New Hampshire: The Real Facts

Newspaper Endorsements:

Horn in the 2nd: A new Republican voice

There are several strong candidates running for the Republican nomination for Congress in New Hampshire's 2nd District. The strongest of the lot is Nashua's Jennifer Horn. We cannot recall a novice candidate so clearly ready to step into the job of representing New Hampshire in Congress.

Horn, a former newspaper columnist and radio talk show host, understands the issues of the day very well. And she comes down on the right side of them, too. We found her views to be well-reasoned and articulate. She understands the need to reduce spending and shrink the size of government, and not just around the edges. She is a strong advocate of tackling the runaway entitlement spending that leads to high taxes and slowed economic growth.

On energy policy, she proposes that government get out of the way and let the market solve the supply problem, which is a wise policy. She supports more nuclear power and domestic oil production as well as making it easier for companies to pursue alternative energy sources.

She is adamant that the government must control our borders and win the War on Terror, including its primary front in Iraq.

And she supports term limits, which is the best reform of Congress we could have.

Horn is up against some quality opponents. State Sen. Bob Clegg, though not as conservative, would be a big improvement over current 2nd District Rep. Paul Hodes. Grant Bosse, former aide to Sen. John Sununu, has an impressive political mind. He would make an excellent representative one day.

But for now, Horn is the best choice for Republicans hoping to recapture the seat and send someone to Washington who would represent core New Hampshire values. She is smart, likable, energetic and solid on the issues. She stands the best chance of beating Paul Hodes this November, and if elected, she would vote the way a New Hampshire representative ought to -- for smaller, more responsible government, a strong national defense and low taxes.

We urge Second District Republicans and independents to vote for Jennifer Horn in the Republican primary on Sept. 9.

Horn GOP best bet in 2nd District race

In any other election year, a congressional candidate whose primary credentials consist of raising a family, writing a newspaper column and hosting a radio talk show would be the dark horse. But not this year.

In any other year, a longtime state senator, a seasoned political operative or a former Green Beret turned lawyer would seem to have the advantage. But not this year.

Not in a year when a little-known hockey mom turned governor of Alaska has captured the attention of the nation as the GOP vice-presidential nominee.

Not in a year when the party of Lincoln is hoping to recast itself as the party of outsiders, the party of change, the party of mavericks.

They say timing is everything, and former Telegraph columnist Jennifer Horn, of Nashua, could not have better timed her decision to run for Congress in the state's 2nd Congressional District.

The other candidates on the Republican primary ballot Tuesday may have resumes that more closely match the traditional assumptions about qualifications, but Horn's candidacy is perfectly suited to the times and the mood of the nation.

She is a fresh face with an engaging personality and an almost messianic zeal for the core principles of the GOP on both fiscal and social issues.

Every successful salesman knows that selling is an exchange of positive energy, and Horn has plenty to go around as she attempts to sell herself to voters.

She energizes her supporters in a way that her opponents cannot match, and she would be the most effective of the four in taking on incumbent Democrat Paul Hodes.

Horn lacks the legislative experience of state Sen. Robert Clegg. She is not nearly as well briefed as Grant Bosse, former aide to U.S. Rep. John Sununu. She doesn't have the legal or military experience of Concord attorney Jim Steiner. (A fifth candidate, Alfred L'Eplattenier, is on the ballot, but did not actively campaign.)

But she has what it takes to win people to her cause, and more than the other three, she has the potential to rise quickly in Republican ranks, given the direction of the party.

A first-term congressman rarely needs hands-on experience in government or military endeavors. Backbenchers are not called upon to make policy decisions, engage the other branches of government or take leadership roles in Congress.

Their main task is to emerge from the obscurity that the seniority system imposes on them and become a meaningful force for their constituents out of the starting gate.

Horn has that potential, while her three opponents, although well-qualified, are more likely to assume the traditional role, doing what the party leadership tells them to do.

