Letter: Vote for Chris Pappas in N.H. primary
New Hampshire doesn’t have enough Democrats.
Unfortunately, here in the very blue Upper Valley, we forget that we are only 28% of registered voters as opposed to 33% who are independents, and 40% Republicans. We forget that every Democrat elected to federal office from New Hampshire has only done so with votes from Independents and even thoughtful Republicans. Because we are in such a gerrymandered part of the state, we think if a candidate looks good to us, she or he will look great to a broad coalition of voters all over New Hampshire. That is simply not true.
I would urge folks planning to take a Democratic ballot in Tuesday’s primary to consider this fact about the other Congressional District in New Hampshire. That seat flipped back and forth between a Democrat and a Republican five times until Chris Pappas won, and he has held the seat through four consecutive elections because a wide range of voters support him.
Chris Pappas is a vote for reproductive rights, rural health care, combating climate change, resisting Data Centers, strengthening public education, ensuring the election of independent judicial appointments, maintaining fair elections, campaign finance reform, strengthening Social Security, and helping N.H. residents. He is our best candidate to go up against the GOP choice and he has demonstrated his ability to win races.
My focus is on winning the majority in the U.S. Senate because our democracy is on the line. I urge voters to vote for the candidate who will attract the most voters, has the record of already having done so, and will take us forward in dismantling the terrible damage done by this Administration. That proven winner is Congressman Chris Pappas.
Deborah H. Bacon Nelson, Hanover
The writer, who is chair of the Hanover/Lyme Town Democrats, is writing as an individual and not in her role chair.