions). The bill would have required judges toinclude this right in instructions to juries.

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New Hampshire is one of the fewstates that does notregulate raw milk sales.

Want to buy milk from the farm down the road? Noproblem in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire has a large, politicallyactive, and rapidly growinghomeschooling population. In 1987 there was believed to beapproximately 346 homeschooled children in NH. By 2001, that figurehad grown exponentially to over 3,600 (as reported to the Dept. of Ed.

Prior to the FSP state vote, by a hugelead, almost double its nearestcompetitor, New Hampshire had the

highest number of FSP members per 1,000population. Perhaps a strong indication of nativesentiment?

NH 0.092544955MT 0.05387854AK 0.043492713DE 0.043349827ID 0.034299408WY 0.034088425VT 0.022705452SD 0.019709275ND 0.017347148ME 0.016222931

ECONOMIC&

EMPLOYMENTADVANTAGES

New Hampshire is a state in which a high percentage of FreeState Project members will be able to find employment intheir chosen professions, start or grow businesses in an alreadythriving economy, bring home a higher income, and keep moreof that income because of New Hampshire s lowest-in-the-nation taxes as a percentage of that income.

New Hampshire s thriving economy will enable immediateability for FSP members to concentrate on political activismrather than concerns about how they will support their family.

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New Hampshire offers the lowesttaxes as a percentage of gross incomeNATIONWIDE.

#1 NH 4.54% 1st in nation

Among the low population states,New Hampshire is the highest rankedfor offering the most dynamic

economy. Nationwide, against all states large and small, NH isranked right in the middle (25 out of 50). For FSP members, that meansa broader-based economy, more business opportunties, diverse jobopportunities, and lots of consumer choices.

New Hampshire is ranked 3rd in theNATION for the having the highestpercentage of high-tech jobs. The high-

tech sector in New Hampshire is growing to 300% the U.S. average ofemployment concentration. According to the FSP board, ahigh percentage of the FSP membership work in thehigh-tech industry. New Hampshire is a state wherethe majority of the membership will be able to findjobs within their existing profession.

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New Hampshire is ranked #8 in thenation for offering the highestpercentage of knowledge jobs.

New Hampshire is ranked 4th in theNATION for the highest dollar amount

of venture capital invested in the state. With the strongeconomy and growth potential, funding businesses in New Hampshire isa winning investment. New Hampshire is a superb state for starting orgrowing a small business.

New Hampshire is friendly to smallbusinesses and nurturing ofentrepreneurs. New Hampshire is

frequently in the top 10 in nationwide listings, foroffering a business-friendly environment. In a recentMicrosoft bCentral ranking, New Hampshire was listed as being closebehind the TOP 10. The SBSC index, which includes a measure ofentrepreneurial activity within the state also lists NH among the TOP 10.

Among the low-population states, NHis one of the highest ranked for

Research & Development (R&D) expenditures.invested in the state.

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Among the low-population states,New Hampshire is second only to IDfor highest number of new patents

coming from the state.

NH has the 7th highest per capita personalincome in the country, afterhigh cost of living states CT, DC, MD, MA,

NY, and NJ. For per capita disposable personal income,NH is also 7th behind the same states.

New Hampshire is #10 in thenation for offering the lowestpoverty rates. Besides the obvious economicadvantage of this measure, it also indicates a lower

percentage of possible opponents based on reliance on public assistance.

For states with a population under 1.5 million,New Hampshire is second only to ID for thenumber of new jobs forecast, 2000-2010.

New Hampshire holds the coveted 10th spotin the Milken Institute s 2001 New EconomyIndex ranking states on how well they are

positioned to take advantage of growth in technology-driven industries.

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New Hampshire cities have been mentionedmultiple times in Money Magazine s TheBest Places to Live in America ranking.§ Nashua rated #1 as the Best Place to Live in America in

Money Magazine s 1997 and 1987 rankings.

§ Nashua is the only #1 rated city to ever take the title twice.§ Manchester rated #1 as the Best Place to Live in America

in Money Magazine s 1998 ranking.

§ Nashua rated as #3 Best Small City in theNortheast in Money Magazine s 1998 ranking.

§ Nashua rated in top 20 out of 300 Best Placesto Live in America in 1995, 1994. Nashua ratedin top 6 out of 300 three times in the last 10 years.§ Nashua frequently listed among Money Magazine s Five

Best Places to Live in New England.

