Free Stater 'DWI Guy' announces state Senate bid

Merrimack defense attorney and “liberty activist” Dan Hynes announced today he is running for the state Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Peter Bragdon (R-Milford).

Hynes, who bills himself as “DWI Guy,” lists his membership in the NRA, Freedom Works and Americans for Prosperity on his campaign website. He doesn’t mention any affiliation with the Free State Project, but he describes himself as a “FSP mover” in a message on the Free State Project Forum seeking campaign volunteers:

Want to visit NH for the summer, and live there for free while doing some political activism for a FSP mover? I am looking for volunteers for a state senate campaign. I will offer free room & board (meaning utilities) for 20 hours a week activism (door-to-door canvassing, phone calls, sign waves, putting stamps on, etc). Additional stipend for extra hours possible. Shoot me a private message. Thanks.

Hynes has pledged $25,000 of his own money for the race. He has hired Nick Zaricki, campaign manager for Josh Youssef’s 2012 state Senate race, to oversee the campaign.

The Republican-leaning District 11 (PVI: R+4) includes the towns of Amherst, Merrimack, Milford and Wilton. A crowded Republican primary is likely with potential competitors including nine-term state House Rep. Gary Daniels (R-Milford), Merrimack Town Councilor Dan Dwyer and former Rep. Maureen Mooney.