Claremont
Lawrence, of Hudson, N.H., a former state representative, is hoping to unseat U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster, D-N.H., in the 2nd Congressional District race on Nov. 8.
“We are getting a positive reception to the message we are sending of getting the economy going again by getting rid of the high taxation and overregulation of small business,” Lawrence said shortly before addressing his audience, which included many of the Republican candidates from Sullivan County running for the House.
Lawrence, introduced by state Rep. Steve Smith, R-Charlestown, the party’s county chairman, went right after Kuster, charging that she went to Washington promising to vote the interests of New Hampshire residents, but once there fell under the spell of the “Washington party bosses” and consistently votes in their interests instead.
“It is time for new leadership to represent us in Washington,” Lawrence said. “She votes more than 90 percent of the time with the administration. That is not what I call voting for New Hampshire.”
Lawrence promises a more responsive representation that addresses high taxation, such as the country’s 35 percent corporate tax rate that he said drives jobs overseas, and the problems with the Affordable Care Act. He said “overregulation” prevents businesses from expanding and leads to the stagnation of the economy.
Failed foreign policy, where “enemies don’t fear us and allies can’t count on us,” has put the country in jeopardy, Lawrence said.
On the ACA, Lawrence favors a more market-oriented approach, including allowing people to buy health insurance across state lines, and eliminating the “Cadillac tax” that will hit many policyholders in the years ahead. More competition will lower cost and increase options, Lawrence said.
In response to a question about opioid abuse from 11-year-old Anna Numme, whose father, David, is a candidate for the New Hampshire House from Claremont, Lawrence said he wants more resources from Washington for treatment and law enforcement, and also thinks securing the borders will cut down on the flow of illegal drugs.
“We absolutely have to do everything in our power to defeat this,” Lawrence said.
Before speaking to the audience, Lawrence acknowledged that he often is asked about the baggage of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
He called those questions “a distraction” from the real issues his candidacy is addressing.
“I have specific policies that are important to the voters of New Hampshire and that should be the focus,” Lawrence said. “My platform is more in line with the Republican party, so there is no doubt who I am voting for, but I am a New Hampshire-focused candidate.”
News reports this month have raised questions about Lawrence’s finances. The Concord Monitor last week reported that he hadn’t paid property taxes on his Hudson, N.H., home since 2013 and had an outstanding delinquent tax bill of $15,615.
Meanwhile, the Union Leader this week reported that Lawrence’s ex-wife said he was more than six months behind on child support payments, which Lawrence disputed.
Kuster is slated to campaign in the Upper Valley today, including a “Lebanon canvass Kickoff” in the afternoon.
Patrick O’Grady can be reached at pogclmt@gmail.com.
