MARCHAND WITHDRAWS, ENDORSES SHAHEEN

 
(PORTSMOUTH, NH) - Continuing his commitment to bringing leadership for New Hampshire values, Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand today announced his withdrawal from the 2008 US Senate race, and his support of former Governor Jeanne Shaheen, who entered the race on Friday.

 "I am very proud of the campaign we've run, which has always focused on bringing positive change to Washington," said Marchand. "From ending the war in Iraq, to bringing affordable health care to all Americans, to being the global leader on 21st century energy policy, to restoring fiscal discipline, our message of fiscal and social responsibility is a real New Hampshire message."

 "This has been a true grassroots effort," continued Marchand. "To all those who have supported me in this effort: thank you. I am honored and grateful for the support of hundreds of activists, and the endorsements of over 60 state representatives, multiple state senators, and many city and county chairs. We have had successful fundraising efforts, and polling shows me in a statistical tie with John Sununu today. There is no doubt that we can compete with Senator Sununu. However, this seat is too important to the state and the nation to do anything less than put up New Hampshire's strongest candidate for 2008."

 "Jeanne Shaheen is our strongest candidate to defeat John Sununu in 2008. Her commitment to the same principles that I have fought for during this campaign will make her a tremendous Senator for New Hampshire and the nation. I am proud to support her in all her efforts."

Steve Marchand is the Mayor of Portsmouth, NH. He is the former Northeast Director of the Concord Coalition and Associate State Director of AARP New Hampshire. His campaign website is www.stevemarchand.com.

 
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