AFT-NH announces support for Jay Kahn for Senate

Jay Kahn, Democratic candidate for the New Hampshire State Senate in District 10, is a higher education administrative professional for 43 years, 28 of them spent in the Monadnock region at Keene State College.  For that reason, he feels extra proud today to announce his candidacy has earned the endorsement of the American Federation of Teachers-New Hampshire. The American Federation of Teachers-New Hampshire is the largest affiliate of NH AFL-CIO and represents a broad cross-section of teachers, paraprofessionals, police, public employees, and higher education faculty.  Like AFT on the national level, AFT-NH champions “fairness; democracy; economic opportunity; and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for our students, their families and our communities.”

According to AFT-NH President Douglas Ley, Jay Kahn is the strongest candidate in the Democratic primary for State Senate District 10.  “Jay Kahn is the candidate best poised to carry forward the work of retiring Senator Molly Kelly, continuing her tradition of firm advocacy for working people and working families in New Hampshire.” Kahn stated “I am proud to receive the endorsement of AFT-NH.  We share an interest in supporting teachers, students and public employees, and in improving the quality of education.”

Congresswoman Annie Kuster Endorses Jay Kahn for State Senate

Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) endorsed Keene City Councilor Jay Kahn's campaign for the New Hampshire State Senate.  Congresswoman Kuster made the following comments in support of his candidacy:

"I'm very pleased to endorse Jay Kahn in his campaign for the State Senate.  Jay's distinguished record as a leader in both the business community and higher education makes him the best choice to represent the 10th District in Concord.

"I have had the privilege to work with Jay on a number of important initiatives that will increase economic opportunities and help students gain the skills they need for good-paying jobs right here in New Hampshire.  His innovative work creating KSC’s Technology, Design, and Safety Center is helping prepare students to fill valuable manufacturing, construction, and design positions.  His work to establish the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing with the Greater Keene Chamber, Keene State College, River Valley Community College, and the Cheshire Vocational Center and area businesses is a model for workforce development collaboration.

"Jay is smart and compassionate, and I know he will fight every day for his constituents. I look forward to working with him to get results for New Hampshire in the years to come."

This endorsement follows Jay Kahn's support from State Senator Molly Kelly and State House Representatives Michael D. Abbott, Dick Ames, Paul Berch, John Bordenet, Cynthia Chase, Gladys Johnsen, John Mann, Larry Phillips, Tara Sad, Marge Shepardson, Bruce Tatro, and Lucy Weber, all of whom are current Cheshire County elected officials. Congresswoman Annie Kuster has represented New Hampshire's Second Congressional District since 2013.  She has established a record of putting aside party politics to focus on the issues that matter most to Granite Staters, and is seeking a third term in November.

State Senate District 10 Candidate Jay Kahn Earns Endorsement of Molly Kelly

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.