2010 New Hampshire US Senate Primary Race: Bill Binnie

The 2010 New Hampshire State Senate elections, scheduled for November 2, are an important turning point for conservative fiscal spending and long-term growth of our state and national economy. Current announced candidates for the Democratic Party are, Paul Hodes and Joseph Nadeau, and for the Republican Party, Kelly Ayotte, Bill Binnie, Jim Bender, and Ovide Lamontagne. As an independent voter, I have been following the candidates of both parties as their intended policies will greatly affect education, spending of tax dollars, and the economy. As an economist, my vote for senate is swayed for the candidate that can help Washington clean up the spending hemorrhage, and for the candidate that can bring a fresh perspective to the schooling and tax budget. In this article, I will examine my pick, based on economic issues addressed and leadership experience from the candidate that is best suited to tackle economic issues in real time.

Bill Binnie (Republican)

Background information

Bill Binnie, a Republican candidate from Rye, New Hampshire, is a self-made executive who attended Harvard University as an undergraduate and Harvard Business School for graduate school. Bill attended Harvard on scholarship and quickly gained success in the business world after graduation. Having served as the CEO and President of Carlisle Plastics from 1985-1994 before the sale to Tyco International, Bill has had outstanding leadership qualities in the business world. Bill currently serves as the President of Carlisle Capital in Portsmouth, NH. As a successful businessman, Binnie has a track record of growth and leadership at a very young age.

As an independent voter, why does Binnie stand out?

As an economist and independent voter, I have examined the current economic issues for long-term growth and how we are currently being hindered by over spending. Binnie's economic issues are that he stands by are lower taxes, stopping bailouts and government aid to large corporations, the creation of jobs, and for a math/science base in the school districts. Binnie supports pro-choice, however, not partial abortions or federal funding for abortions, which is a key component for concerned independent voters.

Economic issues

For an economy to grow after a recession it requires lower taxes as larger take home income levels stimulate spending on non-essential goods, and the growth of the economy. Currently in Lee, NH, we are facing property tax hikes, as well as high federal taxes. For instance, we currently pay around $9,000-10,000 per year in property taxes for a home valued at $350,000. Lower tax levels enable the average American to spend more on non-essentials, which eventually leads to economic growth and investment, which in turn creates jobs and employment. Unemployment levels in NH are currently at 7.0% (seasonally adjusted) for March 2010.

As a conservative, Binnie wants to tackle "out of control" spending, and enact fiscal responsibility in Washington and New Hampshire. Currently China lends the U.S. funds by purchasing bonds and other American investments in order to support bailouts and large government spending. This policy is not sustainable for the future in competitive markers; therefore, our best option for senate is a candidate that can budget.

Education

Binnie has proposed an emphasis on math and science for students. This policy is excellent if we want to compete on the global level. As a college student, I am often amazed by the lack of math and science skills from students. Students are not taking the initiative of taking advanced math classes at the college level, which over time will decrease our competitiveness in the global marketplace. Although I believe the arts and English are valuable courses, we need to ingrain our students that understand beyond general education math credits are a valuable resource for the future of our economy. Binnie's stance on providing math and science emphasis in the public school system will undoubtedly create more able students, and competitive students in higher education.

Overall

Currently Binnie has stood out on his leadership abilities, knowledge of the business world that goes beyond politics, and his foresight to increase take home income with low taxes. Any economist that has studied the Great Depression will tell you that failure to decrease taxes during the 1930 has led to decreased spending and rationing, which led to little growth. No growth means high unemployment and lower wages, which creates a sense of chaos until investment increases in the private sector. Having faced the greatest recession with the Great Depression, we need a candidate that that can stimulate the economy by lowering taxes and creating employment. Binnie has had a solid foundation in business, which makes him a prime candidate for tackling these complete issues.

Sources:

http://www.binnie2010.com/index.php/issues

http://www.nh.gov/nhes/elmi/unempnr.htm