Mike O'Brien is the deputy fire chief here -- one of several hats he wears.
He's also a substitute teacher, member of the state's legislature and, two months ago, the Nashua chairman of the Chris Dodd for President campaign.
"I wasn't really looking to jump on anyone's campaign this soon, but I got call from firefighters in Connecticut and they told me about his support for firefighters," O'Brien said. "That struck me..."
O'Brien cited Dodd's important efforts to pass the FIRE Act enabling small communities to add fire personnel using federal dollars.
Dodd spent the third day of his four-day visit to the Granite State campaigning with supporters and local officials at several small gatherings and "walk and talks" on city streets where the presidential hopeful met citizens.
Dan O'Neil, a 16-year Manchester alderman, introduced Dodd at the city's packed Puritan Backroom Restaurant and later accompanied him to a Fisher Cats ball game.
"And what I like about him is that he does understand the problems small communities are facing. And that's important," O'Neil said. "And he asked me to help, and that was really important. A lot of them just take it for granted that you'll help. He asked." . . .
