Jennifer Horn says only she can defeat Paul Hodes

By Tom Fahey

New Hampshire Union Leader

CONCORD – Republican Jennifer Horn of Nashua called for tax cuts, more domestic oil production, and patience in Iraq as she joined the field of GOP challengers to Democratic U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes yesterday.

With federal taxes and spending too high, Horn said, "We sent Paul Hodes to Congress to do a job and he's failed to do it."

Horn, 43, a former newspaper columnist and radio show host, said high gasoline prices are the most visible sign the nation needs more energy self-reliance. She joined other Republican candidates in opposing a windfall profits tax on big oil. She also supports incentives that encourage energy firms to develop new fuels.

Cutting reliance on foreign oil "absolutely means we should explore all our options here at home," she said.

Horn said she favors cuts in taxes for corporations and individuals, saying, "I support tax cuts for everyone across the board. Americans are too taxed." She also attacked Congress for "wasteful spending, redundant spending, useless spending."

Horn said U.S. troops should not leave Iraq until it reaches a "stable, self-sustaining condition." She said she does not want any of her four sons to be called back to Iraq "to finish a fight we should have finished today."

Horn joins state Sen. Robert Clegg, R-Hudson, and Grant Bosse of Hillsborough in the 2nd Congressional District race.

"I'm the only person who can beat Paul Hodes," she said, arguing that her lack of political experience will be a plus among voters looking for change. She said she believes in term limits of eight to 10 years.