Meet the GOP Candidate: Joe Kenney

PLMOUTH, NH- On Tues., Feb. 4, at 5:30 p.m., the Plymouth State University Republicans held their Spring 2014 kickoff. Food and drinks were served in the HUB Tower Room as a group of 14 students and staff sat down to listen to Former District 3 State Senator Joe Kenney.

Joe Kenney, a Republican, has spent 14 years in legislature, as well as having been a state representative and the selectman of Wakefield, NH. He spent 30+years in the Marines and served three tours in the Middle East. Currently, Kenney is running for a spot on the Executive Council.

The Executive Council, to put it into simpler terms, is in charge of helping people. At a state level, the government council spends about $2.9 billion dollars per year helping with projects all around New Hampshire, working to better the state. Ray Burton held the seat Kenney is running for. Burton passed away on November 12, 2013, and left the position open to a special election.

Throughout the meeting, Kenney stressed that his main concern was getting out into the towns and meeting people face-to-face, whether they be Republicans or Democrats. "I've helped more Democrats than I have Republicans over the years," said Kenney. He stressed that the job of Executive Council is about helping people as whole, not just those who support him.

"Joe Kenney has never asked anyone if the are a Democrat or a Republican before helping them," said Stacey Crane, Kenney's representative. 

When the time came to ask questions of the candidate, the students had a chance to voice their concerns and get to know more about where Kenney stands on issues ranging from student loans and debt to Planned Parenthood. "I think Planned Parenthood is going to be supported by Obamacare. I do support preventative healthcare for women...I have a proven record," said Kenney.

"There's nothing...political about helping people. You don't have to be blue or red to help people," said Connor Brown, a student and member of PSU Republicans.

This was the first Meet the Candidate event hosted by the PSU Republicans. They plan to host more Republicans running for various state offices throughout the spring semester.