Kevin Smith Eyeing Governor Seat [VIDEO]

All eyes are on the empty seat that will be left by Gov. John Lynch in 2012.

Conservative activist Kevin Smith has set his sights on the position, but has not made a definite decision whether or not he will run.

Kevin Smith is the executive director of Cornerstone Action, a conservative think tank in New Hampshire that is focused on preserving traditional values, limited government, and free markets.

Smith made an appearance at the Amherst Republican Committee meeting in Joey's Diner today to talk about his experience in our state's government and what he sees as the big issues facing its residents.

Although he has not officially announced a gubernatorial run, he talked about what he would do if elected to the position.

His main focus is helping businesses recover and keep jobs in the state through changes such as lowering the Interest and Dividends tax.

“We see unemployment rate, but it doesn't tell the whole story,” said Smith. “People are underemployed, going out of state. The business tax structure in this state is keeping businesses from moving into the state or starting up in the state.”

Smith said new leadership is needed that understands what businesses are thinking and what they need to prosper in New Hampshire.

He has been involved in the state legislature since he was 18-years-old and said government is too complicated to run “like a business.”

“It is a completely different beast, and I have been in the belly of the beast,” said Smith.

He said Cornerstone Action used to be focused on mainly social issues, but they have been taking on other problems in the state since he became involved in 2009.

“Economic issues affect the family,” said Smith. “Nothing puts a greater stress on the family than not having job security.”

Smith said he is not happy with Lynch's performance on jobs and his inattention to “skyrocketing energy rates” in the state over the last eight years.

He opposes the Northern Pass project, saying that the jobs it creates will be temporary and said the eminent domain is a huge issue for members of the community.

“The state jumped the gun on it, the governor jumped the gun on it,” said Smith.

The only Republican to officially announce his candidacy is . If Smith does run for governor, he said that he will stand up to Democrats and make sure they do not “get the upper hand.”

“Democrats are going to fight hard to keep this seat,” he said. “This is going to be a nasty race against the Democrats, they will hold no punches.”