Kuster fundraising email raises specter of race against Democrats’ favorite bogeyman: Bill O’Brien
An end-of-quarter fundraising email from Congresswoman Ann Kuster warns of a potential re-election campaign against Democrats’ favorite bogeyman. “Rumors are swirling that Bill O’Brien could challenge Annie!” the email reads.
The message goes on to offer a synopsis of O’Brien’s legacy as House speaker, when he “fought to defund Planned Parenthood, repealed our state minimum wage, instituted the most severe cuts to education and made ‘right to work’ legislation a top priority.”
We haven’t heard the swirling rumors of a congressional bid by O’Brien but he did briefly run for the the seat in the last election cycle. The Mont Vernon Republican ended that campaign to take a position in the private sector after a disappointing initial fundraising effort.
Earlier this year, O’Brien’s name was floated as a possible primary opponent for Sen. Kelly Ayotte by conservative Republican activists. The effort to recruit O’Brien for the primary challenge began after he publicly blasted the senator following the arrest of her staffer, David Wihby.
O’Brien scotched those rumors writing, “I am honored by those who think I should run, but I will not. I have made commitments that I must keep and there are obstacles that are insurmountable.”
For good measure, the Kuster fundraising email also targets the Koch brothers. “It’s clear that Bill O’Brien is only fighting for the Koch brothers’ agenda,” the message adds. “Fight back.” Send money.
