Bret Clemons, spawn of NHDP's Co-Vice Chair Jane Clemons is looking to run against North Country Favorite Paul Hodes. Bret is also the brother of NH Dem party ExecutiveDirector former Kerry Campaign staffer Nick Clemons.

Two say they might challenge Hodes for Congressional nomination

By JAMES W. PINDELL PoliticsNH.com

CONCORD, Sept. 28 - There was a time not too long ago when Paul Hodes thought he would sail through the Democratic primary in the Second Congressional District and get a second shot at incumbent U.S. Rep. Charlie Bass.

But now, PoliticsNH.com has learned, Hodes, the 2004 Democratic nominee in that district, will face competition for the nomination by at least one credible Democrat and possibly even a second.

Bret Clemons, a Granite State native and greeting card executive, has moved back to New Hampshire from Ohio and is preparing for a Congressional bid, according to three sources. Clemons is the son of House Deputy Democratic Leader Jane Clemons, of Nashua, and the brother to the Executive Director of the state Democratic Party.

With Nick and Jane on his side expect to see Bret's campaign recieve unparalled support from New Hampshire Democratic Party.

Also considering a bid is House Democratic Communications Director State Rep. John DeJoy, of Concord.

Dejoy, who is serving his second term, said in an interview that he is "actively exploring" a run with "an emphasis on exploring".

"If I were a candidate I would be campaigning, but as it stands I am talking and listening to folks," said DeJoy, a firefighter. "I have been encouraged by what I am hearing, but I am still a few months away from any decisions."

WOW! It’s a regular NHDP insider’s picnic… On a side note Bret's greeting card company uses 0% recycled paper. Paul Hodes plays guitar and makes children's albums. Jon Dejoie doesn't return emails from his Merrimack County Democrats which seems like the county chair thing to do these days.

# posted by Jon Easton : 12:10 PM  1 comments