Guinta tells Laconia Rotarians he felt compelled to take anohter shot at representing First District in Congress

LACONIA — "I think we're in trouble," Republican Frank Guinta, told the Laconia Rotary Club yesterday. "The country is headed in the wrong direction."

Guinta is challenging Democrat Carol Shea-Porter, the incumbent, in the First Congressional District for the third time in the past four years. Elected in 2006, Shea-Porter served two terms before being ousted by Guinta in 2010. Two years later she turned the tables, setting the stage for the third round of their rivalry on Tuesday, November 4..

"It was rather nice not to talk or think much about politics," Guinta said of the first six months following his defeat, which he spent with his wife, Morgan and their daughter Colby and son Jack. He said that he enjoyed "looking at the world through the eyes of a private citizen."

Guinta was troubled by what he saw. He said that from his parents he learned that "if you work hard you can pursue any opportunity you so desire" but he is concerned that for the first time the opportunities open to the next generation may not match those of the last.

"We face some very challenging problems," Guinta said, "but there are some very logical solutions." He said that neither the budget deficits nor the national debt are sustainable, noting that he is among the sponsors of legislation requiring a balanced budget. Government regulations have become increasingly onerous, he claimed, especially on small businesses, which he called "the backbone of the New Hampshire economy."

Guinta stressed the importance of reforming the individual and corporate tax codes to enable businesses to become more competitive internationally. In particular, he said that steps must be taken to forestall American corporations from escaping their tax liability by acquiring companies overseas.

Turning to foreign policy, he suggested that the stature of the United States abroad has diminished. "We need to have a role where we are respected," he said. "Where we can lead."

In response to a question, Guinta warned that without changes the Social Security system will go bankrupt. Asked twice what steps he would take to sustain the system, he said he would convene a bipartisan committee "with everything on the table" and ensure that those impacted by any changes would have 25 or 30 to plan for their retirement. Pressed he replied, "a combination of things."

"Cynicism about politics is well warranted," Guinta said, conceding that Congress has had scant success in addressing these issues. He said that although the current House of Representatives has passed 285 bills, 90-percent of them with bipartisan support, the Senate has taken a mere 21 votes. The process by which the House, where the Republicans have held the majority since 2010, and Senate, where the Democrats hold the majority, adopt different versions of the same legislation, including the budget, then resolve their differences in a committee of conference, Guinta said has not been working for six years.

"Most people don't think there is a Republican or Democratic way to pick up trash or plow roads," Guinta remarked, emphasizing the need for "good public policy, not politics, regardless of party affiliation. We must restore faith in government."