Former Salem Businessman Mulls Governor Run

There's a new face in the race for the Republican nomination for governor.

New Hampshire businessman Steve Kenda of North Hampton, with Republican consultant Chris Wood, said today they had formed an exploratory committee. Here is Kenda's announcement:

“There is so much we could be doing to attract business and investment to this state -- and not one reason why New Hampshire shouldn’t be leading the nation in growth, employment, and quality of life,” said Kenda. “I’m honored by Chris’s support, and excited about the possibility of bringing a real job-creation perspective to the Governor’s office.”

“I’ve been waiting for an experienced conservative leader with real business smarts to enter the New Hampshire Governor’s race,” said Wood. “If he decides to go for it, Steve Kenda is the real deal. He built his success from the ground up, and I for one would like to see that kind of entrepreneurial spirit running this state.”

Kenda, for 22 years, ran Kenda Systems, a software consultant agency headquartered in Salem.

Ovide Lamontagne of Manchester and Kevin Smith of Litchfield are running for the GOP nomination. Others are being mentioned as possible candidates.