Shaheen files for Senate

CONCORD  — Former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D-Madbury) officially filed to be U.S. Senate candidate today.

Shaheen was greeted by several hundred enthusiastic supporters who lined the State House halls wearing green and white t-shirts and held banners. It was a scene more reminiscent of a presidential candidate filing for office than that of a U.S. Senate candidate. The hall leading to the Secretary of State’s office roared with chants as she walked down the corridor.

Shaheen’s grandchildren along with approximately 30 4th grade children from Ed Fenn Elementary School in Gorham joined her.

Supporters held a short call and response rally outside on the State House steps before Shaheen made a statement.

Joined by her three daughters, Shaheen made remarks about what she said were issues of concern to New Hampshire residents. She pledged to make health care affordable, help invest in renewable energy sources and vote to override President Bush’s veto of stem cell research. She also spoke to ending the war in Iraq.

“While middle class families here in New Hampshire have been struggling, Washington has not been paying attention,” she said. “It has been continuing to put special interests ahead of middle class families. Well it’s time for us to make a change, to start turning this country around and to do it differently and that’s why I got into this race.”

Shaheen is running against incumbent Sen. John Sununu (R-Waterville Valley). She ran an unsuccessful race against Sununu in 2002. If Shaheen is elected, she would be the first New Hampshire Democrat in 70 years to defeat a sitting Republican Senator.  

Shaheen emphasized the need to move the country in a new direction and how important her one vote will be in Washington.

“Well we know that one vote can make a difference,” Shaheen said. “And let me tell you that I want to go to Washington to be your vote and your voice in Washington.”

Shaheen said she was excited about the entering race for a second time.  “I think we need to change the culture in Washington to make it work for middle class families again,” she said.

When asked what was different about this campaign from the one she ran in 2002 against Sununu she said, “This time I’m going to win it.” She said a larger and energized Democratic base in New Hampshire will help her in this campaign.

 “Listen, if you like the way things are going, if you like the status quo and you want this country to keep going in that direction then you should vote for John Sununu because that’s what he has done,” Shaheen said.

Pam Van Arsdale of Bedford has been a supporter since Shaheen was Governor in 1996.

“I just think she is a reasonable Democrat and I am thrilled she is running,” Van Arsdale said. “I admire her to get back into the race."