Libertarian candidates looking for a seat at the table

David P. Greisman
Sentinel Staff

In races dominated by Democrats and Republicans, their funds are low but their goals are high.

Like the candidates from the two major parties, those running on the Libertarian Party ticket want voters to know who they are and what they stand for.

In New Hampshire, the Libertarian slate includes candidates for governor, U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives and the Statehouse.

In the Monadnock Region, those who go to the polls Tuesday will have three third-party candidates as options for the major state races: Susan M. Newell of Winchester, who is running for governor; Kenneth E. Blevens of Bow, who is vying for a seat in the U.S. Senate; and Chester L. Lapointe of Swanzey, who is running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Though Blevens says he is aiming for victory, Lapointe, Newell and party officials point to different purposes for their campaigns.

Horn sets sights on congressional seat

David P. Greisman
Sentinel Staff

Just one year ago, Jennifer M. Horn was a radio talk-show host, a newspaper columnist, a stay-at-home mother whose work allowed her to make breakfast and send her children off to school and then be home when they returned.

She still sets aside time for her family, but so much else has changed in 2008.

Now, when Horn gets behind the microphone, she is answering questions instead of asking them.

Now, when she appears in the newspaper, the articles are about her instead of by her.

Now, when she leaves her Nashua home every morning, she sets off with the goal of earning herself a job in Washington, D.C.

Horn, 44, is the Republican candidate for New Hampshire’s 2nd District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, the person Republicans chose over four other options as their pick to challenge Democratic incumbent Paul W. Hodes of Concord.

And in the push to next week’s election, Horn’s campaigning has become a nearly continuous effort.

Paul Hodes is running again — this time as the House incumbent

David P. Greisman
Sentinel Staff

The cold morning, abnormal for early October even by New England standards, had Paul W. Hodes bundled up in warm clothing, his hands coming out of his pockets only to greet those around him.

One man, like the rest an employee at the UPS facility in Keene, stood near the table of doughnuts and coffee and remembered where the person in front of him was just two years ago.

“Last time you were here, you were running for office,” the man said.

“I still am,” Hodes responded. “I’m running hard.”

This time, however, Hodes is the incumbent, a Democrat from Concord seeking his second term representing New Hampshire’s 2nd District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

This is the seat Hodes won in 2006, when he defeated six-term Rep. Charles F. Bass, 53 percent to 46 percent.

This is the seat Hodes had first tried for in 2004, when Bass beat him, 58 percent to 38 percent.

The victory two years ago was the beginning, Hodes says. This, he says, is the next step.

Two endorsements for Jennifer Horn

Compiled from edited press releases

Rudy Giuliani

“Jennifer Horn is a fresh face who understands how New Hampshire families are hurt by high energy prices, high taxes, and representatives beholden to special interests. This Congress has failed on the economy, energy, and ethics. Making America energy independent, moving the economy forward, and returning trust and ethics to government begins with electing Jennifer Horn to Congress, and I am proud to support her effort.”

MAF Freedom PAC, the political arm of Move America Forward, the nation’s largest pro-troop organization

Debbie Lee, a gold-star mother:

“On the radio and as a candidate for Congress, Jennifer Horn has never waivered in her support of our troops. We need more people like Jennifer Horn who understands that the troops should never be used as political pawns and will always ensure that the men and women in the United States Military get the support they need to win the war on terror.”

Horn benefit in Rindge

Edited Press Release

Join John and Lynda Hunt; Susan Emerson; Jane Johnson; and Joseph and Augusta Petrone for a reception to benefit Jennifer Horn, candidate for U.S. Congress.

Thursday October 23, 2008 – 7:00p.m. to 8:30p.m.

At the home of John and Lynda Hunt, 165 Sunridge Road, Rindge, NH.
Cost: $75 per person

RSVP to alyssa@riverbankcommunications.com.