John Sununu campaigns for Senate as Sununu family legacy features in New Hampshire
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Former senator John E. Sununu is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by retiring Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, while his brother Chris Sununu says he is not involved in the campaign.
Republican former senator John E. Sununu is seeking the U.S. Senate seat from New Hampshire that Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen is vacating. Campaign signs bearing the name "Sununu" have appeared across the state, invoking the political legacy of the Sununu family, which includes former governor Chris Sununu, former governor John H. Sununu and former state party chair Nancy Sununu.
Democratic Senate nominee Rep. Chris Pappas suggested that the omission of John Sununu's first name on some signs might be intended to confuse voters. Both John and Chris Sununu denied the allegation. In an interview, Chris Sununu said, "> Look, if people thought they were voting for me, my brother would be up by 30 points. Come on."
When asked whether he had been asked to campaign with his brother, Chris Sununu replied, "> I’m not involved at all in my brother’s campaign. We all believe in service, but you got to do it on your own. You got to stand on your own two feet. And I’m incredibly supportive, I’d do anything he asked me to, but he knows and I know that you’ve got to run your own race."
Mike Schrimpf, a spokesperson for John E. Sununu’s campaign, said, "> Chris has campaigned with and supported John, along with many other New Hampshire candidates, and of course, everyone in New Hampshire knows that he supports his brother. More importantly, New Hampshire knows the Sununu family’s tradition of independent leadership."
Chris Sununu, now president and CEO of Airlines for America, told CNN that he has appeared with his brother at private fundraisers but has not taken part in public campaigning, adding, "> Look, am I going to support my brother? Of course I am. Me getting on an ad or something saying I hope you vote for my brother. Like that’s lame. Like what’s the point of that? I hope people understand that."
He also noted a recent appearance with Maine Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles at a town-hall event, stating, "> If people ask and I can make it work on my schedule and I believe in what they’re doing, then I’m always happy to help."
Polls currently show Democratic nominee Pappas ahead by several points in a race Republicans hope to win as part of their effort to prevent Democrats from securing the four Senate seats needed for a majority.