New Hampshire is ranked #2 in the nationas the state most tax friendly to businesses.

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New Hampshire s core industries andleading industries in terms of growth are

ones that will ensure that a majority ofFSP members will find employment inareas familiar to them major careerchanges will be unnecessary.

NH Core Industries: Electronics, Health Services, Engineering andManagement Services

NH High-GrowthIndustries:

Electronic Components, CommercialPhysical Research, Printed Circuit Boards,Computer Programming and RelatedServices, and Analytical Instruments

New Hampshire s current unemploymentrate (4.2) is a full 1.5 percentage points

lower than national average (5.7) March 2004

New Hampshire offers 5 FREE TRADEZONES, including those at ManchesterAirport and the Port of NH. Free tradeszones, also known as foreign trade zones, help companies avoid hightariffs when importing or exporting goods. The savings increase thecompany s cash flow creating more jobs and boosting theeconomy.

GeographicAdvantages

Nestled as it is, in the political and economic hub ofAmerica, yet a holdout among more statist neighbors,

New Hampshire is famous for her independence,small government values, and freedom-oriented

culture. New Hampshire has become a haven forfreedom-lovers nationwide and welcomes the political

activism and ideals of the Free State Project. Withboth a coastal and international border, diverse

terrain, a geographic size optimal for FSP purposes,abundant water resources, and ability to draw smallgovernment activists

from the more populouseastern states, as wellas nationwide, New

Hampshire is ideal asthe Free State.

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New Hampshire offers a coastalborder for access to ports andharbors tofacilitate trade

in markets outside the U.S.

Jenness BeachPhotographer: NHDTTD/Grant

Light House on New Hampshire's Coast LinePhotographer: NHDTTD/Musumeci

New Hampshire offers theopportunity to expand into twoneighboring states that were

once FSP candidates Vermont and Maine.While the advantage of this may not be immediately important, theultimate goal of the FSP is to act as an example of the benefits ofliberty so that the freedoms we will enjoy will spread to otherstates and the world. By choosing New Hampshire we ensure thatour two closest neighbors are states that were serious contendersduring the selection of the Free State and that would have betterthan average odds to become free themselves.

New Hampshireoffers a border withCanada forfacilitatinginternational trade.

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New Hampshire offers easyaccess to the seacoast, lakes,rivers, mountains, and forests.

No matter where you are in the state orwhere you want to go, you are nevermore than a two or three hour driveaway. New Hampshire is an incrediblydiverse state with an incredibly diverseterrain.

Stone Wall and Scenic Vista in WolfeboroPhotographer: NHDTTD/Alness

New Hampshire offersreasonable commute time, byrail, bus, or car, to majormetropolitan areas insurrounding states. While New Hampshire s largestcities Concord (pop. 40,687), Derry (pop. 34,012), Manchester(pop. 107,006), and Nashua (pop. 86,605) are thrivingmetropolitan areas with all the culture and amenities of largercities, without the related congestion and overdensity (Manchesteris the most dense with 3,238 persons per square mile), the abilityto quickly and easily travel to Boston and other cities, whether forwork or pleasure, will be enjoyed by many.

New Hampshire s relativelysmall geographic size facilitatesactivism statewide and makes

frequent collaboration and meetingsbetween FSP members easier. This vital level ofactivism and collaboration is critical to our ultimate success.

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A significantly smallerpercentage of New Hampshire s territory isowned by the federal government than manyother states.Smaller percentages of federally owned land mean greater controlover the state s territory by citizens. It is likely that states with lessfederally owned land will experience less resistance andinterference from the federal government as we seek an end tofederal mandates.

With the majority of the nation spopulation east of theMississippi, New Hampshire

offers a large population from nearby statesto draw freedom-lovers from in order toreach and exceed our 20,000 goal.

With its nearness to denser-population states, for a majorityof current and future FSP

members, a move to New Hampshire will beless disruptive and require less life-alteringchanges.

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New Hampshire is home to thetallestmountain in theNortheast, Mt.

Washington, affording 100-mile views of three statesand Canada.

Mount WashingtonPhotographer: NHDTTD/Grant

Unlike some states, NewHampshire offers abundantwater resources. The potential

for water shortages in NH are insignificant.

