Shea-Porter decides against U.S. Senate run

U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) has announced that she will not run for the United States Senate in 2010.

Shea-Porter’s colleague, U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-NH), decided in early February that he would run for the Senate. With Shea-Porter, deciding not to enter the race the question now becomes whether or not another Democrat will enter the contest or will Hodes have the field all to himself.

Here are some statements on Shea-Porter’s decision:

Hodes: “I have the utmost admiration and respect for Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter. I see her stand up and fight for New Hampshire every day, serving alongside her in the House of Representatives. I am honored to call her my colleague and my friend and know she will continue to serve the people of New Hampshire with honor and distinction as their Congresswoman.”

NH GOP Chairman John H. Sununu: “I extend my condolences to Carol Shea-Porter. Although she is putting on a positive public face, I know that she must be very disappointed at having been forced out of a primary contest with Paul Hodes - especially since she probably would have beaten him.”

NHDP Chairman Ray Buckley: "Carol Shea-Porter is the best to ever represent the first district in Congress. Since her election back in 2006, no one has fought harder to protect working families, veterans and our children. She is an independent leader, and has a long record of providing real results for her constituents.

"With so much at stake, the people of the first district can take comfort in knowing that Carol Shea-Porter is their Congresswoman. I know she will continue to fight every day to better the lives of the people she serves."

Sununu on Bradley running in SD-3

Former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-NH) has officially decided to run in the special election in Senate District 3. Bradley will be running against Bud Martin (D-Center Sandwich).

Below is a statement from New Hampshire Republican Chairman John H. Sununu

“Jeb Bradley’s love for the State of New Hampshire is clearly demonstrated by his acceptance of the call to run for the State Senate in District 3. He understands that if we are to preserve the traditional values and fiscal integrity that have been the hallmark of New Hampshire, we need to strengthen the Republican ranks in the Legislature.

“Jeb Bradley will make a great State Senator and his voice will help fight against the increase in the room and meals tax, restore fair distribution of revenue to our communities and help maintain New Hampshire’s special environment.”

Preview of 2010?

If you are interested in seeing a possible match-up of the 2010 gubernatorial race, you might be interested in this event:

The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce will host Governor John Lynch and Mayor Frank Guinta on Wednesday, March 18th from 7:30 am to 9:30 am at the Derryfield Restaurant in Manchester at the Chamber’s Annual State of the State/City Breakfast Forum. This annual forum brings together business leaders and policy makers from across the Greater Manchester region to hear from the Governor and Mayor on the current state of New Hampshire and the City of Manchester. The Governor and Mayor will each deliver formal remarks for approximately 20 minutes and then answer questions from the audience.

A limited amount of tickets are still available for this event. To register contact the Chamber at 666-6600 or email customerservice@manchester-chamber.org. Tickets are $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members.