I am pleased to announce that I am again campaigning for re-election, asking the voters of Dublin and Jaffrey to return me to the New Hampshire House of Representatives for a seventh two-year term.

Election results in 2020 and 2022 have enabled a hard-right takeover of state government. The takeover has not been complete, of course, but it has been sufficient to often allow science- and truth-denying, rule-of-law and system-of-justice denying, extreme libertarian and intensely anti-government factions to unite in steering destructive policy decision-making.

In response to those 2020 and 2022 elections, I have both witnessed and taken great pride in being part of a strong, resilient, intelligent and resourceful pushback in the House by Democrats and a shrinking handful of courageous Republicans and independents against the work of those hard-right factions.

Some particularly egregious pieces of legislation have been stopped, but still the work of our public schools and teachers has been disparaged. The reproductive rights and choices available to women have been threatened. A deaf ear or worse has too often been turned to unjust discrimination. Irresponsible choices by some gun-owners have been championed.

Voting has been made more difficult. Sensible energy policy has been distorted to protect entrenched interests. Pursuit of rational tax policy and educational equity has faltered in the face of a dominant taxation-equals-theft mindset. Acceptance of governmental responsibility for universal access to good health care has been grudging and grossly inadequate. Sadly, I could go on and on.

If re-elected, I will continue to work to move us forward with respect, empathy and civil discussion, seeking always to fulfill the promise of the common good put forth by the founders of our great democracy. To voters in my district, I ask for your goodwill, support and votes.

State Rep. Dick Ames

Jaffrey