Foster's Daily Democrat: Senate hopeful Hodes stumps throughout region
Posted 01/19/2010 by John Quinn
ROCHESTER — Congressman Paul Hodes spoke to business owners and area residents about health care and the economy as he made two stops on the Seacoast Monday as part of his campaign for U.S. Senate.
Hodes — a Democrat from Concord who has represented the western half of the state in the U.S. House of Representatives for two terms — met with former Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand at Breaking New Grounds in Market Square in the morning before talking with Rochester Mayor TJ Jean at the Portable Pantry on Hanson Street in the afternoon.
"The number one priority is creating jobs and keeping jobs," Hodes said, adding jobs make the economy grow and health care reform will help by reducing costs for employers.
Hodes said he supported the health care bill which passed in the House, but will need to review the final proposal to ensure it meets the needs of the state.
"We need health care reform," Hodes said, adding he wants to stop big insurance companies from dictating the costs, prevent people from being excluded due to pre-existing conditions, eliminate lifetime caps and allow people to receive preventive care.
While the official filing period isn't until June, Hodes and four Republicans have expressed interest in taking over for U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H.
According to the N.H. Republican Party's website — www.nhgop.org — Kelly Ayotte of Nashua, Jime Bender of Hollis, Bill Binnie of Rye and Ovide Lamontagne of Manchester — may be facing each other during the N.H. Primary, scheduled for Sept. 14. The victor will take on Hodes during the Nov. 2 elections.
"This is a fairly important state and a fairly important race," Hodes told three young voters — Leigh Iber and Cordelia Reagan, both Strafford, and Sam Rafter of Nottingham — who are all 18.
Hodes reminded all three University of New Hampshire freshmen to register to vote and encouraged them to have their voice heard in November.
Iber, who was choosy about picking out a sandwich at the Portable Pantry, said she'll have to do her research before casting her ballot.
David and Virginia Holt, of Somersworth, enjoyed a cup of coffee with Hodes while he discussed health care.
"I wanted to meet the candidate," Virginia said.
Hodes — a Democrat from Concord who has represented the western half of the state in the U.S. House of Representatives for two terms — met with former Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand at Breaking New Grounds in Market Square in the morning before talking with Rochester Mayor TJ Jean at the Portable Pantry on Hanson Street in the afternoon.
"The number one priority is creating jobs and keeping jobs," Hodes said, adding jobs make the economy grow and health care reform will help by reducing costs for employers.
Hodes said he supported the health care bill which passed in the House, but will need to review the final proposal to ensure it meets the needs of the state.
"We need health care reform," Hodes said, adding he wants to stop big insurance companies from dictating the costs, prevent people from being excluded due to pre-existing conditions, eliminate lifetime caps and allow people to receive preventive care.
While the official filing period isn't until June, Hodes and four Republicans have expressed interest in taking over for U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H.
According to the N.H. Republican Party's website — www.nhgop.org — Kelly Ayotte of Nashua, Jime Bender of Hollis, Bill Binnie of Rye and Ovide Lamontagne of Manchester — may be facing each other during the N.H. Primary, scheduled for Sept. 14. The victor will take on Hodes during the Nov. 2 elections.
"This is a fairly important state and a fairly important race," Hodes told three young voters — Leigh Iber and Cordelia Reagan, both Strafford, and Sam Rafter of Nottingham — who are all 18.
Hodes reminded all three University of New Hampshire freshmen to register to vote and encouraged them to have their voice heard in November.
Iber, who was choosy about picking out a sandwich at the Portable Pantry, said she'll have to do her research before casting her ballot.
David and Virginia Holt, of Somersworth, enjoyed a cup of coffee with Hodes while he discussed health care.
"I wanted to meet the candidate," Virginia said.
