Nashua Republican Looks to Challenge Hodes in November

09th May 2008


 

The Eagle Times

By Kyle Jarvis

A Nashua Republican, in her first foray into politics, wants to challenge Democrat Paul Hodes in November, saying the first-term incumbent has let voters of the second Congressional District down.  Despite no experience in politics, Horn decided to make the jump, in this, her eight year as a New Hampshire resident. 
"I am running because I believe our Congress has failed us," said the Upstate New York native, who now lives in Nashua with her husband and five children.  "More specifically, Paul Hodes has failed us, too.  Taxes in this state are so high already and we just passed a budget that will increase the average resident's taxes by nearly $2,000 to $3,000."
Horn feels strongly that Hodes has voted along party lines during his tenure, as opposed to voting in the best interest of the people.
"We may as well be represented by (U.S. House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif)," she added.  "I've been living in the real world, where people are having trouble paying their mortgages and their property taxes, keeping up with the cost of living.  There's a real need for a new type of representation."
The political operatives have had their shot," she continued.  "Now it's time to try something else."
The best way to get to where Horn says we need to go is to eliminate "pork barrel spending," something she said Congress hasn't done a good job of at all.  "It is the most corrupt way to spend tax dollars," she said.  
When it comes to education, Horn thinks most of the decision making should be handled at the local level.
"I'm a big supporter of leaving as much of the educational issue decision making in the hands of the localities," she said.  "I have five children myself, and they're all unique.  There's no way the state can create a one-size fits all program."
Horn also has opinions on how we should approach the situation in Iraq.
"The most important thing now is to put politics behind us," she said.  "We have to ask ourselves, where do we stand today?  What's in our best interest today?  We don't want to repeat past mistakes either but we need to move forward."
I think Congress needs to take a step back and let General (David) Petraeus do his job," she said.  "He's had some success recently.  I want our troops to come home as soon as possible too, but only if it means we won't be asked to come back a few months later."
Horn said she's also in favor of expanding the G.I. Bill, and broadening its benefits.
"It shouldn't even be a question as to whether we're supporting our troops and their families," she said.  "We have to make sure we're never not fulfilling our obligations to our service people and their families."
Horn previously hosted a talk radio show and worked as a columnist.  She has experience in the health care industry but also spent many years at home with her children.
"I really think motherhood has helped to prepare me for this campaign as much as anything else," she said.
"Nothing connects you to the rest of the world like being responsible for another human being."

Paid for and Authorized by Jennifer Horn for Congress

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