Political Ligthning Rod Planted on New Hampshire Farmhouse

He is an MBA who has turned his political leanings into a career, through Web journalism as well as a reality television show he is trying to develop about "people standing up against out-of-control governments." Clements said the winners on his "Survivor"-like program would not walk away with millions of dollars, "but they would win the admiration of millions of people."

Unfortunately, Clements said, "left-wing Hollywood has not rushed to embrace" his idea.

He said he had never visited Weare, a village about 15 miles from Concord that dates back to the 18th century, and had only seen pictures of Souter's rickety farmhouse.

The house -- with dark brown paint peeling off and frayed window shades pulled down -- sits on an unmarked lane off of South Sugar Hill Road. One of the justice's neighbors is the Sugar Hill Speedway, a go-kart track. Chickens wander in and out of nearby home sites. Rusty pickups and creaky farm equipment litter many front yards. Giant greenhead flies eagerly attack visitors.

"This is just crazy," said Winnie Ilsley, 77, who runs a store called Winnie's Little World at the end of Sugar Hill Road. "That hotel is never going to happen."

Clements said he chose Souter as a target because "it had to be somebody. It is easier to go after one person than to go after all five" justices.

Besides, he said: "Souter is a Republican who was picked by Republicans. I want to wake America up to the fact that Republicans frequently behave just the same as Democrats." Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said Souter would not comment about the plan to build a resort on his property.

But many in the "Live Free or Die" state disagree with Souter's position in the case.

The majority of justices held that because a proposed office park and hotel would provide greater tax revenue for the city of New London, Conn., than would the longtime homeowners, the dwellings could be razed for the development.

In a recent University of New Hampshire poll, 93% of state residents said they opposed the taking of private land through eminent domain for the kind of private development envisioned in New London.

"It was just an overwhelming response," said poll director Andrew Smith. "I was very surprised. You never see those sorts of numbers in public opinion polls. This opposition cut across the board -- it was all ages, all political leanings, all regions."