Last night, outgoing State Senator Molly Kelly endorsed Jay Kahn as her successor at a Kahn for Senate house party in Winchester. Senator Kelly’s endorsement announcement focused on Kahn’s background in higher education, namely his 28-year post as Keene State College’s Vice-President of Finance and Planning.
“Throughout my time in the Senate, my highest priority was to increase our state’s investment in education, as it is the most effective and efficient way to building and sustaining a strong economy. Jay’s continued advocacy and support of higher education as well as his understanding of advanced manufacturing and partnerships between business and education will continue the work I have done and ensure that we expand opportunity for everyone in our community,” said Kelly.
In response to Senator Kelly’s support, Kahn said “I am grateful to receive Sen. Molly Kelly’s endorsement; it carries a lot of weight with many people in Cheshire County. She has set an expectation of constituency advocacy throughout Senate District 10, which I will work tirelessly to continue.” This is Kahn’s 29th endorsement from a current Cheshire County elected official. Senator Kelly’s endorsement follows the support of twelve State House members. All of District 10’s House members who have endorsed a candidate in the State Senate primary have endorsed Kahn; that is notable since both of his primary opponents currently serve as their colleagues in the House. Present for Senator Kelly’s endorsement were House members who represent towns near Winchester, Representatives Michael Abbott, Lucy McVitty Weber, as well as the County Register of Deeds Anna Tilton.