By BETH LAMONTANGE HALL
New Hampshire Union Leader
Thursday, Jul. 29, 2010 Share on Facebook
MANCHESTER – In the 18 months former Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta has been running for the 1st Congressional District Republican nomination, the political climate has shifted in conservatives' favor.
But Guinta said he isn't running his campaign based on what's floating in the political wind.
"I've never looked at what does the polling say or can you win given the environment," said Guinta. "Every race I've ever run, going back to my first state representative race (I've been a) Republican in a Democrat ward. Same thing with alderman. Same thing with mayor. A Republican in a Democrat city."
Throughout his interview at the New Hampshire Union Leader yesterday afternoon, Guinta stayed focused on core conservative values.
"I believe in limited government. I believe in individual rights and freedoms and I think all of those positions and philosophies are under attack right now," he said.
Guinta said his top priority, if elected, would be to balance the national budget. He would push for an audit of every government agency, looking for efficiencies and places to cut waste.
Guinta would also support eliminating the U.S. Departments of Education and Energy.
"These two departments, that were created in and around the same time, I don't think we have met the goals or objectives of either one of those departments," said Guinta.
The former two-term mayor also pledged he would not submit any earmarks for the district.
Former Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta, Republican candidate for the 1st Congressional District seat, speaks during an interview at the Union Leader on Thursday. (BOB LAPREE)
"When I say you've got to be a good steward of other people's money, that means you've got to make tough decisions everywhere," said Guinta. "Being a member of congress today shouldn't be about bringing money back to your community or your state or your district. It needs to be about how do we get our economy back on track, how do we put ourselves in financial and fiscal control again.
"That means all of this spending has to stop," he said. "We've got to reform and reshape what Congress is there for in the first place."
Guinta has focused much of his campaign on touting his mayoral record of cutting spending, reducing taxes and working to pass the Manchester tax cap, despite criticism.
Prior interviews in this series:
> Stephen pushes anti-tax pledge (17)
> GOP's Mahoney lays claim to 'outsider' label (25)
> Lamontagne takes aim at rival Ayotte (17)
> Senate hopeful Bender says he's got 'the ability to get it done' (7)
> Kimball says he's rooted in Tea Party movement (14)
> Balancing budget is priority for Rich Ashooh (13)
"You're going to need people, the country is going to need someone to stand up and make those tough decisions. That's what separates me from everybody else," said Guinta. "I've been there. I've been tested. I've stood up to that criticism ... I stood up to it and I didn't crumble."
Guinta is so in favor of the tax cap concept, he would support implementing one on the national level, based on a percentage of the consumer price index.
When it comes to trimming the budget, all areas of spending should be on the table, he said, including entitlement programs and the defense department.
"Trying to be efficient in spending for defense doesn't mean that you're not for the defense of the country," said Guinta.
When it comes to reforming Social Security and other programs, he would consider creating personal accounts and increasing the retirement age.
"Everything has to be on the table," said Guinta. Everything, that is, except tax increases.
"I will not raise taxes in order to balance this budget. I think people are taxed too much already," he said. "We have to stop relying on tax hikes to justify bad decisions about spending or poor management of taxpayers' money."
On immigration policy Guinta said America must first secure the borders, then concentrate on deporting illegal immigrants. Amnesty is not an option, he said. Guinta would also take a hard line on illegal immigrants with American-born children.
"If the parents go, the kids are going to have to go with their parents," he said. "The responsibility of a parent at that point is to keep their family intact. If you're breaking the law and you are deported, you bring your family back to your home country."
On Afghanistan, Guinta said America has to win to ensure national security, but winning could be measured by how much America is able to reduce the number of terrorists.
"I think we have to be extremely vigilant and proactive in ensuring those individuals are not here in this country planning attacks, planning bombings, planning killings," Guinta said.
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I think this quote from the Bob Bestani website summs it up, "Knowing that there is little danger of being publicly challenged, some candidates are now listing out their “agendas”, stacked with wholly unrealistic promises which will never be met and are fully dead on arrival. Not only can these promises never be met, but they will ultimately feed the public’s cynicism and contempt for politics, politicians and our government. As statements of long term intent they would be on the mark. But has short term promises they are empty sloganeering. We need to get serious and honest with the electorate."
