[img_assist|nid=1350|title=GOP meatball contest|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=150]STRATHAM- The tri-town Republican committees of Exeter, Stratham and North Hampton hosted a fundraiser featuring homemade meatballs.

Former Congressman Jeb Bradley, former Health and Human Services Secretary John Stephen, Executive Council candidate Russell Prescott and former party Chairman Wayne Semprini were among 18 contestants whose meatball recipes were judged by three local restaurant owners. Famed local chef Mary Ann Esposito decided the winner.

"I thought it was a great idea, it's great seeing the energy and enthusiasm of these activists," Bradley said.

"I think it's wonderful that the organizers that put this on are helping to organize the electorate," Stephen said.

Bradley said that he had no secret recipe but added "I wish I did."

While, Stephen said his secret recipe were old Italian recipes from his father's restaurant.

The meatball contest was not politics-free.

Bradley told the group that he does not agree with candidates who take anti-earmark pledges and cited the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as an example of an earmark that benefits the state. Stephen has pledged that he would not support any earmarks and has taken an anti-earmark pledge.[img_assist|nid=1351|title=18 meatball recipes|desc=|link=none|url=undefined|align=right|width=200|height=150]

Stephen countered that the government needs to control spending.

"The problem is the people who have been sending can't say no," Stephen said.

Stella Scamman was the grand prizewinner, while Semprini and Prescott won most popular from the attendees.