Ann Kuster Cites Bipartisanship In Re-Election Bid

SECOND DISTRICT, NH -- New Hampshire Second District voters on November 6 will decide between incumbent Democrat Ann Kuster and Republican challenger Steve Negron to represent them in Congress. Kuster is seeking re-election to her fourth term. The Second District includes the Patch communities of Concord, Nashua, Salem, Milford, Amherst and Windham.

Below is a profile of Kuster featuring personal information, her views on critical New Hampshire issues and key differences between her opponent. Patch asked the Kuster and Negron campaigns to fill out these profiles and they have been edited sparingly.

• Learn more about the race: NH Congresswoman Ann Kuster Seeks Re-Election Vs. Steve Negron

Ann Kuster Campaign Profile: New Hampshire Second District Congress Race

Residence: Hopkinton

Family: Husband Brad, sons Zach and Travis

Education: Concord High School, Dartmouth College, Georgetown Law School

Previous job(s): Adoption attorney, public policy advocate

Previous elected office: U.S. House

What is the most important issue facing New Hampshire and how do you intend to address it?

"The most important issue facing New Hampshire is preparing our workforce for the jobs of the 21st Century. Though we are fortunate to have such a low unemployment rate, it creates challenges for employers who are seeking to grow their businesses and for local resident who want to obtain the skills to jump into higher paying careers. Companies and educators in New Hampshire are already leading the way in spurring new and innovative training for students and workers but we can do better. I’ve introduced legislation to provide a tax credit for employers that create partnerships with educational institutions to help train folks for the jobs that exist in their communities. This is the type of policy that I will fight for if I have the privilege of continuing to represent Granite Staters in Washington."

What are the critical differences between yourself and your opponent?

"I'm focused on bringing people together to deliver real results for New Hampshire families and communities. I believe we need less government interference in our personal lives but I do think government has an important role to play in areas such as infrastructure, fighting the opioid epidemic, and caring for our veterans. My opponent has expressed different opinions about the role of government and in the NH House voted against rail for southern NH, against Medicaid Expansion, which has helped 53,000 Granite Staters access health insurance, and even against protections for children from lead poisoning. He also supports banning all abortion, including in the case of rape, incest, or when the live of the mother is in jeopardy."

What other issues define your campaign platform?

"I share the frustration of people across the Granite State with the bickering and partisanship in Washington, which is why I am dedicated to the New Hampshire way of bringing people together to deliver real results. Whether through the creation of our Congressional Bipartisan Opioid Task Force or my work to improve care for veterans, I am committed to working in a practical and bipartisan way for Granite State priorities. I've helped deliver more than $30 million to New Hampshire this year alone to help those on the frontlines fight this epidemic. Additionally, I was one of just two Democrats to sponsor the the VA MISSION Act to makes sure all veterans in New Hampshire who get their health care through the VA are able to access care in their community if they choose."

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence that you will excel if elected?

"During my time in Congress, I’ve worked to bring people together to get things done. I have made critical progress on fighting the opioid epidemic, improving health care for veterans, and promoting job training and workforce development. I have also been focused on specific ways to help communities across New Hampshire. Among an array of different projects, I helped double federal funding for the Northern Border Regional Commission that has invested millions of dollars in communities in the North Country. I also helped bring federal funding to reopen a mill in Groveton and $6 million toward the main street redevelopment Colebrook. I helped secure $200 million to finish I93 and have brought funding to fix red-listed bridges and pave miles of road across the state. Finally, through my role on the House Veterans Affairs Committee I’ve worked hard to help open a womens’ clinic at the Manchester VA Hospital."

The best advice ever shared with me was...

"My mother, State Senator Susan McLane, instilled in me the importance of always working to make your community a better place for everyone to live. She was a pioneer for women in New Hampshire politics and her advice to me and everyone was always, 'get involved!'"

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

"I know Granite Staters are frustrated by the high cost of health care and I am dedicated to bringing down the cost of care while improving access and quality. The Affordable Care Act has made progress in improving the cost and quality of care, but we can do better. I've helped to propose comprehensive reforms to the ACA that should serve as the model for strengthening our health care system during the next Congress. I also strongly support allowing Medicare to negotiate directly with drug companies to save tax payer money and bring down the cost of prescription drugs. I am committed to standing up to protect programs like Medicare and Social Security that are critical to the quality of life for our seniors."

Ann Kuster campaign website

Photo credit: Office of Ann Kuster