State Sen. Ted Gatsas (R-Manchester) has proposed a "Clean Campaign Pledge" to his challenger Bob Backus (D-Manchester), which Backus calls a "gimmick."

The pledge would have the candidates agree to denounce third party activity, agree not to personally attack one another, have the candidates follow "an exemplary code of conduct" and force the candidates to have third parties honor the pledge.

"It's my hope that Bob will agree to run on issues based campaign rather than resorting to scare tactics, distortion and cheap campaign trickery" Gatsas said in a press release.

Backus told PolitickerNH.com that the pledge is a "gimmick to allow Ted Gatsas to buy this seat" and that he will run a campaign based on issues.

"I will be offering plans to tackle issues of the day like improving public transportation and home heating," he said. "Teddy has had years to address them and I still believe that his failure to do so is a very appropriate topic of this campaign. To me that's still campaigning on the issues."

Gatsas said that Manchester Republican Chairman Will Infantine, New Hampshire Republican Chairman Fergus Cullen and state Sen. Jack Barnes (R-Raymond), representative for the Senate Republican Victory PAC, have all signed the pledge. The pledge was also sent to New Hampshire Democratic Chairman Ray Buckley, Manchester Democratic Chairman Chris Pappas and state Sen. Sylvia Larsen (D-Concord) for the Senate Democratic Caucus.

Gatsas is facing Backus in re-match of their 2006 race in senate district 16.