Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s reelection campaign has been endorsed by the Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire. Having the backing of the state’s largest firefighters union is a major boost in any New Hampshire governor’s race.
Ayotte joined union leaders and rank-and-file members at Manchester’s Fire Department on Tuesday to announce the endorsement. Union leaders said Ayotte was the union’s unanimous selection when it decided to endorse earlier this month, and that she’d had earned the union’s fealty due to her push to restore retirement benefits some firefighters lost in 2011, as well as her support for a firefighters’ cancer screening program and mental health initiatives.
“These actions are not symbolic, these actions are tangible,” said Brian Ryll, the union’s president. “They reflect a deep understanding of the unique risks faced by firefighters, and a genuine commitment to standing with working families across New Hampshire.”
Ayotte said she was proud to have the union’s backing. She said firefighters help keep New Hampshire safe, even in the toughest situations.
“They have to see things that we can’t even imagine,” Ayotte said, standing in front of a fire truck. “They are there every night, weekend and holiday and they meet people in their most difficult circumstances.”
The Professional Firefighters of NH has a membership that spans both political parties and often backs winning candidates. The union did not endorse any gubernatorial candidate in the last election, when Ayotte defeated former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig.
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