Shari Lebreche trying to secure a GOP spot on November ballot via write-in campaign for Belmont House seat

BELMONT — Although only one Republican filed as a candidate for this town's two seats in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, Shari Lebreche, who owns and operates Tilton's Haircuts for Men has mounted a write-in campaign to ensure the GOP fields a full slate in the general election.

Incumbent Republican Rep. Charles Fink chose not to seek re-election to a second term, leaving Rep. Michael Sylvia, who is running for a second term, the lone declared GOP candidate. Two Democrats, Ron Cormier and George Condodemetraky, have filed their candidacy.

Lebreche said that when Sylvia found that a Democrat would capture one of the two seats by default he approached her about filling the ticket. "I thought it over and decided I'm going to try to do it," she said yesterday.

Raised in Northfield, Lebreche, has lived in the region all her life and operated her business in Tilton for the last nine years. She described herself as "conservative" and said that although she has been an active advocate for the rights of gun owners, she has no direct political experience.

Lebreche is opposed to a personal income or general sales tax and believes that balanced budgets and reduced spending would encourage the growth of small business. Right-to-work legislation, she said, would also improve the business climate. Strongly committed to parental and local control of the public schools, she opposes the introduction of Common Core. Lebreche expressed concern about illegal immigration, fearing that the dispersal of aliens throughout the state adversely affect the markets for jobs and housing as well as public safety and national security. Finally, she said that she wants to ensure that the needs of veterans in New Hampshire, particularly their healthcare, are met.

"In my job I talk to a lot of people from all over the Lakes Region and the state and from all walks of life," Lebreche said, discounting her lack of experience. "I have a good idea of what people are thinking and believe I can represent them."

State law provides that a person must receive at least 35 write-in votes in the primary election to qualify for place on the ballot for the general election. A person receiving the required number of write-in votes in the primary election who chooses to accept the nomination must file a declaration of candidacy with the New Hampshire Secretary of State no later than the first Monday after the primary.

The primary election will be held on Tuesday, September 9.