It's Almost Primary Day! My Endorsements
New Hampshire's biennial elections are the heart of the states political culture. And the primaries are the first wave of excitement.
Liberty Lives in New Hampshire!
As a libertarian in New Hampshire, our political influence is certainly outsized, but tenuous and flippant. We rely on the support of the people to see our policies through, and can’t propose them or earn support unless we win an elected seat in the General Court or higher. Without ballot access and decades of refined and tuned infrastructure, members of the Libertarian Party find election to be an incredible uphill battle. Yet, libertarians and liberty-friendly individuals in New Hampshire routinely get elected with the designation of other political parties. As a voter, I have a vested interest in the disposition of certain primaries, as I have a concern about my own representation in the game of politics.
To that end, for those who care, I’ll be listing here some candidates who I’m supporting in the New Hampshire Primaries. I can’t vote for them all, as most aren’t actually in my district, and as an undeclared voter, I can only choose one party’s primary ballot to vote on. But this is a list of candidates I would like to see win their primaries, and for what weight it may carry, Have my endorsement for the upcoming September 13th primary elections here in New Hampshire.
There are other candidates I’m supporting, but only those with contested primaries are receiving primary endorsements.
Bruce Fenton(R) US Senate
In full disclosure, I am the campaign manager for the Libertarian Candidate running for US Senate, that’s Jeremy Kauffman, and you should check him out. But I believe the best candidates possible being in the general election will make for a healthier election outcome for Granite State Voters. I have personally known Bruce for a long time since before either of us moved to New Hampshire, and were seeking to salvage what scraps of freedom and liberty we could in Massachusetts. Bruce is honest, passionate, and principled, standing firmly on his libertarian values and trying to bring back a passion for freedom to the Republican Party. Republican primary voters would do well to choose Bruce as their candidate for the November General Election. I fully plan on voting for Jeremy Kauffman in November, But Granite Staters deserve to have Bruce on the Debate Stage as well.
Tim Baxter(R) US Congress, District 1
A principled small government conservative, running against a field of establishment hacks and populist demagogues, Tim Baxter is a principled candidate with a proven track record during his tenure as a state representative representing his native hometown of Seabrook in The New Hampshire General Court. A champion for New Hampshire first representation, Tim will stay true to the principles of liberty and freedom that remain core to New Hampshire’s “live free, or die” culture.
Lily Tang Williams(R), US Congress, District 2
A refugee from communist China, Lily has been fighting for the values of freedom her entire life. But as she routinely says, what she fought so hard to escape in China, is quickly taking hold here in America. Lily is willing to risk it all to oppose the rise of communist ideology and protect the American way of life that she loves so much. The Republican voters in the 2nd congressional district have the option to send someone who knows firsthand the evil she opposes to DC, they would be smart not to miss the chance.
Michael Yakubovich(R), NH Senate District 16
With a track record of supporting libertarian values consistently as a state representative, having won the NHLA Liberty Legislator of the year award, and consistently supporting and sponsoring legislation with the intent of increasing overall freedom for New Hampshire’s proud citizens. Michael has a contested primary, with a former democrat, taking up arms and engaging in smear tactics and sending offensive mailings containing lies about Michael’s character. I can speak personally to Michael’s commitment to constituent involvement, as during 2021’s legislative session, he submitted a bill on my behalf, and then worked tirelessly to help me lobby on its behalf in the house. I expect Michael will bring the same tenacity to the senate, and represent the people of District 16 exceptionally.
Ellen Read(D), NH House, Rockingham 10
The Democrat turned independent turned democrat again, Ellen Read, is running in a 5-way primary for 3 seats to represent Rockingham 10 in The General Court. While not a libertarian herself, Ellen has a track record of being one of the few people on the left side of the aisle willing to work with free staters and libertarians on common ground issues, such as criminal justice reform and ending the drug war. She is also a strong advocate for election reform and routinely submits bills to reform NH’soutdated and unrepresentative first past the post-election system. She’s shown that she’s not afraid to buck the democratic establishment and stand on her principles, and while we may not agree politically on every issue, she is an ally where it counts and can be counted upon to put principles ahead of the party, where the establishment walks away.
Mike Sylvia (R), NH House, Belknap 4
One of the most consistently principled libertarians in the house, Mike Sylvia drew the ire of his own Republican Party this year, when he supported CACR 32 in favor of putting Secession on the ballot and then led the charge to eliminate government management of Gunstock Mountain Ski Resort in the wake of accusations of fraud, mismanagement, quid pro quo, and illegal campaign finance contributions made with public money. Facing a primary as a result, we can rest assured that Rep. Sylvia will continue to represent his constituents with a principled focus on individual freedom.
Melissa Blasek (R), NH House, Hillsborough 12
Brash and outspoken, Melissa Blasek first ran for office in the wake of government lockdowns and overreaction to the COVID-19 Pandemic via executive overreach. In her first term in the house, she championed several bills to curtail executive power, and drastically expanded and protected medical freedom in New Hampshire. A tireless advocate for the values of Liberty, her primary has 9 candidates seeking 8 seats to represent Hillsborough 12, and Melissa is an advocate for freedom that the people can’t afford to lose in the legislature.
Keith Ammon(R), NH House, Hillsborough 42
A long-time legislative advocate for Liberty, Keith has served multiple tenures as a state representative and has always represented the values of freedom to their highest degree in New Hampshire. Responsive to constituent feedback, he has always been someone reachable and accessible, and willing to discuss the merits of any legislation with anyone seeking to inform him of their opinion. Thoughtful and considerate, of the 4 candidates seeking the 3 seats in Hillsborough 42, Keith deserves to fill one of them.
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