Our New Hampshire Launch

On Monday, June 25, AARP CEO Bill Novelli, Business Roundtable President Paul Castellani, SEIU International President Andy Stern, and New Hampshire business leader Paul Montrone joined AARP New Hampshire State Director Kelly Clark to formally kick off the Divided We Fail campaign in New Hampshire.

Pictured, from left: Paul Montrone, Andy Stern, Bill Novelli, John Castellani

Divided We Fail is working together in New Hampshire to urge action from elected leaders on the issues of quality, affordable health care and long-term financial security, and build grassroots support.

The day's festivities included a ribbon cutting at the DWF Information Center, press conference, opinion leader gathering and barbeque for over 500 Granite Staters on the State House Lawn in Concord. Governor John Lynch made an appearance - despite the sweltering heat - and chatted with AARP members, volunteers, and the general public.

AARP CEO Bill Novelli said, "In order to move the issues that matter most to Americans forward, we will use our collective networks and outreach efforts to get Americans of all ages, backgrounds and political affiliations involved with the Divided We Fail campaign."

"As CEOs of America's top companies, our members know that high health care costs are suffocating New Hampshire's consumers, economy and businesses," said John J. Castellani, Business Roundtable President. "We're pleased to stand with AARP and SEIU to issue this call to action for America's presidential candidates. The time for fresh, innovative solutions is now."

During the primary season, the New Hampshire Divided We Fail campaign will expand the network of organizations involved; hold a series of more than 30 local town hall meetings and candidate events on the issues across the state; listen to members and volunteers to make sure their voices are heard; run extensive newspaper, TV, and radio advertising; and conduct online activities. Taken together, these efforts will engage the public, businesses, and elected officials in the debate and encourage public leaders to offer solutions.

"This is a great day for everyone in New Hampshire," said Paul Montrone, former CEO of New Hampshire-based Fisher Scientific International, Inc. "We are combining the efforts of the largest labor union in the country, the largest membership organization in the world and the leading group of U.S. CEOs to provide the leadership necessary to make sure health care and financial security are at the top of the political agenda this presidential cycle."

Stern summed up the effort by saying, "Americans want answers, and cooperation is how we will get them. Together with AARP and BRT, we will mobilize our members to advocate at every level for sensible policies that put our country back on the right track. When organizations of our size and diverse agendas come together behind such a powerful cause, political leaders will take notice - and respond."