Innis Suspends Congressional Campaign

PORTSMOUTH, NH - A potential challenger to U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta, R-NH, in the Republican primary this September has decided to suspend his effort.

Dan Innis, the founder of The Hotel Portsmouth and Ale House Inn, and dean of the business and economics school at UNH, stated on Facebook on March 25, 2016, that after speaking with his husband, family, and staff, he decided to end his run.

“Between my time commitment to the University of New Hampshire, my business interests, and most importantly, my family, I do not have the time necessary to dedicate myself to a full time campaign,” he wrote. “While I will no longer be running for Congress, I will continue to be active in the New Hampshire GOP and I will work to insure that all voices in our party are heard.”

State Rep. Pamela Tucker, R-Greenland, in a statement, praised Innis and commended his efforts growing the Republican Party in New Hampshire.

“While Dan Innis is no longer a candidate for Congress, he remains a friend and dedicated advocate for the state of New Hampshire,” she stated. “We wish Dan the very best as he now decides the best way to further serve our Party and the people of New Hampshire. This is now a two person race where the choice could not be clearer between a liberal establishment Washington insider and the fresh, conservative approach our campaign represents.”

Rich Ashooh of Bedford, who ran for the seat in 2010, is also thinking about a run this year, according to press reports. Guinta, according to an announcement in January, is also running for re-election.

Whoever wins the Republican primary will face off against the winner of the Democrat primary between former U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, D-NH, and Shawn O’Connor, in the general election.