eddie edwards (nh-01) extended backgrounder...eddie edwards (nh-01) backgrounder | 1 eddie edwards...
TRANSCRIPT
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 1
Eddie Edwards (NH-01) Extended Backgrounder
Significant Findings
Edwards approved of the Republican tax bill and said he would fight to keep the tax cuts permanent
Edwards was disappointed that Republicans have not yet repealed and replaced the Affordable Care
Act
Edwards was worth between $235 million and $825 million as of September 2018 Edwards appeared
to have failed to file his required second candidate personal financial disclosure
Edwards worked at the New Hampshire Liquor Commissionrsquos Enforcement Bureau from 1995-2013
working his way up to Lieutenant and eventually Chief
Edwardsrsquo tough childhood ndash with an abusive addict father and growing up in the projects of Atlanta
ndash made him a teetotaler and an avid critic of alcohol and substance use
While working as Chief Edwards opposed happy hour and flavored alcoholic beverages wanted to
strictly regulate night club dress codes and employees and was known for being tougher on
businesses than prior leadership
Edwards also advocated for increasing licensing fees on restaurants up to twentyfold and argued it
would not hurt the economy despite evidence to the contrary
While Edwards received credit for cracking down on alcohol violations he refused to seek the
strongest charges on illegal gambling establishments
After the Liquor Commission Edwards started his own lobbying firm which served alcoholic beverage
companies Edwards initially said the job was ldquonot a lobbying job in the traditional senserdquo but was a
registered lobbyist until December 2017
Edwards was a state lobbyist while simultaneously working for Rep Guinta While Edwards cleared
the action with the House Ethic Committee Rep Guinta himself said that it was inappropriate and
that he had not been made aware
While working for the Liquor Commission Edwards became known as a whistleblower accusing the
Commission of illegally hiring a lobbyist accusing the Commission of unfair bias in awarding contracts
and accusing a local politician of improperly inserting himself into a Commission investigation
In 2009 Edwards filed a discrimination charge with the EEOC and New Hampshirersquos Human Rights
Commission alleging racial discrimination as a result of Edwardsrsquo many whistleblowing attempts and
strict enforcement practices The case was eventually settled for $160000 and Edwardsrsquo retirement in
2013
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 2
Edwards was a firm Trump supporter and received endorsements from Rudy Giuliani and Rick
Santorum
While Edwards criticized his Republican opponent for sexual misconduct he excused Trumprsquos behavior
Edwards was against imprisoning nonviolent drug offenders calling drug abuse a ldquohealth crisisrdquo
Edwards favored eliminating the Department of Education
Despite having previously been in law enforcement Edwards was against banning bump stock or any
other form of gun control
Edwards attended community college to earn his Associatersquos degree took online courses to earn his
Bachelorrsquos degree and has taken two short-term leadership courses
Court records indicate Edwards may have had a warrant in Florida until 2009 for driving on a
suspended or revoked license in 1987
Eddie Edwards is a 50-year-old Republican candidate for New Hampshirersquos First Congressional
District currently held by Rep Shea-Porter Edwards is a Navy Veteran and former law enforcement
officer He is currently a lobbyist and consultant for his own firm
Edwards was raised in a middle class family in Atlanta In his teen years he moved to the projects to
take care of an ailing grandfather In his upbringing Edwards saw problematic substance usage As
a teen he watched a drunk man beat his wife with a brick and Edwardsrsquo father was a crack dealer
Subsequently Edwards has never had a drink of alcohol Florida court records suggest that in 1987
Edwards was cited for driving with a suspended or revoked license and a warrant existed for
Edwards for this offense until 2009 In 1987 Edwards joined the Navy and moved to Portsmouth
After leaving the Navy in 1990 Edwards worked as a corrections officer for five years before joining
the enforcement division of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission
Edwards began working at the Liquor Commission in 1995 was promoted to lieutenant in 2002 and
was made the chief of enforcement in 2005 Edwards took quick action against a number of
Manchester bars and the actions earned him a reputation for strictness from the press Yet
Edwardsrsquo strictness seems to only have applied to alcohol On three occasions Edwards refused to
apply the strictest punishments for establishments found to have illegal gambling a felony offense
Edwards deliberately declined to aggressively enforce the law banning smoking when it first went
into effect and he favors decriminalizing of Marijuana
Edwardsrsquo fervor for enforcing alcohol laws coincides with his views on alcohol generally Edwards
has expressed prohibitionist views suggesting that those who do not abstain from alcohol are not
courageous and decrying communities that tolerate alcohol Edwards has favored the prohibition of
two mass-manufactured alcoholic beverages backed policies curtailing nightclubs and strictly
enforced a law barring happy hours Edwards also advocated for raising fees on restaurants which
serve alcohol up to twentyfold and argued that would not hurt the economy
Edwards made three allegations of ethics problems involving the Liquor Commission He alleged
that the Commission hired a lobbyist illegally an accusation the Attorney General found baseless
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 3
Edwards also alleged a New Hampshire House official exerted influence on the Commission to help a
friend and he testified against the Commission in a lawsuit suggesting a bidding process had been
rigged against a company owned by Brian Law That lawsuit was settled in 2015 costing the
Commission $25 million
Edwards left the Commission in 2013 announcing the formation of his consulting firm and said ldquoit
is not a lobbying job in the traditional senserdquo Yet in 2017 Edwards attested that he was a lobbyist in
2016 for alcoholic beverage companies Edwards quickly and briefly worked as the Chief of Police
for South Hampton beginning in 2014 He then left that job in 2014 and ran for State Senate losing
by two thousand votes in the General Election In 2015 Edwards worked for Rep Guinta a man
Edwards said he admired and called a friend Edwards left that position in 2015 returning to his
consulting firm where he lobbied
Background
BORN Eddie Edwards 321968
EDUCATION Northcentral University BA in Business Administration New Hampshire Technical Institute
(Concord Community College) Associatersquos degree in Criminal Justice National FBI Academy 10 Week
Constitutional Law and Labor Law Program Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education
Strategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agencies
PROFESSIONAL President Eddie Edwards Consulting (2013-Present) Director of Community Relations
Rep Guinta (2015) Chief of Police South Hampton 2013-2014 Chief Liquor Commission (2005-2013)
Lieutenant Liquor Commission (2002-2005) Corrections Officer Strafford County (1990-1995)
MILITARY US Navy (1987-1990)
POLITICAL 2016 State Co-Chair for Dr Ben Carson 2014 Candidate for State Senate
NON PROFIT New Hampshire Disproportionate Minority Contact Committee New Hampshire Endowment
for Health PIRE National Leadership Institute on Underage Drinking Enforcement Partnership for a Drug
Free NH NH Chiefs of Police Association NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice Easter Seals ndash
Veterans Count Cocheco Valley Humane Society SPARK NH National Organization of Black Law
Enforcement Executives FBI National Academy Association Equity Leaders Fellowship NH National
Alcohol Beverage Control Association Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association Children of the Fallen
Patriot NH Endowment for Health (PAST) Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Personal Life And Family
Edwardrsquos Father And Eventually His Brother Were Addicts
Edwardsrsquo Father Was An Illiterate Crack Dealer Who Abused His Mother
Edwardsrsquo Father Was Illiterate With A Third Grade Education ldquoAnd even his father shaped him as Willie
Sr who was illiterate and had a third-grade education frightened him but told Eddie he wanted his children to do
better than he had lsquoHersquod say therersquos only one dummy in the house and thatrsquos (Willie Sr)rsquo Edwards said He said
he harbors no lingering hostility toward his father who finally first told Edwards he loved him when Edwards was
32 years oldrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Edwardsrsquo Father Was A Crack Dealer ldquoEdwards explained that his father was a crack-cocaine dealer and his
grandparents were the main influences in his life His upbringing is what motivated him to become a member of the
Navy and a chief of policerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 80514]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 4
Edwards ldquoI Have Images Forever In My Head OfhellipMy Father Beating And Hurting My Motherrdquo ldquolsquoI have
spoken openly and honestly about how my childhood was one that was challenging I have images forever in my
head of my mother asking for the horrible things being done to her to stop That was the hands of my father beating
and hurting my mother Those are the earlier memories I have as a young child growing up Hearing your mother in
pain Itrsquos truthfully something you never forget But having the police come to your home Those lights and sirens
meant a place of safety for me Thatrsquos why I joined law enforcement shortly after my active duty military service I
wanted to be in law enforcement because I was drawn to it Those blue lights and policing has been a part of who I
am It has truly shaped me because I felt that they protected my motherrsquordquo [WMUR 82118]
Edwards Refused To Testify To Help His Brother In A Homicide Case
Edwards Refused To Testify To Help His Brother In A Homicide Case ldquoHis mother was on the line She asked
Edwards who months earlier became chief of the New Hampshire Liquor Authorityrsquos Enforcement Division to
return to Atlanta and testify on behalf of his older brother Willie Willie had killed a man and Edwardsrsquo mother
wanted him to say that it wasnrsquot all Williersquos fault because of the abuse the brothers had shared at the hands of their
drug-addicted father Willie Sr who whipped the boys with electrical cords and beat their mother Doris when he
was high and angry Recalling the happy boy his older brother was before choosing the path presented by their
abusive father and the decisions Edwards made to take a different road he gave a difficult answer lsquoI didnrsquot do it I
refusedrsquo he said Edwards now 47 said his brother had the same choice Be like their father or take an alternate
route Willie admired their dad and wanted to be just like him Edwards said lsquoHe went full force into that lifestylersquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Edwards Grew Up In A Middle Class Neighborhood In Atlanta Then Moved To The Projects To
Take Care Of His Grandfather
Edwards ldquoGrew Up In A Middle-Class Atlanta Neighborhoodrdquo Then Moved To Take Care Of His
Grandfather In The Projects ldquoHe grew up in a middle-class Atlanta neighborhood As a young teenager
Edwards moved in with his grandparents to help his wheelchair-bound grandfather They lived in the projects in a
neighborhood overrun by privately owned package storesrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
Edwards Had Incredibly Negative Views Regarding Alcohol
After Teenage Influences Regarding Alcohol Edwards Abstained From Alcohol
Edwards Said That Alcohol Caused Domestic Violence ldquoEdwards 39 said he has never taken a drink He
describes living in a housing project with his grandparents as a teenager and watching a drunk man beat his wife in
the street with a brick while onlookers ignored her cries for help lsquoThatrsquos what happens in communities when you
tolerate (alcohol)rsquo he saidrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
Edwards Said That Alcohol Led To Low Productivity ldquoAs New Hampshires chief of liquor enforcement Eddie
Edwards is a leader in the fight against underage drinking and alcohol abuse Its a cause he believes in because he
sees the states biggest problem as the social cost involved with the abuse and illegal use of alcohol tobacco and
drugs lsquoExcessive drinking leads to alcoholism and low productivityrsquo said Edwards lsquoIt leads to people not going to
work not adding to local businesses not supporting their families It has a very negative effectrsquordquo [Union Leader
12818]
Edwards Said That Alcohol Use Was The Biggest Problem Facing New Hampshire ldquoBiggest problem facing
New Hampshire The social cost associated with the abuse and illegal use of alcohol tobacco and other drugs This
cost has a significant impact on the quality of human life and the economic success of business in New
Hampshirerdquo [Union Leader 12808]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 5
Edwards Was A Teetotaler ldquoHe loved sports including football and wrestling which made him decide to never
touch a drop of alcohol He still hasnrsquot had a single siprdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Edwards Suggested Those Who Donrsquot Abstain From Alcohol Arenrsquot Courageous And Decried Communities
Which Tolerate Alcohol
Edwards Suggested Those Who Do Not Abstain From Alcohol Arenrsquot Courageous ldquolsquoI think itrsquos totally unfair
to tell young people to lsquojust say norsquo to drugs and alcohol when we donrsquot have the courage to do it ourselvesrsquo said
Eddie Edwards chief of license and enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission lsquoAt some point you
have to show real leadership to young peoplersquordquo [Union Leader 40308]
Edwards Decried Communities That Tolerate Alcohol ldquoIn a memory that remains vivid today Edwards saw a
wino beat his wife in the street with a brick No adults heeded her cries for help lsquoThatrsquos what happens in
communities when you tolerate (alcohol)rsquo he said To Edwards intoxication is just not good Itrsquos bad for a
downtown rowdy drunks start fights and frighten people away Itrsquos bad for public safety and can lead to domestic
violence date rape auto-mobile accidents And itrsquos bad for public health causing addictions Edwards even
dislikes the idea of designated drivers lsquoWhat happensrsquo he asks lsquowhen the person goes homersquordquo [Union Leader
100107]
Professional Career
2013-2017 Lobbying
Edwards Left The State Liquor Commission To Work With Beverage Companies On Liquor Laws Said ldquoIt
Is Not A Lobbying Job In The Traditional Senserdquo
2013-Present Edwards Has Been President Of Eddie Edwards Consulting [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwardsrsquo Business Was Focused On ldquoAlcohol Risk Management Consultingrdquo ldquoThe nature of the primary
business or purposes is alcohol risk management consulting The LLC may also pursue any other purpose
permitted by lawrdquo [New Hampshire Certificate of Formation 92613]
Edwards Described His Lobbying Job A ldquoNot A Lobbying Job In The Traditional Senserdquo ldquoEdwards said he
plans to become a consultant and work with government agencies and the beverage industry on matters surrounding
compliance with state liquor laws He said it is not a lobbying job in the traditional senserdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Said That He Left After Reforms To The Liquor Commission Rather Than Work In A Position In
Which He Could Be Fired ldquoThe announcment ends a stalemate over Edwards position After an overhaul of the
state Liquor Commission went into effect in 2009 officials realized lawmakers had authorized two job descriptions
dealing with the enforcement of liquor laws in the state There was chief the job that Edwards holds that gives him
protection as a classified state employee a pension after 20 years and generous benefits Then there was the job of
director a job the Liquor Commission wanted Edwards to fill and that would give the commission the ability to fire
himrdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Maintained His Business While Working As A Staffer For Rep Frank Guinta
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked As A Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta [LinkedIn accessed 9318]
2015 Eddie Edwards Consulting Filed An Annual Report [New Hampshire 2015 Annual Report 51915]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 6
2016 Eddie Edwards Consulting Filed An Annual Report [New Hampshire 2016 Annual Report 51316]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Alcoholic Beverage Companies
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Cask And Vine In January 2017 Edwards filed a report listing
himself as a lobbyist for Cask and Vine [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for Lobbyists 12517]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Traveling Vineyard In January 2017 Edwards filed a report
listing himself as a lobbyist for Traveling Vineyard [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for Lobbyists
12517]
Traveling Vineyard Was A Wine Tasting Company ldquoTraveling Vineyard began with an idea back in 2001
it is hard to know if you like a wine unless you try it first That thought launched our entire in-home wine
tasting concept Since then we have launched hundreds of Wine Guides into successful work at home jobsrdquo
[Traveling Vineyard accessed 40517]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For The Craft Brew Alliance In January 2017 Edwards filed a
report listing himself as a lobbyist for the Craft Brew Alliance [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for
Lobbyists 12517]
2016-2017 Edwards Lobbied For The LaBelle Winery The 2016 and 2017 list of registered lobbyists produced
by the New Hampshire Secretary of State noted that Edwards was a lobbyist for LaBelle Winery [New Hampshire
Secretary of State website accessed 40717]
LaBelle Winery Sought Approval Of A Large Expansion Of Their Facility ldquoOwners of the LaBelle
Winery in Amherst expect to wait a year to find out whether they can expand operations after a neighbor filed a
court challenge that he claims will protect the arearsquos rural character hellip Winery owners want to build a 24-room
inn with a restaurant big enough to seat 150 people inside and outside as well as a spa service and retail space
in a new building said LaBellersquos attorney Morgan Hollis An existing barn would be renovated and expanded
for a distillery tasting room and function room Hollis saidrdquo [Union Leader 11817]
Edwards Claimed His Lobbying Was Not What It Looked Like But He Asked The House Ethics Committee
For Approval And Registered As A Lobbyist With The State Anyway
Edwards Claimed That He Registered As A Lobbyist To Err On The Side Of Caution ldquoEdwards said most of
his consulting work is advising businesses In an interview he said he registered as a lobbyist to be overly cautious
and certain to comply with state law and in the event he had to speak with a legislator or state agency
official lsquoIrsquove always tried to do the right thingrsquo he said lsquoThe majority of work I do is consulting or helping
people address civil lawsuits or administrative casesrsquo [hellip] Edwards said that it is unfortunate that business people
have to hire someone to help navigate state regulations or laws to grow their business In the case of helping
LaBelle Winery he said he provided technical testimony with respect to a law change to allow businesses to have
off-site tasting rooms to sell productsrdquo [Union Leader 62817]
Eddie Edwards Consulting ldquoWe Provide Alcoholic Beverage Solutions For Your Business Model That Gives
You An Industry Competitive Edge While Maintaining Regulatory Compliancerdquo ldquoEddie Edwards Consulting
is an Alcoholic Beverage Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance Firm We represent alcoholic beverage
manufacturers wholesalers off-premises sellers and on-premises servers Our expertise in alcoholic beverage
regulations ranges from tied house limited licenses product approval label approval advertising direct shipping
enforcement policies and licensure requirements We have extensive experience crafting alcoholic beverage
regulations with legislators and government agencies We provide alcoholic beverage solutions for your business
model that gives you an industry competitive edge while maintaining regulatory compliance We excel in
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 7
negotiating settlements with regulatory compliance or enforcement agenciesrdquo [EEdwardsConsultingcom accessed
82918]
Edwardsrsquo Consulting Practice Vowed To Help Defend Businesses Against The ldquoAggressive Rules Or Lawsrdquo
That He Had Just Recently Enforced ldquoYou can rely on us to professionally address any of your regulatory
compliance needs or defend your business interest again aggressive rules or laws Our expertise and intimate
regulatory agencies knowledge provides you with comfort knowing our compliance strategies will fulfill federal
and state regulators expectationsrdquo [EEdwardsConsultingcom accessed 82918]
Edwards Said There Was No Issue With The Overlap Between Edwardsrsquo Tenure As A Congressional Staffer
And His Tenure As Founder And President Of A Lobbying Firm ldquoEdwards said Wednesday that any question
about his handling of his consulting business Eddie Edwards Consulting during his time as Guintas director of
community relations from January to June 2015 is a non-issue because he said lsquoAnything regarding my consulting
firm was run through both former Congressman Frank Guintarsquos office as well as the House Ethics Committee to
ensure everything was appropriate and legalrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Rep Frank Guinta Edwardsrsquo Former Boss Said That Edwards Had Not Cleared The Overlap With His
Office And That He Thought It Was ldquoInappropriaterdquo ldquoGuinta however took issue with Edwardsrsquo
statement lsquoHe never got any approval from mersquo the former congressman told WMUR on Wednesday night
lsquoAnd as far as I know he never got any approval from anyone in our office to operate his consulting firm lsquoIt
would have been inappropriate for him to be working for the federal government and lobbying or consulting at
the same time Itrsquos not anything that would have been approved nor was it ever approvedrsquo Guinta saidrdquo
[WMUR 8918]
The Edwards Campaign Produced A Letter That Proved That The House Ethics Committee Chief
Counsel Had Cleared Edwardsrsquo Lobbying Because He Was Not Senior Staff ldquo[T]he Edwards campaign on
Thursday afternoon produced an email it said it received a few hours earlier -- at 11 am on Thursday -- from
US House Ethics Committee Chief Counsel Tom Rust The campaign said the email showed that Edwards
cleared his outside employment with the committees attorneys [hellip] Rust wrote that the records showed that
Edwards lsquocalled about the outside employment rules and your continuing involvement with a consulting
company while a House employee lsquoThe informal staff level guidance you received was that because you were
not senior staff (ie base pay of $121956 for 2015) you could continue to represent clients in a fiduciary
capacity as part of your outside employment lsquoFurther you were advised that you would be able to represent
clients before state boards as outside employment but because you were a (US) House employee you could
not represent clients before the federal governmentrdquo [WMUR 8918]
Primary Competitor Andy Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Inflating His Resume Because His
LinkedIn Said He Was ldquoA Member Of The Senior Leadership Teamrdquo ldquoSanborns campaign
pointed out that Edwards described his director of community relations role with Guinta on his
LinkedIn page as lsquoa member of the senior leadership teamrsquo It also pointed out that according to the
email by Rust Edwards was told by the ethics committee attorneys that he was lsquonot senior staffrsquo lsquoIt
must be tough for Eddie Edwardsrsquo said Sanborn campaign senior advisor Ethan Zorfas lsquoHe tells the
House Ethics Committee he was not senior staff while touting on his resume that he was Did he lie to
the House Ethics Committee or did he lie on his resume Why didnt he tell Congressman Guinta about
his side lobbying businessrsquo But the Edwards campaign countered legal counsel Rust was referring to
pay scale in defining lsquosenior staffrsquo not job descriptions or organizational status The campaign said that
Edwards income on an annualized basis was about $60000rdquo [WMUR 8918]
Sanborn Campaign ldquoEddie Edwards Has Been Hiding Who He Truly Is From The People Of New
Hampshirerdquo ldquoZorfas of the Sanborn campaign said lsquoFor the past 18 months Eddie Edwards has been hiding who
he truly is from the people of New Hampshire Edwards was forced out of his 22-year (state) government job and
told he could not work for the state again in a secret agreement Then Edwards opened a lobbying business in
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 8
2013 where he lobbied the bureaucracy he once worked for Now we find out that he was also actively working as
a federal government employee while maintaining his side lobbying businessrsquo Zorfas called it a lsquoDC-style swamp
careerrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Neither The House Ethics Manual Nor The Hew Hampshire Code Of Ethics Expressly Forbid A Federal
Congressional Staffer From Lobbying On State Issues
The House Ethics Manual Said That House Staff Were Prohibited From Lobbying The Federal Government
ldquoThe House Ethics Manual addresses prohibited outside activity by House members as well as House staff It has a
different set of requirements for senior staff and non-senior staff But it also says that all staff regardless of pay
level or status are prohibited from lsquolobbying or advising on lobbying of either Congress or the Executive Branch
on behalf of any private organization or individual even on an uncompensated basis as that would conflict with a
memberrsquos general obligation to the publicrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
The New Hampshire Code Of Ethics Said That Public Employees Could Not Simultaneously Register As
State Lobbyists ldquo21-G25 Restrictions on Simultaneous Employment and Public Service ndash Volunteer service shall
not be used directly or indirectly for personal financial gain or to facilitate non-public communications with
executive branch officials or classified employees for the purpose of promoting or advancing any matter on behalf
of a third party or to influence executive branch officials or classified employees in the performance of their duties
In furtherance of this prohibition I No person shall serve as a public employee as defined by RSA 15-B2 VIII
or serve as an appointee or volunteer for any multi-branch commission committee board or similar governmental
entity and simultaneously be a person who has a duty to register as a lobbyist pursuant to RSA 15 or is employed
by or maintains an ownership interest in any entity which employs a registered lobbyistrdquo [New Hampshire Code
of Ethics Chapter 21-G accessed 82918]
Public Employees Were Defined As Employees Conducting State Business ldquoVIII lsquoPublic employeersquo
means any person including but not limited to a classified or non-classified employee or volunteer who
conducts state business on behalf of the governor any executive branch official or agencyrdquo [New Hampshire
Code of Ethics Chapter 15-B accessed 82918]
Registered Lobbying
Edwards Registered Lobbying Activity
Reporting Period Name of Client Type of Client Notes
2016 Q2 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
Traveling Vineyards Alcohol Sales
UPS Package Delivery
2016 Q3 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
Traveling Vineyard Alcohol Sales
UPS Package Delivery
2016 Q4 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar Edwards reported a $950 in-
kind contribution for a
fundraiser he hosted for Bill
OrsquoConnor a candidate for
Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
Traveling Vineyard
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 9
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
State Senate and filed the
appropriate Addendum C
UPS Package Delivery
2017 Q1 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q2 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q3 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q4 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