- Jim Kach, Madbury
I think people need to open their eyes it's not about the immigrants, or the economy it's about taking our country and making you a slave to big brother, if you don't believe me look around you and see how much welfare there is, and ask yourself if they really wanted to help why am I just getting by and not allowed to work to get extra, because if you do that they will take everything away. Stop being sheeple. Join the infowars and take back YOUR COUNTRY .
- Kitty Fleury, Manchester
For the record Ron, unemployment was at the second lowest point in NH history before the mass French Canadian exodus into Manchester, the first being after WWII.
- Jim Wilson, Manchester
To J. Paige. If you are trying to suggest that the French Canadians who immigrated legally to the West Side didn't assimilate well to this country, you are clearly ignorant of the facts. They didn't take anyone's job away as there was a severe shortage of workers at the time. If your ancestors didn't have a job it's probably because they were lazy.
That the first generation of immigrants didn't become a bunch of English Professors has you generalizing beyond reality. Don't pretend to know my family or any other Canadian family, you have no idea what you are talking about.
It has been and should be our national policy to allow immigration be based on our nations needs, not the needs of those wishing to join us. If we don't have a need for a labor force (there is no need right now) then there should be a moratorium on all immigration.
Also Mr. French history buff, they are called memere's and you should just admit that you don't know much about the subject before you make a complete fool of yourself.
- Ron Remillard, Manchester
I love how all of a sudden republicans want to be fiscally conservative now that we have a democratic president.
Similar to when democrats were anti war during Bush's administration.
Hook,line,sinker...
- Michael C., Hooksett
If his defense cuts includes bringing the troops home from Afghanistan, he’s got my vote. Balancing the budget is a good idea too. Not one dime has yet been raised to cover the trillion dollars spent in needless wars for the last nine years. Maybe we should have a war tax. You know, if it’s that important, stand up and pay for it. The only issue we seem to have bipartisan support for is spending money we don’t have on a war we don’t need.
- Gary Way, Bedford
It really couldn't be more obvious that Sean Mahoney's campaign and its dirty online tricks are up to their usual garbage with making up fake names and trashing Frank on the Union Leader blog. Pretty sad that pro-Amnesty Mahoney can't run on his own issues but rather has trash on another Republican. I'm with you Guinta all the way and you have my support!
- Daren Smith, Manchester, NH
Frank Guinta did a great job as the Mayor of Manchester. I've lived here for the last 16 years and I know that we are safer and in less fiscal trouble because of his hard work!
I completely support Frank in his bid for Congress, he's a tested conservative leader! Go Guinta!
- Mary Stone, Manhcester
As a Manchester resident and a supporter of the spending cap, I really appreciate the Mayor's willingness to stand up for the taxpayer. I wish you would have stayed another 4 years! I look forward though to supporting you in the upcoming election.
- Joseph Volante, Manchester
@post: someone from Manchester with the last name of Remillard is the last person I'm gonna listen to about immigration. Ask your great grandparents about their role. Ask them how french canadians were treated when they invaded manchester, shacked up in tenement houses, opened up french speaking neighborhood stores, took the jobs of the wasps who lived here like my family. There are still meme's on the west side who can barely speak any english. Let's deport them too. The only thing that makes most of the modern mexican immigrants illegal is that we have a quota system that is too low, so people who would otherwise be perfectly valid to get in can't. If your aunt and uncle can hook you up with a place to live and a good job in the US you're not gonna wait 2 decades for quotas to change, you're just gonna go to your uncles and work. Just like the French Canadians did. It's not a threat to anyones way of life, it's just life.
- J Paige, Manchester
If you look at Guinta's voting record while he was a State Rep, you will see that he usually voted in favor of both increased spending, and higher taxes. His voting record looks a lot more like that of a Seacoast Democrat than a Hillsboro County Republican. Now he wants votes so suddenly he has "seen the light!?" Don't buy the magic beans, folks.
- Scott Scarborough, Merrimack
Spending and tax cuts financed by issuing bonds 9debt) is not saving at all!!!! That is EXACTLY what is already going on in DC. The federal government plays numbers with money to make borrwed money look like savings. Until the monetary policy is changed Guinta and every other candidate can talk about the fiscal policies until they turn blue and NOTHING will change!
