Make Republican Jim Steiner the First Green Beret Ever Elected to Congress, NH-2nd Cong. District

On September 9, Republicans and Independents should first and foremost remember to vote in the primary.

Based on my proven business experience, success in making laws to protect business and property owners, and demonstrated military leadership as a Green Beret, I ask the voters to focus on experience and leadership in casting their vote for me - Jim Steiner for Congress - in the 2nd Congressional District. It is time to send a representative to Congress who has a proven record of business success and leadership, and who stands independent of special interests. I am the only such candidate. In addition, New Hampshire will make history by electing the first Green Beret ever elected to serve in Congress. New Hampshire is the right state, and now is the time.

At age 18, every candidate had choices to make. From Central High School in Manchester I made my choice to represent New Hampshire as a cadet at West Point. On July 8, 1974, I stood on the plain that overlooks the Hudson River, and took the oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States. That choice has defined my character and molded my development.

At West Point I learned about the ethics and dynamics of leadership. I experienced firsthand leadership through upper class cadets before assuming a leadership role directly. Leadership is a direct part of the curriculum at West Point to develop and train graduates to be leaders of character for the country.

Upon graduation I served in the infantry, first becoming a paratrooper, and then becoming among the select few to be an Army Ranger. After leading, and learning from, soldiers I followed the advice of two Green Beret sergeants and volunteered to become an Army Green Beret. I am proud to be among the few to have served as a Green Beret. What it taught me about being creative and working with people to solve problems has best prepared me with the essential elements to be successful in Congress. I do not tire when the challenges increase; I dig in and work harder to solve problems.

Twenty-four years ago I entered Suffolk University Law School while continuing my military service in the reserves. Law school required great rigor. The effort proved worthwhile, as I graduated near the top of my class and was humbled to serve as law clerk to the Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

My clients have included people and businesses from a variety of backgrounds, and from all over New Hampshire. No other candidate can point to a record of over 20 years making laws in New Hampshire protective of small business and protective of property owner rights as is my record. It is a record of which I am proud. I will apply the same effort on behalf of the people of the 2nd district in Washington, D.C. as the next congressman.

Community organizations and our governors look for successful leaders to sit on boards. Governor Stephen Merrill appointed me to the State Board of Education; Gov. Jeanne Shaheen appointed me to the Governor's Commission on Disabilities. I am proud that the YMCA, Red Cross and the Boy Scouts of America all selected me at different times to serve on their respective boards of directors. The Business and Industry Association (BIA) and New Hampshire Charitable Foundation (NHCF) operate jointly the challenging "Leadership New Hampshire" program. I am the only candidate to have been selected for and to have graduated from the Leadership New Hampshire program.

On September 9, Republican and Independent voters in the 2nd Congressional District will determine who will fill out the last spot on the federal ballot in New Hampshire to join Sen. John McCain, the Presidential nominee and Sen. John Sununu, as he seeks his second term. I would like to suggest the strongest ticket is one that bookends Sen. John Sununu between Naval Academy graduate Sen. John McCain as the Presidential nominee, and West Point graduate Jim Steiner for Congress.

I promise to serve New Hampshire with honor and dignity. I promise to bring the tenacity of my background to Washington, D.C., to remain free of outside influences, to vote for more limited government, lower taxes, to seek to eliminate earmarks, to vote for a balanced budget, to protect veterans and veterans' rights and to promote energy independence so business can move forward and our country can move forward.