Our view: Lynch, Horn and Bradley in New Hampshire

28th October 2008

http://www.eagletribune.com/puopinion/local_story_302181446.html/resources_printstory

THE EAGLE TRIBUNE - There's great vibrancy in New Hampshire politics, with strong Democratic and Republican parties vying to win the hearts — and votes — of independent-minded Granite Staters each election.

The real winners, of course, are the people of New Hampshire, who always have well-qualified candidates to choose among on Election Day.

This year, Democratic Gov. John Lynch has earned voters' support for a third term.

Lynch, a former chief executive of a furniture manufacturer, brings a business leader's perspective to the governor's office. He understands that wish lists of state programs and policies must give way to fiscal realities. He has shown that political considerations are less important than getting the job done.

Lynch has fought hard for his principle that state aid for education ought to go to the communities that need it most. The principle is solid; however, Lynch's tactics must change. Lynch fought for and failed to win a constitutional amendment that would deny New Hampshire's Supreme Court a say in educational funding formulas. It's time to come up with Plan B.

On an issue vital to residents of the southern part of the state, Lynch has demonstrated strong support for the expansion of Interstate 93. This highway is among the main north-south links for New Hampshire commuters. But the overburdened roadway has become a safety hazard for drivers. Lynch has committed to expanding the highway as soon as possible, which will make using it safer and easier for the state's drivers.

Lynch has worked well with both Republican and Democratic majorities in the state Legislature. He has served New Hampshire well. We're pleased to support his re-election as governor, and we hope voters will as well.

In the state's two congressional districts, the Democratic revolution that swept New Hampshire in 2006 drove Republicans Charles Bass and Jeb Bradley from office, replacing them with Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter, respectively.

In the 1st District, we support the return of Jeb Bradley to Congress.

In 2006, Shea-Porter based her campaign on and was elected due to anti-Iraq-war fervor. She advocated for a rapid withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq without demonstrating any understanding of what that might mean for our national security or for the people of Iraq.

Since that election, the troop surge advocated by President Bush has brought stability to much of Iraq, giving that country's democratically elected government a fighting chance for success.

Bradley, by contrast, has been steadfast in his support for our troops and their mission. His advocacy helped save the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from the last round of base closures. The loss of the submarine repair depot would have devastated the Seacoast economy.

Bradley is a fiscal conservative who evaluates proposed programs for what they will cost taxpayers, rather than the wonders they promise. Unfortunately, we believe that philosophy will be sorely needed in a new Congress likely to be dominated by Democrats.

Bradley is willing to admit when he's made a mistake. Bradley once opposed authorizing oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Now he supports it.

"I thought we could wait to develop ANWR, but circumstances have changed," he said.

We encourage New Hampshire voters in the 1st District to vote for Jeb Bradley for Congress.

We have to ask residents of the 2nd District, particularly in its southern reaches of Salem, Windham and Atkinson, if anyone has seen Paul Hodes outside of this campaign season. The first-term congressman seems to have vaporized into the Washington mists, something that does not speak well of his representation of the district.

We support Republican Jennifer Horn of Nashua in the 2nd District. Horn is a former newspaper columnist and radio show host. Unlike some first-time candidates for Congress, Horn demonstrates a strong grasp of the issues important to many New Hampshire voters.

In an interview with Eagle-Tribune editors, Horn was critical of those who view politics as partisan blood sport. She pledged cooperation with both parties on matters she sees as important to New Hampshire and the nation. She called for a comprehensive energy policy that incorporates alternative technologies as well as new oil exploration and refinery expansion. She says nuclear power needs a second look.

Horn believes the current economic crisis is a result of appropriate government oversight that should, she says, rein in corporate excess without stifling economic vitality and killing jobs.

Sounds reasonable to us. Voters should give Horn a shot at the job. Let's see what she can do.