1995-2013 New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2013 Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2002 Edwards Worked In Various Positions At The New Hampshire Liquor Commission [Settlement
Agreement 41613]
2002 ndash 2005 Edwards Was A Lieutenant In The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New
Hampshire Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2005 ndash 2013 Edwards Was Director Of The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New Hampshire
Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2011 Edwards Earned $79706 As Chief
Edwards Earned $79706 In 2011 ldquoTop State Employee Earnings Part II hellip Eddie Edwards Ch Of Lic amp
EnforceLiquor $79706rdquo [Union Leader 61911]
Edwards Received Generous Benefits As Chief Of The State Liquor Commission ldquoThere was chief the job
that Edwards holds that gives him protection as a classified state employee a pension after 20 years and generous
benefitsrdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Left The Liquor Commission In 2013 After A Discrimination Suit And A $160000 Settlement
The Telegraph Upon Announcing Edwardsrsquo Retirement ldquoSurely Edwards Had His Run-Ins With The
Powers That Be At The SLCrdquo ldquoTheres yet another shake-up in the works at the state Liquor Commission The
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencys enforcement division will
retire in June Attempts to reach Edwards for comment last week werent successful Associates of Edwards say hes
looking to start his own law enforcement consulting business which presumably would work with officials here
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 10
and in other so-called lsquocontrolrsquo states that sell their own liquor Surely Edwards had his run-ins with the powers
that be at the SLCrdquo [Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Edwards Had Been ldquoAt Oddsrdquo With Other Liquor Commission Leadership Prior To His
Retirement ldquoCarter confirmed that Eddie Edwards the outgoing chief of enforcement for the commission is
scheduled to be deposed by the Law legal team on Monday and is expected to be present with Bodi for the
Wednesday hearing Edwards who has been at odds with the remaining two commissioners on several issues in
recent months announced plans to resign at the end of June after eight years on the jobrdquo [Union Leader
42713]
Edwardsrsquo Retirement Was Linked To A $160000 Settlement Reached With The Commission Over
Discrimination Charges That He Filed ldquoEdwardrsquos employment with the Liquor Commission shall end from State
service effective June 30 2013 [hellip] The State Agrees to pay to Edwards One Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars
($16000000) within twenty (20) days after the withdrawal of the Charge with prejudice [hellip] This sum shall be
paid as follows $30000 payable to Edwards through a regular payroll payment subject to the usual withholdings
and deductions and reportable on Edwardsrsquos W2 $95000 payable to Edwards reportable on a 1099 Misc and
$35000 payable to Edwardrsquos counsel reportable on a 1099 Misc [Settlement Agreement 41613]
Edwards Claimed That The Commission Violated The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 ldquoEdwards charge asserted
violations of federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a state law outlawing discrimination The EEOC enforces federal
laws prohibiting workplace discrimination and was created by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Associate Attorney
General Anne Edwards who handled the matter for the state told WMUR Thursday night lsquoThe complaint was for
discrimination based on racersquo The agreement states that the liquor commission denied the charge Eddie Edwards
who was the commissionrsquos chief of licensing and enforcement at the time agreed to leave the commission and not
seek further legal action against the state As part of the agreement neither the state nor Edwards admitted liability
or wrongdoing In an interview Edwards noted that part of the agreement restricted him from discussing details
with the media But he did say lsquoThis stemmed from disparaging comments of a racial nature that were made about
me repeatedly over a number of years And the more I was pointing out things that were going on in the
commission ndash and it was a whole host of things ndash the more I was being attackedrsquo Edwards said that racial
comments were made by lsquosenior officialsrsquo at the commission -- both directly to him and to his staff who later told
him of the remarksrdquo [WMUR 72718]
December 2009 Edwards Filed A Charge Of Discrimination Against The Liquor Commission With The
New Hampshire Commission On Human Rights ldquoWhereas in December 2009 Edwards filed a charge of
discrimination with the New Hampshire Commission on Human Rights and the United States Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (the ldquoChargerdquo) in which he made certain claims against the Liquor
Commission asserting violations of Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act and of New Hampshire RSA Ch
354-A all of which the Liquor Commission denies Whereas Edwards has alleged that he has other potential
claims relating to employment terms and conditions that he not yet filed [hellip]rdquo [Settlement Agreement 41613]
The Liquor Commission Had To Give Edwards A Positive Job Reference As Part Of The Settlement
Agreement ldquoAs part of the agreement the Liquor Commission provided Edwards with a letter of reference which
detailed his employment with the commission and said he lsquoled the division to successfully work with New
Hampshire law enforcement to institute campaigns against driving while intoxicated underage drinking and for
responsible consumption of alcoholrsquo lsquoFor over 22 years Chief Edwards has served the state of New Hampshire law
enforcement community in various positionsrsquo the reference letter says lsquoAs he proceeds to the next phase of his
professional career we wish him the best as he moves forward from state servicesrsquordquo [WMUR 72718]
Edwards Considered Himself A Police Officer
Edwards ldquoLiquor Enforcement Officers [Were] Like All Police Officersrdquo ldquoThe second-in-command at the
state Liquor Enforcement Bureau has resigned after being charged with drunken driving State Police said Kyle
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 11
Metcalf 45 of Nashua rear-ended another car on Interstate 93 Police said the collision was minor Hes also
charged with having an open container of alcohol and tailgating Metcalf was deputy chief of the State Liquor
Commissions Bureau of Enforcement and Licensing Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said Metcalf was
returning from a retirement party for a colleague Edwards said he and the three-member State Liquor Commission
accepted Metcalfs resignation Tuesday lsquoThese types of issues we take very very seriouslyrsquo Edwards said lsquoLiquor
enforcement officers like all police officers are required to respect all laws at all timesrsquo Edwards declined to say
whether Metcalf resigned voluntarilyrdquo [Associated Press 71107]
Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard Was Angry That Edwards And His Team Were Investigating Without
Police Oversight ldquoAlthough some departments routinely examine a drivers actions in the 24 hours prior to a crash
to see whether alcohol or other factors played a role Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard said no look-back was
done because his officers didnt suspect alcohol Auburn officers blamed texting and speeding for the crash Picard
said Only six or eight weeks later did they receive toxicology results showing Seans blood-alcohol content was
19 Picard said lsquoThe kid was deadrsquo Picard said lsquoWhat purpose would a look-back serversquo Picard was angry that
liquor investigators interviewed people in town without first notifying his department a charge Eddie Edwards
chief of Liquor Enforcement deniedrdquo[Union Leader 42912]
Edwards Said That Part Of His Job Was Helping Merchants Comply With The Laws
Edwards The Liquor Commission Would License Tobacco And Alcohol Retailers ldquoThe State Liquor
Commissions Enforcement Division enforces the states tobacco laws and conducts the required compliance checks
and reports the results The division also licenses tobacco product retailers Enforcement Division Director Eddie
Edwards said lsquoWe also provide education for merchants to help them comply with the laws The results of this
years compliance checks are partially the results of the work our field agents do every day and the work of our
youth volunteers who help conduct the compliance checksrsquordquo [Union Leader 1811]
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over A Liquor
Commission Investigation
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over An Investigation
During An Ongoing Investigation By The Attorney General ldquoThe enforcement chief at the State Liquor
Commission yesterday accused a member of the New Hampshire House leadership of exerting undue influence
over his bureaursquos investigation of whether a Keene tavern owner lsquoover-servedrsquo an intoxicated person three months
ago Eddie Edwards who has headed the enforcement bureau for more than four years said in an inter-view he
believes a separate criminal probe by the Attorney Generalrsquos Office on the circumstances surrounding his bureaursquos
investigation is focused on 11-term state Rep Daniel Eaton the former police chief in his home town of Stoddard
Edwards told the New Hampshire Union Leader the bar owner Randy Filiault a Keene city councilor lsquobrought in
some outside influencesrsquo to try to stymie his bureaursquos investigation Asked whether Eaton was one of the people he
was referring to Edwards said lsquoRightrsquordquo [Union Leader 30610]
After Rep Eaton Called Edwardsrsquo Boss To Stop Him From Executing A Search On A Property Edwards
Said He Felt He Had To Comply With His Bossrsquo Orders Against Better Judgment ldquoThe incident began when
Eaton D-Stoddard called Bodi about enforcement action taken against the Railroad Tavern Eaton said Bodi had
asked him to call with concerns so he did and passed along the bar owners allegation that enforcement officers had
gone beyond the scope of their search warrant Eaton insists he did not ask Bodi to do anything improper Bodi told
a slightly different story to the grand jury He said Eaton was hysterical and insisted the bar had been targeted in
retaliation for legislation Eaton supported that would have stripped the Liquor Commission of its enforcement
powers Bodi acknowledged Eaton did not tell him to do anything other than call the bar owner but the implication
was lsquothere would be hell to pay if this matter wasnt resolvedrsquo to Eatons satisfaction Bodi then told Liquor
Enforcement Bureau director Eddie Edwards to return the video equipment Edwards said he felt he had to choose
between being disciplined for not complying and maintaining the integrity of the investigation Bodi said he told
Edwards to retrieve any evidence on the equipment and return itrdquo [Associated Press 91910]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 12
The NH Attorney General Chastised Edwards For Making Public Comments About The Ongoing
Investigation ldquoAttorney General Michael Delaney and members of the Executive Council yesterday criticized
Liquor Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards for his public statements about a high-profile criminal
investigation Disturbing improper and unprofessional were their assessments of the way Edwards has handled
himself Edwards who was not at the breakfast meeting where the comments were made has appeared on
television and in the press discussing details of the allegations that led to a paid leave for Liquor Commissioner
Mark Bodi He said this morning he has discussed his end of the incident an administrative case that is now closed
and not the criminal probe [hellip] lsquoOur office is certainly not accustomed to having heads of law enforcement
agencies speaking publicly and drawing conclusions during the course of an investigation being conducted by the
Attorney Generals Officersquo Delaney said lsquoI do not believe Chief Edwards has distinguished himself professionally
in how he has handled this matterrsquo Councilor John Shea D-Nelson was also upsetrdquo [Union leader 31110]
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodi Said That Rep Eaton Wanted Edwards Fired For Targeting A
Specific Establishment For Liquor Law Violations ldquoThe following excerpts are taken from the transcript of
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodis testimony before the Merrimack County Grand Jury on Feb 19 [hellip] A
I received a second call Q From whom A From Representative Eaton Q What does he say during that call A
Based on my phone discussion with Eaton he was representing that this was the kind of a nefarious plot that the
Chief had told his people to go out there and surveil this establishment [hellip]Q During your first few conversations
with Representative Eaton before the second search warrant is indicated does he say anything to you that lsquoThis is
Eddies vendetta Its like sticking a needle in my eye Why are you let-ting him do thisrsquo Does any of that sound
familiar to you A Representative Eaton did not use that terminology but that certainly was the implication He had
imparted to me on another occasion when I had asked him following a very lengthy hearing in which I disagreed
with Representative Eaton over how the Enforcement Division should be handled [hellip]Following that hearing I
approached him in the lobby and I asked him lsquoWhy are you doing this What can we do to resolve thisrsquo Q And
his answer was A Get rid of Eddie Edwardsrdquo [Union Leader 8510]
Fellow Congresswoman Maggie Hassan Said She Believed Eaton Had An Issue With Edwards ldquoEaton would
not comment directly on Bodis additional contention that Eaton had a lsquovendettarsquo against liquor enforcement chief
Eddie Edwards and wanted him fired [hellip] But state Sen Maggie Hassan D-Exeter said it was her lsquoperceptionrsquo
from sitting on a study committee and a budget conference committee with Eaton that lsquohe had particular issues with
Eddie Edwardsrsquordquo [Union Leader 8610]
HEADLINE EDITORIAL Bodi should stay There is no case for removal [Union Leader Editorial Union
Leader 8610]
Union Leader Editorial Bodi Was Removed From Office After Rep Eaton Called Bodi To Stop
Edwardsrsquo Investigation ldquoEaton called Bodi to complain about his friend being targeted by Enforcement
Division chief Eddie Edwards He suggested that Bodi get rid of Edwards He also asked Bodi to call the tavern
owner which Bodi did Bodis lsquointerferencersquo in the investigation consisted of calling the tavern owner to assure
him that due process would be followed in the investigation then ordering Edwards to return the surveillance
equipment Bodi over-stepped his authority by ordering the equipment returned But Bodi clearly was not
trying to hinder the pursuit of justice He didnt order the video returned only the equipment after the video
evidence was obtained As both Bodi and the attorney general acknowledge he was only trying to get Eaton off
his back That behavior does not justify Bodis removal from office rdquo [Union Leader Editorial Union Leader
8610]
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally The Attorney General Found
The Allegations Unfounded
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally Attorney General Found The
Allegations Unfounded ldquoEdwards who referred all questions to his attorney has clashed with the commissioners
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 13
over several issues including the alleged illegal hiring of a lobbyist to help kill a bill that would have allowed the
sale of liquor in grocery and convenience stores hellip On Wednesday the Special House Committee to Evaluate the
New Hampshire State Liquor Commission heard testimony on the issue of hiring a lobbyist with Edwards
providing often conflicting testimony to Liquor Commission Chairman Joseph Mollica and Commissioner Michael
Milligan Last month the Attorney Generalrsquos Office released a preliminary investigation into Edwardsrsquo charges that
the commission illegally hired a lobbyist The attorney general found the charges were unfounded and there was no
need for a formal investigationrdquo [Union Leader 91512]
State Agencies Were Not Allowed To Hire Lobbyists ldquoSeveral lawmakers lobbyists and state employees
believe the state Liquor Commission illegally used a lobbyist to fight a bill that would have allowed liquor sales
in grocery and convenience stores State agencies are prohibited by law from paying lobbyists to influence
lawmakers A recent preliminary investigation by the Attorney Generals Office cleared the commission of any
wrongdoing saying Beer Distributors of NH lobbyist Clark Corson did not lobby for the commissionrdquo [Union
Leader 81612]
Commissioners Testified They Hired Clark Carson To Do A Study Not Lobby ldquoTwo liquor
commissioners claim - and the Attorney Generals Office agreed - that Corson was acting on his own or
lobbying for the beer wholesalers in working to defeat House Bill 1251 this session They claim Corson was
hired by the commissions advertising firm Rumbletree to do an independent study of the feasibility of selling
beer in state liquor stores But others including the commissions chief enforcement officer say the study was a
cover for Corsons lobbying efforts to defeat the billrdquo [Union Leader 81612]
The Attorney General Determined That There Was No Wrongdoing On The Part Of The Liquor
Commission ldquoThe attorney general Wednesday cleared the Liquor Commission of possible wrongdoing for
allegedly hiring a lobbyist The attorney generals report was discussed during a closed-door meeting with the
Executive Council after its meeting at Manchester School of Technology According to the report liquor
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards sent a report to the attorney general in May alleging the commission hired New
Hampshire Beer Wholesalers lobbyist Clark Corson to lobby lawmakers on behalf of the commission State law
forbids the use of state money to lobby lawmakersrdquo [Union Leader 8912]
A New Hampshire House Member Feared That The Liquor Commission Was Intimidating Edwards Into
Not Testifying At A House Hearing ldquoThe chair of the House committee investigating the Liquor Commission
and the liquor commissioners butted heads Tuesday over the committees access to information and commission
employees [hellip] Ober noted Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards testified before the committee last week
and two days later an advertisement was in the paper for someone to fill his position lsquoThat looks very much to me
like intimidationrsquo Ober said [hellip] Ober told the commission they owed Edwards something because anyone who
reads the newspaper and sees their job advertised believes lsquohe is going to be fired You need to do something He
did come in here and whistle-blowrsquordquo [Union Leader 91912]
Rep Coffey Nobody Should Be Afraid To Speak Up To The Legislature To Law Enforcement To
Anyonerdquo ldquoCoffey expressed concern about missing liquor attempts to shut down an agency store and posting
Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards job days after he testified before the committee lsquoWere not trying to rake
anyone over the coalsrsquo she said lsquobut Ive gotten email from people who want to come forward and talk to us
but are afraid for their jobs Nobody should be afraid to speak up to the Legislature to law enforcement to
anyonersquordquo [Union Leader 92112]
Edwards Testified That A Liquor Commission Bidding Process Was Rigged And Said He Advocated A
Third Party Bidding Process Commission Settled Lawsuit For $25 Million
Edwards Testified That A Company Had No Chance In The Bidding Process For A Liquor Commission
Contract ldquoThe outgoing chief of enforcement for the state Liquor Commission has joined a former commissioner
in testifying that Law Warehouses of Nashua had no chance of getting a $200 million 20-year warehouse contract
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 14
because of hostility toward the company within the commission hellip Law is seeking an injunction that would
prevent the NHLC from transferring the contract to logistics firm Exel of Westerville Ohio until Laws civil suit
seeking to overturn the contract is resolvedrdquo [Union Leader 43013]
Edwards ldquoI Know That The Commission Did Not Really Like Brian Lawrdquo ldquoEdwards described senior staff
meetings of the commission in which it became apparent to him that commissioners Mollica and Michael Milligan
did not want Law to get the contract which is consistent with Bodis deposition and affidavit lsquoI know that the
commission did not really like Brian Law I know there comments made about Brian Law not having the contract
too long or something like thatrsquo Edwards said lsquoAnd then there were comments about Brian Law specifically that
he felt he was entitled to the contractrsquo Edwards said there were concerns about the rates Law was charging and
complaints from some liquor brokers about the warehouse charges lsquoThey wanted to go in a different direction
other than with Brian Lawrsquo he said lsquoBased upon those conversations I did not believe that he was going to get the
contract I didnt believe that at allrsquordquo [Union Leader 5113]
Edwards Said That He Advocated For A Third Party Bidding Process Due To His Perception Of An
ldquoEnergyrdquo Against Brian Law ldquoAccording to Edwards there was an lsquoenergyrsquo among the commissioners and staff
that the ware-house contract should go to someone else because Brian Law owner of Law Warehouses had an
attitude of entitlement lsquoI just thought from an ethical standpoint it was inappropriate to have people on this review
committee that had these kind of thoughts and conversations and guidancersquo Edwards said He told liquor
commission officials to stop the bidding process and restart it under a third partyrsquos oversight because lsquoyou are not
being fair to Brian Law or anyone else in the processrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 50513]
Law Warehouses Alleged That The Liquor Commission Was Unfairly Biased Against Them ldquoLaw
Warehouses has sued the state to block the contract that was awarded to shipping giant Excel The liquor
commissions decision effectively kills a decades-long relationship that the prominent Nashua business has had
with the state Law charges that the bidding process was lsquotainted by unlawful favoritism from the startrsquordquo
[Nashua Telegraph 5513]
The State Alleged That Edwards Was Nothing But A Disgruntled Employee ldquoA state prosecutor backed by
half a dozen Liquor Commission employees told a judge Wednesday that Law Warehouses suit against the state is
based on nothing but complaints from two disgruntled former employees Senior Assistant Attorney General Mary
Ann Dempsey said sworn testimony from retired Liquor Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards and former
Liquor Commissioner Mark Bodi cant be taken at face value and is disputed by several current employees lsquoTheyre
certainly disgruntled employeesrsquo Dempsey said lsquoThat testimony is contradictedrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 5213]
2015 Liquor Commission Paid $25 Million To Settle The Case ldquoThe New Hampshire Liquor Commission has
agreed to pay $25 million to Law Warehouses to settle a lawsuit over the loss of a 20-year contract for
warehousing and distribution worth an estimated $200 millionrdquo [Union Leader 41315]
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase Licensing Fees Paid By Restaurants Up To
Twentyfold Claimed It Would Not Harm The Economy
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase The Fees Paid By ldquoRestaurant Cocktail
Lounge[s]rdquo Ten To Twentyfold ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as
much for their liquor license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants
The proposal would create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses
with more than 50 seats Under the current law bars and nightclubs can obtain a restaurant cocktail lounge license
for just $1200 if they sell $75000 worth of food annually but the bill would raise the food sales requirement to
$150000 State liquor enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that
bars and nightclubs have taken advantage of the rulesrdquo [AP 32908]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 15
Pub Owner Criticized The Proposal As Detrimental To The Economy ldquoDavid Barrett owner of Kilkenny
Pub and Twenty-One Bar amp Grill in Keene said the new requirements would force dozens of restaurants and
bars to shut down including his own lsquoIrsquove talked to 40 or 50 restaurant and bar owners in the southern and
middle part of New Hamp-shire and not one of them will pay $24000 a year for a licensersquo he said lsquoIf theyrsquore
not going to pay that you can imagine how many people will be out of work That bill should really finish
off the economy once and for allrsquordquo [AP 32908]
Edwards Argued The Measure He Supported To Raise Fees On Businesses Would Not Harm The
Economy ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as much for their liquor
license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants The proposal would
create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses with more than 50
seats hellip Edwards dismissed that argument as scare tactics and said the bill would not harm the economyrdquo [AP
32908]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For ldquoUnder his watch the enforcement division was accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies while also receiving the Spirit of America Award
from the New Hampshire Grocers Association for his collaborative approachrsquo I use the above examples of how
government can work with the hospitality and retail industries community organizations public health and law
enforcement to protect community interest without impeding the private sectorrsquo Edwards said lsquoThe goal should be
to make regulations as simple as necessary to assist business protect the public and encourage government
transparency My priority is to empower individuals to invest in job growth throughout District 4 by reforming
regulations that do not meet their stated purposersquo Edwards left the Liquor Commission after reaching a confidential
agreement with commissioners during a time of controversy over his job descriptionrdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Edwards Received Plaudits For Strict Enforcement
Nashua Telegraph ldquoEdwards Was A By-The-Book-Professional Who Wasnrsquot Fond Of Leniency[]rdquo ldquoThe
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencyrsquos enforcement division will
retire in June hellip Throughout his tenure Edwards was a by-the-book professional who wasnrsquot fond of leniency with
scofflaw license holdersrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Editorial Compared Edwards To Eliot Ness ldquoNew Hampshirersquos chief liquor law enforcer is a
teetotaling Southerner with no patience for drunkenness and a suspicious eye for alcohol in general Thank
goodness hellip Edwards is New Hampshirersquos own Eliot Ness But instead of mobsters hersquos battling bar owners who
endanger their own patrons and their communities by not following the lawrdquo [Union Leader Editorial 100207]
Shortly After Edwards ldquoTook Over The Job Of Enforcing Liquor Lawsrdquo Five Troubled Establishments Lost
Their Licensure ldquoOn June 8 2005 Eddie Edwards took over the job of enforcing liquor laws in the state of New
Hampshire About a month later a man fired four shots into the Omega nightclub in downtown Manchester and
bar owners across the state learned that a new sheriff was in town Within six months Omega lost its license to sell
alcohol in New Hampshire Others in Manchester quickly followed Envy Electra Florsquos Bar and Grill and
Aborigen Restaurant and Bar either lost their license surrendered it or dropped plans in the face of community
oppositionrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
NH State Liquor Commissioner Edwards Was Tougher Than Past Enforcement Heads ldquoNew Hampshire has
been getting tougher when it comes to enforcing liquor laws and much of the credit goes to Eddie
Edwards Edwards took over as state liquor enforcement chief two years ago In his first year the number of clubs
restaurants and stores facing fines or liquor license suspensions nearly quadrupled rising from 40 to 151 In the last
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 16
