[img_assist|nid=2849|title=State senate candidate Doug Kruse (R-Manchester)|desc=Photo credit: PolitickerNH.com|link=none|align=left|width=220|height=165]State Senate candidate Doug Kruse (R-Manchester) launched with his campaign Wednesday with the theme that "it's time to choose Kruse."

Kruse, an employee of Spectrum Marketing, is running against state Sen. Betsi DeVries (D-Manchester) for the district 18 seat.

The Manchester school board member said he is running to lower government spending in Concord.

"Betsi DeVries and her friends have undergone an unprecedented spending spree," Kruse said. "It is time for change in Concord; it is time to choose Kruse."

U.S. Sen. John Sununu (R-Waterville Valley) began the event by telling supporters that Kruse has more experience than presumptive Democratic presidential nominee U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.).

"Doug is a little younger than me but he still has more experience than Barack Obama and so do I," Sununu said.

Kruse also mentioned Obama at the beginning of his remarks.

"With all due respect to the Illinois Senator, but I think we're fired up and ready to go."

Kruse finished his remarks by arguing that he has beaten DeVries before.

"In the last two elections, in which our names have been on the ballot, I have gotten more votes than DeVries both times."

Earlier today Kruse announced his campaign leadership team.

His team is co-chaired by Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta, Executive Councilor Raymond Wieczorek and Manchester School Board member Debra Gagnon-Langton. Kruse's steering committee includes state Rep. Will Infantine, former gubernatorial candidate Ovide Lamontagne, Manchester Aldermen Real Pinard and Mike Garrity, and New Hampshire Advantage Coalition Chairman Mike Biundo.