Her credentials cannot be so easily dismissed. There is an emerging consensus that real-world experience in the dynamics and economics of family life has enormous value for a prospective politician. There is a desire for citizen legislators, in the New Hampshire tradition, to replace the professional politician.

Horn will strike a chord with all those who feel the only real way to achieve change is to send a completely different kind of person to Washington.

We disagree with her positions on many issues, but are convinced of her sincerity, the quality of her character and her ability to win.

What Others Are Saying:

Ambassador Joseph and Augusta Petrone:
"Once in a blue moon, a candidate comes along who has the winning attributes of Jennifer Horn. We are proud to be associated with her campaign for Congress. Jennifer has been a newspaper columnist, a public affairs radio hostess, a wife and a mother. She represents the best of American values and has the potential to be a superb representative of New Hampshire in the United States Congress."

NH House Minority Whip Pam Price:
"I am proud to support Jennifer Horn for Congress. She is a fresh face with a strong message. She supports traditional New Hampshire values of small government and low taxes. As a parent of five children she knows the importance of a strong family. She believes in the American Dream and that hard work and dedication can lead to a better life. She believes that the individual and the family, not government, knows what is best for them. I applaud Jennifer on her commitment to stand and seek change. She is bright, articulate, and an excellent choice to represent the Second Congressional District."

Former NH State Senate President Tom Eaton:
"I am proud to support Jennifer Horn in her campaign to represent our Second Congressional District. Jennifer is a true conservative. She is a new face on the campaign trail and is not beholden to any particular group or special interest. As a working wife and mother Jennifer experiences first-hand the problems of everyday America. As a former talk show host and columnist she is already an accomplished and proven communicator. I support Jennifer Horn because I am convinced she will transform her understanding of what matters to the people of New Hampshire into action in Washington."

Karen Testerman:

“Jennifer is pro-life, pro-marriage between a man and a woman, and pro-America. At a time when it was unpopular to give a voice to our troops in Iraq, Jennifer used her mike to share the stories coming from the troops themselves. Jennifer is a common sense mother of five children. She understands and supports the second amendment. This is why I support Jennifer Horn!”

Judy Galluzzo:

“Jennifer’s energy and passion for serving others is inspiring. Having been around politics for a long time, I know when I see something new and genuine. Jennifer is a breath of fresh air with a diverse background of experiences that will serve her well in Congress. I am proud to join the only campaign dedicated to rebuilding a Republican grassroots organization.”

State Representative Bev Rodeschin:

“Jennifer Horn is energetic, articulate, and quick on her feet. Jennifer knows the issues and understands how decisions made in Washington affect families in New Hampshire. She is the strongest candidate to beat Paul Hodes and return a Representative to Congress who will always vote in the best interest on us back home. I look forward to helping Jennifer Horn become our next Congresswoman.”

Former State Representative & 2006 Republican Gubernatorial Nominee Jim Coburn:
“This election is about who can beat Paul Hodes and Jennifer is the right candidate to take Paul Hodes to task for his failures in Congress. We need a Congresswoman who understands that government is too big, taxes are too high, and high energy costs are hurting folks across the Second District. Jennifer will go to Congress and fight for us in New Hampshire instead of special interests and lobbyists. I am proud to endorse Jennifer Horn and look forward to helping her become our next Congresswoman.”

State Representative Bill Tobin:

“Jennifer’s logic to solving America’s problems is refreshing. She has common sense and that is what is needed most in Congress.”

State Representative John Hunt:
"Jennifer Horn is a breath of fresh air in a campaign littered with candidates and a Congressman beholden to special interests including trial lawyer lobbyists. I proudly endorse Jennifer Horn for Congress.”

State Representative Jane Johnson:

“I am proud to support Jennifer Horn for Congress. Her fresh and positive message backed by her strong principles of personal responsibility and fairness are needed in Washington to work towards positive solutions. I believe that Jennifer will listen to and consider the views of her constituents and will address issues accordingly in a straightforward manner. As our next Congresswoman, Jennifer will serve to further the best interests of New Hampshire and the nation.”

