Ashooh Jumps into CD-1 Race

After several months of testing the waters Rich Ashooh, of Bedford, has joined Frank Guinta and Bob Betani in the Republican primary to unseat Carol Shea-Porter. Below find some of the coverage he recived today on his announcement roll out.

Here is Ashooh’s formal press release

ASHOOH DECLARES CANDIDACY FOR CONGRESS

MANCHESTER – Today, Rich Ashooh announced his candidacy for New Hampshire’s First Congressional District. Ashooh, a resident of Bedford and an executive with BAE Systems, made his decision to enter the race after an exploratory process that began in December.

“I’ve met with people throughout the First District, and the support and encouragement I’ve received has been very compelling,” said Ashooh. “The common theme among voters is their desire for real leadership on the issues affecting their lives – unemployment, runaway spending, taxes and health care. I will bring conservative, common sense to Washington, and restore fiscal restraint and the economic principles that will create private sector jobs.”

Ashooh, 45, stated that he will be a leader on fiscal and budget issues in Congress, focusing on reducing the national deficit and debt, and advocating for small business. He added that his budget experience in government, leadership position with the state’s largest manufacturer, national security expertise, and service in higher education will serve him well in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“The excessive spending in Washington and incomprehensible national debt have awakened voters to the reckless policies being pursued by Congressional Democrats. If we are to overcome the enormous challenges that lie ahead, we must elect leaders who will listen to their constituents, make tough decisions, and solve problems without accruing massive debt, raising taxes, suppressing innovation, and stifling job creation.” Ashooh continued, stating, “Before we can address issues such as improving health care, we must first get our fiscal house in order.”

“Voters are frustrated with their current representative, because their concerns have not been heard. In my campaign, I’ll be accessible, and I will meet and hear from as many voters as possible. They will surely get to know me, and I will get to know them.”

“Having grown up in New Hampshire, I value our quality of life, and have worked to preserve and protect it. And, once elected to Congress, I will continue to do so.”

Rich Ashooh was born and raised in Manchester and is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire. He lives in Bedford with his wife, Lori, and they have five children, Sofie, Emma, Elias, Maya, and Sam.

Politico also picked up on the Ashooh announcement:

On a conference call with members of the media, Ashooh denied that his entrance into the race was a response to Guinta’s weak performance. “This is a journey for me that I’m taking that I believe I can contribute to,” he said, explaining he’d been weighing a run for several months.

Guinta spokeswoman Alicia Preston told POLITICO the Manchester mayor was plowing ahead with his bid.

“Frank is focused on his race,” she said. “He is happily busy listening to people and gaining support.”

In his conversation with reporters, Ashooh pointed to Sen. Scott Brown’s victory in next-door Massachusetts as a positive sign for his candidacy.

“What was surprising to me about the [Brown] win was not that it happened, but its magnitude,” said Ashooh. “Clearly, what I thought to be a trend has turned into a movement. … What happened in Massachusetts was a reflection of voters feeling that their leaders were not listening to them.”

Ashooh also appeared on the Charlie Sherman show to discuss his entrance into the race.