year that number of suspensions or fines dropped to 91 but Edwards said the decrease reflects the success of the
Bureau of Enforcement and Licensings efforts Patricia Russell a state liquor commissioner said Edwards by-the-
book approach to liquor law enforcement is tougher than that of his predecessor For years state liquor enforcement
officers did little more than run stings on underage sales and visit bars and restaurants she said lsquoTheres more bars
more drinking We have to be vigilant and Eddie is very vigilantrsquo Russell saidrdquo [Associated Press 10107]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The Liquor Commission Doubled Its Fines And Increased Its Penalties
ldquoSince Edwards arrival the state Liquor Commission has toughened its penalties doubling the fine for selling
to an underage or intoxicated customer to $500 plus a three-day license suspensionrdquo [Associated Press
10107]
hellipHowever Edwards Subjected Three Establishments Charged With Illegal Gambling A Felony To Far
Less Than The Maximum Punishment
A Pizza Restaurant Was ldquoCited For Gambling Violations And For Dealing Illicit Drugsrdquo And Settled With
The Liquor Commission To Revoke Its License And Forfeit $681 ldquoThe state liquor commission yesterday
revoked Three Cousins Pizza and Loungersquos liquor license in an agreement that also bars the clubrsquos owners from
applying for another license in the state for three years the commissionrsquos chief law enforcer said The clubrsquos
owners also agreed to forfeit $681 police seized during an Oct 21 raid at the 137 Wilson St lounge Chief Eddie
Edwards said hellip Three Cousins lounge was cited for gambling violations and for dealing illicit drugs on Oct 21rdquo
[Union Leader 110309]
Edwards Touted These Actions Of ldquoElected Officials And The Police Departmentrdquo As ldquoDoing All They
Can To Make Sure The Quality Of Life Is Maintained[]rdquo ldquoEdwards said the clubrsquos owners closed the
lounge last week lsquoI think thatrsquos what you see in Manchester elected officials and the police department and
the citizens in that community who are doing all they can to make sure the quality of life is maintainedrsquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Mayor Frank Guinta Praised The Liquor Commissionrsquos Actions ldquoMayor Frank C Guinta said he was
pleased with the liquor enforcement bureaursquos action lsquoThe restaurant was a blight on a neighborhood that does
not want drugs or gangs there This sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Manchesterrsquo
Guinta said in a statementrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Gambling Violations Were Felonious ldquoState law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be
charged with a class B felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their
establishmentsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
An American Legion Post Was Charged With Two Felonies For Alleged Illegal Gambing ldquoAn American
Legion Post in Lebanon has been hit with two felony charges for allowing gambling Feb 1 on its premises at 189
Mechanic St A Grafton County Superior Court grand jury indicted Guyer-Carignan Post 22 for gambling and a
charge called lsquoentertainment and entertainersrsquo according to the indictments The latter charge refers to gambling at
an establishment thats licensed to sell lsquoalcohol andor liquorrsquordquo [Union Leader 42414]
2014 $15000 Was Confiscated From The American Legion In ldquoA Similar Situation Took Place Several
Years Ago In Which the State Seized About $14000[]rdquo ldquoReached at the post on Thursday Bill Wilson
Guyer-Carignans financial officer said the state confiscated some $15000 He said the money was gleaned
from raffles and was used to benefit charity hellip A similar situation took place several years ago in which the
state seized about $14000 but later returned the money said Wilson who said that matter was resolved
without going to Superior Courtrdquo [Union Leader 42414]
Edwards Dealt With A ldquoSimilar Problemrdquo In 2010 With ldquoAdministrative Not Legal Remediesrdquo
ldquoThe Lebanon Legion post ran into a similar problem with its Super Bowl promotion in 2010 but then-
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 17
chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards resolved the matter with administrative not legal remedies
Kenney said he is pushing for a similar resolution this timerdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Law Enforcement Confiscated Seven Illegal Poker Machines From Two Pizza Parlors Illegal Gambling Was
Punishable By Felony Charges ldquoAuthorities confiscated video poker machines and charged four employees with
illegal gambling after simultaneous Friday night raids at Olympus Pizza restaurants in Manchester and Allenstown
-- the latter right next door to the police station hellip Fussell said seven video machines were seized in the raids three
in Allenstown and four in Manchester A large amount of cash was also seized he said hellip He said Finnell told him
officials were saying that an undercover officer had come into the bar last month and gotten a $50 pay-out on a
video poker game hellip State law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be charged with a class B
felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their establishmentsrdquo [Union
Leader 50910]
Edwards Said Business Owners ldquoCould Face Administrative Actions Including Fines[]rdquo ldquoLiquor
Commission Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards yesterday said the business owners could face
administrative actions including fines of up to $5000 and liquor license revocation Edwards said the state
liquor commissioners will make the ultimate decision on administrative pen-alties But he will make a
recommendation to them taking into account whether the owners were directly involved and if there were prior
violationsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar And
Reported Them To Dover Police
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar Reported
Them To Dover Police ldquoThe state Liquor Enforcement chief says he found law-enforcement officers gathering to
drink after hours at a local bar last month along with one of his own staffers The liquor enforcement bureau
Dover and state police are investigating It was 2 am on Aug 27 when state Liquor Enforcement Chief Eddie
Edwards pulled open the door of the bar The Station House and found the officers drinking The officers involved
were there to drink alcohol served to them an hour after the statersquos 1 am cutoff he said Dover Police Chief
Anthony Colarusso said yesterday he only caught wind of the alleged gathering when Edwards contacted himrdquo
[Union Leader 91207]
Edwards Advocated Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code And Increase Their Lighting
Edwards Suggested That Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code Barring Necklaces ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are
currently a lsquohot spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could
lead to change Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip They also have suggested some
impose a dress code that will discourage troublemakers lsquoPeople show up with chains on their necks We call that
battle gearrsquo said Edwards Imposing a dress code would keep out some who just come to stand against the wall
arms folded in and wait for a fight he saidrdquo [Union Leader71805]
Edwards Advocated That Night Clubs Increase Their Lighting ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are currently a lsquohot
spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could lead to change
Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip Chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards
told the governor and council lsquoItrsquos a hot spot for us right nowrsquo He said the department will continue to put pressure
on operators to follow the law while advising them to increase the lighting to better see who their customers are and
what they are doing hellip Dark rooms make it difficult to see the age and level of sobriety of a patron he noted More
lighting he said helps those who are pouring drinks and those monitoring the club to enforce the lawsrdquo [Union
Leader 71805]
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 2
Edwards was a firm Trump supporter and received endorsements from Rudy Giuliani and Rick
Santorum
While Edwards criticized his Republican opponent for sexual misconduct he excused Trumprsquos behavior
Edwards was against imprisoning nonviolent drug offenders calling drug abuse a ldquohealth crisisrdquo
Edwards favored eliminating the Department of Education
Despite having previously been in law enforcement Edwards was against banning bump stock or any
other form of gun control
Edwards attended community college to earn his Associatersquos degree took online courses to earn his
Bachelorrsquos degree and has taken two short-term leadership courses
Court records indicate Edwards may have had a warrant in Florida until 2009 for driving on a
suspended or revoked license in 1987
Eddie Edwards is a 50-year-old Republican candidate for New Hampshirersquos First Congressional
District currently held by Rep Shea-Porter Edwards is a Navy Veteran and former law enforcement
officer He is currently a lobbyist and consultant for his own firm
Edwards was raised in a middle class family in Atlanta In his teen years he moved to the projects to
take care of an ailing grandfather In his upbringing Edwards saw problematic substance usage As
a teen he watched a drunk man beat his wife with a brick and Edwardsrsquo father was a crack dealer
Subsequently Edwards has never had a drink of alcohol Florida court records suggest that in 1987
Edwards was cited for driving with a suspended or revoked license and a warrant existed for
Edwards for this offense until 2009 In 1987 Edwards joined the Navy and moved to Portsmouth
After leaving the Navy in 1990 Edwards worked as a corrections officer for five years before joining
the enforcement division of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission
Edwards began working at the Liquor Commission in 1995 was promoted to lieutenant in 2002 and
was made the chief of enforcement in 2005 Edwards took quick action against a number of
Manchester bars and the actions earned him a reputation for strictness from the press Yet
Edwardsrsquo strictness seems to only have applied to alcohol On three occasions Edwards refused to
apply the strictest punishments for establishments found to have illegal gambling a felony offense
Edwards deliberately declined to aggressively enforce the law banning smoking when it first went
into effect and he favors decriminalizing of Marijuana
Edwardsrsquo fervor for enforcing alcohol laws coincides with his views on alcohol generally Edwards
has expressed prohibitionist views suggesting that those who do not abstain from alcohol are not
courageous and decrying communities that tolerate alcohol Edwards has favored the prohibition of
two mass-manufactured alcoholic beverages backed policies curtailing nightclubs and strictly
enforced a law barring happy hours Edwards also advocated for raising fees on restaurants which
serve alcohol up to twentyfold and argued that would not hurt the economy
Edwards made three allegations of ethics problems involving the Liquor Commission He alleged
that the Commission hired a lobbyist illegally an accusation the Attorney General found baseless
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 3
Edwards also alleged a New Hampshire House official exerted influence on the Commission to help a
friend and he testified against the Commission in a lawsuit suggesting a bidding process had been
rigged against a company owned by Brian Law That lawsuit was settled in 2015 costing the
Commission $25 million
Edwards left the Commission in 2013 announcing the formation of his consulting firm and said ldquoit
is not a lobbying job in the traditional senserdquo Yet in 2017 Edwards attested that he was a lobbyist in
2016 for alcoholic beverage companies Edwards quickly and briefly worked as the Chief of Police
for South Hampton beginning in 2014 He then left that job in 2014 and ran for State Senate losing
by two thousand votes in the General Election In 2015 Edwards worked for Rep Guinta a man
Edwards said he admired and called a friend Edwards left that position in 2015 returning to his
consulting firm where he lobbied
Background
BORN Eddie Edwards 321968
EDUCATION Northcentral University BA in Business Administration New Hampshire Technical Institute
(Concord Community College) Associatersquos degree in Criminal Justice National FBI Academy 10 Week
Constitutional Law and Labor Law Program Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education
Strategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agencies
PROFESSIONAL President Eddie Edwards Consulting (2013-Present) Director of Community Relations
Rep Guinta (2015) Chief of Police South Hampton 2013-2014 Chief Liquor Commission (2005-2013)
Lieutenant Liquor Commission (2002-2005) Corrections Officer Strafford County (1990-1995)
MILITARY US Navy (1987-1990)
POLITICAL 2016 State Co-Chair for Dr Ben Carson 2014 Candidate for State Senate
NON PROFIT New Hampshire Disproportionate Minority Contact Committee New Hampshire Endowment
for Health PIRE National Leadership Institute on Underage Drinking Enforcement Partnership for a Drug
Free NH NH Chiefs of Police Association NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice Easter Seals ndash
Veterans Count Cocheco Valley Humane Society SPARK NH National Organization of Black Law
Enforcement Executives FBI National Academy Association Equity Leaders Fellowship NH National
Alcohol Beverage Control Association Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association Children of the Fallen
Patriot NH Endowment for Health (PAST) Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Personal Life And Family
Edwardrsquos Father And Eventually His Brother Were Addicts
Edwardsrsquo Father Was An Illiterate Crack Dealer Who Abused His Mother
Edwardsrsquo Father Was Illiterate With A Third Grade Education ldquoAnd even his father shaped him as Willie
Sr who was illiterate and had a third-grade education frightened him but told Eddie he wanted his children to do
better than he had lsquoHersquod say therersquos only one dummy in the house and thatrsquos (Willie Sr)rsquo Edwards said He said
he harbors no lingering hostility toward his father who finally first told Edwards he loved him when Edwards was
32 years oldrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Edwardsrsquo Father Was A Crack Dealer ldquoEdwards explained that his father was a crack-cocaine dealer and his
grandparents were the main influences in his life His upbringing is what motivated him to become a member of the
Navy and a chief of policerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 80514]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 4
Edwards ldquoI Have Images Forever In My Head OfhellipMy Father Beating And Hurting My Motherrdquo ldquolsquoI have
spoken openly and honestly about how my childhood was one that was challenging I have images forever in my
head of my mother asking for the horrible things being done to her to stop That was the hands of my father beating
and hurting my mother Those are the earlier memories I have as a young child growing up Hearing your mother in
pain Itrsquos truthfully something you never forget But having the police come to your home Those lights and sirens
meant a place of safety for me Thatrsquos why I joined law enforcement shortly after my active duty military service I
wanted to be in law enforcement because I was drawn to it Those blue lights and policing has been a part of who I
am It has truly shaped me because I felt that they protected my motherrsquordquo [WMUR 82118]
Edwards Refused To Testify To Help His Brother In A Homicide Case
Edwards Refused To Testify To Help His Brother In A Homicide Case ldquoHis mother was on the line She asked
Edwards who months earlier became chief of the New Hampshire Liquor Authorityrsquos Enforcement Division to
return to Atlanta and testify on behalf of his older brother Willie Willie had killed a man and Edwardsrsquo mother
wanted him to say that it wasnrsquot all Williersquos fault because of the abuse the brothers had shared at the hands of their
drug-addicted father Willie Sr who whipped the boys with electrical cords and beat their mother Doris when he
was high and angry Recalling the happy boy his older brother was before choosing the path presented by their
abusive father and the decisions Edwards made to take a different road he gave a difficult answer lsquoI didnrsquot do it I
refusedrsquo he said Edwards now 47 said his brother had the same choice Be like their father or take an alternate
route Willie admired their dad and wanted to be just like him Edwards said lsquoHe went full force into that lifestylersquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Edwards Grew Up In A Middle Class Neighborhood In Atlanta Then Moved To The Projects To
Take Care Of His Grandfather
Edwards ldquoGrew Up In A Middle-Class Atlanta Neighborhoodrdquo Then Moved To Take Care Of His
Grandfather In The Projects ldquoHe grew up in a middle-class Atlanta neighborhood As a young teenager
Edwards moved in with his grandparents to help his wheelchair-bound grandfather They lived in the projects in a
neighborhood overrun by privately owned package storesrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
Edwards Had Incredibly Negative Views Regarding Alcohol
After Teenage Influences Regarding Alcohol Edwards Abstained From Alcohol
Edwards Said That Alcohol Caused Domestic Violence ldquoEdwards 39 said he has never taken a drink He
describes living in a housing project with his grandparents as a teenager and watching a drunk man beat his wife in
the street with a brick while onlookers ignored her cries for help lsquoThatrsquos what happens in communities when you
tolerate (alcohol)rsquo he saidrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
Edwards Said That Alcohol Led To Low Productivity ldquoAs New Hampshires chief of liquor enforcement Eddie
Edwards is a leader in the fight against underage drinking and alcohol abuse Its a cause he believes in because he
sees the states biggest problem as the social cost involved with the abuse and illegal use of alcohol tobacco and
drugs lsquoExcessive drinking leads to alcoholism and low productivityrsquo said Edwards lsquoIt leads to people not going to
work not adding to local businesses not supporting their families It has a very negative effectrsquordquo [Union Leader
12818]
Edwards Said That Alcohol Use Was The Biggest Problem Facing New Hampshire ldquoBiggest problem facing
New Hampshire The social cost associated with the abuse and illegal use of alcohol tobacco and other drugs This
cost has a significant impact on the quality of human life and the economic success of business in New
Hampshirerdquo [Union Leader 12808]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 5
Edwards Was A Teetotaler ldquoHe loved sports including football and wrestling which made him decide to never
touch a drop of alcohol He still hasnrsquot had a single siprdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Edwards Suggested Those Who Donrsquot Abstain From Alcohol Arenrsquot Courageous And Decried Communities
Which Tolerate Alcohol
Edwards Suggested Those Who Do Not Abstain From Alcohol Arenrsquot Courageous ldquolsquoI think itrsquos totally unfair
to tell young people to lsquojust say norsquo to drugs and alcohol when we donrsquot have the courage to do it ourselvesrsquo said
Eddie Edwards chief of license and enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission lsquoAt some point you
have to show real leadership to young peoplersquordquo [Union Leader 40308]
Edwards Decried Communities That Tolerate Alcohol ldquoIn a memory that remains vivid today Edwards saw a
wino beat his wife in the street with a brick No adults heeded her cries for help lsquoThatrsquos what happens in
communities when you tolerate (alcohol)rsquo he said To Edwards intoxication is just not good Itrsquos bad for a
downtown rowdy drunks start fights and frighten people away Itrsquos bad for public safety and can lead to domestic
violence date rape auto-mobile accidents And itrsquos bad for public health causing addictions Edwards even
dislikes the idea of designated drivers lsquoWhat happensrsquo he asks lsquowhen the person goes homersquordquo [Union Leader
100107]
Professional Career
2013-2017 Lobbying
Edwards Left The State Liquor Commission To Work With Beverage Companies On Liquor Laws Said ldquoIt
Is Not A Lobbying Job In The Traditional Senserdquo
2013-Present Edwards Has Been President Of Eddie Edwards Consulting [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwardsrsquo Business Was Focused On ldquoAlcohol Risk Management Consultingrdquo ldquoThe nature of the primary
business or purposes is alcohol risk management consulting The LLC may also pursue any other purpose
permitted by lawrdquo [New Hampshire Certificate of Formation 92613]
Edwards Described His Lobbying Job A ldquoNot A Lobbying Job In The Traditional Senserdquo ldquoEdwards said he
plans to become a consultant and work with government agencies and the beverage industry on matters surrounding
compliance with state liquor laws He said it is not a lobbying job in the traditional senserdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Said That He Left After Reforms To The Liquor Commission Rather Than Work In A Position In
Which He Could Be Fired ldquoThe announcment ends a stalemate over Edwards position After an overhaul of the
state Liquor Commission went into effect in 2009 officials realized lawmakers had authorized two job descriptions
dealing with the enforcement of liquor laws in the state There was chief the job that Edwards holds that gives him
protection as a classified state employee a pension after 20 years and generous benefits Then there was the job of
director a job the Liquor Commission wanted Edwards to fill and that would give the commission the ability to fire
himrdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Maintained His Business While Working As A Staffer For Rep Frank Guinta
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked As A Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta [LinkedIn accessed 9318]
2015 Eddie Edwards Consulting Filed An Annual Report [New Hampshire 2015 Annual Report 51915]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 6
2016 Eddie Edwards Consulting Filed An Annual Report [New Hampshire 2016 Annual Report 51316]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Alcoholic Beverage Companies
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Cask And Vine In January 2017 Edwards filed a report listing
himself as a lobbyist for Cask and Vine [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for Lobbyists 12517]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Traveling Vineyard In January 2017 Edwards filed a report
listing himself as a lobbyist for Traveling Vineyard [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for Lobbyists
12517]
Traveling Vineyard Was A Wine Tasting Company ldquoTraveling Vineyard began with an idea back in 2001
it is hard to know if you like a wine unless you try it first That thought launched our entire in-home wine
tasting concept Since then we have launched hundreds of Wine Guides into successful work at home jobsrdquo
[Traveling Vineyard accessed 40517]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For The Craft Brew Alliance In January 2017 Edwards filed a
report listing himself as a lobbyist for the Craft Brew Alliance [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for
Lobbyists 12517]
2016-2017 Edwards Lobbied For The LaBelle Winery The 2016 and 2017 list of registered lobbyists produced
by the New Hampshire Secretary of State noted that Edwards was a lobbyist for LaBelle Winery [New Hampshire
Secretary of State website accessed 40717]
LaBelle Winery Sought Approval Of A Large Expansion Of Their Facility ldquoOwners of the LaBelle
Winery in Amherst expect to wait a year to find out whether they can expand operations after a neighbor filed a
court challenge that he claims will protect the arearsquos rural character hellip Winery owners want to build a 24-room
inn with a restaurant big enough to seat 150 people inside and outside as well as a spa service and retail space
in a new building said LaBellersquos attorney Morgan Hollis An existing barn would be renovated and expanded
for a distillery tasting room and function room Hollis saidrdquo [Union Leader 11817]
Edwards Claimed His Lobbying Was Not What It Looked Like But He Asked The House Ethics Committee
For Approval And Registered As A Lobbyist With The State Anyway
Edwards Claimed That He Registered As A Lobbyist To Err On The Side Of Caution ldquoEdwards said most of
his consulting work is advising businesses In an interview he said he registered as a lobbyist to be overly cautious
and certain to comply with state law and in the event he had to speak with a legislator or state agency
official lsquoIrsquove always tried to do the right thingrsquo he said lsquoThe majority of work I do is consulting or helping
people address civil lawsuits or administrative casesrsquo [hellip] Edwards said that it is unfortunate that business people
have to hire someone to help navigate state regulations or laws to grow their business In the case of helping
LaBelle Winery he said he provided technical testimony with respect to a law change to allow businesses to have
off-site tasting rooms to sell productsrdquo [Union Leader 62817]
Eddie Edwards Consulting ldquoWe Provide Alcoholic Beverage Solutions For Your Business Model That Gives
You An Industry Competitive Edge While Maintaining Regulatory Compliancerdquo ldquoEddie Edwards Consulting
is an Alcoholic Beverage Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance Firm We represent alcoholic beverage
manufacturers wholesalers off-premises sellers and on-premises servers Our expertise in alcoholic beverage
regulations ranges from tied house limited licenses product approval label approval advertising direct shipping
enforcement policies and licensure requirements We have extensive experience crafting alcoholic beverage
regulations with legislators and government agencies We provide alcoholic beverage solutions for your business
model that gives you an industry competitive edge while maintaining regulatory compliance We excel in
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 7
negotiating settlements with regulatory compliance or enforcement agenciesrdquo [EEdwardsConsultingcom accessed
82918]
Edwardsrsquo Consulting Practice Vowed To Help Defend Businesses Against The ldquoAggressive Rules Or Lawsrdquo
That He Had Just Recently Enforced ldquoYou can rely on us to professionally address any of your regulatory
compliance needs or defend your business interest again aggressive rules or laws Our expertise and intimate
regulatory agencies knowledge provides you with comfort knowing our compliance strategies will fulfill federal
and state regulators expectationsrdquo [EEdwardsConsultingcom accessed 82918]
Edwards Said There Was No Issue With The Overlap Between Edwardsrsquo Tenure As A Congressional Staffer
And His Tenure As Founder And President Of A Lobbying Firm ldquoEdwards said Wednesday that any question
about his handling of his consulting business Eddie Edwards Consulting during his time as Guintas director of
community relations from January to June 2015 is a non-issue because he said lsquoAnything regarding my consulting
firm was run through both former Congressman Frank Guintarsquos office as well as the House Ethics Committee to
ensure everything was appropriate and legalrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Rep Frank Guinta Edwardsrsquo Former Boss Said That Edwards Had Not Cleared The Overlap With His
Office And That He Thought It Was ldquoInappropriaterdquo ldquoGuinta however took issue with Edwardsrsquo
statement lsquoHe never got any approval from mersquo the former congressman told WMUR on Wednesday night
lsquoAnd as far as I know he never got any approval from anyone in our office to operate his consulting firm lsquoIt
would have been inappropriate for him to be working for the federal government and lobbying or consulting at
the same time Itrsquos not anything that would have been approved nor was it ever approvedrsquo Guinta saidrdquo
[WMUR 8918]
The Edwards Campaign Produced A Letter That Proved That The House Ethics Committee Chief
Counsel Had Cleared Edwardsrsquo Lobbying Because He Was Not Senior Staff ldquo[T]he Edwards campaign on
Thursday afternoon produced an email it said it received a few hours earlier -- at 11 am on Thursday -- from
US House Ethics Committee Chief Counsel Tom Rust The campaign said the email showed that Edwards
