Politics & Government

Patten Endorses Underdog Kennedy

State rep., city councilor calls Democratic gubernatorial candidate "genuine."

State Rep. , D-Concord, has endorsed and signed on to help political underdog in his race for the governor’s office.

Patten, who is also a Ward 8 Concord City Councilor, said he decided to back the political underdog after getting to talk to him and finding out that he was a genuine person. He said he was interested in booking Kennedy for his “Around Town” cable show on to find out what he was all about and couldn’t reach him. But after meeting him, he knew he had to back Kennedy and help him out.

“I was basically going to stay neutral,” he said. “But we met, and got talking, and I found that we had so much in common … he seems to like people and is genuinely concerned for them and for the state.”

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Patten said Kennedy was “a Christmas nut, just like me,” had served in the military, and was concerned about the role money was playing in campaigns. Kennedy, Patten said, preferred to talk to voters about their concerns and not be constantly begging for donations. They also agreed that the state needs a like the one the runs along the Connecticut River Valley and the Downeaster, that runs from Boston through Maine.

“I’d like to see us at least explore it,” he said.

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Patten said while campaigning for re-election, he has seen a lot of “for sale” signs around the district. He would rather have people be spending their money on food, medicine, and taking care of their families, than his campaign. Patten is facing off against Republican in the general election later this year.

“I know how people are struggling,” he said. “Even $5 … I don’t want them to do that. I want them to spend it on their own family.”

While Kennedy and Patten have struck up a friendship in recent weeks, to the point where Patten has agreed to take on some scheduling tasks for the candidate, he admitted that they don’t agree on everything.

Patten supports some potential that would be revenue neutral to lower the business enterprise tax and Kennedy does not. Kennedy also supports an income tax whereas Patten was not convinced that new broad-based taxes were needed.

“(Kennedy’s) giving people a third choice,” Patten said. “He knows that ladies have been out there for the last year. He did get a late start. But he’s been out there, banging on doors, and talking to a lot of people. He has a great personality and he wants to see New Hampshire grow (while) keeping it a safe, clean state.”

Kennedy said it was great to be getting Patten’s support adding that it was encouraging that he “wants to be engaged” in the effort.

“I thank him for his support,” he said. “Dick will be an asset to the campaign. He has Concord roots. There may be other representatives ready to jump on board too, if that’s their intent. Every campaign starts off with a ripple … he’s my ripple … maybe it will be the beginning of a tsunami.”

Kennedy said he had been approached by Republicans and independents who agree with a lot of his platform points and expects more announcements in the future.

“The other people … they're all nice people … but they don’t have the solutions,” Kennedy said. “I’ve come out with solutions on the sensitive issues. There is a certain portion of the voter base that wants change … not watered down rhetoric which isn’t getting us anywhere.”

Patten’s endorsement of Kennedy comes in the wake of other city politicos picking horses in the race.

State Sen. , D-Concord, threw her support behind last week. State Rep. , D-Concord, recently endorsed and held a house party for the candidate.


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