Ahead of Independence Day, NH Journal asked New Hampshire political leaders from across the spectrum to name the Revolutionary American who inspires them most. House Majority Leader Jason Osborne chose John Hancock, praising him as a successful businessman who risked everything for the cause of independence.
As the Granite State prepares to celebrate Independence Day, we asked New Hampshire political leaders from across the political spectrum to name their “Favorite Founder” — the Revolutionary American who inspires them most.
NH Journal
The responses produced a few notable omissions, NH Journal reports.
Interestingly, none of those responding picked the ‘Father of our Country,’ Commanding General of the Continental Army, and one-time Culpeper County, Va. Surveyor, George Washington.
NH Journal
The outlet also noted who else was left off the list, including the figure behind the state motto.
Also missing: Gen. John Stark, New Hampshire’s Revolutionary War hero who gave the state its “Live Free or Die” motto.
NH Journal
Among the picks shared with NH Journal, Osborne’s stood out for its focus on Hancock’s standing as a businessman and philanthropist.
House Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R-Auburn): John Hancock
NH Journal
Osborne explained his choice in his own words, pairing admiration for Hancock’s risk-taking with a lighter personal aside.
I have always been inspired by John Hancock, an immensely successful businessman and philanthropist. When it would have been the safe play to remain a Loyalist, he put everything on the line for the independence movement. Having rather poor handwriting myself, I am also entirely envious of that signature of his.
House Majority Leader Jason Osborne
Gov. Chris Sununu offered a different selection, according to NH Journal, naming Paul Revere.
Governor Chris Sununu: Paul Revere “He was America’s first badass,
NH Journal
The annual feature gathers reflections from officials of varying backgrounds ahead of the Fourth of July, offering a snapshot of how state leaders connect the founding era to their own outlook.
The responses spanned a range of figures from the founding period, NH Journal reports, with each leader explaining what drew them to their pick. Osborne’s answer leaned on Hancock’s decision to back the independence movement when staying loyal would have been the safer path.
The feature drew picks ranging across the Revolutionary era from the leaders who responded.
Each explained in their own words what drew them to their chosen figure.
Osborne’s answer paired admiration for Hancock’s business success with respect for his political risk.
The annual question gathers reflections from officials of varying backgrounds ahead of the Fourth of July.
Sununu’s pick of Paul Revere reflected a different corner of the founding story.
The responses offered a snapshot of how state leaders connect the founding era to their own outlook.
The full set of responses is available from NH Journal.
The leaders’ picks spanned generals, statesmen and lesser-cited figures.
Osborne tied his choice to Hancock’s standing as a businessman and philanthropist.
The feature ran ahead of the state’s Independence Day observances.
Each response offered a window into the leader’s view of the founding era.
The leaders’ responses ran the gamut of the founding generation.
Osborne’s pick reflected his admiration for Hancock’s willingness to take a stand.
The feature closed out the outlet’s Independence Day coverage.
Read the full story at NH Journal.
