Candidates gathered on State House plaza in Concord Sunday afternoon to make their pitches to pro-life voters. Here’s a selection of the speakers. Thumbs up to Women for Bob Smith, who organized the event and managed to bring together a wide variety of candidates.
Bob Smith, running to regain his seat in the U.S. Senate representing New Hampshire: “I don’t know if you know the impact that you have, and how much it means to me that you’re out there.”Andrew Hemingway, candidate for governor, on the right to life: “Is there any other greater cause? No. This is it. The pinnacle. You must take the energy from this day and move this cause forward.”
Sue DeLemus, former state representative running to represent Rochester once again: “I have a very personal connection with the right to life, because I had an abortion. I fight like mad every single bill that’s against life that comes through this House. There is no one in this House who can testify the way I can.”
Kevin Avard, former state representative from Nashua now running for state senate district 12: “What is the first unalienable right? Life. I’m a fighter, and I need your support. Please help me put on the gloves, or take ’em off, one or the other.”
Former state representative and senator Joe Krasucki of Nashua, running for re-election to the NH House: “We’ve got to stand up for life. Without that, nothing else matters.”
Rep. David Murotake, Nashua ward 5: “I will definitely either support or co-sponsor legislation that is pro-life. I supported things like repeal of the death penalty. It’s not just about abortion.”
Katherine Prudhomme O’Brien, candidate for state representative, Derry: “I want to thank Susan [DeLemus] for telling her story. Since the days when I was attending a support group for rape and sexual assault survivors, I haven’t heard those honest stories being told.”
Jim Headd, former state representative running for re-election in a district covering Auburn, Chester and Sandown: “God gave us life from the moment of conception until the time of natural death, and I vow to you that’s how I will vote.”
Linda Gould, state representative candidate from Bedford: “I’m pro-life, and that says it all.”
Karen Testerman: “Life is not an issue; it’s a fundamental principle. There should be no question about it.”
Jennifer Logan reading a message from Jim Lawrence, candidate for Second Congressional District