N.H. Republican raising money for congressional race
Stephen expected to face Bradley
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- A week after he stepped down from running New Hampshire's largest state agency, John A. Stephen, a Republican, filed paperwork yesterday allowing him to raise money for a long-rumored congressional run.
New Hampshire's First Congressional District is already expected to be one of the state's most competitive elections next year. With Stephen's move, it could have one of the most competitive Republican primaries, as well. Stephen would face former congressman Jeb Bradley for the right to challenge freshman Democrat Carol Shea-Porter.
Stephen, of Manchester, served as commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services for four years. He was appointed by former governor Craig Benson, a Republican. After several high-profile fights with Governor John Lynch, a Democrat, it appeared likely that he would not be renominated to the position this fall. Stephen resigned and left the position Aug. 14.
The Republican primary would be a rematch of sorts. In 2002, Stephen and Bradley competed in an eight-way Republican primary for the same congressional seat. Bradley won the primary and went on to serve two terms in Congress before losing to Shea-Porter last year, 51 percent to 49 percent.
Several Republicans urged Stephen to run for governor against Lynch, but in an interview Stephen said he is more motivated to end what he sees as overzealous spending in Washington.
"I want to take what I accomplished for the taxpayer in my previous job to fix the fiscal mess in Washington," said Stephen.
Bradley, of Wolfeboro, began another run for Congress just weeks after losing to Shea-Porter. He said he always expected a primary and had planned on running an aggressive campaign with or without Stephen. Bradley is one of three Republican congressmen nationwide who lost in 2006 and are trying to regain their seats.
A spokesman said the National Republican Campaign Committee would not help either candidate before the primary. 