Letter: Van Ostern has my vote

In the Second District Democratic primary one candidate has earned my support: Colin Van Ostern. Here’s why.

First, Van Ostern has been here, fighting for Granite Staters. He has chosen to build his life and raise his children in our great state. As a parent, I know how important the decision of where to raise your family is. Over the last two decades, he has been committed to improving our state from here, living here, and engaging with the community.

Second, Van Ostern has the experience to make meaningful change in Congress. While on the Executive Council, he successfully fought to twice restore funding at N.H. Planned Parenthood health centers. He was named our state’s “Champion for Choice” by NARAL Pro-Choice N.H. He stood up for workers and consumers against powerful interests to help bring an end to the Fairpoint labor strike, he is a leader in the fight for voting rights, and he successfully helped bring the Affordable Care Act to New Hampshire and extend Medicaid to cover over 50,000 families, with no state sales or income tax.

I firmly believe that, even in the powerful halls of Congress, Van Ostern will always put New Hampshire first. He knows the importance of a deep connection to our communities and has a vested interest in improving our state. That is why I, along with Congresswoman Annie Kuster, and so many leaders across the Second District, am proud to support him.

Byron Champlin

Concord