Shaheen gives Democratic response speech

MANCHESTER, N.H., Aug. 23 (UPI) -- New Hampshire and the entire nation can't afford leaders who champion policies initiated by President George Bush, U.S. Senate candidate Jeanne Shaheen says.

Her response Saturday on the behalf of the Democratic Party focused on how Bush policies had affected both the state where she is challenging Sen. John Sununu, R-N.H., and the United States generally.

"The failed policies of George Bush and John Sununu have driven our economy into the ground and doubled the national debt to over $9 trillion. They have protected billions in tax giveaways for Big Oil and tax loopholes for businesses who ship jobs overseas rather than making a serious commitment to the development of clean alternative energy that can transform our economy and create thousands of new jobs," she said.

Shaheen said presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain will also continue failed policies.

In contrast, Shaheen promised Democrats, including herself, would bring a different approach.

"In Denver, Barack Obama will lay out a new direction for jump-starting our economy and rebuilding a strong middle class. It's long past time for real action. Families don't need more of the same old Bush-McCain-Sununu agenda -- they need relief and they need it now."