cleared his outside employment with the committees attorneys [hellip] Rust wrote that the records showed that
Edwards lsquocalled about the outside employment rules and your continuing involvement with a consulting
company while a House employee lsquoThe informal staff level guidance you received was that because you were
not senior staff (ie base pay of $121956 for 2015) you could continue to represent clients in a fiduciary
capacity as part of your outside employment lsquoFurther you were advised that you would be able to represent
clients before state boards as outside employment but because you were a (US) House employee you could
not represent clients before the federal governmentrdquo [WMUR 8918]
Primary Competitor Andy Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Inflating His Resume Because His
LinkedIn Said He Was ldquoA Member Of The Senior Leadership Teamrdquo ldquoSanborns campaign
pointed out that Edwards described his director of community relations role with Guinta on his
LinkedIn page as lsquoa member of the senior leadership teamrsquo It also pointed out that according to the
email by Rust Edwards was told by the ethics committee attorneys that he was lsquonot senior staffrsquo lsquoIt
must be tough for Eddie Edwardsrsquo said Sanborn campaign senior advisor Ethan Zorfas lsquoHe tells the
House Ethics Committee he was not senior staff while touting on his resume that he was Did he lie to
the House Ethics Committee or did he lie on his resume Why didnt he tell Congressman Guinta about
his side lobbying businessrsquo But the Edwards campaign countered legal counsel Rust was referring to
pay scale in defining lsquosenior staffrsquo not job descriptions or organizational status The campaign said that
Edwards income on an annualized basis was about $60000rdquo [WMUR 8918]
Sanborn Campaign ldquoEddie Edwards Has Been Hiding Who He Truly Is From The People Of New
Hampshirerdquo ldquoZorfas of the Sanborn campaign said lsquoFor the past 18 months Eddie Edwards has been hiding who
he truly is from the people of New Hampshire Edwards was forced out of his 22-year (state) government job and
told he could not work for the state again in a secret agreement Then Edwards opened a lobbying business in
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 8
2013 where he lobbied the bureaucracy he once worked for Now we find out that he was also actively working as
a federal government employee while maintaining his side lobbying businessrsquo Zorfas called it a lsquoDC-style swamp
careerrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Neither The House Ethics Manual Nor The Hew Hampshire Code Of Ethics Expressly Forbid A Federal
Congressional Staffer From Lobbying On State Issues
The House Ethics Manual Said That House Staff Were Prohibited From Lobbying The Federal Government
ldquoThe House Ethics Manual addresses prohibited outside activity by House members as well as House staff It has a
different set of requirements for senior staff and non-senior staff But it also says that all staff regardless of pay
level or status are prohibited from lsquolobbying or advising on lobbying of either Congress or the Executive Branch
on behalf of any private organization or individual even on an uncompensated basis as that would conflict with a
memberrsquos general obligation to the publicrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
The New Hampshire Code Of Ethics Said That Public Employees Could Not Simultaneously Register As
State Lobbyists ldquo21-G25 Restrictions on Simultaneous Employment and Public Service ndash Volunteer service shall
not be used directly or indirectly for personal financial gain or to facilitate non-public communications with
executive branch officials or classified employees for the purpose of promoting or advancing any matter on behalf
of a third party or to influence executive branch officials or classified employees in the performance of their duties
In furtherance of this prohibition I No person shall serve as a public employee as defined by RSA 15-B2 VIII
or serve as an appointee or volunteer for any multi-branch commission committee board or similar governmental
entity and simultaneously be a person who has a duty to register as a lobbyist pursuant to RSA 15 or is employed
by or maintains an ownership interest in any entity which employs a registered lobbyistrdquo [New Hampshire Code
of Ethics Chapter 21-G accessed 82918]
Public Employees Were Defined As Employees Conducting State Business ldquoVIII lsquoPublic employeersquo
means any person including but not limited to a classified or non-classified employee or volunteer who
conducts state business on behalf of the governor any executive branch official or agencyrdquo [New Hampshire
Code of Ethics Chapter 15-B accessed 82918]
Registered Lobbying
Edwards Registered Lobbying Activity
Reporting Period Name of Client Type of Client Notes
2016 Q2 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
Traveling Vineyards Alcohol Sales
UPS Package Delivery
2016 Q3 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
Traveling Vineyard Alcohol Sales
UPS Package Delivery
2016 Q4 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar Edwards reported a $950 in-
kind contribution for a
fundraiser he hosted for Bill
OrsquoConnor a candidate for
Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
Traveling Vineyard
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 9
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
State Senate and filed the
appropriate Addendum C
UPS Package Delivery
2017 Q1 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q2 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q3 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q4 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
1995-2013 New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2013 Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2002 Edwards Worked In Various Positions At The New Hampshire Liquor Commission [Settlement
Agreement 41613]
2002 ndash 2005 Edwards Was A Lieutenant In The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New
Hampshire Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2005 ndash 2013 Edwards Was Director Of The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New Hampshire
Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2011 Edwards Earned $79706 As Chief
Edwards Earned $79706 In 2011 ldquoTop State Employee Earnings Part II hellip Eddie Edwards Ch Of Lic amp
EnforceLiquor $79706rdquo [Union Leader 61911]
Edwards Received Generous Benefits As Chief Of The State Liquor Commission ldquoThere was chief the job
that Edwards holds that gives him protection as a classified state employee a pension after 20 years and generous
benefitsrdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Left The Liquor Commission In 2013 After A Discrimination Suit And A $160000 Settlement
The Telegraph Upon Announcing Edwardsrsquo Retirement ldquoSurely Edwards Had His Run-Ins With The
Powers That Be At The SLCrdquo ldquoTheres yet another shake-up in the works at the state Liquor Commission The
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencys enforcement division will
retire in June Attempts to reach Edwards for comment last week werent successful Associates of Edwards say hes
looking to start his own law enforcement consulting business which presumably would work with officials here
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 10
and in other so-called lsquocontrolrsquo states that sell their own liquor Surely Edwards had his run-ins with the powers
that be at the SLCrdquo [Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Edwards Had Been ldquoAt Oddsrdquo With Other Liquor Commission Leadership Prior To His
Retirement ldquoCarter confirmed that Eddie Edwards the outgoing chief of enforcement for the commission is
scheduled to be deposed by the Law legal team on Monday and is expected to be present with Bodi for the
Wednesday hearing Edwards who has been at odds with the remaining two commissioners on several issues in
recent months announced plans to resign at the end of June after eight years on the jobrdquo [Union Leader
42713]
Edwardsrsquo Retirement Was Linked To A $160000 Settlement Reached With The Commission Over
Discrimination Charges That He Filed ldquoEdwardrsquos employment with the Liquor Commission shall end from State
service effective June 30 2013 [hellip] The State Agrees to pay to Edwards One Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars
($16000000) within twenty (20) days after the withdrawal of the Charge with prejudice [hellip] This sum shall be
paid as follows $30000 payable to Edwards through a regular payroll payment subject to the usual withholdings
and deductions and reportable on Edwardsrsquos W2 $95000 payable to Edwards reportable on a 1099 Misc and
$35000 payable to Edwardrsquos counsel reportable on a 1099 Misc [Settlement Agreement 41613]
Edwards Claimed That The Commission Violated The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 ldquoEdwards charge asserted
violations of federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a state law outlawing discrimination The EEOC enforces federal
laws prohibiting workplace discrimination and was created by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Associate Attorney
General Anne Edwards who handled the matter for the state told WMUR Thursday night lsquoThe complaint was for
discrimination based on racersquo The agreement states that the liquor commission denied the charge Eddie Edwards
who was the commissionrsquos chief of licensing and enforcement at the time agreed to leave the commission and not
seek further legal action against the state As part of the agreement neither the state nor Edwards admitted liability
or wrongdoing In an interview Edwards noted that part of the agreement restricted him from discussing details
with the media But he did say lsquoThis stemmed from disparaging comments of a racial nature that were made about
me repeatedly over a number of years And the more I was pointing out things that were going on in the
commission ndash and it was a whole host of things ndash the more I was being attackedrsquo Edwards said that racial
comments were made by lsquosenior officialsrsquo at the commission -- both directly to him and to his staff who later told
him of the remarksrdquo [WMUR 72718]
December 2009 Edwards Filed A Charge Of Discrimination Against The Liquor Commission With The
New Hampshire Commission On Human Rights ldquoWhereas in December 2009 Edwards filed a charge of
discrimination with the New Hampshire Commission on Human Rights and the United States Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (the ldquoChargerdquo) in which he made certain claims against the Liquor
Commission asserting violations of Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act and of New Hampshire RSA Ch
354-A all of which the Liquor Commission denies Whereas Edwards has alleged that he has other potential
claims relating to employment terms and conditions that he not yet filed [hellip]rdquo [Settlement Agreement 41613]
The Liquor Commission Had To Give Edwards A Positive Job Reference As Part Of The Settlement
Agreement ldquoAs part of the agreement the Liquor Commission provided Edwards with a letter of reference which
detailed his employment with the commission and said he lsquoled the division to successfully work with New
Hampshire law enforcement to institute campaigns against driving while intoxicated underage drinking and for
responsible consumption of alcoholrsquo lsquoFor over 22 years Chief Edwards has served the state of New Hampshire law
enforcement community in various positionsrsquo the reference letter says lsquoAs he proceeds to the next phase of his
professional career we wish him the best as he moves forward from state servicesrsquordquo [WMUR 72718]
Edwards Considered Himself A Police Officer
Edwards ldquoLiquor Enforcement Officers [Were] Like All Police Officersrdquo ldquoThe second-in-command at the
state Liquor Enforcement Bureau has resigned after being charged with drunken driving State Police said Kyle
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 11
Metcalf 45 of Nashua rear-ended another car on Interstate 93 Police said the collision was minor Hes also
charged with having an open container of alcohol and tailgating Metcalf was deputy chief of the State Liquor
Commissions Bureau of Enforcement and Licensing Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said Metcalf was
returning from a retirement party for a colleague Edwards said he and the three-member State Liquor Commission
accepted Metcalfs resignation Tuesday lsquoThese types of issues we take very very seriouslyrsquo Edwards said lsquoLiquor
enforcement officers like all police officers are required to respect all laws at all timesrsquo Edwards declined to say
whether Metcalf resigned voluntarilyrdquo [Associated Press 71107]
Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard Was Angry That Edwards And His Team Were Investigating Without
Police Oversight ldquoAlthough some departments routinely examine a drivers actions in the 24 hours prior to a crash
to see whether alcohol or other factors played a role Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard said no look-back was
done because his officers didnt suspect alcohol Auburn officers blamed texting and speeding for the crash Picard
said Only six or eight weeks later did they receive toxicology results showing Seans blood-alcohol content was
19 Picard said lsquoThe kid was deadrsquo Picard said lsquoWhat purpose would a look-back serversquo Picard was angry that
liquor investigators interviewed people in town without first notifying his department a charge Eddie Edwards
chief of Liquor Enforcement deniedrdquo[Union Leader 42912]
Edwards Said That Part Of His Job Was Helping Merchants Comply With The Laws
Edwards The Liquor Commission Would License Tobacco And Alcohol Retailers ldquoThe State Liquor
Commissions Enforcement Division enforces the states tobacco laws and conducts the required compliance checks
and reports the results The division also licenses tobacco product retailers Enforcement Division Director Eddie
Edwards said lsquoWe also provide education for merchants to help them comply with the laws The results of this
years compliance checks are partially the results of the work our field agents do every day and the work of our
youth volunteers who help conduct the compliance checksrsquordquo [Union Leader 1811]
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over A Liquor
Commission Investigation
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over An Investigation
During An Ongoing Investigation By The Attorney General ldquoThe enforcement chief at the State Liquor
Commission yesterday accused a member of the New Hampshire House leadership of exerting undue influence
over his bureaursquos investigation of whether a Keene tavern owner lsquoover-servedrsquo an intoxicated person three months
ago Eddie Edwards who has headed the enforcement bureau for more than four years said in an inter-view he
believes a separate criminal probe by the Attorney Generalrsquos Office on the circumstances surrounding his bureaursquos
investigation is focused on 11-term state Rep Daniel Eaton the former police chief in his home town of Stoddard
Edwards told the New Hampshire Union Leader the bar owner Randy Filiault a Keene city councilor lsquobrought in
some outside influencesrsquo to try to stymie his bureaursquos investigation Asked whether Eaton was one of the people he
was referring to Edwards said lsquoRightrsquordquo [Union Leader 30610]
After Rep Eaton Called Edwardsrsquo Boss To Stop Him From Executing A Search On A Property Edwards
Said He Felt He Had To Comply With His Bossrsquo Orders Against Better Judgment ldquoThe incident began when
Eaton D-Stoddard called Bodi about enforcement action taken against the Railroad Tavern Eaton said Bodi had
asked him to call with concerns so he did and passed along the bar owners allegation that enforcement officers had
gone beyond the scope of their search warrant Eaton insists he did not ask Bodi to do anything improper Bodi told
a slightly different story to the grand jury He said Eaton was hysterical and insisted the bar had been targeted in
retaliation for legislation Eaton supported that would have stripped the Liquor Commission of its enforcement
powers Bodi acknowledged Eaton did not tell him to do anything other than call the bar owner but the implication
was lsquothere would be hell to pay if this matter wasnt resolvedrsquo to Eatons satisfaction Bodi then told Liquor
Enforcement Bureau director Eddie Edwards to return the video equipment Edwards said he felt he had to choose
between being disciplined for not complying and maintaining the integrity of the investigation Bodi said he told
Edwards to retrieve any evidence on the equipment and return itrdquo [Associated Press 91910]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 12
The NH Attorney General Chastised Edwards For Making Public Comments About The Ongoing
Investigation ldquoAttorney General Michael Delaney and members of the Executive Council yesterday criticized
Liquor Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards for his public statements about a high-profile criminal
investigation Disturbing improper and unprofessional were their assessments of the way Edwards has handled
himself Edwards who was not at the breakfast meeting where the comments were made has appeared on
television and in the press discussing details of the allegations that led to a paid leave for Liquor Commissioner
Mark Bodi He said this morning he has discussed his end of the incident an administrative case that is now closed
and not the criminal probe [hellip] lsquoOur office is certainly not accustomed to having heads of law enforcement
agencies speaking publicly and drawing conclusions during the course of an investigation being conducted by the
Attorney Generals Officersquo Delaney said lsquoI do not believe Chief Edwards has distinguished himself professionally
in how he has handled this matterrsquo Councilor John Shea D-Nelson was also upsetrdquo [Union leader 31110]
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodi Said That Rep Eaton Wanted Edwards Fired For Targeting A
Specific Establishment For Liquor Law Violations ldquoThe following excerpts are taken from the transcript of
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodis testimony before the Merrimack County Grand Jury on Feb 19 [hellip] A
I received a second call Q From whom A From Representative Eaton Q What does he say during that call A
Based on my phone discussion with Eaton he was representing that this was the kind of a nefarious plot that the
Chief had told his people to go out there and surveil this establishment [hellip]Q During your first few conversations
with Representative Eaton before the second search warrant is indicated does he say anything to you that lsquoThis is
Eddies vendetta Its like sticking a needle in my eye Why are you let-ting him do thisrsquo Does any of that sound
familiar to you A Representative Eaton did not use that terminology but that certainly was the implication He had
imparted to me on another occasion when I had asked him following a very lengthy hearing in which I disagreed
with Representative Eaton over how the Enforcement Division should be handled [hellip]Following that hearing I
approached him in the lobby and I asked him lsquoWhy are you doing this What can we do to resolve thisrsquo Q And
his answer was A Get rid of Eddie Edwardsrdquo [Union Leader 8510]
Fellow Congresswoman Maggie Hassan Said She Believed Eaton Had An Issue With Edwards ldquoEaton would
not comment directly on Bodis additional contention that Eaton had a lsquovendettarsquo against liquor enforcement chief
Eddie Edwards and wanted him fired [hellip] But state Sen Maggie Hassan D-Exeter said it was her lsquoperceptionrsquo
from sitting on a study committee and a budget conference committee with Eaton that lsquohe had particular issues with
Eddie Edwardsrsquordquo [Union Leader 8610]
HEADLINE EDITORIAL Bodi should stay There is no case for removal [Union Leader Editorial Union
Leader 8610]
Union Leader Editorial Bodi Was Removed From Office After Rep Eaton Called Bodi To Stop
Edwardsrsquo Investigation ldquoEaton called Bodi to complain about his friend being targeted by Enforcement
Division chief Eddie Edwards He suggested that Bodi get rid of Edwards He also asked Bodi to call the tavern
owner which Bodi did Bodis lsquointerferencersquo in the investigation consisted of calling the tavern owner to assure
him that due process would be followed in the investigation then ordering Edwards to return the surveillance
equipment Bodi over-stepped his authority by ordering the equipment returned But Bodi clearly was not
trying to hinder the pursuit of justice He didnt order the video returned only the equipment after the video
evidence was obtained As both Bodi and the attorney general acknowledge he was only trying to get Eaton off
his back That behavior does not justify Bodis removal from office rdquo [Union Leader Editorial Union Leader
8610]
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally The Attorney General Found
The Allegations Unfounded
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally Attorney General Found The
Allegations Unfounded ldquoEdwards who referred all questions to his attorney has clashed with the commissioners
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 13
over several issues including the alleged illegal hiring of a lobbyist to help kill a bill that would have allowed the
sale of liquor in grocery and convenience stores hellip On Wednesday the Special House Committee to Evaluate the
New Hampshire State Liquor Commission heard testimony on the issue of hiring a lobbyist with Edwards
providing often conflicting testimony to Liquor Commission Chairman Joseph Mollica and Commissioner Michael
Milligan Last month the Attorney Generalrsquos Office released a preliminary investigation into Edwardsrsquo charges that
the commission illegally hired a lobbyist The attorney general found the charges were unfounded and there was no
need for a formal investigationrdquo [Union Leader 91512]
State Agencies Were Not Allowed To Hire Lobbyists ldquoSeveral lawmakers lobbyists and state employees
believe the state Liquor Commission illegally used a lobbyist to fight a bill that would have allowed liquor sales
in grocery and convenience stores State agencies are prohibited by law from paying lobbyists to influence
lawmakers A recent preliminary investigation by the Attorney Generals Office cleared the commission of any
wrongdoing saying Beer Distributors of NH lobbyist Clark Corson did not lobby for the commissionrdquo [Union
Leader 81612]
Commissioners Testified They Hired Clark Carson To Do A Study Not Lobby ldquoTwo liquor
commissioners claim - and the Attorney Generals Office agreed - that Corson was acting on his own or
lobbying for the beer wholesalers in working to defeat House Bill 1251 this session They claim Corson was
hired by the commissions advertising firm Rumbletree to do an independent study of the feasibility of selling
beer in state liquor stores But others including the commissions chief enforcement officer say the study was a
cover for Corsons lobbying efforts to defeat the billrdquo [Union Leader 81612]
The Attorney General Determined That There Was No Wrongdoing On The Part Of The Liquor
Commission ldquoThe attorney general Wednesday cleared the Liquor Commission of possible wrongdoing for
allegedly hiring a lobbyist The attorney generals report was discussed during a closed-door meeting with the
Executive Council after its meeting at Manchester School of Technology According to the report liquor
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards sent a report to the attorney general in May alleging the commission hired New
Hampshire Beer Wholesalers lobbyist Clark Corson to lobby lawmakers on behalf of the commission State law
forbids the use of state money to lobby lawmakersrdquo [Union Leader 8912]
A New Hampshire House Member Feared That The Liquor Commission Was Intimidating Edwards Into
Not Testifying At A House Hearing ldquoThe chair of the House committee investigating the Liquor Commission
and the liquor commissioners butted heads Tuesday over the committees access to information and commission
employees [hellip] Ober noted Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards testified before the committee last week
and two days later an advertisement was in the paper for someone to fill his position lsquoThat looks very much to me
like intimidationrsquo Ober said [hellip] Ober told the commission they owed Edwards something because anyone who
reads the newspaper and sees their job advertised believes lsquohe is going to be fired You need to do something He
did come in here and whistle-blowrsquordquo [Union Leader 91912]
Rep Coffey Nobody Should Be Afraid To Speak Up To The Legislature To Law Enforcement To
Anyonerdquo ldquoCoffey expressed concern about missing liquor attempts to shut down an agency store and posting
Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards job days after he testified before the committee lsquoWere not trying to rake
anyone over the coalsrsquo she said lsquobut Ive gotten email from people who want to come forward and talk to us
but are afraid for their jobs Nobody should be afraid to speak up to the Legislature to law enforcement to
anyonersquordquo [Union Leader 92112]
Edwards Testified That A Liquor Commission Bidding Process Was Rigged And Said He Advocated A
Third Party Bidding Process Commission Settled Lawsuit For $25 Million
Edwards Testified That A Company Had No Chance In The Bidding Process For A Liquor Commission
Contract ldquoThe outgoing chief of enforcement for the state Liquor Commission has joined a former commissioner
in testifying that Law Warehouses of Nashua had no chance of getting a $200 million 20-year warehouse contract
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 14
because of hostility toward the company within the commission hellip Law is seeking an injunction that would
prevent the NHLC from transferring the contract to logistics firm Exel of Westerville Ohio until Laws civil suit
seeking to overturn the contract is resolvedrdquo [Union Leader 43013]
Edwards ldquoI Know That The Commission Did Not Really Like Brian Lawrdquo ldquoEdwards described senior staff
meetings of the commission in which it became apparent to him that commissioners Mollica and Michael Milligan
did not want Law to get the contract which is consistent with Bodis deposition and affidavit lsquoI know that the
commission did not really like Brian Law I know there comments made about Brian Law not having the contract
too long or something like thatrsquo Edwards said lsquoAnd then there were comments about Brian Law specifically that
he felt he was entitled to the contractrsquo Edwards said there were concerns about the rates Law was charging and
complaints from some liquor brokers about the warehouse charges lsquoThey wanted to go in a different direction
other than with Brian Lawrsquo he said lsquoBased upon those conversations I did not believe that he was going to get the
contract I didnt believe that at allrsquordquo [Union Leader 5113]
Edwards Said That He Advocated For A Third Party Bidding Process Due To His Perception Of An
ldquoEnergyrdquo Against Brian Law ldquoAccording to Edwards there was an lsquoenergyrsquo among the commissioners and staff
that the ware-house contract should go to someone else because Brian Law owner of Law Warehouses had an
attitude of entitlement lsquoI just thought from an ethical standpoint it was inappropriate to have people on this review
committee that had these kind of thoughts and conversations and guidancersquo Edwards said He told liquor
commission officials to stop the bidding process and restart it under a third partyrsquos oversight because lsquoyou are not
being fair to Brian Law or anyone else in the processrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 50513]
Law Warehouses Alleged That The Liquor Commission Was Unfairly Biased Against Them ldquoLaw
Warehouses has sued the state to block the contract that was awarded to shipping giant Excel The liquor
commissions decision effectively kills a decades-long relationship that the prominent Nashua business has had
with the state Law charges that the bidding process was lsquotainted by unlawful favoritism from the startrsquordquo
[Nashua Telegraph 5513]
The State Alleged That Edwards Was Nothing But A Disgruntled Employee ldquoA state prosecutor backed by
half a dozen Liquor Commission employees told a judge Wednesday that Law Warehouses suit against the state is
based on nothing but complaints from two disgruntled former employees Senior Assistant Attorney General Mary
