2 Of 3 GOPers Running For Congress Commit To Feb. 8 Straw Poll

HOPKINTON, NH — Republican Congressional candidates running for the 2nd Congressional District nomination will face off for the first time in the "First in the Nation" primary state. The candidates will meet voters at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018, at the Hopkinton Town Hall, 330 Main St. in Hopkinton. The event is being hosted by the Hopkinton Republican Committee.

Three GOP candidates – former state Rep. Lynne Blankenbeker of Concord, Dr. Stewart Levenson of Hopkinton, and state Rep. Steve Negron of Nashua – have all been invited. So far, Blankenbeker and Levenson have accepted the invitation to attend.

"I'm excited to attend the Hopkinton GOP Straw Poll event," Blankenbeker said in a press statement. "It represents one of the most important aspects of New Hampshire politics: personal, grassroots campaigning. I'm looking forward to meeting more voters from the second congressional district and catching up with old friends."

Levenson agreed.

"As a conservative outsider with a proven record of reform, I look forward to speaking with my hometown voters the Hopkinton Republican Straw Poll," he said. "I am running for Congress to hold the Washington politicians accountable and put New Hampshire first by working with communities across the state to defeat the opioid crisis, secure our borders, defend the second amendment, and provide quality healthcare for all."

The free event, the committee stated, allows an early glimpse into each candidate, their positions, and ability to win the general election against incumbent U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, D-NH.

Each candidate will speak for five minutes followed by questions and answers from the public. Immediately following, voters decide the victor of the 1st "First in the Nation" Straw Poll, according to the committee.

Blankenbeker file photo by Tony Schinella, Patch staff. Other photos from candidate websites.