Pro-Medicaid Expansion Demonstrators Protest at Bragdon's Fundraiser

Protesters were lined up on South Main Street in Concord on May 29, demonstrating against a decision by Republicans in the state Senate to pull Medicaid expansion money from their budget.

The protesters were outside the swanky Capitol Club at O Steak & Seafood Restaurant where Senate President Peter Bragdon, R-Milford, was holding a $100 a person fundraiser. 

Republican activists, expecting the protest, which was organized by New Hampshire Citizens Alliance for Action, countered with a handful of their own protesters.

The presence of the counter-protesters prompted the pro-expansion demonstrators to call police requesting the counter-protesters be moved to the other side of the street, since the Republicans didn’t have a permit to be on the street and they did.

Three Concord Police officers showed up, spoke with the manager of O and Republican operative Fran Wendelboe, and mainly, warned protesters, members of the media, and activists recording the event, to stay off the street or they would be cited for disorderly conduct. After about 20 minutes, the police left, without citing or detaining anyone, and without moving the GOP demonstrators.

The protesters targeted Bragdon because he wouldn’t meet with constituents about the issue, “despite multiple requests,” according to the organization. 

When asked if they had comment about the protesters, state Sen. Sharon Carson, R-Londonderry, flatly stated, “No,” and state Sen. Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, added, “Glad to see them out here, don’t happen to agree with them.”

Editor's Note: This story has been corrected to reflect that NH Citizens Alliance for Action is saying they didn't use 911 but instead, called the non-emergency line when reaching out to police about this issue.