Ann Dempsey said sworn testimony from retired Liquor Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards and former
Liquor Commissioner Mark Bodi cant be taken at face value and is disputed by several current employees lsquoTheyre
certainly disgruntled employeesrsquo Dempsey said lsquoThat testimony is contradictedrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 5213]
2015 Liquor Commission Paid $25 Million To Settle The Case ldquoThe New Hampshire Liquor Commission has
agreed to pay $25 million to Law Warehouses to settle a lawsuit over the loss of a 20-year contract for
warehousing and distribution worth an estimated $200 millionrdquo [Union Leader 41315]
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase Licensing Fees Paid By Restaurants Up To
Twentyfold Claimed It Would Not Harm The Economy
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase The Fees Paid By ldquoRestaurant Cocktail
Lounge[s]rdquo Ten To Twentyfold ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as
much for their liquor license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants
The proposal would create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses
with more than 50 seats Under the current law bars and nightclubs can obtain a restaurant cocktail lounge license
for just $1200 if they sell $75000 worth of food annually but the bill would raise the food sales requirement to
$150000 State liquor enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that
bars and nightclubs have taken advantage of the rulesrdquo [AP 32908]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 15
Pub Owner Criticized The Proposal As Detrimental To The Economy ldquoDavid Barrett owner of Kilkenny
Pub and Twenty-One Bar amp Grill in Keene said the new requirements would force dozens of restaurants and
bars to shut down including his own lsquoIrsquove talked to 40 or 50 restaurant and bar owners in the southern and
middle part of New Hamp-shire and not one of them will pay $24000 a year for a licensersquo he said lsquoIf theyrsquore
not going to pay that you can imagine how many people will be out of work That bill should really finish
off the economy once and for allrsquordquo [AP 32908]
Edwards Argued The Measure He Supported To Raise Fees On Businesses Would Not Harm The
Economy ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as much for their liquor
license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants The proposal would
create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses with more than 50
seats hellip Edwards dismissed that argument as scare tactics and said the bill would not harm the economyrdquo [AP
32908]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For ldquoUnder his watch the enforcement division was accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies while also receiving the Spirit of America Award
from the New Hampshire Grocers Association for his collaborative approachrsquo I use the above examples of how
government can work with the hospitality and retail industries community organizations public health and law
enforcement to protect community interest without impeding the private sectorrsquo Edwards said lsquoThe goal should be
to make regulations as simple as necessary to assist business protect the public and encourage government
transparency My priority is to empower individuals to invest in job growth throughout District 4 by reforming
regulations that do not meet their stated purposersquo Edwards left the Liquor Commission after reaching a confidential
agreement with commissioners during a time of controversy over his job descriptionrdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Edwards Received Plaudits For Strict Enforcement
Nashua Telegraph ldquoEdwards Was A By-The-Book-Professional Who Wasnrsquot Fond Of Leniency[]rdquo ldquoThe
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencyrsquos enforcement division will
retire in June hellip Throughout his tenure Edwards was a by-the-book professional who wasnrsquot fond of leniency with
scofflaw license holdersrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Editorial Compared Edwards To Eliot Ness ldquoNew Hampshirersquos chief liquor law enforcer is a
teetotaling Southerner with no patience for drunkenness and a suspicious eye for alcohol in general Thank
goodness hellip Edwards is New Hampshirersquos own Eliot Ness But instead of mobsters hersquos battling bar owners who
endanger their own patrons and their communities by not following the lawrdquo [Union Leader Editorial 100207]
Shortly After Edwards ldquoTook Over The Job Of Enforcing Liquor Lawsrdquo Five Troubled Establishments Lost
Their Licensure ldquoOn June 8 2005 Eddie Edwards took over the job of enforcing liquor laws in the state of New
Hampshire About a month later a man fired four shots into the Omega nightclub in downtown Manchester and
bar owners across the state learned that a new sheriff was in town Within six months Omega lost its license to sell
alcohol in New Hampshire Others in Manchester quickly followed Envy Electra Florsquos Bar and Grill and
Aborigen Restaurant and Bar either lost their license surrendered it or dropped plans in the face of community
oppositionrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
NH State Liquor Commissioner Edwards Was Tougher Than Past Enforcement Heads ldquoNew Hampshire has
been getting tougher when it comes to enforcing liquor laws and much of the credit goes to Eddie
Edwards Edwards took over as state liquor enforcement chief two years ago In his first year the number of clubs
restaurants and stores facing fines or liquor license suspensions nearly quadrupled rising from 40 to 151 In the last
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 16
year that number of suspensions or fines dropped to 91 but Edwards said the decrease reflects the success of the
Bureau of Enforcement and Licensings efforts Patricia Russell a state liquor commissioner said Edwards by-the-
book approach to liquor law enforcement is tougher than that of his predecessor For years state liquor enforcement
officers did little more than run stings on underage sales and visit bars and restaurants she said lsquoTheres more bars
more drinking We have to be vigilant and Eddie is very vigilantrsquo Russell saidrdquo [Associated Press 10107]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The Liquor Commission Doubled Its Fines And Increased Its Penalties
ldquoSince Edwards arrival the state Liquor Commission has toughened its penalties doubling the fine for selling
to an underage or intoxicated customer to $500 plus a three-day license suspensionrdquo [Associated Press
10107]
hellipHowever Edwards Subjected Three Establishments Charged With Illegal Gambling A Felony To Far
Less Than The Maximum Punishment
A Pizza Restaurant Was ldquoCited For Gambling Violations And For Dealing Illicit Drugsrdquo And Settled With
The Liquor Commission To Revoke Its License And Forfeit $681 ldquoThe state liquor commission yesterday
revoked Three Cousins Pizza and Loungersquos liquor license in an agreement that also bars the clubrsquos owners from
applying for another license in the state for three years the commissionrsquos chief law enforcer said The clubrsquos
owners also agreed to forfeit $681 police seized during an Oct 21 raid at the 137 Wilson St lounge Chief Eddie
Edwards said hellip Three Cousins lounge was cited for gambling violations and for dealing illicit drugs on Oct 21rdquo
[Union Leader 110309]
Edwards Touted These Actions Of ldquoElected Officials And The Police Departmentrdquo As ldquoDoing All They
Can To Make Sure The Quality Of Life Is Maintained[]rdquo ldquoEdwards said the clubrsquos owners closed the
lounge last week lsquoI think thatrsquos what you see in Manchester elected officials and the police department and
the citizens in that community who are doing all they can to make sure the quality of life is maintainedrsquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Mayor Frank Guinta Praised The Liquor Commissionrsquos Actions ldquoMayor Frank C Guinta said he was
pleased with the liquor enforcement bureaursquos action lsquoThe restaurant was a blight on a neighborhood that does
not want drugs or gangs there This sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Manchesterrsquo
Guinta said in a statementrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Gambling Violations Were Felonious ldquoState law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be
charged with a class B felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their
establishmentsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
An American Legion Post Was Charged With Two Felonies For Alleged Illegal Gambing ldquoAn American
Legion Post in Lebanon has been hit with two felony charges for allowing gambling Feb 1 on its premises at 189
Mechanic St A Grafton County Superior Court grand jury indicted Guyer-Carignan Post 22 for gambling and a
charge called lsquoentertainment and entertainersrsquo according to the indictments The latter charge refers to gambling at
an establishment thats licensed to sell lsquoalcohol andor liquorrsquordquo [Union Leader 42414]
2014 $15000 Was Confiscated From The American Legion In ldquoA Similar Situation Took Place Several
Years Ago In Which the State Seized About $14000[]rdquo ldquoReached at the post on Thursday Bill Wilson
Guyer-Carignans financial officer said the state confiscated some $15000 He said the money was gleaned
from raffles and was used to benefit charity hellip A similar situation took place several years ago in which the
state seized about $14000 but later returned the money said Wilson who said that matter was resolved
without going to Superior Courtrdquo [Union Leader 42414]
Edwards Dealt With A ldquoSimilar Problemrdquo In 2010 With ldquoAdministrative Not Legal Remediesrdquo
ldquoThe Lebanon Legion post ran into a similar problem with its Super Bowl promotion in 2010 but then-
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 17
chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards resolved the matter with administrative not legal remedies
Kenney said he is pushing for a similar resolution this timerdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Law Enforcement Confiscated Seven Illegal Poker Machines From Two Pizza Parlors Illegal Gambling Was
Punishable By Felony Charges ldquoAuthorities confiscated video poker machines and charged four employees with
illegal gambling after simultaneous Friday night raids at Olympus Pizza restaurants in Manchester and Allenstown
-- the latter right next door to the police station hellip Fussell said seven video machines were seized in the raids three
in Allenstown and four in Manchester A large amount of cash was also seized he said hellip He said Finnell told him
officials were saying that an undercover officer had come into the bar last month and gotten a $50 pay-out on a
video poker game hellip State law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be charged with a class B
felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their establishmentsrdquo [Union
Leader 50910]
Edwards Said Business Owners ldquoCould Face Administrative Actions Including Fines[]rdquo ldquoLiquor
Commission Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards yesterday said the business owners could face
administrative actions including fines of up to $5000 and liquor license revocation Edwards said the state
liquor commissioners will make the ultimate decision on administrative pen-alties But he will make a
recommendation to them taking into account whether the owners were directly involved and if there were prior
violationsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar And
Reported Them To Dover Police
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar Reported
Them To Dover Police ldquoThe state Liquor Enforcement chief says he found law-enforcement officers gathering to
drink after hours at a local bar last month along with one of his own staffers The liquor enforcement bureau
Dover and state police are investigating It was 2 am on Aug 27 when state Liquor Enforcement Chief Eddie
Edwards pulled open the door of the bar The Station House and found the officers drinking The officers involved
were there to drink alcohol served to them an hour after the statersquos 1 am cutoff he said Dover Police Chief
Anthony Colarusso said yesterday he only caught wind of the alleged gathering when Edwards contacted himrdquo
[Union Leader 91207]
Edwards Advocated Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code And Increase Their Lighting
Edwards Suggested That Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code Barring Necklaces ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are
currently a lsquohot spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could
lead to change Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip They also have suggested some
impose a dress code that will discourage troublemakers lsquoPeople show up with chains on their necks We call that
battle gearrsquo said Edwards Imposing a dress code would keep out some who just come to stand against the wall
arms folded in and wait for a fight he saidrdquo [Union Leader71805]
Edwards Advocated That Night Clubs Increase Their Lighting ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are currently a lsquohot
spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could lead to change
Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip Chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards
told the governor and council lsquoItrsquos a hot spot for us right nowrsquo He said the department will continue to put pressure
on operators to follow the law while advising them to increase the lighting to better see who their customers are and
what they are doing hellip Dark rooms make it difficult to see the age and level of sobriety of a patron he noted More
lighting he said helps those who are pouring drinks and those monitoring the club to enforce the lawsrdquo [Union
Leader 71805]
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 3
Edwards also alleged a New Hampshire House official exerted influence on the Commission to help a
friend and he testified against the Commission in a lawsuit suggesting a bidding process had been
rigged against a company owned by Brian Law That lawsuit was settled in 2015 costing the
Commission $25 million
Edwards left the Commission in 2013 announcing the formation of his consulting firm and said ldquoit
is not a lobbying job in the traditional senserdquo Yet in 2017 Edwards attested that he was a lobbyist in
2016 for alcoholic beverage companies Edwards quickly and briefly worked as the Chief of Police
for South Hampton beginning in 2014 He then left that job in 2014 and ran for State Senate losing
by two thousand votes in the General Election In 2015 Edwards worked for Rep Guinta a man
Edwards said he admired and called a friend Edwards left that position in 2015 returning to his
consulting firm where he lobbied
Background
BORN Eddie Edwards 321968
EDUCATION Northcentral University BA in Business Administration New Hampshire Technical Institute
(Concord Community College) Associatersquos degree in Criminal Justice National FBI Academy 10 Week
Constitutional Law and Labor Law Program Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education
Strategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agencies
PROFESSIONAL President Eddie Edwards Consulting (2013-Present) Director of Community Relations
Rep Guinta (2015) Chief of Police South Hampton 2013-2014 Chief Liquor Commission (2005-2013)
Lieutenant Liquor Commission (2002-2005) Corrections Officer Strafford County (1990-1995)
MILITARY US Navy (1987-1990)
POLITICAL 2016 State Co-Chair for Dr Ben Carson 2014 Candidate for State Senate
NON PROFIT New Hampshire Disproportionate Minority Contact Committee New Hampshire Endowment
for Health PIRE National Leadership Institute on Underage Drinking Enforcement Partnership for a Drug
Free NH NH Chiefs of Police Association NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice Easter Seals ndash
Veterans Count Cocheco Valley Humane Society SPARK NH National Organization of Black Law
Enforcement Executives FBI National Academy Association Equity Leaders Fellowship NH National
Alcohol Beverage Control Association Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association Children of the Fallen
Patriot NH Endowment for Health (PAST) Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Personal Life And Family
Edwardrsquos Father And Eventually His Brother Were Addicts
Edwardsrsquo Father Was An Illiterate Crack Dealer Who Abused His Mother
Edwardsrsquo Father Was Illiterate With A Third Grade Education ldquoAnd even his father shaped him as Willie
Sr who was illiterate and had a third-grade education frightened him but told Eddie he wanted his children to do
better than he had lsquoHersquod say therersquos only one dummy in the house and thatrsquos (Willie Sr)rsquo Edwards said He said
he harbors no lingering hostility toward his father who finally first told Edwards he loved him when Edwards was
32 years oldrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Edwardsrsquo Father Was A Crack Dealer ldquoEdwards explained that his father was a crack-cocaine dealer and his
grandparents were the main influences in his life His upbringing is what motivated him to become a member of the
Navy and a chief of policerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 80514]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 4
Edwards ldquoI Have Images Forever In My Head OfhellipMy Father Beating And Hurting My Motherrdquo ldquolsquoI have
spoken openly and honestly about how my childhood was one that was challenging I have images forever in my
head of my mother asking for the horrible things being done to her to stop That was the hands of my father beating
and hurting my mother Those are the earlier memories I have as a young child growing up Hearing your mother in
pain Itrsquos truthfully something you never forget But having the police come to your home Those lights and sirens
meant a place of safety for me Thatrsquos why I joined law enforcement shortly after my active duty military service I
wanted to be in law enforcement because I was drawn to it Those blue lights and policing has been a part of who I
am It has truly shaped me because I felt that they protected my motherrsquordquo [WMUR 82118]
Edwards Refused To Testify To Help His Brother In A Homicide Case
Edwards Refused To Testify To Help His Brother In A Homicide Case ldquoHis mother was on the line She asked
Edwards who months earlier became chief of the New Hampshire Liquor Authorityrsquos Enforcement Division to
return to Atlanta and testify on behalf of his older brother Willie Willie had killed a man and Edwardsrsquo mother
wanted him to say that it wasnrsquot all Williersquos fault because of the abuse the brothers had shared at the hands of their
drug-addicted father Willie Sr who whipped the boys with electrical cords and beat their mother Doris when he
was high and angry Recalling the happy boy his older brother was before choosing the path presented by their
abusive father and the decisions Edwards made to take a different road he gave a difficult answer lsquoI didnrsquot do it I
refusedrsquo he said Edwards now 47 said his brother had the same choice Be like their father or take an alternate
route Willie admired their dad and wanted to be just like him Edwards said lsquoHe went full force into that lifestylersquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Edwards Grew Up In A Middle Class Neighborhood In Atlanta Then Moved To The Projects To
Take Care Of His Grandfather
Edwards ldquoGrew Up In A Middle-Class Atlanta Neighborhoodrdquo Then Moved To Take Care Of His
Grandfather In The Projects ldquoHe grew up in a middle-class Atlanta neighborhood As a young teenager
Edwards moved in with his grandparents to help his wheelchair-bound grandfather They lived in the projects in a
neighborhood overrun by privately owned package storesrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
Edwards Had Incredibly Negative Views Regarding Alcohol
After Teenage Influences Regarding Alcohol Edwards Abstained From Alcohol
Edwards Said That Alcohol Caused Domestic Violence ldquoEdwards 39 said he has never taken a drink He
describes living in a housing project with his grandparents as a teenager and watching a drunk man beat his wife in
the street with a brick while onlookers ignored her cries for help lsquoThatrsquos what happens in communities when you
tolerate (alcohol)rsquo he saidrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
Edwards Said That Alcohol Led To Low Productivity ldquoAs New Hampshires chief of liquor enforcement Eddie
Edwards is a leader in the fight against underage drinking and alcohol abuse Its a cause he believes in because he
sees the states biggest problem as the social cost involved with the abuse and illegal use of alcohol tobacco and
drugs lsquoExcessive drinking leads to alcoholism and low productivityrsquo said Edwards lsquoIt leads to people not going to
work not adding to local businesses not supporting their families It has a very negative effectrsquordquo [Union Leader
12818]
Edwards Said That Alcohol Use Was The Biggest Problem Facing New Hampshire ldquoBiggest problem facing
New Hampshire The social cost associated with the abuse and illegal use of alcohol tobacco and other drugs This
cost has a significant impact on the quality of human life and the economic success of business in New
Hampshirerdquo [Union Leader 12808]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 5
Edwards Was A Teetotaler ldquoHe loved sports including football and wrestling which made him decide to never
touch a drop of alcohol He still hasnrsquot had a single siprdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Edwards Suggested Those Who Donrsquot Abstain From Alcohol Arenrsquot Courageous And Decried Communities
Which Tolerate Alcohol
Edwards Suggested Those Who Do Not Abstain From Alcohol Arenrsquot Courageous ldquolsquoI think itrsquos totally unfair
to tell young people to lsquojust say norsquo to drugs and alcohol when we donrsquot have the courage to do it ourselvesrsquo said
Eddie Edwards chief of license and enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission lsquoAt some point you
have to show real leadership to young peoplersquordquo [Union Leader 40308]
Edwards Decried Communities That Tolerate Alcohol ldquoIn a memory that remains vivid today Edwards saw a
wino beat his wife in the street with a brick No adults heeded her cries for help lsquoThatrsquos what happens in
communities when you tolerate (alcohol)rsquo he said To Edwards intoxication is just not good Itrsquos bad for a
downtown rowdy drunks start fights and frighten people away Itrsquos bad for public safety and can lead to domestic
violence date rape auto-mobile accidents And itrsquos bad for public health causing addictions Edwards even
dislikes the idea of designated drivers lsquoWhat happensrsquo he asks lsquowhen the person goes homersquordquo [Union Leader
100107]
Professional Career
2013-2017 Lobbying
Edwards Left The State Liquor Commission To Work With Beverage Companies On Liquor Laws Said ldquoIt
Is Not A Lobbying Job In The Traditional Senserdquo
2013-Present Edwards Has Been President Of Eddie Edwards Consulting [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwardsrsquo Business Was Focused On ldquoAlcohol Risk Management Consultingrdquo ldquoThe nature of the primary
business or purposes is alcohol risk management consulting The LLC may also pursue any other purpose
permitted by lawrdquo [New Hampshire Certificate of Formation 92613]
Edwards Described His Lobbying Job A ldquoNot A Lobbying Job In The Traditional Senserdquo ldquoEdwards said he
plans to become a consultant and work with government agencies and the beverage industry on matters surrounding
compliance with state liquor laws He said it is not a lobbying job in the traditional senserdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Said That He Left After Reforms To The Liquor Commission Rather Than Work In A Position In
Which He Could Be Fired ldquoThe announcment ends a stalemate over Edwards position After an overhaul of the
state Liquor Commission went into effect in 2009 officials realized lawmakers had authorized two job descriptions
dealing with the enforcement of liquor laws in the state There was chief the job that Edwards holds that gives him
protection as a classified state employee a pension after 20 years and generous benefits Then there was the job of
director a job the Liquor Commission wanted Edwards to fill and that would give the commission the ability to fire
himrdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Maintained His Business While Working As A Staffer For Rep Frank Guinta
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked As A Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta [LinkedIn accessed 9318]
2015 Eddie Edwards Consulting Filed An Annual Report [New Hampshire 2015 Annual Report 51915]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 6
2016 Eddie Edwards Consulting Filed An Annual Report [New Hampshire 2016 Annual Report 51316]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Alcoholic Beverage Companies
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Cask And Vine In January 2017 Edwards filed a report listing
himself as a lobbyist for Cask and Vine [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for Lobbyists 12517]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Traveling Vineyard In January 2017 Edwards filed a report
listing himself as a lobbyist for Traveling Vineyard [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for Lobbyists
12517]
Traveling Vineyard Was A Wine Tasting Company ldquoTraveling Vineyard began with an idea back in 2001
it is hard to know if you like a wine unless you try it first That thought launched our entire in-home wine
tasting concept Since then we have launched hundreds of Wine Guides into successful work at home jobsrdquo
[Traveling Vineyard accessed 40517]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For The Craft Brew Alliance In January 2017 Edwards filed a
report listing himself as a lobbyist for the Craft Brew Alliance [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for
Lobbyists 12517]
2016-2017 Edwards Lobbied For The LaBelle Winery The 2016 and 2017 list of registered lobbyists produced
by the New Hampshire Secretary of State noted that Edwards was a lobbyist for LaBelle Winery [New Hampshire
Secretary of State website accessed 40717]
LaBelle Winery Sought Approval Of A Large Expansion Of Their Facility ldquoOwners of the LaBelle
Winery in Amherst expect to wait a year to find out whether they can expand operations after a neighbor filed a
court challenge that he claims will protect the arearsquos rural character hellip Winery owners want to build a 24-room
inn with a restaurant big enough to seat 150 people inside and outside as well as a spa service and retail space
in a new building said LaBellersquos attorney Morgan Hollis An existing barn would be renovated and expanded
for a distillery tasting room and function room Hollis saidrdquo [Union Leader 11817]
Edwards Claimed His Lobbying Was Not What It Looked Like But He Asked The House Ethics Committee
For Approval And Registered As A Lobbyist With The State Anyway
Edwards Claimed That He Registered As A Lobbyist To Err On The Side Of Caution ldquoEdwards said most of
his consulting work is advising businesses In an interview he said he registered as a lobbyist to be overly cautious
and certain to comply with state law and in the event he had to speak with a legislator or state agency
official lsquoIrsquove always tried to do the right thingrsquo he said lsquoThe majority of work I do is consulting or helping
people address civil lawsuits or administrative casesrsquo [hellip] Edwards said that it is unfortunate that business people
have to hire someone to help navigate state regulations or laws to grow their business In the case of helping
LaBelle Winery he said he provided technical testimony with respect to a law change to allow businesses to have
off-site tasting rooms to sell productsrdquo [Union Leader 62817]
Eddie Edwards Consulting ldquoWe Provide Alcoholic Beverage Solutions For Your Business Model That Gives
You An Industry Competitive Edge While Maintaining Regulatory Compliancerdquo ldquoEddie Edwards Consulting
is an Alcoholic Beverage Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance Firm We represent alcoholic beverage
manufacturers wholesalers off-premises sellers and on-premises servers Our expertise in alcoholic beverage
regulations ranges from tied house limited licenses product approval label approval advertising direct shipping
enforcement policies and licensure requirements We have extensive experience crafting alcoholic beverage