"On Afghanistan, Guinta said America has to win to ensure national security" Um what constitutes a win in afghanistan? imperialism and building a highly centralized puppet government? Expanding the war into pakistan? Limiting our troops rules of engagements such that rocket propelled grenade holding towel heads can give our troops the bird and our troops can do nothing until fired upon? That is an occupation MR Guinta. Occupations are not won, Wars are won. Both are incredibly expensive in terms of human life and money. Please don;t tell me you are going to cut taxes if you are going to keep spending money to bomb people who can't afford a door for their cave. The only taxes you cut will be financed by future debt. Further tell us where you stand on the imminent war with Iran and Venuezuala (you do know that Obama just sent 7,000 marines and 42 US ships there right?) How about our occupation of Haiti?
- Michael Layon, Derry
Frank Guinta made Manchester stagnant and now he seeks higher office? I guess this goes to show that voters (some) love to elect people who are full of hot air but have no substance. What has Guinta really brought to politics? Nothing but embarassment. He did nothing as Mayor and now sets his sights on Congress? What a joke. Sound slike Guinta should stick to swilling booze at the Fish and Game club and witness brutal assaults.
- Rich Rhone, Manchester
Does "all this spending have to stop" refer to him not paying his property taxes?
- Jim Wilson, Manchester
J. Paige, it is pure ignorance to suggest that illegal immigration has zero impact on NH. No one here is claiming that our impact is as great as California, Arizona, New Mexico or Texas, but there certainly is one.
The rest of your post is just plain stupid. You and the rest of the leftists in this country still can't discern the difference between legal and illegal immigrants. My great grand parents immigrated legally. They waited in line, paid the appropriate fees and assimilated very nicely into our country. That's all we're asking.
- Ron Remillard, Manchester
I think Frank makes some great points in this article and I appreciate his proven track record in Manchester.
- Steven Wright, Hooksett
What a great article. As a true conservative myself, it is nice to have a candidate who represents my ideals in Frank Guinta. Frank, you have my vote and my support 100%.
- Fred Jenkins, Manchester, NH
Blah blah blah... I'm a career politician with zero real world experience... blah blah
- David Wilson, Manchester
Mr Tarr of Manchester ----- your final lines tells it all . "violated any legal laws against a fellow man" they have violated legal laws, they are here illegally. I am not against immigration, just illegal immigration.
tom lowe, hooksett ----- I believe you are incorrect, if a person is born in the US, that alone makes them a US citizen, not the mother but the child is a US citizen.
Does anyone think Frank Guinta would sign a statement saying he accepts resignation the same day the first "earmark" shows up. Is he going to increase the retirement age of politicians.
- Rich, Loudon
Spending is important but I'd like to see someone speak on some jobs!!!!
- deter, derry
Tom,
The parents aren't, but the kids are. At least that how our courts have ruled. I'd be welcome to that more strict interpretation, but we haven't been following it.
Robert Tarr,
Do you work for the UN?
- Mark Ellis, Bedford, NH
Illegal immigration is ILLEGAL, first and foremost.
US Constitution and Declaration of Independence were not created for a lawless and border-less country on a suicidal mission.
Enforce the laws. That is what "We the People" expect and require. Stop the illegal invasion.
The 14th Amendment was enacted specifically to protect freedmen and their children from being disenfranchised. It doesn't give the right of a visitor to this country, legal or illegal, who gives birth to a child while in the US to claim his/her citizenship automatically.
- Art, Hampton
So the only thing he has going for him is "I was an awful mayor and everyone criticized me cause I was screwing them over, but I didn't cry when they criticized me." And the immigration issue is a litmus test for cowards and traitors. Being born in the US yet you shouldn't be allowed to be a citizen? Really? Illegal immigration has absolutely no impact whatsoever on NH, NONE. Have the guts to say you just hate mexicans instead of hiding behind an issue that effects the southwest and not us. Every great american was born of immigrant blood and to stand against that is to be a traitor to America. period.
- J Paige, Manchester
Mark ellis, US born children of illegals are not necessarily US citizen. See the US Constitution, 14th Amendment, Section 1 that says "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States..."
illegals are not subject to the jurisdiction thereof.
- tom lowe, hooksett
Tom, read then write.
They are BORN here and therefore they are citizens.
However, if you are a non-citizen, merely having a US citizen child does not give you the right to remain in the US.
- oscarthegrouch, Nh
I just want someone to represent me!
Unlike Obama and somewhat Sean I want to vote for someone that understands "the rule of law" and the fiscal and security concerns those breaking into my country are posing to all of us. No more talk - we, the American people want action taken.
