Jul 29, 2007

Welcome mat is out for campaign workers; State rejected idea, but Nashua merchants promote discount programBy Sarah SchweitzerBoston.com

Nashua — There are just a handful of presidential candidate field offices here and months to go before the big day. But downtown businesses in this city are gearing up to take advantage of New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary.

In a novel move, nearly two-dozen Nashua restaurants, boutiques, and haircutting salons have joined to offer 15 percent discounts to campaign workers who flash a campaign badge or out-of-state driver’s license, along with the promotional flier announcing the discount.

“A lot of these people give up jobs and put their lives on hold to come and do this,” said Sherrilyn Alden-Bellavance, owner of a New Age store, Ancient Moon, and organizer of the effort. “I figured that they should feel welcome in the town.”

In addition, she said, the discounts will benefit Nashua’s downtown, which is among the region’s most vibrant, even as it competes with a slew of nearby strip malls.

The discount program was announced three months after state officials scuttled a plan by the state’s tourism office to promote the primary as a draw for visitors. Officials worried that the plan would make New Hampshire look as if it were seeking to retain the first-in-the-nation primary because of the money it brings into the state and not, as New Hampshire officials assert, because it is part of the state’s heritage.

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