June 11, 2008
Union Leader
Concord – State Sen. Joseph Kenney filed as a candidate for governor today, signing a pledge to observe a voluntary $1.2 million total spending limit and challenging Gov. John Lynch to do the same.
“I want to make this about people, not about money,” Kenney said. “By taking the spending limit cap on my campaign I am also illustrating what I would do as governor. I will implement real spending limits in our state budget as well.”
He attacked Lynch for lack of fiscal discipline, referring to him as a multi-millionaire several times. He said he has hurt the state with increases in taxes and fees, and for signing a two-year budget that increased spending by $500 million. He also criticized introduction last week of a $90 million borrowing bill that Democrats passed without any public hearing.
“We need to get the reins and a hold on the New Hampshire budget,” Kenney said. “We need to keep New Hampshire, New Hampshire,” he added, echoing the campaign signs about 50 supporters held as he spoke to reporters.
Kenney, 47, a Wakefield Republican, faces a big challenge in taking on Lynch, a two-term Democrat with approval ratings of more than 70 percent.
“Someone has got to take on John Lynch and I can’t think of any other better person than a U.S. Marine who grew up in this state,” he said. “I learned long ago that no one is unbeatable.”
Kenney, a legislator for 14 years including the last six in the Senate, is a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve lieutenant colonel who has been called up twice since the war in Iraq began. He is a 1984 graduate of the University of New Hampshire.
He pledged to veto any sales or income tax, and has signed a pledge to keep state spending within the rate of regional inflation.
He said he will cut spending and improve government efficiency, reduce energy costs by blocking the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, boost job growth and business recruitment, and push for a full-service hospital for veterans.
By agreeing to the voluntary spending cap, Kenney will be able to accept donations of up to $5,000 to his campaign. He is limited to spending $625,000 each in the primary and general elections. State law limits donations to $1,000 for those who do not agree to the cap. Those who exceed the limits are subject to a fine.
Kenney said his campaign will emphasize grassroots organization, but the lack of access to unlimited spending won’t hurt
“There will be Joe Kenney for governor ads on TV, in fact they start next week,” he said.
Kenney said he would audit every state agency at the outset of his administration, and require each commissioner to file a mission statement to focus his department’s work.
Lynch plans to file for re-election tomorrow at 9 a.m.