SD-16

State Senate candidate Bob Backus has been endorsed by SEIU Local 1984 State Employees Association.

Backus is running against state Sen. Ted Gatsas (R-Manchester) in state senate district 16. In 2006 the SEIU did not endorse either candidate.

David Lang, left, and state Sen. Ted Gatsas (R-Manchester), right: Photo Credit: PolitickerNH.com

MANCHESTER-- The Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire have endorsed state Sen. Ted Gatsas (R-Manchester) re-election campaign.

In 2006, the group endorsed Gatsas' current opponent Bob Backus (R-Manchester). Gatsas and Backus are competing for the state senate district 16 seat.

State Sen. Ted Gatsas (R-Manchester) has proposed a "Clean Campaign Pledge" to his challenger Bob Backus (D-Manchester), which Backus calls a "gimmick."

The pledge would have the candidates agree to denounce third party activity, agree not to personally attack one another, have the candidates follow "an exemplary code of conduct" and force the candidates to have third parties honor the pledge.

Bob Backus (D-Manchester) has officially announced that he will run against state Sen. Ted Gatsas (R-Manchester).

"I am running to protect our New Hampshire values-to ensure that we provide not just an adequate education but an excellent education for all students, to create "green collar" jobs to improve our environment and economy, and to improve public safety by supporting our law enforcement community," Backus said in a statement. "The families of District 16 deserve attentive and responsive representation in Concord and a Senator who will fight for them."