2nd CD GOP candidate Bosse sets sights on Hodes over illegal immigration and Iraq meddling

Grant Bosse, one of four Republicans in NH's Second Congressional District vying for the opportunity to unseat Paul Hodes in the November elections, took the incumbent Democrat to task over illegal immigration and his Iraq stances in a series of statements this week.

On Tuesday, the Republican challenger issued a press release calling "on Congressman Paul Hodes to back up his supposed support for border enforcement," noting Hodes has "refused to help bring the Secure America through Verification and Enforcement Act (SAVE Act, H.R. 4088) to the House floor, despite being one of the bill's co-sponsors." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi opposes the legislation, and has thus far prevented it from coming for a vote.

“Paul Hodes wants New Hampshire to believe that he supports border enforcement, but his support for Nancy Pelosi always comes first,” Bosse said. “If Paul Hodes really wanted to secure the border, he could back up his empty promises with some real action.”

The Bosse campaign believes "The SAVE Act would provide an additional 8,000 border patrol agents, fund border security improvements, and expand the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism along the northern and southern borders."

As of Tuesday, 181 House Members had signed a discharge petition to bring the bipartisan immigration bill to the House floor. Bosse reports "218 signatures are needed, but Hodes has so far refused to sign. If brought forward, the bill would easily pass."

“Nancy Pelosi has abused power to block terrorism surveillance, to kill trade agreements that would help American manufacturers, and now to prevent tougher border enforcement,” Bosse continued. “Paul Hodes has done nothing to stop her, and New Hampshire will remember his misplaced priorities this fall.”

Continuing the attack today, Bosse took Hodes to task regarding his one of his latest positions involving Iraq. Calling it his "latest stunt to prevent victory in Iraq," Bosse accused Hodes of "Following a pattern of flip-flops," and is now "demanding that the U.S. put a lien on Iraqi oil reserves to pay for ongoing reconstruction efforts."

“Paul Hodes isn’t serious about victory in Iraq or the broader war against Islamic Fascism,” Bosse said. “His latest stunt would undermine American credibility with the Iraqi people, all so that he can continue to pander to his radical leftist supporters.”

The campaign release offered examples of what they mean by "stunts."

"In July, 2006, Hodes promised not to withhold funding for “troop safety and security,” and said equipping the troops was 'the highest priority', but voted against an emergency troop funding bill in 2007. During his 2006 campaign, Hodes said 'I want a new direction' in Iraq and criticized the Administration for not having enough troops, but then belittled General David Petraeus’ proposed 'Surge' strategy as 'too little, too late.'"

Also in July, 2006, according to Bosse, "Hodes said it was simplistic to set a 'date certain' for withdrawal, but on March 23, 2008, Hodes again called for just such a deadline."

More recently, reminds Bosse, "Hodes didn't even bother listening to General Petraeus' Congressional testimony before again calling for American troops to be 'swiftly' withdrawn, which would reverse the gains made in Iraq."

Bosse pulls no punches. “These partisan stunts are endangering America. If Paul Hodes were serious about victory in Iraq, he would stop playing games with funding American personnel overseas.”

The other Republican candidates in the race are Jennifer Horn, Robert Clegg, and Jim Steiner.