Just so Mr. Fortin gets it, I support Frank, Ovide, and John Stephen. If I could vote in Dist 2 it would be for Jennifer Horn.The primary is so important.
bnyoung@metrocast.net
- Niel Young, Laconia
Illegal immigrants? Hey, deport Guinta back to New Jersey...before it's too late. If only he had the work ethic of the average immigrant.
New Hampshire, protect our borders from this self-serving political hack. Please put party affiliations aside and look into what this guy really did and didn't do while in Manchester.
Good luck to all the candidates.
- Jerry Stiles, Manchester
Any person who dealt with Guinta during his term here in Manchester would know what a rude, selfish and moronic person this guy is. All he can say is I lowered taxes. We all saved $5 and the city turned into a pit!
- Amy, Manchester
Tom Lowe, you are wrong. They are subject to the jurisdiction thereof, by being in country. For them to not be citizens would require them to leave and petition to be citizens elsewhere.
- Steve B, Derry
Mark ellis, US born children of illegals are not necessarily US citizen. See the US Constitution, 14th Amendment, Section 1 that says "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States..."
illegals are not subject to the jurisdiction thereof.
- tom lowe, hooksett
This guy has soo much hot air he is contributing to global warming.
- Leon, Manchester
Go Frank Go!
- Phil Mogitz, Goffstowj
"The answer is to make natural-born citizenship require one parent be a U.S. citizen, not to ship the American kids home with mom and dad. - Mark Ellis, Bedford, NH" Wrong approach Mr. Ellis of Bedford. How would you feel if mom and dad were sent back (not shipped, they are not cargo, they are human beings) and the child(ren) are left to face uncertain futures with someone else? Mr. Ellis you also state 'require one parent be a U.S. citizen'. Again how would you feel if you are told; "Sorry, you must marry someone with citizenship to keep yourself and your children here in the U.S.?" That Sir, is unAmerican completely. We, the people of these United States have the right to marry and live freely among our fellow men/women. No government, be it national, state or local has the right to determine whom we marry, the United States Declaration of Independence, says so as it is written; ""Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". So what we, as a country should be saying is that all immigrants who come to this country, which have inalienable rights, can pursue a place in which to live in other than the country from which they were born in. In contrast, natural rights (also called moral rights or unalienable rights) are rights which are not contingent upon the laws, customs, or beliefs of a particular society or polity. Natural rights are thus necessarily universal, whereas legal rights are culturally and politically relative. So yes, so called undocumented immigrants may have violated a form of legal right to be here, they also have a natural right to come to this country and seek citizenship which in turn would dismiss a violation of a legal right. To dismiss citizenship and not seek such would be an agreement that they knowingly are violating a legal right and should be sent back to thier country of origin. So in closing, those seeking citizenship should be allowed to seek out a means of it being granted without the fear of being sought after and forced to return to thier country of birth. We need to be pro-active with immigrants and not reactive. We must give them the chance to become Americans and not treat them like a threat if they have done no harrm to others or violated any legal laws against a fellow man.
- Robert M Tarr, Manchester
Simply said Frank Guinta is a quitter and a back stabber and who needs another one of those in Congress. He walked out of the job as Mayor because he could not justify his poor service and then sneaked away after a bar fight leaving an acquaintance injured to make sure he was not implicated in the scuffle and when his mentor Jeb Bradley needed him most he sold out to already two time loser John Stephen and after the primary both sat on their hands when Jeb lost to CSP. What will he do if by some tragic mistake he is elected to Congress? Will he quit and run away when the going gets tough and stab his constituents in the back. Like his potential Democrat opponent CSP Frank Guinta cannot be trusted to represent the best interests of the residents of the 1st Congressional District. All he is, is another CSP with a loose Republican label. If he wins the primary I will leave that part of my ballot blank.
- Richard L. Fortin, Manchester
Guinta is like a bumper sticker. He talks in one sentence sound bytes and says alot of nothing. Guinta must be thirsty by now. I bet there is a nice dive bar for him to settle into somewhere or some parkinglot.
- Rich Rhone, Manchester
OK, as dumb an idea as Sean Mahoney's illegal immigrant catch-and-release program was, Guinta's throw out the American citizens program is equally as silly. These are American citizens. They have constitutional rights too.
The very problem is that they are American citizens. The answer is to make natural-born citizenship require one parent be a U.S. citizen, not to ship the American kids home with mom and dad.
- Mark Ellis, Bedford, NH