regulations with legislators and government agencies We provide alcoholic beverage solutions for your business
model that gives you an industry competitive edge while maintaining regulatory compliance We excel in
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 7
negotiating settlements with regulatory compliance or enforcement agenciesrdquo [EEdwardsConsultingcom accessed
82918]
Edwardsrsquo Consulting Practice Vowed To Help Defend Businesses Against The ldquoAggressive Rules Or Lawsrdquo
That He Had Just Recently Enforced ldquoYou can rely on us to professionally address any of your regulatory
compliance needs or defend your business interest again aggressive rules or laws Our expertise and intimate
regulatory agencies knowledge provides you with comfort knowing our compliance strategies will fulfill federal
and state regulators expectationsrdquo [EEdwardsConsultingcom accessed 82918]
Edwards Said There Was No Issue With The Overlap Between Edwardsrsquo Tenure As A Congressional Staffer
And His Tenure As Founder And President Of A Lobbying Firm ldquoEdwards said Wednesday that any question
about his handling of his consulting business Eddie Edwards Consulting during his time as Guintas director of
community relations from January to June 2015 is a non-issue because he said lsquoAnything regarding my consulting
firm was run through both former Congressman Frank Guintarsquos office as well as the House Ethics Committee to
ensure everything was appropriate and legalrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Rep Frank Guinta Edwardsrsquo Former Boss Said That Edwards Had Not Cleared The Overlap With His
Office And That He Thought It Was ldquoInappropriaterdquo ldquoGuinta however took issue with Edwardsrsquo
statement lsquoHe never got any approval from mersquo the former congressman told WMUR on Wednesday night
lsquoAnd as far as I know he never got any approval from anyone in our office to operate his consulting firm lsquoIt
would have been inappropriate for him to be working for the federal government and lobbying or consulting at
the same time Itrsquos not anything that would have been approved nor was it ever approvedrsquo Guinta saidrdquo
[WMUR 8918]
The Edwards Campaign Produced A Letter That Proved That The House Ethics Committee Chief
Counsel Had Cleared Edwardsrsquo Lobbying Because He Was Not Senior Staff ldquo[T]he Edwards campaign on
Thursday afternoon produced an email it said it received a few hours earlier -- at 11 am on Thursday -- from
US House Ethics Committee Chief Counsel Tom Rust The campaign said the email showed that Edwards
cleared his outside employment with the committees attorneys [hellip] Rust wrote that the records showed that
Edwards lsquocalled about the outside employment rules and your continuing involvement with a consulting
company while a House employee lsquoThe informal staff level guidance you received was that because you were
not senior staff (ie base pay of $121956 for 2015) you could continue to represent clients in a fiduciary
capacity as part of your outside employment lsquoFurther you were advised that you would be able to represent
clients before state boards as outside employment but because you were a (US) House employee you could
not represent clients before the federal governmentrdquo [WMUR 8918]
Primary Competitor Andy Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Inflating His Resume Because His
LinkedIn Said He Was ldquoA Member Of The Senior Leadership Teamrdquo ldquoSanborns campaign
pointed out that Edwards described his director of community relations role with Guinta on his
LinkedIn page as lsquoa member of the senior leadership teamrsquo It also pointed out that according to the
email by Rust Edwards was told by the ethics committee attorneys that he was lsquonot senior staffrsquo lsquoIt
must be tough for Eddie Edwardsrsquo said Sanborn campaign senior advisor Ethan Zorfas lsquoHe tells the
House Ethics Committee he was not senior staff while touting on his resume that he was Did he lie to
the House Ethics Committee or did he lie on his resume Why didnt he tell Congressman Guinta about
his side lobbying businessrsquo But the Edwards campaign countered legal counsel Rust was referring to
pay scale in defining lsquosenior staffrsquo not job descriptions or organizational status The campaign said that
Edwards income on an annualized basis was about $60000rdquo [WMUR 8918]
Sanborn Campaign ldquoEddie Edwards Has Been Hiding Who He Truly Is From The People Of New
Hampshirerdquo ldquoZorfas of the Sanborn campaign said lsquoFor the past 18 months Eddie Edwards has been hiding who
he truly is from the people of New Hampshire Edwards was forced out of his 22-year (state) government job and
told he could not work for the state again in a secret agreement Then Edwards opened a lobbying business in
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 8
2013 where he lobbied the bureaucracy he once worked for Now we find out that he was also actively working as
a federal government employee while maintaining his side lobbying businessrsquo Zorfas called it a lsquoDC-style swamp
careerrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Neither The House Ethics Manual Nor The Hew Hampshire Code Of Ethics Expressly Forbid A Federal
Congressional Staffer From Lobbying On State Issues
The House Ethics Manual Said That House Staff Were Prohibited From Lobbying The Federal Government
ldquoThe House Ethics Manual addresses prohibited outside activity by House members as well as House staff It has a
different set of requirements for senior staff and non-senior staff But it also says that all staff regardless of pay
level or status are prohibited from lsquolobbying or advising on lobbying of either Congress or the Executive Branch
on behalf of any private organization or individual even on an uncompensated basis as that would conflict with a
memberrsquos general obligation to the publicrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
The New Hampshire Code Of Ethics Said That Public Employees Could Not Simultaneously Register As
State Lobbyists ldquo21-G25 Restrictions on Simultaneous Employment and Public Service ndash Volunteer service shall
not be used directly or indirectly for personal financial gain or to facilitate non-public communications with
executive branch officials or classified employees for the purpose of promoting or advancing any matter on behalf
of a third party or to influence executive branch officials or classified employees in the performance of their duties
In furtherance of this prohibition I No person shall serve as a public employee as defined by RSA 15-B2 VIII
or serve as an appointee or volunteer for any multi-branch commission committee board or similar governmental
entity and simultaneously be a person who has a duty to register as a lobbyist pursuant to RSA 15 or is employed
by or maintains an ownership interest in any entity which employs a registered lobbyistrdquo [New Hampshire Code
of Ethics Chapter 21-G accessed 82918]
Public Employees Were Defined As Employees Conducting State Business ldquoVIII lsquoPublic employeersquo
means any person including but not limited to a classified or non-classified employee or volunteer who
conducts state business on behalf of the governor any executive branch official or agencyrdquo [New Hampshire
Code of Ethics Chapter 15-B accessed 82918]
Registered Lobbying
Edwards Registered Lobbying Activity
Reporting Period Name of Client Type of Client Notes
2016 Q2 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
Traveling Vineyards Alcohol Sales
UPS Package Delivery
2016 Q3 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
Traveling Vineyard Alcohol Sales
UPS Package Delivery
2016 Q4 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar Edwards reported a $950 in-
kind contribution for a
fundraiser he hosted for Bill
OrsquoConnor a candidate for
Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
Traveling Vineyard
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 9
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
State Senate and filed the
appropriate Addendum C
UPS Package Delivery
2017 Q1 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q2 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q3 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q4 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
1995-2013 New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2013 Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2002 Edwards Worked In Various Positions At The New Hampshire Liquor Commission [Settlement
Agreement 41613]
2002 ndash 2005 Edwards Was A Lieutenant In The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New
Hampshire Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2005 ndash 2013 Edwards Was Director Of The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New Hampshire
Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2011 Edwards Earned $79706 As Chief
Edwards Earned $79706 In 2011 ldquoTop State Employee Earnings Part II hellip Eddie Edwards Ch Of Lic amp
EnforceLiquor $79706rdquo [Union Leader 61911]
Edwards Received Generous Benefits As Chief Of The State Liquor Commission ldquoThere was chief the job
that Edwards holds that gives him protection as a classified state employee a pension after 20 years and generous
benefitsrdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Left The Liquor Commission In 2013 After A Discrimination Suit And A $160000 Settlement
The Telegraph Upon Announcing Edwardsrsquo Retirement ldquoSurely Edwards Had His Run-Ins With The
Powers That Be At The SLCrdquo ldquoTheres yet another shake-up in the works at the state Liquor Commission The
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencys enforcement division will
retire in June Attempts to reach Edwards for comment last week werent successful Associates of Edwards say hes
looking to start his own law enforcement consulting business which presumably would work with officials here
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 10
and in other so-called lsquocontrolrsquo states that sell their own liquor Surely Edwards had his run-ins with the powers
that be at the SLCrdquo [Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Edwards Had Been ldquoAt Oddsrdquo With Other Liquor Commission Leadership Prior To His
Retirement ldquoCarter confirmed that Eddie Edwards the outgoing chief of enforcement for the commission is
scheduled to be deposed by the Law legal team on Monday and is expected to be present with Bodi for the
Wednesday hearing Edwards who has been at odds with the remaining two commissioners on several issues in
recent months announced plans to resign at the end of June after eight years on the jobrdquo [Union Leader
42713]
Edwardsrsquo Retirement Was Linked To A $160000 Settlement Reached With The Commission Over
Discrimination Charges That He Filed ldquoEdwardrsquos employment with the Liquor Commission shall end from State
service effective June 30 2013 [hellip] The State Agrees to pay to Edwards One Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars
($16000000) within twenty (20) days after the withdrawal of the Charge with prejudice [hellip] This sum shall be
paid as follows $30000 payable to Edwards through a regular payroll payment subject to the usual withholdings
and deductions and reportable on Edwardsrsquos W2 $95000 payable to Edwards reportable on a 1099 Misc and
$35000 payable to Edwardrsquos counsel reportable on a 1099 Misc [Settlement Agreement 41613]
Edwards Claimed That The Commission Violated The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 ldquoEdwards charge asserted
violations of federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a state law outlawing discrimination The EEOC enforces federal
laws prohibiting workplace discrimination and was created by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Associate Attorney
General Anne Edwards who handled the matter for the state told WMUR Thursday night lsquoThe complaint was for
discrimination based on racersquo The agreement states that the liquor commission denied the charge Eddie Edwards
who was the commissionrsquos chief of licensing and enforcement at the time agreed to leave the commission and not
seek further legal action against the state As part of the agreement neither the state nor Edwards admitted liability
or wrongdoing In an interview Edwards noted that part of the agreement restricted him from discussing details
with the media But he did say lsquoThis stemmed from disparaging comments of a racial nature that were made about
me repeatedly over a number of years And the more I was pointing out things that were going on in the
commission ndash and it was a whole host of things ndash the more I was being attackedrsquo Edwards said that racial
comments were made by lsquosenior officialsrsquo at the commission -- both directly to him and to his staff who later told
him of the remarksrdquo [WMUR 72718]
December 2009 Edwards Filed A Charge Of Discrimination Against The Liquor Commission With The
New Hampshire Commission On Human Rights ldquoWhereas in December 2009 Edwards filed a charge of
discrimination with the New Hampshire Commission on Human Rights and the United States Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (the ldquoChargerdquo) in which he made certain claims against the Liquor
Commission asserting violations of Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act and of New Hampshire RSA Ch
354-A all of which the Liquor Commission denies Whereas Edwards has alleged that he has other potential
claims relating to employment terms and conditions that he not yet filed [hellip]rdquo [Settlement Agreement 41613]
The Liquor Commission Had To Give Edwards A Positive Job Reference As Part Of The Settlement
Agreement ldquoAs part of the agreement the Liquor Commission provided Edwards with a letter of reference which
detailed his employment with the commission and said he lsquoled the division to successfully work with New
Hampshire law enforcement to institute campaigns against driving while intoxicated underage drinking and for
responsible consumption of alcoholrsquo lsquoFor over 22 years Chief Edwards has served the state of New Hampshire law
enforcement community in various positionsrsquo the reference letter says lsquoAs he proceeds to the next phase of his
professional career we wish him the best as he moves forward from state servicesrsquordquo [WMUR 72718]
Edwards Considered Himself A Police Officer
Edwards ldquoLiquor Enforcement Officers [Were] Like All Police Officersrdquo ldquoThe second-in-command at the
state Liquor Enforcement Bureau has resigned after being charged with drunken driving State Police said Kyle
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 11
Metcalf 45 of Nashua rear-ended another car on Interstate 93 Police said the collision was minor Hes also
charged with having an open container of alcohol and tailgating Metcalf was deputy chief of the State Liquor
Commissions Bureau of Enforcement and Licensing Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said Metcalf was
returning from a retirement party for a colleague Edwards said he and the three-member State Liquor Commission
accepted Metcalfs resignation Tuesday lsquoThese types of issues we take very very seriouslyrsquo Edwards said lsquoLiquor
enforcement officers like all police officers are required to respect all laws at all timesrsquo Edwards declined to say
whether Metcalf resigned voluntarilyrdquo [Associated Press 71107]
Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard Was Angry That Edwards And His Team Were Investigating Without
Police Oversight ldquoAlthough some departments routinely examine a drivers actions in the 24 hours prior to a crash
to see whether alcohol or other factors played a role Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard said no look-back was
done because his officers didnt suspect alcohol Auburn officers blamed texting and speeding for the crash Picard
said Only six or eight weeks later did they receive toxicology results showing Seans blood-alcohol content was
19 Picard said lsquoThe kid was deadrsquo Picard said lsquoWhat purpose would a look-back serversquo Picard was angry that
liquor investigators interviewed people in town without first notifying his department a charge Eddie Edwards
chief of Liquor Enforcement deniedrdquo[Union Leader 42912]
Edwards Said That Part Of His Job Was Helping Merchants Comply With The Laws
Edwards The Liquor Commission Would License Tobacco And Alcohol Retailers ldquoThe State Liquor
Commissions Enforcement Division enforces the states tobacco laws and conducts the required compliance checks
and reports the results The division also licenses tobacco product retailers Enforcement Division Director Eddie
Edwards said lsquoWe also provide education for merchants to help them comply with the laws The results of this
years compliance checks are partially the results of the work our field agents do every day and the work of our
youth volunteers who help conduct the compliance checksrsquordquo [Union Leader 1811]
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over A Liquor
Commission Investigation
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over An Investigation
During An Ongoing Investigation By The Attorney General ldquoThe enforcement chief at the State Liquor
Commission yesterday accused a member of the New Hampshire House leadership of exerting undue influence
over his bureaursquos investigation of whether a Keene tavern owner lsquoover-servedrsquo an intoxicated person three months
ago Eddie Edwards who has headed the enforcement bureau for more than four years said in an inter-view he
believes a separate criminal probe by the Attorney Generalrsquos Office on the circumstances surrounding his bureaursquos
investigation is focused on 11-term state Rep Daniel Eaton the former police chief in his home town of Stoddard
Edwards told the New Hampshire Union Leader the bar owner Randy Filiault a Keene city councilor lsquobrought in
some outside influencesrsquo to try to stymie his bureaursquos investigation Asked whether Eaton was one of the people he
was referring to Edwards said lsquoRightrsquordquo [Union Leader 30610]
After Rep Eaton Called Edwardsrsquo Boss To Stop Him From Executing A Search On A Property Edwards
Said He Felt He Had To Comply With His Bossrsquo Orders Against Better Judgment ldquoThe incident began when
Eaton D-Stoddard called Bodi about enforcement action taken against the Railroad Tavern Eaton said Bodi had
asked him to call with concerns so he did and passed along the bar owners allegation that enforcement officers had
gone beyond the scope of their search warrant Eaton insists he did not ask Bodi to do anything improper Bodi told
a slightly different story to the grand jury He said Eaton was hysterical and insisted the bar had been targeted in
retaliation for legislation Eaton supported that would have stripped the Liquor Commission of its enforcement
powers Bodi acknowledged Eaton did not tell him to do anything other than call the bar owner but the implication
was lsquothere would be hell to pay if this matter wasnt resolvedrsquo to Eatons satisfaction Bodi then told Liquor
Enforcement Bureau director Eddie Edwards to return the video equipment Edwards said he felt he had to choose
between being disciplined for not complying and maintaining the integrity of the investigation Bodi said he told
Edwards to retrieve any evidence on the equipment and return itrdquo [Associated Press 91910]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 12
The NH Attorney General Chastised Edwards For Making Public Comments About The Ongoing
Investigation ldquoAttorney General Michael Delaney and members of the Executive Council yesterday criticized
Liquor Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards for his public statements about a high-profile criminal
investigation Disturbing improper and unprofessional were their assessments of the way Edwards has handled
himself Edwards who was not at the breakfast meeting where the comments were made has appeared on
television and in the press discussing details of the allegations that led to a paid leave for Liquor Commissioner
Mark Bodi He said this morning he has discussed his end of the incident an administrative case that is now closed
and not the criminal probe [hellip] lsquoOur office is certainly not accustomed to having heads of law enforcement
agencies speaking publicly and drawing conclusions during the course of an investigation being conducted by the
Attorney Generals Officersquo Delaney said lsquoI do not believe Chief Edwards has distinguished himself professionally
in how he has handled this matterrsquo Councilor John Shea D-Nelson was also upsetrdquo [Union leader 31110]
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodi Said That Rep Eaton Wanted Edwards Fired For Targeting A
Specific Establishment For Liquor Law Violations ldquoThe following excerpts are taken from the transcript of
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodis testimony before the Merrimack County Grand Jury on Feb 19 [hellip] A
I received a second call Q From whom A From Representative Eaton Q What does he say during that call A
Based on my phone discussion with Eaton he was representing that this was the kind of a nefarious plot that the
Chief had told his people to go out there and surveil this establishment [hellip]Q During your first few conversations
with Representative Eaton before the second search warrant is indicated does he say anything to you that lsquoThis is
Eddies vendetta Its like sticking a needle in my eye Why are you let-ting him do thisrsquo Does any of that sound
familiar to you A Representative Eaton did not use that terminology but that certainly was the implication He had
imparted to me on another occasion when I had asked him following a very lengthy hearing in which I disagreed
with Representative Eaton over how the Enforcement Division should be handled [hellip]Following that hearing I
approached him in the lobby and I asked him lsquoWhy are you doing this What can we do to resolve thisrsquo Q And
his answer was A Get rid of Eddie Edwardsrdquo [Union Leader 8510]
Fellow Congresswoman Maggie Hassan Said She Believed Eaton Had An Issue With Edwards ldquoEaton would
not comment directly on Bodis additional contention that Eaton had a lsquovendettarsquo against liquor enforcement chief
Eddie Edwards and wanted him fired [hellip] But state Sen Maggie Hassan D-Exeter said it was her lsquoperceptionrsquo
from sitting on a study committee and a budget conference committee with Eaton that lsquohe had particular issues with
Eddie Edwardsrsquordquo [Union Leader 8610]
HEADLINE EDITORIAL Bodi should stay There is no case for removal [Union Leader Editorial Union
Leader 8610]
Union Leader Editorial Bodi Was Removed From Office After Rep Eaton Called Bodi To Stop
Edwardsrsquo Investigation ldquoEaton called Bodi to complain about his friend being targeted by Enforcement
Division chief Eddie Edwards He suggested that Bodi get rid of Edwards He also asked Bodi to call the tavern
owner which Bodi did Bodis lsquointerferencersquo in the investigation consisted of calling the tavern owner to assure
him that due process would be followed in the investigation then ordering Edwards to return the surveillance
equipment Bodi over-stepped his authority by ordering the equipment returned But Bodi clearly was not
trying to hinder the pursuit of justice He didnt order the video returned only the equipment after the video
evidence was obtained As both Bodi and the attorney general acknowledge he was only trying to get Eaton off
his back That behavior does not justify Bodis removal from office rdquo [Union Leader Editorial Union Leader
8610]
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally The Attorney General Found
The Allegations Unfounded
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally Attorney General Found The
Allegations Unfounded ldquoEdwards who referred all questions to his attorney has clashed with the commissioners
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 13
over several issues including the alleged illegal hiring of a lobbyist to help kill a bill that would have allowed the
sale of liquor in grocery and convenience stores hellip On Wednesday the Special House Committee to Evaluate the
New Hampshire State Liquor Commission heard testimony on the issue of hiring a lobbyist with Edwards
providing often conflicting testimony to Liquor Commission Chairman Joseph Mollica and Commissioner Michael
Milligan Last month the Attorney Generalrsquos Office released a preliminary investigation into Edwardsrsquo charges that
the commission illegally hired a lobbyist The attorney general found the charges were unfounded and there was no
need for a formal investigationrdquo [Union Leader 91512]
State Agencies Were Not Allowed To Hire Lobbyists ldquoSeveral lawmakers lobbyists and state employees
believe the state Liquor Commission illegally used a lobbyist to fight a bill that would have allowed liquor sales
in grocery and convenience stores State agencies are prohibited by law from paying lobbyists to influence
lawmakers A recent preliminary investigation by the Attorney Generals Office cleared the commission of any
wrongdoing saying Beer Distributors of NH lobbyist Clark Corson did not lobby for the commissionrdquo [Union
Leader 81612]
Commissioners Testified They Hired Clark Carson To Do A Study Not Lobby ldquoTwo liquor
commissioners claim - and the Attorney Generals Office agreed - that Corson was acting on his own or
lobbying for the beer wholesalers in working to defeat House Bill 1251 this session They claim Corson was
hired by the commissions advertising firm Rumbletree to do an independent study of the feasibility of selling
beer in state liquor stores But others including the commissions chief enforcement officer say the study was a
cover for Corsons lobbying efforts to defeat the billrdquo [Union Leader 81612]
The Attorney General Determined That There Was No Wrongdoing On The Part Of The Liquor
Commission ldquoThe attorney general Wednesday cleared the Liquor Commission of possible wrongdoing for
allegedly hiring a lobbyist The attorney generals report was discussed during a closed-door meeting with the
Executive Council after its meeting at Manchester School of Technology According to the report liquor
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards sent a report to the attorney general in May alleging the commission hired New
Hampshire Beer Wholesalers lobbyist Clark Corson to lobby lawmakers on behalf of the commission State law
forbids the use of state money to lobby lawmakersrdquo [Union Leader 8912]
A New Hampshire House Member Feared That The Liquor Commission Was Intimidating Edwards Into
Not Testifying At A House Hearing ldquoThe chair of the House committee investigating the Liquor Commission
and the liquor commissioners butted heads Tuesday over the committees access to information and commission
employees [hellip] Ober noted Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards testified before the committee last week
and two days later an advertisement was in the paper for someone to fill his position lsquoThat looks very much to me
like intimidationrsquo Ober said [hellip] Ober told the commission they owed Edwards something because anyone who
reads the newspaper and sees their job advertised believes lsquohe is going to be fired You need to do something He
did come in here and whistle-blowrsquordquo [Union Leader 91912]
Rep Coffey Nobody Should Be Afraid To Speak Up To The Legislature To Law Enforcement To
Anyonerdquo ldquoCoffey expressed concern about missing liquor attempts to shut down an agency store and posting
Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards job days after he testified before the committee lsquoWere not trying to rake
anyone over the coalsrsquo she said lsquobut Ive gotten email from people who want to come forward and talk to us
but are afraid for their jobs Nobody should be afraid to speak up to the Legislature to law enforcement to
anyonersquordquo [Union Leader 92112]
Edwards Testified That A Liquor Commission Bidding Process Was Rigged And Said He Advocated A
Third Party Bidding Process Commission Settled Lawsuit For $25 Million
Edwards Testified That A Company Had No Chance In The Bidding Process For A Liquor Commission
Contract ldquoThe outgoing chief of enforcement for the state Liquor Commission has joined a former commissioner
in testifying that Law Warehouses of Nashua had no chance of getting a $200 million 20-year warehouse contract
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 14
because of hostility toward the company within the commission hellip Law is seeking an injunction that would
prevent the NHLC from transferring the contract to logistics firm Exel of Westerville Ohio until Laws civil suit
seeking to overturn the contract is resolvedrdquo [Union Leader 43013]