Boat on Lake WinnipesaukeePhotographer: NHDTTD/Brownell

Qualityof Life

AdvantagesConsistently ranked among the top of all states nationwidefor Quality of Life and Livability, for having the LeastOverall Violent and Property Crimes in the Nation, forcities that are the Best Places to Live in America, andamong the top of the Healthiest States in the Nation,New Hampshire is the unsurpassed first choice for thosewho understand that quality of life will play a primary rolein ensuring the ongoing commitment of FSP activists. Addto this, New Hampshire s diverse communities,breathtaking scenic beauty, cultural offerings, andhundreds of four-season recreational options and you havea clear winner.

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New Hampshire is #1 in theNATION as ranked for quality

of life and livability by Morgan QuitnoPress, 2004.

New Hampshire is a state withbreathtaking beauty andscenery the ocean, lakes,

mountains, forests, rivers, picturesqueNew England towns,covered bridges,historical homes NewHampshire has it all.Dixville NotchPhotographer: NHDTTD/Grant

Based on FBI figures, NewHampshire has the least

overall crime in the NATION as of 2001.According to Morgan Quitno Press, which uses FBI figures in conjunction

with other factors, NH has been the 2nd safest state in the nation for 5consecutive years and has been in the top 6 since 1994.

New Hampshire is the #1healthiest state in the

NATION, tied with Minnesota, as rankedby the United Health Foundation, 2003.

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NH offers 17 accredited privatesenior colleges and universitiesto choose from.

Dartmouth College in HanoverPhotographer: NHDTTD/Winniker

Air transportation to and fromNew Hampshire is facilitated by23 commercial airports and 79

landing areas throughout the state. Passengerrail service has been recently added to New Hampshire stransportation options.

Throughout NH, in every region,there are numerous culturalofferings not always easily found

or within convenient drivingdistance in other states science,historical, and art museums, theme parks,symphonies, concert centers, art galleries,performing art theaters, antique shows,agricultural fairs, and much more.

Market Square Day in Downtown PortsmouthPhotographer: NHDTTD/Morang

New Hampshire offers modern,extensive cellular and Internet

infrastructures and statewide access to low-cost, high-speed Internet.

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NHDTTD/Bouffard

New Hampshire offersextraordinaryrecreation opportunities and choices.NH is a mecca for hunting and fishing as thestate has more than 500 species ofvertebrate animals, including black bear,coyote, bobcats, moose, white-tailed deer,and beaver, and fishing options that includedeep-sea, river, and lake fishing.Marlborough in Fall with view of Mt. MonadnockPhotographer: NHDTTD/Spezzaferri

Spectacular fall foliage bringsmillions of dollars in touristrevenue to the state.

Excellent four-season sportingopportunities includethousands of miles of hikingand biking trails, boating on

our lakes, rivers, and the ocean, mountainclimbing, skiing,snowboarding, camping,ATV riding, snowmobiling,and much more.

Hiking in the White MountainsPhotographer: NHDTTD/Dodge

#101 New Hampshire offers anincredibly diverse mix ofcommunities. Whether your ideal

home is oceanside, lakefront, mountainside, orriverside, New Hampshire offers you the ideal spot.

Whether you desire a thriving metropolitan area, aquaint New England town, a large acreage homestead,or an isolated cabin deep in the forest, you will find itin New Hampshire. There is a place in New Hampshirewhere almost every FSP member will feel welcome,comfortable, and at home.

Of New Hampshire s 234 municipalities:

55 have a population under 1,00067 have a population between 1,000 2,50053 have a population between 2,500 5,00023 have a population between 5,000 7,5008 have a population between 7,500 10,00013 have a population between 10,000 15,0007 have a population between 15,000 25,0008 have a population over 25,000

16 have a population per square mile of 10 or less28 have a population per square mile of 11-2541 have a population per square mile of 26-5033 have a population per square mile of 51-7512 have a population per square mile of 76-10046 have a population per square mile of 101-20012 have a population per square mile of 201-30046 have a population per square mile of 301-50021 have a population per square mile of 501-10008 have a population per square mile of over 1000

New Hampshire's most dense city is Manchesterwhich is 3,238.7. New Hampshire's least densetown has a population per square mile of 1.9.

Salem in WinterPhotographer: NHDTTD/Musumeci