Posted on 04/05/2002 2:24:19 PM PST by GraniteStateConservative
CONCORD — The first Republican in the race for the 1st District congressional seat will become the second candidate to drop out.
Hampton Falls Republican Mike Chema plans to make it official Monday, but workers for his campaign confirmed Thursday that he will join Bill Cahill in calling it quits.
Cahill announced Wednesday that he had trouble raising money because of the bad economy. Chema friends said that money is not a factor in his decision. Instead, it is family considerations and the time on the campaign trail.
"Money wasn’t an issue, the polls weren’t an issue," said a campaign worker, who agreed to speak about the development on the condition that his name not be used.
Chema, a prominent Exeter dentist and retired Army lieutenant colonel, had established a statewide coalition of veterans. The coalition chairman is Portsmouth’s Paul Chevalier, a retired sergeant major in the U.S. Marine Corps who was chairman of Veterans for John McCain.
Support for troops and veterans, stronger national security and economic improvement were key issues in his campaign to date.
"He’ll spend the weekend talking with his closest friends and supporters," said Chris Williams, with the Chema for Congress campaign.
Chema 53, had raised more than $140,000 for his bid. Cahill, a North Hampton businessman, had raised less than half that amount. He said that it is difficult to raise money with a dozen Republican candidates running for major offices.
Cahill is a former executive councilor and state representative.
The news of Chema stepping aside was cheered by candidates hoping to get ahead.
The Republican candidates include Portsmouth businessman Sean Mahoney, Rep. Fran Wendelboe of North Hampton, Rep. Jeb Bradley of Wolfeboro and Bedford businessman Gary Hoffman. Just this week, attorney Jim Steiner said he will jump into the race.
The race is for an empty seat, because incumbent John E. Sununu is challenging Sen. Bob Smith in September’s GOP primary. Rep. Martha Fuller Clark of Portsmouth is the only Democrat in the race for 1st District.
Dave Carney, a consultant working for Mahoney, said Chema’s departure would only solidify Mahoney’s support, especially in the southeastern New Hampshire.
RJCogburn,
Bradley and Mahoney are probably now the best bets to finish first and second, though I'm not sure in what order. New Hampshire has so many state house members per capita (#1 in the U. S.), it's hard for any of them to get much notice. Mahoney comes from one of the wealthiest parts of the state (the Seacoast region).
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