Innis Campaign Pounces on Guinta Re-Election Announcement

PORTSMOUTH, NH - One of U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta’s Republican primary opponents for 2016 has come out swinging against the incumbent stating that his “illegal campaign activities, five years of lies, and his failed leadership make it clear that it is time for new representation for New Hampshire.”

Both candidate Dan Innis, and campaign advisor Bill Lockhart, stated that while Guinta has acknowledged his Federal Election Commission violation and paid back money to his parents, his “values do not reflect the values of New Hampshire and we must do better.”

Lockhart said, “Republican Chairwoman Horn said it best – ‘(Guinta) lied and betrayed the public trust.’ Guinta’s illegal actions and subsequent decision to run for re-election are an embarrassment to the Republican Party and another example of Frank Guinta bringing Washington values to New Hampshire.”

Guinta, according to press reports, cashed numerous checks issued from his parents’ account that he said he had legal access to in 2009 and 2010, resulting in more than $355,000 flowing into his campaign coffers which helped buoy his race against U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, D-NH, in 2010. In a unanimous decision from the Federal Election Commission, something that is very rare, Lockhart noted, he was found guilty of violating the law.

Innis added that while campaigning around the First District, he had heard from “countless New Hampshire voters” who are tired of the shenanigans.

“I’ve been traveling all over the district and hearing time and time we need something besides the merry-go-round of Guinta and Shea-Porter,” Innis said. “The support I’ve been receiving has been humbling to say the least. People are tired of ineffective leadership in Washington. Voters have seen what I’ve accomplished at UNH and in the private sector and are encouraging me to bring that leadership to Washington.”

Innis, who lost to Guinta by about 5,000 votes two years ago, said he would focus on fiscal responsibility, leadership, and integrity. The campaign noted that his fundraising had exceeded Guinta’s for the last two quarters.

State Rep. Pam Tucker, R-Greenland, has also been considering a run at the Republican nomination while Porter is also running again.