International Security Professor William Martel:
"As an expert in International Security, I understand the great challenges we face in the world today. I have the highest confidence in Jennifer Horn's judgment and ability to understand these problems and make choices that are in the best interest of America. We live in complicated times and I know of no better person than Jennifer Horn to represent the people of New Hampshire as we navigate through today's challenges."

State Representative Dan Dumaine:
"I’m tired of supporting the person who has the experience because he or she has held office before. I will vote for experience if this is all there is to vote for but I want a candidate that is a cut from the people. One who will not only give me, a N.H. State Representative an audience when I require it but will also give the most important person, far more important than myself, an audience when they require it and that’s the constituent.

I look for the person who can look me directly in the eye and tell me exactly what he or she is going to do once they get elected and then once they take office have the guts and the fortitude to do exactly what they said they were going to do, even if leadership stiff arms them to do otherwise.

This is exactly why I plan to support Jennifer Horn for her upcoming run for United States Congress. I’ve spoken to Jennifer more than once recently and each time I’ve questioned her extensively regarding the issues important to me and I’m convinced that Jennifer Horn is exactly what I’m looking for and what N.H. needs as a U.S Congresswoman. Jennifer is pro-life, pro-second amendment, anti-illegal immigration, pro-securing our border, pro-constitutional amendment to make marriage between one man and one woman, pro-parental rights, pro-smaller and less intrusive government, just to name a few. As Jennifer and I talked face-to-face, she looked me directly in the eye and answered my questions without any reservation and I believe her honestly. I know that Jen will be a people Congresswoman because she is cut of the people and will not simply be a statuesque let’s make a deal politician in Washington D.C."

Franklin Mayor Ken Merrifield:
"I first met Jennifer Horn at a Merrimack County GOP gathering, and I knew right away that she was the candidate I wanted to support in the 2nd congressional district. She shares our core Republican values and will have a unique ability to attract voters across the political spectrum. To win in November, the New Hampshire Republican Party needs new, energetic leaders. And Jennifer Horn is the real deal."

Former Franklin Mayor David Palfrey:
"I am proud to give Jennifer Horn my endorsement. I feel she will best represent the interests of all New Hampshire residents."

Former Franklin Mayor Tony Giunta:
"I want to endorse a candidate who doesn’t just tell me what I want to hear. More importantly, I want a candidate who listens to what I have to say. Jennifer Horn is that candidate!"

Former State Representative Mark and Michelle Carter:
"New Hampshire needs a change in representation in Washington D.C., and Jennifer Horn is just the person to make it happen. Jennifer is a rock solid conservative Republican, and a rock solid person. Jennifer Horn exemplifies what politics should be, an honorable service, and Michelle and I are proud to give her our full support."

LTC Steve Russell (Ret.):
“A couple of years ago when politicians were saying we should pull all our troops out, cut funding for the war, and abandon the efforts of the things servicemen have fought and sacrificed for, Jennifer Horn took a stand for the troops and allowed us, the returning combat veterans from Iraq, to get our voice to be heard. It wasn’t popular or what some people wanted to hear, and yet Jennifer Horn staked her reputation and ratings on taking a stand with the troops to help us get our message out into the national debate and God Bless her for that. When you get into the political arena, there’s a lot of rhetoric, but its peoples actions that matter. I will always be grateful for Jennifer Horn’s commitment to supporting all servicemen and their missions in the face of public opinion. Jennifer Horn is the type of person we need in Congress that will stand up for her beliefs and stand up for those keeping us safe."

State Representative Bob Elliot:

I am proud to endorse Jennifer Horn for Congress. She has strong conservative values and will make a great Congresswoman for all the people of New Hampshire. Jennifer is the best candidate to beat Paul Hodes this November and is the only candidate to release a 10-point plan that outlines her views on all the issues important to me. I look forward to campaigning with Jennifer and spreading her message of returning government back to the people.”