Edwards ldquoI Know That The Commission Did Not Really Like Brian Lawrdquo ldquoEdwards described senior staff
meetings of the commission in which it became apparent to him that commissioners Mollica and Michael Milligan
did not want Law to get the contract which is consistent with Bodis deposition and affidavit lsquoI know that the
commission did not really like Brian Law I know there comments made about Brian Law not having the contract
too long or something like thatrsquo Edwards said lsquoAnd then there were comments about Brian Law specifically that
he felt he was entitled to the contractrsquo Edwards said there were concerns about the rates Law was charging and
complaints from some liquor brokers about the warehouse charges lsquoThey wanted to go in a different direction
other than with Brian Lawrsquo he said lsquoBased upon those conversations I did not believe that he was going to get the
contract I didnt believe that at allrsquordquo [Union Leader 5113]
Edwards Said That He Advocated For A Third Party Bidding Process Due To His Perception Of An
ldquoEnergyrdquo Against Brian Law ldquoAccording to Edwards there was an lsquoenergyrsquo among the commissioners and staff
that the ware-house contract should go to someone else because Brian Law owner of Law Warehouses had an
attitude of entitlement lsquoI just thought from an ethical standpoint it was inappropriate to have people on this review
committee that had these kind of thoughts and conversations and guidancersquo Edwards said He told liquor
commission officials to stop the bidding process and restart it under a third partyrsquos oversight because lsquoyou are not
being fair to Brian Law or anyone else in the processrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 50513]
Law Warehouses Alleged That The Liquor Commission Was Unfairly Biased Against Them ldquoLaw
Warehouses has sued the state to block the contract that was awarded to shipping giant Excel The liquor
commissions decision effectively kills a decades-long relationship that the prominent Nashua business has had
with the state Law charges that the bidding process was lsquotainted by unlawful favoritism from the startrsquordquo
[Nashua Telegraph 5513]
The State Alleged That Edwards Was Nothing But A Disgruntled Employee ldquoA state prosecutor backed by
half a dozen Liquor Commission employees told a judge Wednesday that Law Warehouses suit against the state is
based on nothing but complaints from two disgruntled former employees Senior Assistant Attorney General Mary
Ann Dempsey said sworn testimony from retired Liquor Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards and former
Liquor Commissioner Mark Bodi cant be taken at face value and is disputed by several current employees lsquoTheyre
certainly disgruntled employeesrsquo Dempsey said lsquoThat testimony is contradictedrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 5213]
2015 Liquor Commission Paid $25 Million To Settle The Case ldquoThe New Hampshire Liquor Commission has
agreed to pay $25 million to Law Warehouses to settle a lawsuit over the loss of a 20-year contract for
warehousing and distribution worth an estimated $200 millionrdquo [Union Leader 41315]
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase Licensing Fees Paid By Restaurants Up To
Twentyfold Claimed It Would Not Harm The Economy
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase The Fees Paid By ldquoRestaurant Cocktail
Lounge[s]rdquo Ten To Twentyfold ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as
much for their liquor license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants
The proposal would create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses
with more than 50 seats Under the current law bars and nightclubs can obtain a restaurant cocktail lounge license
for just $1200 if they sell $75000 worth of food annually but the bill would raise the food sales requirement to
$150000 State liquor enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that
bars and nightclubs have taken advantage of the rulesrdquo [AP 32908]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 15
Pub Owner Criticized The Proposal As Detrimental To The Economy ldquoDavid Barrett owner of Kilkenny
Pub and Twenty-One Bar amp Grill in Keene said the new requirements would force dozens of restaurants and
bars to shut down including his own lsquoIrsquove talked to 40 or 50 restaurant and bar owners in the southern and
middle part of New Hamp-shire and not one of them will pay $24000 a year for a licensersquo he said lsquoIf theyrsquore
not going to pay that you can imagine how many people will be out of work That bill should really finish
off the economy once and for allrsquordquo [AP 32908]
Edwards Argued The Measure He Supported To Raise Fees On Businesses Would Not Harm The
Economy ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as much for their liquor
license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants The proposal would
create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses with more than 50
seats hellip Edwards dismissed that argument as scare tactics and said the bill would not harm the economyrdquo [AP
32908]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For ldquoUnder his watch the enforcement division was accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies while also receiving the Spirit of America Award
from the New Hampshire Grocers Association for his collaborative approachrsquo I use the above examples of how
government can work with the hospitality and retail industries community organizations public health and law
enforcement to protect community interest without impeding the private sectorrsquo Edwards said lsquoThe goal should be
to make regulations as simple as necessary to assist business protect the public and encourage government
transparency My priority is to empower individuals to invest in job growth throughout District 4 by reforming
regulations that do not meet their stated purposersquo Edwards left the Liquor Commission after reaching a confidential
agreement with commissioners during a time of controversy over his job descriptionrdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Edwards Received Plaudits For Strict Enforcement
Nashua Telegraph ldquoEdwards Was A By-The-Book-Professional Who Wasnrsquot Fond Of Leniency[]rdquo ldquoThe
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencyrsquos enforcement division will
retire in June hellip Throughout his tenure Edwards was a by-the-book professional who wasnrsquot fond of leniency with
scofflaw license holdersrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Editorial Compared Edwards To Eliot Ness ldquoNew Hampshirersquos chief liquor law enforcer is a
teetotaling Southerner with no patience for drunkenness and a suspicious eye for alcohol in general Thank
goodness hellip Edwards is New Hampshirersquos own Eliot Ness But instead of mobsters hersquos battling bar owners who
endanger their own patrons and their communities by not following the lawrdquo [Union Leader Editorial 100207]
Shortly After Edwards ldquoTook Over The Job Of Enforcing Liquor Lawsrdquo Five Troubled Establishments Lost
Their Licensure ldquoOn June 8 2005 Eddie Edwards took over the job of enforcing liquor laws in the state of New
Hampshire About a month later a man fired four shots into the Omega nightclub in downtown Manchester and
bar owners across the state learned that a new sheriff was in town Within six months Omega lost its license to sell
alcohol in New Hampshire Others in Manchester quickly followed Envy Electra Florsquos Bar and Grill and
Aborigen Restaurant and Bar either lost their license surrendered it or dropped plans in the face of community
oppositionrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
NH State Liquor Commissioner Edwards Was Tougher Than Past Enforcement Heads ldquoNew Hampshire has
been getting tougher when it comes to enforcing liquor laws and much of the credit goes to Eddie
Edwards Edwards took over as state liquor enforcement chief two years ago In his first year the number of clubs
restaurants and stores facing fines or liquor license suspensions nearly quadrupled rising from 40 to 151 In the last
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 16
year that number of suspensions or fines dropped to 91 but Edwards said the decrease reflects the success of the
Bureau of Enforcement and Licensings efforts Patricia Russell a state liquor commissioner said Edwards by-the-
book approach to liquor law enforcement is tougher than that of his predecessor For years state liquor enforcement
officers did little more than run stings on underage sales and visit bars and restaurants she said lsquoTheres more bars
more drinking We have to be vigilant and Eddie is very vigilantrsquo Russell saidrdquo [Associated Press 10107]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The Liquor Commission Doubled Its Fines And Increased Its Penalties
ldquoSince Edwards arrival the state Liquor Commission has toughened its penalties doubling the fine for selling
to an underage or intoxicated customer to $500 plus a three-day license suspensionrdquo [Associated Press
10107]
hellipHowever Edwards Subjected Three Establishments Charged With Illegal Gambling A Felony To Far
Less Than The Maximum Punishment
A Pizza Restaurant Was ldquoCited For Gambling Violations And For Dealing Illicit Drugsrdquo And Settled With
The Liquor Commission To Revoke Its License And Forfeit $681 ldquoThe state liquor commission yesterday
revoked Three Cousins Pizza and Loungersquos liquor license in an agreement that also bars the clubrsquos owners from
applying for another license in the state for three years the commissionrsquos chief law enforcer said The clubrsquos
owners also agreed to forfeit $681 police seized during an Oct 21 raid at the 137 Wilson St lounge Chief Eddie
Edwards said hellip Three Cousins lounge was cited for gambling violations and for dealing illicit drugs on Oct 21rdquo
[Union Leader 110309]
Edwards Touted These Actions Of ldquoElected Officials And The Police Departmentrdquo As ldquoDoing All They
Can To Make Sure The Quality Of Life Is Maintained[]rdquo ldquoEdwards said the clubrsquos owners closed the
lounge last week lsquoI think thatrsquos what you see in Manchester elected officials and the police department and
the citizens in that community who are doing all they can to make sure the quality of life is maintainedrsquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Mayor Frank Guinta Praised The Liquor Commissionrsquos Actions ldquoMayor Frank C Guinta said he was
pleased with the liquor enforcement bureaursquos action lsquoThe restaurant was a blight on a neighborhood that does
not want drugs or gangs there This sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Manchesterrsquo
Guinta said in a statementrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Gambling Violations Were Felonious ldquoState law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be
charged with a class B felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their
establishmentsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
An American Legion Post Was Charged With Two Felonies For Alleged Illegal Gambing ldquoAn American
Legion Post in Lebanon has been hit with two felony charges for allowing gambling Feb 1 on its premises at 189
Mechanic St A Grafton County Superior Court grand jury indicted Guyer-Carignan Post 22 for gambling and a
charge called lsquoentertainment and entertainersrsquo according to the indictments The latter charge refers to gambling at
an establishment thats licensed to sell lsquoalcohol andor liquorrsquordquo [Union Leader 42414]
2014 $15000 Was Confiscated From The American Legion In ldquoA Similar Situation Took Place Several
Years Ago In Which the State Seized About $14000[]rdquo ldquoReached at the post on Thursday Bill Wilson
Guyer-Carignans financial officer said the state confiscated some $15000 He said the money was gleaned
from raffles and was used to benefit charity hellip A similar situation took place several years ago in which the
state seized about $14000 but later returned the money said Wilson who said that matter was resolved
without going to Superior Courtrdquo [Union Leader 42414]
Edwards Dealt With A ldquoSimilar Problemrdquo In 2010 With ldquoAdministrative Not Legal Remediesrdquo
ldquoThe Lebanon Legion post ran into a similar problem with its Super Bowl promotion in 2010 but then-
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 17
chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards resolved the matter with administrative not legal remedies
Kenney said he is pushing for a similar resolution this timerdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Law Enforcement Confiscated Seven Illegal Poker Machines From Two Pizza Parlors Illegal Gambling Was
Punishable By Felony Charges ldquoAuthorities confiscated video poker machines and charged four employees with
illegal gambling after simultaneous Friday night raids at Olympus Pizza restaurants in Manchester and Allenstown
-- the latter right next door to the police station hellip Fussell said seven video machines were seized in the raids three
in Allenstown and four in Manchester A large amount of cash was also seized he said hellip He said Finnell told him
officials were saying that an undercover officer had come into the bar last month and gotten a $50 pay-out on a
video poker game hellip State law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be charged with a class B
felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their establishmentsrdquo [Union
Leader 50910]
Edwards Said Business Owners ldquoCould Face Administrative Actions Including Fines[]rdquo ldquoLiquor
Commission Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards yesterday said the business owners could face
administrative actions including fines of up to $5000 and liquor license revocation Edwards said the state
liquor commissioners will make the ultimate decision on administrative pen-alties But he will make a
recommendation to them taking into account whether the owners were directly involved and if there were prior
violationsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar And
Reported Them To Dover Police
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar Reported
Them To Dover Police ldquoThe state Liquor Enforcement chief says he found law-enforcement officers gathering to
drink after hours at a local bar last month along with one of his own staffers The liquor enforcement bureau
Dover and state police are investigating It was 2 am on Aug 27 when state Liquor Enforcement Chief Eddie
Edwards pulled open the door of the bar The Station House and found the officers drinking The officers involved
were there to drink alcohol served to them an hour after the statersquos 1 am cutoff he said Dover Police Chief
Anthony Colarusso said yesterday he only caught wind of the alleged gathering when Edwards contacted himrdquo
[Union Leader 91207]
Edwards Advocated Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code And Increase Their Lighting
Edwards Suggested That Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code Barring Necklaces ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are
currently a lsquohot spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could
lead to change Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip They also have suggested some
impose a dress code that will discourage troublemakers lsquoPeople show up with chains on their necks We call that
battle gearrsquo said Edwards Imposing a dress code would keep out some who just come to stand against the wall
arms folded in and wait for a fight he saidrdquo [Union Leader71805]
Edwards Advocated That Night Clubs Increase Their Lighting ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are currently a lsquohot
spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could lead to change
Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip Chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards
told the governor and council lsquoItrsquos a hot spot for us right nowrsquo He said the department will continue to put pressure
on operators to follow the law while advising them to increase the lighting to better see who their customers are and
what they are doing hellip Dark rooms make it difficult to see the age and level of sobriety of a patron he noted More
lighting he said helps those who are pouring drinks and those monitoring the club to enforce the lawsrdquo [Union
Leader 71805]
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 4
Edwards ldquoI Have Images Forever In My Head OfhellipMy Father Beating And Hurting My Motherrdquo ldquolsquoI have
spoken openly and honestly about how my childhood was one that was challenging I have images forever in my
head of my mother asking for the horrible things being done to her to stop That was the hands of my father beating
and hurting my mother Those are the earlier memories I have as a young child growing up Hearing your mother in
pain Itrsquos truthfully something you never forget But having the police come to your home Those lights and sirens
meant a place of safety for me Thatrsquos why I joined law enforcement shortly after my active duty military service I
wanted to be in law enforcement because I was drawn to it Those blue lights and policing has been a part of who I
am It has truly shaped me because I felt that they protected my motherrsquordquo [WMUR 82118]
Edwards Refused To Testify To Help His Brother In A Homicide Case
Edwards Refused To Testify To Help His Brother In A Homicide Case ldquoHis mother was on the line She asked
Edwards who months earlier became chief of the New Hampshire Liquor Authorityrsquos Enforcement Division to
return to Atlanta and testify on behalf of his older brother Willie Willie had killed a man and Edwardsrsquo mother
wanted him to say that it wasnrsquot all Williersquos fault because of the abuse the brothers had shared at the hands of their
drug-addicted father Willie Sr who whipped the boys with electrical cords and beat their mother Doris when he
was high and angry Recalling the happy boy his older brother was before choosing the path presented by their
abusive father and the decisions Edwards made to take a different road he gave a difficult answer lsquoI didnrsquot do it I
refusedrsquo he said Edwards now 47 said his brother had the same choice Be like their father or take an alternate
route Willie admired their dad and wanted to be just like him Edwards said lsquoHe went full force into that lifestylersquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Edwards Grew Up In A Middle Class Neighborhood In Atlanta Then Moved To The Projects To
Take Care Of His Grandfather
Edwards ldquoGrew Up In A Middle-Class Atlanta Neighborhoodrdquo Then Moved To Take Care Of His
Grandfather In The Projects ldquoHe grew up in a middle-class Atlanta neighborhood As a young teenager
Edwards moved in with his grandparents to help his wheelchair-bound grandfather They lived in the projects in a
neighborhood overrun by privately owned package storesrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
Edwards Had Incredibly Negative Views Regarding Alcohol
After Teenage Influences Regarding Alcohol Edwards Abstained From Alcohol
Edwards Said That Alcohol Caused Domestic Violence ldquoEdwards 39 said he has never taken a drink He
describes living in a housing project with his grandparents as a teenager and watching a drunk man beat his wife in
the street with a brick while onlookers ignored her cries for help lsquoThatrsquos what happens in communities when you
tolerate (alcohol)rsquo he saidrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
Edwards Said That Alcohol Led To Low Productivity ldquoAs New Hampshires chief of liquor enforcement Eddie
Edwards is a leader in the fight against underage drinking and alcohol abuse Its a cause he believes in because he
sees the states biggest problem as the social cost involved with the abuse and illegal use of alcohol tobacco and
drugs lsquoExcessive drinking leads to alcoholism and low productivityrsquo said Edwards lsquoIt leads to people not going to
work not adding to local businesses not supporting their families It has a very negative effectrsquordquo [Union Leader
12818]
Edwards Said That Alcohol Use Was The Biggest Problem Facing New Hampshire ldquoBiggest problem facing
New Hampshire The social cost associated with the abuse and illegal use of alcohol tobacco and other drugs This
cost has a significant impact on the quality of human life and the economic success of business in New
Hampshirerdquo [Union Leader 12808]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 5
Edwards Was A Teetotaler ldquoHe loved sports including football and wrestling which made him decide to never
touch a drop of alcohol He still hasnrsquot had a single siprdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Edwards Suggested Those Who Donrsquot Abstain From Alcohol Arenrsquot Courageous And Decried Communities
Which Tolerate Alcohol
Edwards Suggested Those Who Do Not Abstain From Alcohol Arenrsquot Courageous ldquolsquoI think itrsquos totally unfair
to tell young people to lsquojust say norsquo to drugs and alcohol when we donrsquot have the courage to do it ourselvesrsquo said
Eddie Edwards chief of license and enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission lsquoAt some point you
have to show real leadership to young peoplersquordquo [Union Leader 40308]
Edwards Decried Communities That Tolerate Alcohol ldquoIn a memory that remains vivid today Edwards saw a
wino beat his wife in the street with a brick No adults heeded her cries for help lsquoThatrsquos what happens in
communities when you tolerate (alcohol)rsquo he said To Edwards intoxication is just not good Itrsquos bad for a
downtown rowdy drunks start fights and frighten people away Itrsquos bad for public safety and can lead to domestic
violence date rape auto-mobile accidents And itrsquos bad for public health causing addictions Edwards even
dislikes the idea of designated drivers lsquoWhat happensrsquo he asks lsquowhen the person goes homersquordquo [Union Leader
100107]
Professional Career
2013-2017 Lobbying
Edwards Left The State Liquor Commission To Work With Beverage Companies On Liquor Laws Said ldquoIt
Is Not A Lobbying Job In The Traditional Senserdquo
2013-Present Edwards Has Been President Of Eddie Edwards Consulting [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwardsrsquo Business Was Focused On ldquoAlcohol Risk Management Consultingrdquo ldquoThe nature of the primary
business or purposes is alcohol risk management consulting The LLC may also pursue any other purpose
permitted by lawrdquo [New Hampshire Certificate of Formation 92613]
Edwards Described His Lobbying Job A ldquoNot A Lobbying Job In The Traditional Senserdquo ldquoEdwards said he
plans to become a consultant and work with government agencies and the beverage industry on matters surrounding
compliance with state liquor laws He said it is not a lobbying job in the traditional senserdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Said That He Left After Reforms To The Liquor Commission Rather Than Work In A Position In
Which He Could Be Fired ldquoThe announcment ends a stalemate over Edwards position After an overhaul of the
state Liquor Commission went into effect in 2009 officials realized lawmakers had authorized two job descriptions
dealing with the enforcement of liquor laws in the state There was chief the job that Edwards holds that gives him
protection as a classified state employee a pension after 20 years and generous benefits Then there was the job of
director a job the Liquor Commission wanted Edwards to fill and that would give the commission the ability to fire
himrdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Maintained His Business While Working As A Staffer For Rep Frank Guinta
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked As A Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta [LinkedIn accessed 9318]
2015 Eddie Edwards Consulting Filed An Annual Report [New Hampshire 2015 Annual Report 51915]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 6
2016 Eddie Edwards Consulting Filed An Annual Report [New Hampshire 2016 Annual Report 51316]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Alcoholic Beverage Companies
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Cask And Vine In January 2017 Edwards filed a report listing
himself as a lobbyist for Cask and Vine [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for Lobbyists 12517]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Traveling Vineyard In January 2017 Edwards filed a report
listing himself as a lobbyist for Traveling Vineyard [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for Lobbyists
12517]
Traveling Vineyard Was A Wine Tasting Company ldquoTraveling Vineyard began with an idea back in 2001
it is hard to know if you like a wine unless you try it first That thought launched our entire in-home wine
tasting concept Since then we have launched hundreds of Wine Guides into successful work at home jobsrdquo
[Traveling Vineyard accessed 40517]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For The Craft Brew Alliance In January 2017 Edwards filed a
report listing himself as a lobbyist for the Craft Brew Alliance [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for
Lobbyists 12517]
2016-2017 Edwards Lobbied For The LaBelle Winery The 2016 and 2017 list of registered lobbyists produced
by the New Hampshire Secretary of State noted that Edwards was a lobbyist for LaBelle Winery [New Hampshire
Secretary of State website accessed 40717]
LaBelle Winery Sought Approval Of A Large Expansion Of Their Facility ldquoOwners of the LaBelle
Winery in Amherst expect to wait a year to find out whether they can expand operations after a neighbor filed a
court challenge that he claims will protect the arearsquos rural character hellip Winery owners want to build a 24-room
inn with a restaurant big enough to seat 150 people inside and outside as well as a spa service and retail space
in a new building said LaBellersquos attorney Morgan Hollis An existing barn would be renovated and expanded
for a distillery tasting room and function room Hollis saidrdquo [Union Leader 11817]
Edwards Claimed His Lobbying Was Not What It Looked Like But He Asked The House Ethics Committee
For Approval And Registered As A Lobbyist With The State Anyway
Edwards Claimed That He Registered As A Lobbyist To Err On The Side Of Caution ldquoEdwards said most of
his consulting work is advising businesses In an interview he said he registered as a lobbyist to be overly cautious
and certain to comply with state law and in the event he had to speak with a legislator or state agency
official lsquoIrsquove always tried to do the right thingrsquo he said lsquoThe majority of work I do is consulting or helping
people address civil lawsuits or administrative casesrsquo [hellip] Edwards said that it is unfortunate that business people
have to hire someone to help navigate state regulations or laws to grow their business In the case of helping
LaBelle Winery he said he provided technical testimony with respect to a law change to allow businesses to have
off-site tasting rooms to sell productsrdquo [Union Leader 62817]
Eddie Edwards Consulting ldquoWe Provide Alcoholic Beverage Solutions For Your Business Model That Gives
You An Industry Competitive Edge While Maintaining Regulatory Compliancerdquo ldquoEddie Edwards Consulting
is an Alcoholic Beverage Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance Firm We represent alcoholic beverage
manufacturers wholesalers off-premises sellers and on-premises servers Our expertise in alcoholic beverage
regulations ranges from tied house limited licenses product approval label approval advertising direct shipping
enforcement policies and licensure requirements We have extensive experience crafting alcoholic beverage
regulations with legislators and government agencies We provide alcoholic beverage solutions for your business
model that gives you an industry competitive edge while maintaining regulatory compliance We excel in
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 7
negotiating settlements with regulatory compliance or enforcement agenciesrdquo [EEdwardsConsultingcom accessed
82918]
Edwardsrsquo Consulting Practice Vowed To Help Defend Businesses Against The ldquoAggressive Rules Or Lawsrdquo
That He Had Just Recently Enforced ldquoYou can rely on us to professionally address any of your regulatory
compliance needs or defend your business interest again aggressive rules or laws Our expertise and intimate
regulatory agencies knowledge provides you with comfort knowing our compliance strategies will fulfill federal
and state regulators expectationsrdquo [EEdwardsConsultingcom accessed 82918]
