Politics & Government

Candidate Profile: Andy Sanborn

Former state senator running for re-election in District 9.

Office Sought

State Senate Dist. 9

Town of Residence

Bedford

Date of Birth

6/15/62

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Political Party

Republican

Employment

Self Employed, State Senator

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Background

A fourth-generation native who has resided in New Hampshire my entire life, my family immigrated to Lebanon NH in the 1840’s during the great potato famine in Ireland.   I was raised in a traditional NH blue collar working family, where, during the depression, my grandfather got a job carrying coal down the street in buckets and ultimately owned the company where my family worked for 65 years.  I started work by pumping gas at age 10 and have never stopped working.  After graduating from New England College in Henniker NH, I moved to Manchester (was actually Ovide Lamontagne’s first tenant) and worked in Commercial and Investment banking at Indian Head Bank and other financial institutions.  Proving that love at first sight is real, by meeting my future wife on my first day of work and after 27 years; she continues to be my entire world.

Embracing my desire to live the American dream I left banking, started and have owned several different businesses in several different industries.  From rewarding successes to real challenges, I wouldn’t do any of it over.  Today I operate businesses in the real estate, auto restoration/machining and hospitality industries.   Laurie and I are staunch outdoor activists who hike, hunt, climb and enjoy all there is in our state.   We are also active motorcycle and snowmobile enthusiasts.

Five years ago, I admit, I had never considered running for office.  I have always voted, but had never had a sign on my yard, nor given money to a candidate.  Like most, just yelled at the TV.  My grandfather said, don’t complain if you won’t take your turn and don’t take your turn unless you have solutions, so I made the decision to run for State Senate in 2008 and became a State Senator in 2010.  Old enough to have learned lessons and yet still young enough to work hard, I have kept my promise to listen and help represent you in Concord.

I am the conservative in this race. I was born and raised in a traditional conservative Irish Catholic family and today am a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish.

I make no excuses for my traditional NH Yankee frugal attitude towards spending tax dollars and my desire for a smaller, more efficient government. Many suggest I am one of the most frugal Senators we have.  Being one of the few State Senators we have who still works for a living, I bring a real world perspective on the relationship between taxpayers and government.  I do not believe that just throwing money at an issue solves the problem.  I bring a much needed common sense approach to problem solving.  I endorse the concept of personal responsibility and personal freedoms, free market and capitalism to solve many of our challenges.   

Political Accomplishments

As a Senator, I have worked tirelessly on:

  • Protecting local control
  • Cutting your taxes – all of them
  • Cutting waste in Government
  • Protecting our 2nd Amendment rights
  • Family rights in educational and health choice
  • Right to work
  • Cutting health care costs
  • Personal Property Protections

Some of my most favored accomplishments have been cutting dozens of taxes, pushing back on almost 50 individual regulations and beginning the process of truly reforming how government operates.  I have one piece of legislation alone which will save you, the taxpayer, upwards of $300 Million out of the next budget. 

Reason for Running

I will also continue my fight to cut our health insurance costs by opening up our boarders to free market competition, and continue to push for more property tax relief.

I have been clear in my position that I do not want to be a State Senator forever.  Like our forefathers said, get in, take your turn and then get out.  Too long we find establishment politicians who lose their way only to keep a grasp on the position.

If I am lucky enough to earn your vote, I will continue the work of the Senate with the great team we have and insure we continue to make a more responsive government which respects you, listens to you and spends your money more carefully then it has been.

Boards, Memberships and Honors

  • Board Member, NH Lodging and Restaurant Association
  • Dean’s Advisory Board, UNH School of Law
  • President’s Advisory Board, New England College
  • Vice Chairman Senate Commerce Committee
  • Vice Chairman Senate Capitol Budget Committee
  • Co-Chairman of the NH – Canadian Trade Council
  • Board member of the NH-international Trade Council
  • Member Senate Health and Human Services Committee
  • Member, National Restaurant Association
  • Member, Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce
  • Board Member, Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association
  • Member, National Rifle Association
  • Member, Sunset Mountain Gun Club
  • Member, Harley Davidson Owners Group
  • Past Member, Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund
  • Past Board Member, Business Finance Authority
  • Past Member, Sno-Shakers Snowmobile Club
  • 2012 Legislator of the year, NH Assisted Living Association
  • 2012 Legislator of the year, NH Safari Club International

Endorcements

  • Senator Ray White
  • Senate President Peter Bragdon
  • Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley
  • Senator Jim Forsythe
  • Roy Stewart
  • The Van Anglens
  • Lou Arcidy
  • Laura Condon
  • Henry Veilleux
  • Steve MacDougall
  • Andy Crews
  • Tom Boucher
  • Nick Vailas
  • John and Doreen Schneller
  • Independent Insurance Agents of NH

Additional Information

Website: www.AndySanborn.com

Twitter: @SenatorSanborn

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Andy4Senate



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