Boehner endorses Bradley, brushes aside Stephen
By Brian Lawson, PolitickerNH.com Reporter
U.S. Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) with former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro): Photo credit: PolitickerNH.com
BEDFORD -- The leader of the U.S. House Republicans has waded into a competitive GOP primary in the 1st Congressional District and endorsed a former colleague.
U.S. Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) has endorsed former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro), who is running in a primary against former Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen (R-Manchester). Although Boehner endorsed his rival, Stephen said he looks forward to Boehner's endorsement in the fall.
"I'm here with my friend Jeb and I'm supporting him because he decided to run again," Boehner told reporters outside CR Sparks. "I think Jeb is a reform-minded member, when he was a member, continues to be a real reformer and someone we need especially in this fight over energy."
When asked why he decided to endorse a candidate in a Republican primary, Boehner said he doesn't "have any idea" about Stephen.
"I don't have any idea about him [Stephen] I know Jeb, we've been friends that's why I'm here.
"Do you have an opponent," Boehner said turning to Bradley. "I don't know anything about his opponent. I'm here to help Jeb."
Stephen, meanwhile, tells PolitickerNH.com: "I hope that Representative Boehner is also going to endorse our campaign to bring fiscal conservatism and New Hampshire values back to Washington D.C. I look forward to his endorsement when we win the primary."
Commenting on Boehner's quote about not knowing who Bradley was facing in the primary, Stephen said that "it is a really good thing that he doesn't know anything about me. That means I'm not a part of the same old crowd and I'm about bringing change to Washington."
Stephen later added: "Shouldn't John Boehner be in Washington helping to solve the energy problem."
Boehner said he was not worried about the consequences of endorsing Bradley.
"I'm going to do everything I can through Election Day to do the best job for my team and whatever happens after the election happens after the election."
Despite Boehner's endorsement, the National Republican Congressional Committee does not endorse candidates.
"The NRCC doesn't pre-primary endorse. We trust New Hampshire voters to elect the best nominee," NRCC spokesman Ken Spain said in a statement.
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"Do you have an opponent," Boehner said turning to Bradley. "I don't know anything about his opponent."
Ah, classic. Overtanned blowhard DC bigshots letting us clueless little New Hampshire rubes know what we're supposed to do. Bradley's a sure lock for the nomination now. Just ask Congressman Jim Craig.
Rubber Stamp Twins
I'm wondering why Bradley would want Boehner's endorsement, it makes his slogan "the right kind of change" completely illegitimate. This just reinforces the fact that he was and will be a rubber stamp for the establishment Republicans that veered the party away from fiscal responsibility and restraint. It's also just going to bring more light on the fact that most all of his support, both financial and vocal, comes from out of state, evidenced by the fact that over 70% of his money comes either from his own pocket, PACs, or out of staters.
It seems to me that a Bradley win would be a coup for the Democrats who will easily paint him as a relic of the Bush Congress that caused the Republicans to be defeated in the first place. Very interesting.
What was Bradley thinking?
Why would Jeb Bradley put himself in the position to look like an entrenched Washington insider by bringing in Boehner? Being tainted by DC is poisonous, and he covers himself in it. Makes no sense.
"Change to Washington" ?
"Change to Washington" ? are you kidding? John Stephen had a DC fundraiser with Jack Abramoff cronies Todd Boulanger and Edward Ayoob, thats not "change"
Exactly
Anon,
You took the words out of my mouth!
A bit hypocritical of Stephen to be talking about "Washington politics" when he hangs with, and takes money from, some of the most corrupt individuals in that town? Why yes, I do believe so.
Wait a minute, john stephens
Wait a minute, john stephens just launched a radio ad featuring tommy thompson, who was a member of BUSH's ADMINISTRATION! Change? From john stephens??
Quack
Time for the Stephen handlers, a flock of Republican has-beens, to wind him up and push him out on stage for another throaty squawk.
Jeb For Real Reform
Sounds like the bulk of the respondents know what they are talking about! I would take a true New Hampshire small business owner (Bradley), over a cost-shifting, tax raising bureaucrat like Stephen any day!
Stunned at Stephen's Statement
"Shouldn't John Boehner be in Washington helping to solve the energy problem." -Stephen.
I must say I am stunned by Stephen's statement. Stephen must be embarrassed of his poor showing to date, that he would criticizes a man he is hoping would endorse him, a man who is next in line to be speaker of the house!
Bradley Endorsement
Jeb for real reform; really?
John Stephen does not need Boehner's endorsement now or for the general election! Boehner's congress has about a 17% approval rating, mostly due to its big-spending habits. That Boehner backs Bradley and all of his pro-earmark voting philosophy is no surprise to me!
I think you mean the
I think you mean the democrats congress has a 9% approval rating. Thanks Carol Shea-Porter. Way to work for the "other 99%".
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