John Stephen

Grover Norquist and John StephenMANCHESTER- Joined by Grover Norquist, former Health and Human Services Secretary John Stephen (R-Manchester) signed the Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

"The tax cuts of the past decade are absolutely critical to the long-term success of our economy and our growth. To get rid of them would send a clear message that we're not committed to keeping our economy strong, whether in the short-run or the long-run" Stephen told the crowd assembled at Brady-Sullivan's offices in the Jefferson Mill.

Stephen added that the government does not have a revenue shortage.

"We consistently don't have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem," he said.

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.

Grover NorquistGrover Norquist, the President of Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), will join congressional candidate John Stephen (R-Manchester) on Friday in Manchester.

Stephen will sign the ATR's "Taxpayer Protection Pledge" and discuss taxes.

Stephen is competing in the Republican primary against former Congressman Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro). Bradley has also signed the pledge.

GOP meatball contestSTRATHAM- The tri-town Republican committees of Exeter, Stratham and North Hampton hosted a fundraiser featuring homemade meatballs.

Former Congressman Jeb Bradley, former Health and Human Services Secretary John Stephen, Executive Council candidate Russell Prescott and former party Chairman Wayne Semprini were among 18 contestants whose meatball recipes were judged by three local restaurant owners. Famed local chef Mary Ann Esposito decided the winner.

Republican congressional candidate John StephenCongressional candidate John Stephen (R-Manchester) will officially launch his bid with a bus tour of the 1st Congressional District.

Stephen will spend May 12 visiting Glen, Conway, Laconia, Somersworth, Portsmouth, Raymond and Manchester.

Stephen is competing against former Congressman Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) in the Republican primary.