[img_assist|nid=1497|title=Congressional candidate John Stephen|desc=Politicker Photo|link=none|align=left|width=320|height=240]

MANCHESTER- After a day long bus tour of the 1st congressional district, Republican candidate John Stephen officially began his campaign at gathering in Manchester.

"It's time for change and it's time for new blood, new leadership and fresh ideas," Stephen told 275 supporters. "That's why, today, I am announcing my candidacy for Congress."

Stephen, who is running against former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley in the Republican primary, spent most of his speech discussing economic issues.

"We need a tax code that works for you and not for the special interests," he said.

Stephen, the former state Health and Human Services secretary said he would give Americans a choice between the current tax code and a flat tax.

He argued that increased government spending would harm future generations.

"Every time you don't have the courage to say no, you are impacting their future."

Stephen elaborated on his theme of restoring trust in Washington, D.C.

[img_assist|nid=1499|title=John Stephen with state Sen. Jack Barnes (R-Raymond)|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=150]"If we bring back the values that have made New Hampshire strong-low taxes, limited government, less regulation and more personal freedom-we will begin to restore the credibility and faith the people must have in our federal government."

Before finishing he touched upon the topics of illegal immigration and energy independence.

"The United States is losing its sovereignty when we rely on foreign oil," he said.

Stephen spent the day campaigning across New Hampshire on a bus. He visited Glen, Conway, Laconia, Somersworth, Portsmouth and Raymond.

Joining Stephen on the bus were his father Bobby, Executive Councilor Ray Burton (R-Bath) and various family family members and personal friends.

Also, on the bus were two potential future gubernatorial candidates.

Stephen campaign co-chairman former state Sen. Chuck Morse (R-Salem) has often been touted as a possible candidate for high officer. Rhode Island Director of Human Services Gary Alexander was also on the bus and has been rumored to be a possible candidate for Rhode Island governor in 2010.

If Stephen knocks Jeb Bradley out of the Republican primary, he will face Democratic U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, who unseated Bradley in 2006. Bradley recently went live with his first television ads.

ALSO on PolitickerNH.com:

• Stephen continues discussing economy, trust
• Bradley aims at Shea-Porter in first ad