The Manchester Union Leader reports that former governor Jeanne Shaheen will be entering the US Senate Race, and will be making an announcement today.
Former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen will be a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2008, the New Hampshire Union Leader has learned. The Democratic former three-term chief executive is expected to issue a statement today addressing her political plans. While it's unclear exactly how the statement will be phrased, sources say Shaheen has decided to seek the seat held by Republican John E. Sununu, who defeated her in a bitter 2002 contest.
One of the three current candidates, Steve Marchand, has previously stated that he would drop out if Shaheen entered the race, while another, Katrina Swett, has not said anything on record. The third, former Astronaut and physician Jay Buckey, has stated on several occasions that he would stay in the race. The following press release was sent out by Buckey's campaign early today, before the Union Leader's story broke:
Senate Candidate Jay Buckey Reaffirms Senate Race Commitment
Lebanon, NH – "My Senate campaign is focused on the war in Iraq, America’s need for a new energy policy, and the crucial economic issues facing our country," said US Senate candidate Jay Buckey. "It isn’t contingent on whether others get into the race. I’m committed to the campaign and to winning the Senate seat from John Sununu."
There has been speculation that former governor Jeanne Shaheen might enter the Senate race. "I look forward to a vigorous discussion of the important issues in a primary, and I’d welcome Jeanne Shaheen into the race if she decides to do that."
Jay Buckey is a physician, scientist, and former astronaut who has also served as a Major in the Air Force Reserve. "We face serious challenges -- getting out of Iraq responsibly, solving our energy problem, dealing with terrorism, providing universal health care, and making global trade work for regular people," Buckey explained. "We need leaders who will address these challenges head on."
"A dynamic primary season will provide voters with a clear choice for who would be the best possible Senator for New Hampshire," said Buckey08 Campaign Manager Karen Liot Hill. "I strongly believe that person is Jay Buckey. But I believe even more strongly that the people of New Hampshire should be the ones to make that decision."
"New Hampshire has a proud tradition of engaged voters," added Hill, who is also a Lebanon City Councilor. "We look forward to discussing the issues with voters throughout the state in the upcoming year."
Biographical Information Jay Buckey, M.D. is a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate from New Hampshire. He flew as a payload specialist astronaut on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1998, and he also served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for eight years. He is currently a professor of medicine at Dartmouth Medical School. He and his family live in Hanover, NH.
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www.buckey08.com
Paid for by Buckey For Senate, P.O. Box 2208, Lebanon, NH 03766
I have known and respected Jay Buckey for many years. I am working for his campaign full time-- and I hope that you will join me(and a few friends) in supporting a real progressive who will stand up for universal health care, was against the Iraq war from the start, and is building a grassroots network to bring new voters in New Hampshire into the democratic fold.