Granite State Times

On June 20, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) hosted a forum in Concord for candidates seeking to replace retiring Governor Chris Sununu. The primary election is scheduled for September 10.

Three leading gubernatorial candidates attended the 90-minute event, which centered on small business concerns. Participants included Kelly Ayotte, a Republican and former U.S. Senator and State Attorney General; Chuck Morse, also a Republican and former State Senate President and State Representative; and Cinde Warmington, a Democrat who serves as State Executive Councilor for the 2nd District and is an attorney.

Joyce Craig, the former Mayor of Manchester and City Alderman, was invited but chose not to participate.

Bruce Berke, NFIB's state director in New Hampshire, moderated the discussion. Topics covered during the forum included taxes, regulations, health care, hiring challenges, inflation, and economic development—issues pertinent to Main Street businesses.

“NFIB’s successful forum provided an invaluable opportunity for our members and other business owners to hear where each candidate stands on the issues affecting New Hampshire’s job creators,” said NFIB State Director Bruce Berke. “The candidates were able to tell small business owners and, thanks to the robust news media attendance and coverage, all voters in the Granite State their positions on the key issues in this election and the agenda they will set as governor. Our members were delighted that three of the four major candidates made the time to attend NFIB’s small business gubernatorial forum, and we regret that Joyce Craig did not participate as well.”