Chuck Morse

Congressional candidate John Stephen: Politicker Photo 

MANCHESTER -- After a day long bus tour of the 1st congressional district, Republican candidate John Stephen officially began his campaign at gathering in Manchester.

"It's time for change and it's time for new blood, new leadership and fresh ideas," Stephen told 275 supporters. "That's why, today, I am announcing my candidacy for Congress."

Endorsements are usually worth the paper they are printed on.  They don’t typically lead to a lot votes.  At best they lead to activists who will join the campaign and do some ground work because you seem to have the horses needed to win.

If John Stephen had released a list that included former Chuck Morse, Jack Barnes, Chuck Douglas, Dick Flynn, Ruth Griffin, Wayne Semprini, Peter Batula and Carolyn Brown, that would have been impressive.  When you consider Stephen is running against an opponent in Jeb Bradley who served as the districts Congressman just two years ago, it is even more impressive.

John Stephen with Wayne Semprini

Congressional candidate John Stephen (R-Manchester) has announced his campaign chairman and co-chairs.

Former state Sen. Chuck Morse (R-Salem) will serve as Stephen's campaign chairman while former U.S. Rep. Chuck Douglas, state Sen. Jack Barnes (R-Raymond) former Executive Councilor Ruth Griffin, former GOP state Chairman Wayne Semprini, Dick Flynn and state Reps. Peter Batula (R-Merrimack) and Carolyn Brown (R-North Conway) will serve as campaign co-chairs.

With Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta deciding not to run for Governor it’s time to start the speculation game on who may run. Here is my short list of potential candidates. The problem the Republicans will face is most of these candidates are smart and know with John Lynch’s popularity it will be hard to defeat him. Although a good run can set up a future run.

CONCORD -- Former state Sen. Russell Prescott (R-Kingston) will take a second shot at Executive Council this year, but he still remains unsure as to whether he will face a primary.

The Union Leader is reporting that former Salem State Senator Chuck Morse has decided not to run for governor. 

"The reality of the whole situation is catching up with me. I'm finding it difficult to get away from my business. It's not working. I don't' believe I can run and pay enough attention to my business," Morse said. 

State Senator Bob Clegg (R-Hudson) announced the leadership team for his Congressional campaign.

"I look forward to us working together to bring New Hampshire values to Washington. This team includes Republicans, Democrats, Independents and people of many different industries and talents," Clegg said in a statement.

It appears that former State Senator Bruce Keough will take another pass at running for governor.

Keough (R-Dublin) told The Concord Monitor this morning that he is "unlikely" to run for governor.