Jeanne Shaheen
Jeanne Shaheen Credit:

Bryant ‘Corky’ Messner

Party: Republican

Age: 63

Town of Residence: Wolfeboro

Occupation: Attorney

What specific policy do you see as most vital? I am running for the U.S. Senate because I believe there is no greater power than that of an individual unleashed by liberty and unburdened by government. As New Hampshire’s U.S. senator, I will work to restore America’s economic prosperity and manufacturing might, preserve individual liberties, and reduce government intrusion and over-regulation.

How do you plan to address the significant budget challenges our state will face in the months ahead? The Covid-19 economic stimulus legislation was a critical boost to families and small businesses in a trying time, but our levels of spending and debt are unsustainable. Our next senator must be willing to look for ways to cut federal spending so that we can dig ourselves out of our current fiscal hole and are better prepared for the next crisis. Our huge national debt threatens the country’s prosperity, national security, and the economic prospects for future generations. In building my business, I have already demonstrated how to successfully balance a budget, manage debt, and prioritize spending.

Justin O’Donnell

Party: Libertarian

Age: 31

Town of Residence: Manchester

Occupation: Insurance Sales, Author

Incumbent? If so, how many terms: No

What specific policy do you see as most vital? The federal government continues to spend trillions of dollars engaged in foreign wars that do little to nothing to improve security at home. As a U.S. Senator, my legislative priority would be reigning in executive power and ending our foreign conflicts.

How do you plan to address the significant budget challenges our state will face in the months ahead? New Hampshire is a net taxpayer, and Granite State voters are better suited to spend their own money locally than federal bureaucrats in DC. If elected to the U.S. Senate, I would champion legislation to reduce the federal tax burden placed on New Hampshire citizens, so that more of your money is left in your own pockets.

Jeanne Shaheen

Party: Democrat

Age: 73

Town of Residence: Madbury

Incumbent: 2 terms

What specific policy do you see as most vital? My top priority is ensuring that during this pandemic, New Hampshire has the resources to support small businesses, towns, families, and health care providers that are most affected. I raised the alarm about the coronavirus weeks before the Trump administration was willing to take it seriously, and my focus has remained on making a difference for Granite Staters during this difficult time. Tens of thousands of New Hampshire businesses have received more than $2.5 billion in aid, and I continue to work across the aisle because more help is needed to allow small businesses to keep their doors open and their employees paid. We are going to get through this crisis by working together. I’ll keep pushing for more testing and an America-based supply chain for protective equipment and medical supplies to stop the spread of COVID-19, ensure our health care providers and hospitals have what they need, help us get our economy moving, and make sure this never happens again.

How do you plan to address the significant budget challenges our state will face in the months ahead? Our state and towns continue to face immense challenges due to the ongoing COVID crisis, which is why I have demanded that the federal response to COVID include state funding to support New Hampshire. In spring, as the virus began to overwhelm Granite State communities and the country, Republicans proposed a stimulus bill with zero dollars for state relief and included a $3 billion bailout for big oil. That was wrong for New Hampshire, and I helped eliminate the federal funds for oil companies while securing $1.25 billion for New Hampshire and our cities and towns, as well as millions for childcare, housing, low-income heating and other needs to help the state through this crisis. I will keep working across the aisle to make a difference for the people of the Granite State, to make sure New Hampshire has the resources needed for our public schools, local fire departments, and other critical services to confront this pandemic and strengthen our economy.