Hodes Backs Hassan [VIDEO]

Former U.S. Rep. , D-Concord, endorsed in the Democratic primary race for governor on Aug. 29, and then joined Hassan and state Sen. , on a stroll of to talk to business owners and voters.

Hodes said he had known Hassan for a long time and called her “a great advocate” for the state. He criticized “the radical, rightwing, extremist agenda” of the current Republican-controlled Legislature saying it had “damaged our state.” Hodes commended Hassan for understanding that education, innovation, and a growing economy were important for the success of the state’s economy and its residents.

“We need Maggie in the corner office to help restore those values to New Hampshire,” he said. “She’s somebody who can bring people together to move New Hampshire forward.”

Hodes said the gubernatorial race was the most important elections voters had to make a decision on this year. He said Hassan was “practical” and “hardworking” and understood how to “pull people together.” He called on “reasonable Republicans,” as well as Democrats and independents, to join him in supporting Hassan.

Hodes also attacked , , and Speaker , calling them “rightwing, tea party extremists” who weren’t really supporters of small government, since they attempted to control women’s rights.

“This is not the New Hampshire way,” he said.

Hassan thanked Hodes for the endorsement and said she was “very, very grateful” for the support.

After the announcement, Hodes was asked if he didn’t think that , one of Hassan’s opponents, was practical or hardworking. Hodes called Cilley “a friend” who had he “great respect for background and service” and also commended , another Democrat in the gubernatorial race. But he said the “tea party tsunami” that swept the state in 2010 could only turned back by Hassan because she couldn’t be branded as “out of touch” about the economics of New Hampshire and would be able to bring people together.

When asked how Hassan could bring people together, including Republicans he deemed unreasonable who might be voted back into office, Hodes said she could work with anyone. She has the temperament, skills and background to deal with all political figures at the , he said.

“I think it is really important, as a Democrat, that we have Maggie on our ticket during this election,” Hodes said. “That’s going to help us up and down the ticket in terms of making sure that we can restore New Hampshire values, to the New Hampshire Legislature.”