Restauranter Backs Leavitt In 1st Congressional District GOP Primary

BEDFORD, NH — A New Hampshire restauranter and active Republican who has backed Democrats in the past, too, is throwing his support back to the GOP, at least in the 1st Congressional District primary.

Tom Boucher of Great NH Restaurants endorsed Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday, calling her a refreshing young political leader with an “unrelenting work ethic” and “a strong sense of personal responsibility.”

In an opinion piece submitted to media outlets, he said most people decades older than Leavitt “do not possess her awareness, wisdom, and deep understanding of the challenges facing us all.” A native of New Hampshire from a small town, who grew up working in a small family business, Leavitt’s story, he said, as well as “confidence” and “spirit,” was “so refreshing to see.” Levitt, Boucher said, “understands the need for less government intervention and more freedom in our economy.”

If elected, “she has committed to cutting taxes for businesses and opposes any tax increase,” Boucher said. That formula, he said, was the same taken by Gov. Chris Sununu and the Legislature during the past few years, which has helped navigate the state to a $400 million revenue surplus even during difficult economic times.

“We deserve to decide where and how our hard-earned money is spent, not the government, and that is what Karoline promises to the New Hampshire voters,” he said. “She will give every ounce of her enduring focus and energy to championing pro-growth, free-market policies, and slashing senseless regulations to allow businesses to thrive, empower workers, and fuel, even more, our state’s economic success.”

Boucher criticized incumbent U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, suggesting he “failed our state” by lying about his intentions when elected. He said the Manchester Democrat voted against condemning “the radical defund the police movement” and “voted to make it harder for local law enforcement to protect communities.” In contrast, Levitt supports police and the safety of families and communities, Boucher said.

“(Pappas) was supposed to represent the voters of NH, yet he voted 99% of the time with Nancy Pelosi,” Boucher wrote. “NH didn’t put Chris Pappas in Washington to vote the way Nancy Pelosi votes, which aligns with her liberal constituents of California.”

Boucher acknowledged other candidates running for the nomination, which will be decided in September, but he did not name them. Tom Alciere, state Rep. Tim Baxter, Gail Huff Brown, Mark Kilbane, Mary Maxwell, Matt Mowers, former state Sen. Russell Prescott, Kevin Rondeau, and Gilead Towne are also all on the ballot for Republicans to consider. However, Levitt was “laser-focused on the issues that are most important to the people of New Hampshire.”

Boucher has been known to back Democrats in the past. He commended U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen publicly, including at an event in Concord for the opening of T-BONES. He was also featured prominently in Shaheen television ads, saying, “I’m a Republican, and I’m supporting Jeanne Shaheen because she was there for us.” Boucher said people are often critical of business owners who publicly advocate for specific candidates. But he challenged that assertion.

“Nearly every local, state, federal law, or regulation affects our business, our employees, and our customers,” he said. “Because of that, I feel an obligation to stand up and support people like Karoline Leavitt, who are passionately trying to protect the issues that impact all three of these groups.”

Levitt said she was honored to receive Boucher’s endorsement.

"As someone who grew up in a small business family here in New Hampshire, it's an honor to have the support of so many respected business leaders like Tom Boucher across our state,” she said. “I know firsthand that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and it will be my utmost priority in Congress to help our hardworking business owners and workers by slashing regulations, reducing red tape, and lowering taxes."

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