Humphrey Backs Rubens in Race Against Shaheen

U.S. Senate candidate Jim Rubens, R-Hanover, got a boost in his effort to win the Republican nomination to face-off against U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen this November by getting an endorsement from the former holder of the seat.

Former U.S. Sen. Gordon Humphrey, R-Chichester, who also owns WKXL 1450 in Concord, officially endorsed Rubens at his home on Jan. 9, where he, and his wife Patricia, held a house party with about 50 people.

Humphrey endorsed Rubens “because he is by far the best candidate in the race,” adding that he thought he could win.

“In his first run for public office, he defeated a very popular state senator who was also the president of the State Senate,” Humphrey said in a statement. “He won then by means of hard work, persistence and good ideas. And he can win again this year."

Rubens served two terms in the state Senate and unsuccessfully ran for governor in 1998. He also serves as chairman of the Granite State Coalition Against Expanded Gambling, a group that hopes to keep casinos from coming to New Hampshire. He is also a developer and businessman. The New Hampshire Union Leader recently named Rubens Citizen of the Year, something Humphrey cited in his endorsement, noting that had worked “for the public good … to keep our state a wholesome place for raising children.”

Rubens is competing for the GOP nomination against Karen Testerman, the former head of Cornerstone Action and a former gubernatorial candidate, as well as former U.S. Sen. Bob Smith, who was elected to the Senate after Humphrey term limited himself to two terms.

Former Mass. U.S. Sen. Scott Brown, who recently moved to his vacation home in Rye from Wrentham, Mass., is also rumored to be considering a run.