Republican State Senate candidate ignores the facts on New Hampshire's economic recovery

Concord – In an op-ed published in Foster’s Daily Democrat on Monday, District 4 State Senate candidate Jim Forsythe claimed that Concord is “broken” and "has become the new D.C."  What the Tea Party candidate failed to mention was the fact that New Hampshire has led New England in the economic recovery and has repeatedly shown signs of further progress.

“Jim Forsythe clearly has not been paying attention to the most important issues facing the New Hampshire people: jobs and the economy,” said Emily Cashman, Communications Director for the New Hampshire Senate Democratic Caucus. “Either he’s not picking up a newspaper, or he’s deliberately misleading voters by hiding the facts.”

The facts are that New Hampshire’s unemployment rate is the lowest in the region, and 40% below the national average.  Home sales have increased by 10.1% and New Hampshire has maintained a strong credit rating at a time when most other states are facing credit downgrades.

While weathering this economic storm, our leaders in Concord balanced a responsible budget and came out with $63 million surplus. They improved state efficiencies and accountability by merging programs and making state spending reports available online. They established tax incentives and credits that have attracted new business to New Hampshire.  This was all accomplished without sacrificing the protection of our most vulnerable citizens, and without a broad-based income or sales tax.

“Is there more work to be done?  Absolutely,” continued Cashman. “One person without a job is one person too many. However, by ignoring the progress that our state has made, Jim Forsythe is demonstrating how he would join his fellow Republicans on the sidelines, complaining rather than working for real solutions.” 

Cashman added, “Jim Forsythe’s leadership positions with the Republican Liberty Caucus and the Republican Liberty PAC, along with his constant regurgitation of DC dictated, far right-wing talking points, are further evidence of his commitment to an extremist agenda that is not in line with the New Hampshire people.”

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