- Jim Coburn
James B. "Jim" Coburn (born 1944 in
Boston, Massachusetts ) is a politician, and a former Republican candidate for Governor of New Hampshire. He was born inBoston, Massachusetts , but moved toChester, New Hampshire when he was six years old to live with his grandmother after his mother died ofcancer . [http://www.jimcoburn.com/about/bio.html]Background
He graduated from
Pinkerton Academy inDerry, New Hampshire , and worked in a shoe store before joining theUnited States Air Force . He was stationed inWest Germany , serving as the crew chief of a nuclear weapons maintenance team. It was there that he met his wife, Christa.Settling in Chester with his wife, after leaving the service, he worked for
Digital Equipment Corp. for 21 years. In 1994, he and a partner left Digital to start Valco Data Systems, which makes software to archive medical records.Coburn’s wife died in 2004 after a lengthy battle with
multiple sclerosis . When she was diagnosed, he promised her that he would not put her in a nursing home or let her become bedridden. He also promised he would not enter politics as long as she lived.He has said her experience has helped make health-care reform one of his top political priorities.
Political career
House of Representatives (2004-2006)
Soon after his wife's death, Coburn sold his share of Valco to his partner and entered politics. He won a seat in the
New Hampshire House of Representatives in 2004 representing Windham.His voting record as a state representative has reflected a conservative position on taxes, abortion and opposition to gay marriage.
Running For Governor (2006)
In March, 2006, he hired the Manchester firm Meridian Communications to handle his upcoming gubernatorial campaign, and on June 14, 2006, filed his candidacy for governor at the statehouse in Concord.
He is a member of the
National Rifle Association , Gun Owners of New Hampshire, Pelham Fish & Game Club, and the New Hampshire Historical Society.On May 30th, 2006 in the
Concord Monitor , he stated his support for a gas tax.Coburn was a large underdog against Democratic incumbent,
John Lynch , who as of 2006 is one of the most popular governors in the country. Results of the 2006 New Hampshire Elections showed Lynch defeating Coburn by a landslide. [ [http://www.wmur.com/politics/10254641/detail.html/ Election 2006 Results] ]Coburn has two children and three grandchildren.
There was some speculation that Coburn might seek the Republican nomination for
New Hampshire's 2nd congressional district to challenge incumbent DemocratPaul Hodes , but he did not, eventually endorsingJennifer Horn for the position.ee also
* [http://www.jimcoburn.com Coburn for Governor Campaign Website]
References
External links
* [http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2006/06/11/coburn_businessman_turned_politician/ Coburn: Businessman Turned Politician] Boston Globe June 11, 2006; by Norma Love.
* [http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Coburn+makes+gubernatorial+run+official&articleId=9bcbd1cc-b583-4f93-aaf2-e640cb48b6fa Coburn Makes Gubernatorial Run Official] New Hampshire Union Leader June 14, 2006; by Tom Fahey.
* [http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Fergus+Cullen%3A+For+Jim+Coburn%2C+governor's+race+is+all+according+to+plan&articleId=e83465b4-764e-4111-942c-68a77cd1c91d For Jim Coburn, governor's race is all according to plan] New Hampshire Union Leader column, May 24, 2006; by Fergus Cullen.
* [http://www.cmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060530/REPOSITORY/605300317/1101/COL02 McCain: Higher gas taxes will not translate to the U.S.] Concord Monitor, May 30, 2006; by Eric Moskowitz.
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