Edwards Said There Was No Issue With The Overlap Between Edwardsrsquo Tenure As A Congressional Staffer
And His Tenure As Founder And President Of A Lobbying Firm ldquoEdwards said Wednesday that any question
about his handling of his consulting business Eddie Edwards Consulting during his time as Guintas director of
community relations from January to June 2015 is a non-issue because he said lsquoAnything regarding my consulting
firm was run through both former Congressman Frank Guintarsquos office as well as the House Ethics Committee to
ensure everything was appropriate and legalrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Rep Frank Guinta Edwardsrsquo Former Boss Said That Edwards Had Not Cleared The Overlap With His
Office And That He Thought It Was ldquoInappropriaterdquo ldquoGuinta however took issue with Edwardsrsquo
statement lsquoHe never got any approval from mersquo the former congressman told WMUR on Wednesday night
lsquoAnd as far as I know he never got any approval from anyone in our office to operate his consulting firm lsquoIt
would have been inappropriate for him to be working for the federal government and lobbying or consulting at
the same time Itrsquos not anything that would have been approved nor was it ever approvedrsquo Guinta saidrdquo
[WMUR 8918]
The Edwards Campaign Produced A Letter That Proved That The House Ethics Committee Chief
Counsel Had Cleared Edwardsrsquo Lobbying Because He Was Not Senior Staff ldquo[T]he Edwards campaign on
Thursday afternoon produced an email it said it received a few hours earlier -- at 11 am on Thursday -- from
US House Ethics Committee Chief Counsel Tom Rust The campaign said the email showed that Edwards
cleared his outside employment with the committees attorneys [hellip] Rust wrote that the records showed that
Edwards lsquocalled about the outside employment rules and your continuing involvement with a consulting
company while a House employee lsquoThe informal staff level guidance you received was that because you were
not senior staff (ie base pay of $121956 for 2015) you could continue to represent clients in a fiduciary
capacity as part of your outside employment lsquoFurther you were advised that you would be able to represent
clients before state boards as outside employment but because you were a (US) House employee you could
not represent clients before the federal governmentrdquo [WMUR 8918]
Primary Competitor Andy Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Inflating His Resume Because His
LinkedIn Said He Was ldquoA Member Of The Senior Leadership Teamrdquo ldquoSanborns campaign
pointed out that Edwards described his director of community relations role with Guinta on his
LinkedIn page as lsquoa member of the senior leadership teamrsquo It also pointed out that according to the
email by Rust Edwards was told by the ethics committee attorneys that he was lsquonot senior staffrsquo lsquoIt
must be tough for Eddie Edwardsrsquo said Sanborn campaign senior advisor Ethan Zorfas lsquoHe tells the
House Ethics Committee he was not senior staff while touting on his resume that he was Did he lie to
the House Ethics Committee or did he lie on his resume Why didnt he tell Congressman Guinta about
his side lobbying businessrsquo But the Edwards campaign countered legal counsel Rust was referring to
pay scale in defining lsquosenior staffrsquo not job descriptions or organizational status The campaign said that
Edwards income on an annualized basis was about $60000rdquo [WMUR 8918]
Sanborn Campaign ldquoEddie Edwards Has Been Hiding Who He Truly Is From The People Of New
Hampshirerdquo ldquoZorfas of the Sanborn campaign said lsquoFor the past 18 months Eddie Edwards has been hiding who
he truly is from the people of New Hampshire Edwards was forced out of his 22-year (state) government job and
told he could not work for the state again in a secret agreement Then Edwards opened a lobbying business in
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 8
2013 where he lobbied the bureaucracy he once worked for Now we find out that he was also actively working as
a federal government employee while maintaining his side lobbying businessrsquo Zorfas called it a lsquoDC-style swamp
careerrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Neither The House Ethics Manual Nor The Hew Hampshire Code Of Ethics Expressly Forbid A Federal
Congressional Staffer From Lobbying On State Issues
The House Ethics Manual Said That House Staff Were Prohibited From Lobbying The Federal Government
ldquoThe House Ethics Manual addresses prohibited outside activity by House members as well as House staff It has a
different set of requirements for senior staff and non-senior staff But it also says that all staff regardless of pay
level or status are prohibited from lsquolobbying or advising on lobbying of either Congress or the Executive Branch
on behalf of any private organization or individual even on an uncompensated basis as that would conflict with a
memberrsquos general obligation to the publicrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
The New Hampshire Code Of Ethics Said That Public Employees Could Not Simultaneously Register As
State Lobbyists ldquo21-G25 Restrictions on Simultaneous Employment and Public Service ndash Volunteer service shall
not be used directly or indirectly for personal financial gain or to facilitate non-public communications with
executive branch officials or classified employees for the purpose of promoting or advancing any matter on behalf
of a third party or to influence executive branch officials or classified employees in the performance of their duties
In furtherance of this prohibition I No person shall serve as a public employee as defined by RSA 15-B2 VIII
or serve as an appointee or volunteer for any multi-branch commission committee board or similar governmental
entity and simultaneously be a person who has a duty to register as a lobbyist pursuant to RSA 15 or is employed
by or maintains an ownership interest in any entity which employs a registered lobbyistrdquo [New Hampshire Code
of Ethics Chapter 21-G accessed 82918]
Public Employees Were Defined As Employees Conducting State Business ldquoVIII lsquoPublic employeersquo
means any person including but not limited to a classified or non-classified employee or volunteer who
conducts state business on behalf of the governor any executive branch official or agencyrdquo [New Hampshire
Code of Ethics Chapter 15-B accessed 82918]
Registered Lobbying
Edwards Registered Lobbying Activity
Reporting Period Name of Client Type of Client Notes
2016 Q2 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
Traveling Vineyards Alcohol Sales
UPS Package Delivery
2016 Q3 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
Traveling Vineyard Alcohol Sales
UPS Package Delivery
2016 Q4 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar Edwards reported a $950 in-
kind contribution for a
fundraiser he hosted for Bill
OrsquoConnor a candidate for
Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
Traveling Vineyard
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 9
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
State Senate and filed the
appropriate Addendum C
UPS Package Delivery
2017 Q1 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q2 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q3 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q4 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
1995-2013 New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2013 Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2002 Edwards Worked In Various Positions At The New Hampshire Liquor Commission [Settlement
Agreement 41613]
2002 ndash 2005 Edwards Was A Lieutenant In The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New
Hampshire Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2005 ndash 2013 Edwards Was Director Of The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New Hampshire
Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2011 Edwards Earned $79706 As Chief
Edwards Earned $79706 In 2011 ldquoTop State Employee Earnings Part II hellip Eddie Edwards Ch Of Lic amp
EnforceLiquor $79706rdquo [Union Leader 61911]
Edwards Received Generous Benefits As Chief Of The State Liquor Commission ldquoThere was chief the job
that Edwards holds that gives him protection as a classified state employee a pension after 20 years and generous
benefitsrdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Left The Liquor Commission In 2013 After A Discrimination Suit And A $160000 Settlement
The Telegraph Upon Announcing Edwardsrsquo Retirement ldquoSurely Edwards Had His Run-Ins With The
Powers That Be At The SLCrdquo ldquoTheres yet another shake-up in the works at the state Liquor Commission The
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencys enforcement division will
retire in June Attempts to reach Edwards for comment last week werent successful Associates of Edwards say hes
looking to start his own law enforcement consulting business which presumably would work with officials here
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 10
and in other so-called lsquocontrolrsquo states that sell their own liquor Surely Edwards had his run-ins with the powers
that be at the SLCrdquo [Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Edwards Had Been ldquoAt Oddsrdquo With Other Liquor Commission Leadership Prior To His
Retirement ldquoCarter confirmed that Eddie Edwards the outgoing chief of enforcement for the commission is
scheduled to be deposed by the Law legal team on Monday and is expected to be present with Bodi for the
Wednesday hearing Edwards who has been at odds with the remaining two commissioners on several issues in
recent months announced plans to resign at the end of June after eight years on the jobrdquo [Union Leader
42713]
Edwardsrsquo Retirement Was Linked To A $160000 Settlement Reached With The Commission Over
Discrimination Charges That He Filed ldquoEdwardrsquos employment with the Liquor Commission shall end from State
service effective June 30 2013 [hellip] The State Agrees to pay to Edwards One Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars
($16000000) within twenty (20) days after the withdrawal of the Charge with prejudice [hellip] This sum shall be
paid as follows $30000 payable to Edwards through a regular payroll payment subject to the usual withholdings
and deductions and reportable on Edwardsrsquos W2 $95000 payable to Edwards reportable on a 1099 Misc and
$35000 payable to Edwardrsquos counsel reportable on a 1099 Misc [Settlement Agreement 41613]
Edwards Claimed That The Commission Violated The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 ldquoEdwards charge asserted
violations of federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a state law outlawing discrimination The EEOC enforces federal
laws prohibiting workplace discrimination and was created by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Associate Attorney
General Anne Edwards who handled the matter for the state told WMUR Thursday night lsquoThe complaint was for
discrimination based on racersquo The agreement states that the liquor commission denied the charge Eddie Edwards
who was the commissionrsquos chief of licensing and enforcement at the time agreed to leave the commission and not
seek further legal action against the state As part of the agreement neither the state nor Edwards admitted liability
or wrongdoing In an interview Edwards noted that part of the agreement restricted him from discussing details
with the media But he did say lsquoThis stemmed from disparaging comments of a racial nature that were made about
me repeatedly over a number of years And the more I was pointing out things that were going on in the
commission ndash and it was a whole host of things ndash the more I was being attackedrsquo Edwards said that racial
comments were made by lsquosenior officialsrsquo at the commission -- both directly to him and to his staff who later told
him of the remarksrdquo [WMUR 72718]
December 2009 Edwards Filed A Charge Of Discrimination Against The Liquor Commission With The
New Hampshire Commission On Human Rights ldquoWhereas in December 2009 Edwards filed a charge of
discrimination with the New Hampshire Commission on Human Rights and the United States Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (the ldquoChargerdquo) in which he made certain claims against the Liquor
Commission asserting violations of Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act and of New Hampshire RSA Ch
354-A all of which the Liquor Commission denies Whereas Edwards has alleged that he has other potential
claims relating to employment terms and conditions that he not yet filed [hellip]rdquo [Settlement Agreement 41613]
The Liquor Commission Had To Give Edwards A Positive Job Reference As Part Of The Settlement
Agreement ldquoAs part of the agreement the Liquor Commission provided Edwards with a letter of reference which
detailed his employment with the commission and said he lsquoled the division to successfully work with New
Hampshire law enforcement to institute campaigns against driving while intoxicated underage drinking and for
responsible consumption of alcoholrsquo lsquoFor over 22 years Chief Edwards has served the state of New Hampshire law
enforcement community in various positionsrsquo the reference letter says lsquoAs he proceeds to the next phase of his
professional career we wish him the best as he moves forward from state servicesrsquordquo [WMUR 72718]
Edwards Considered Himself A Police Officer
Edwards ldquoLiquor Enforcement Officers [Were] Like All Police Officersrdquo ldquoThe second-in-command at the
state Liquor Enforcement Bureau has resigned after being charged with drunken driving State Police said Kyle
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 11
Metcalf 45 of Nashua rear-ended another car on Interstate 93 Police said the collision was minor Hes also
charged with having an open container of alcohol and tailgating Metcalf was deputy chief of the State Liquor
Commissions Bureau of Enforcement and Licensing Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said Metcalf was
returning from a retirement party for a colleague Edwards said he and the three-member State Liquor Commission
accepted Metcalfs resignation Tuesday lsquoThese types of issues we take very very seriouslyrsquo Edwards said lsquoLiquor
enforcement officers like all police officers are required to respect all laws at all timesrsquo Edwards declined to say
whether Metcalf resigned voluntarilyrdquo [Associated Press 71107]
Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard Was Angry That Edwards And His Team Were Investigating Without
Police Oversight ldquoAlthough some departments routinely examine a drivers actions in the 24 hours prior to a crash
to see whether alcohol or other factors played a role Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard said no look-back was
done because his officers didnt suspect alcohol Auburn officers blamed texting and speeding for the crash Picard
said Only six or eight weeks later did they receive toxicology results showing Seans blood-alcohol content was
19 Picard said lsquoThe kid was deadrsquo Picard said lsquoWhat purpose would a look-back serversquo Picard was angry that
liquor investigators interviewed people in town without first notifying his department a charge Eddie Edwards
chief of Liquor Enforcement deniedrdquo[Union Leader 42912]
Edwards Said That Part Of His Job Was Helping Merchants Comply With The Laws
Edwards The Liquor Commission Would License Tobacco And Alcohol Retailers ldquoThe State Liquor
Commissions Enforcement Division enforces the states tobacco laws and conducts the required compliance checks
and reports the results The division also licenses tobacco product retailers Enforcement Division Director Eddie
Edwards said lsquoWe also provide education for merchants to help them comply with the laws The results of this
years compliance checks are partially the results of the work our field agents do every day and the work of our
youth volunteers who help conduct the compliance checksrsquordquo [Union Leader 1811]
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over A Liquor
Commission Investigation
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over An Investigation
During An Ongoing Investigation By The Attorney General ldquoThe enforcement chief at the State Liquor
Commission yesterday accused a member of the New Hampshire House leadership of exerting undue influence
over his bureaursquos investigation of whether a Keene tavern owner lsquoover-servedrsquo an intoxicated person three months
ago Eddie Edwards who has headed the enforcement bureau for more than four years said in an inter-view he
believes a separate criminal probe by the Attorney Generalrsquos Office on the circumstances surrounding his bureaursquos
investigation is focused on 11-term state Rep Daniel Eaton the former police chief in his home town of Stoddard
Edwards told the New Hampshire Union Leader the bar owner Randy Filiault a Keene city councilor lsquobrought in
some outside influencesrsquo to try to stymie his bureaursquos investigation Asked whether Eaton was one of the people he
was referring to Edwards said lsquoRightrsquordquo [Union Leader 30610]
After Rep Eaton Called Edwardsrsquo Boss To Stop Him From Executing A Search On A Property Edwards
Said He Felt He Had To Comply With His Bossrsquo Orders Against Better Judgment ldquoThe incident began when
Eaton D-Stoddard called Bodi about enforcement action taken against the Railroad Tavern Eaton said Bodi had
asked him to call with concerns so he did and passed along the bar owners allegation that enforcement officers had
gone beyond the scope of their search warrant Eaton insists he did not ask Bodi to do anything improper Bodi told
a slightly different story to the grand jury He said Eaton was hysterical and insisted the bar had been targeted in
retaliation for legislation Eaton supported that would have stripped the Liquor Commission of its enforcement
powers Bodi acknowledged Eaton did not tell him to do anything other than call the bar owner but the implication
was lsquothere would be hell to pay if this matter wasnt resolvedrsquo to Eatons satisfaction Bodi then told Liquor
Enforcement Bureau director Eddie Edwards to return the video equipment Edwards said he felt he had to choose
between being disciplined for not complying and maintaining the integrity of the investigation Bodi said he told
Edwards to retrieve any evidence on the equipment and return itrdquo [Associated Press 91910]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 12
The NH Attorney General Chastised Edwards For Making Public Comments About The Ongoing
Investigation ldquoAttorney General Michael Delaney and members of the Executive Council yesterday criticized
Liquor Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards for his public statements about a high-profile criminal
investigation Disturbing improper and unprofessional were their assessments of the way Edwards has handled
himself Edwards who was not at the breakfast meeting where the comments were made has appeared on
television and in the press discussing details of the allegations that led to a paid leave for Liquor Commissioner
Mark Bodi He said this morning he has discussed his end of the incident an administrative case that is now closed
and not the criminal probe [hellip] lsquoOur office is certainly not accustomed to having heads of law enforcement
agencies speaking publicly and drawing conclusions during the course of an investigation being conducted by the
Attorney Generals Officersquo Delaney said lsquoI do not believe Chief Edwards has distinguished himself professionally
in how he has handled this matterrsquo Councilor John Shea D-Nelson was also upsetrdquo [Union leader 31110]
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodi Said That Rep Eaton Wanted Edwards Fired For Targeting A
Specific Establishment For Liquor Law Violations ldquoThe following excerpts are taken from the transcript of
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodis testimony before the Merrimack County Grand Jury on Feb 19 [hellip] A
I received a second call Q From whom A From Representative Eaton Q What does he say during that call A
Based on my phone discussion with Eaton he was representing that this was the kind of a nefarious plot that the
Chief had told his people to go out there and surveil this establishment [hellip]Q During your first few conversations
with Representative Eaton before the second search warrant is indicated does he say anything to you that lsquoThis is
Eddies vendetta Its like sticking a needle in my eye Why are you let-ting him do thisrsquo Does any of that sound
familiar to you A Representative Eaton did not use that terminology but that certainly was the implication He had
imparted to me on another occasion when I had asked him following a very lengthy hearing in which I disagreed
with Representative Eaton over how the Enforcement Division should be handled [hellip]Following that hearing I
approached him in the lobby and I asked him lsquoWhy are you doing this What can we do to resolve thisrsquo Q And
his answer was A Get rid of Eddie Edwardsrdquo [Union Leader 8510]
Fellow Congresswoman Maggie Hassan Said She Believed Eaton Had An Issue With Edwards ldquoEaton would
not comment directly on Bodis additional contention that Eaton had a lsquovendettarsquo against liquor enforcement chief
Eddie Edwards and wanted him fired [hellip] But state Sen Maggie Hassan D-Exeter said it was her lsquoperceptionrsquo
from sitting on a study committee and a budget conference committee with Eaton that lsquohe had particular issues with
Eddie Edwardsrsquordquo [Union Leader 8610]
HEADLINE EDITORIAL Bodi should stay There is no case for removal [Union Leader Editorial Union
Leader 8610]
Union Leader Editorial Bodi Was Removed From Office After Rep Eaton Called Bodi To Stop
Edwardsrsquo Investigation ldquoEaton called Bodi to complain about his friend being targeted by Enforcement
Division chief Eddie Edwards He suggested that Bodi get rid of Edwards He also asked Bodi to call the tavern
owner which Bodi did Bodis lsquointerferencersquo in the investigation consisted of calling the tavern owner to assure
him that due process would be followed in the investigation then ordering Edwards to return the surveillance
equipment Bodi over-stepped his authority by ordering the equipment returned But Bodi clearly was not
trying to hinder the pursuit of justice He didnt order the video returned only the equipment after the video
evidence was obtained As both Bodi and the attorney general acknowledge he was only trying to get Eaton off
his back That behavior does not justify Bodis removal from office rdquo [Union Leader Editorial Union Leader
8610]
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally The Attorney General Found
The Allegations Unfounded
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally Attorney General Found The
Allegations Unfounded ldquoEdwards who referred all questions to his attorney has clashed with the commissioners
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 13
over several issues including the alleged illegal hiring of a lobbyist to help kill a bill that would have allowed the
sale of liquor in grocery and convenience stores hellip On Wednesday the Special House Committee to Evaluate the
New Hampshire State Liquor Commission heard testimony on the issue of hiring a lobbyist with Edwards
providing often conflicting testimony to Liquor Commission Chairman Joseph Mollica and Commissioner Michael
Milligan Last month the Attorney Generalrsquos Office released a preliminary investigation into Edwardsrsquo charges that
the commission illegally hired a lobbyist The attorney general found the charges were unfounded and there was no
need for a formal investigationrdquo [Union Leader 91512]
State Agencies Were Not Allowed To Hire Lobbyists ldquoSeveral lawmakers lobbyists and state employees
believe the state Liquor Commission illegally used a lobbyist to fight a bill that would have allowed liquor sales
in grocery and convenience stores State agencies are prohibited by law from paying lobbyists to influence
lawmakers A recent preliminary investigation by the Attorney Generals Office cleared the commission of any
wrongdoing saying Beer Distributors of NH lobbyist Clark Corson did not lobby for the commissionrdquo [Union
Leader 81612]
Commissioners Testified They Hired Clark Carson To Do A Study Not Lobby ldquoTwo liquor
commissioners claim - and the Attorney Generals Office agreed - that Corson was acting on his own or
lobbying for the beer wholesalers in working to defeat House Bill 1251 this session They claim Corson was
hired by the commissions advertising firm Rumbletree to do an independent study of the feasibility of selling
beer in state liquor stores But others including the commissions chief enforcement officer say the study was a
cover for Corsons lobbying efforts to defeat the billrdquo [Union Leader 81612]
The Attorney General Determined That There Was No Wrongdoing On The Part Of The Liquor
Commission ldquoThe attorney general Wednesday cleared the Liquor Commission of possible wrongdoing for
allegedly hiring a lobbyist The attorney generals report was discussed during a closed-door meeting with the
Executive Council after its meeting at Manchester School of Technology According to the report liquor
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards sent a report to the attorney general in May alleging the commission hired New
Hampshire Beer Wholesalers lobbyist Clark Corson to lobby lawmakers on behalf of the commission State law
forbids the use of state money to lobby lawmakersrdquo [Union Leader 8912]
A New Hampshire House Member Feared That The Liquor Commission Was Intimidating Edwards Into
Not Testifying At A House Hearing ldquoThe chair of the House committee investigating the Liquor Commission
and the liquor commissioners butted heads Tuesday over the committees access to information and commission
employees [hellip] Ober noted Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards testified before the committee last week
and two days later an advertisement was in the paper for someone to fill his position lsquoThat looks very much to me
like intimidationrsquo Ober said [hellip] Ober told the commission they owed Edwards something because anyone who
reads the newspaper and sees their job advertised believes lsquohe is going to be fired You need to do something He
did come in here and whistle-blowrsquordquo [Union Leader 91912]
Rep Coffey Nobody Should Be Afraid To Speak Up To The Legislature To Law Enforcement To
Anyonerdquo ldquoCoffey expressed concern about missing liquor attempts to shut down an agency store and posting
Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards job days after he testified before the committee lsquoWere not trying to rake
anyone over the coalsrsquo she said lsquobut Ive gotten email from people who want to come forward and talk to us
but are afraid for their jobs Nobody should be afraid to speak up to the Legislature to law enforcement to
anyonersquordquo [Union Leader 92112]
Edwards Testified That A Liquor Commission Bidding Process Was Rigged And Said He Advocated A
Third Party Bidding Process Commission Settled Lawsuit For $25 Million
Edwards Testified That A Company Had No Chance In The Bidding Process For A Liquor Commission
Contract ldquoThe outgoing chief of enforcement for the state Liquor Commission has joined a former commissioner
in testifying that Law Warehouses of Nashua had no chance of getting a $200 million 20-year warehouse contract
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 14
because of hostility toward the company within the commission hellip Law is seeking an injunction that would
prevent the NHLC from transferring the contract to logistics firm Exel of Westerville Ohio until Laws civil suit
seeking to overturn the contract is resolvedrdquo [Union Leader 43013]
Edwards ldquoI Know That The Commission Did Not Really Like Brian Lawrdquo ldquoEdwards described senior staff
meetings of the commission in which it became apparent to him that commissioners Mollica and Michael Milligan
did not want Law to get the contract which is consistent with Bodis deposition and affidavit lsquoI know that the
commission did not really like Brian Law I know there comments made about Brian Law not having the contract
too long or something like thatrsquo Edwards said lsquoAnd then there were comments about Brian Law specifically that
he felt he was entitled to the contractrsquo Edwards said there were concerns about the rates Law was charging and
complaints from some liquor brokers about the warehouse charges lsquoThey wanted to go in a different direction
other than with Brian Lawrsquo he said lsquoBased upon those conversations I did not believe that he was going to get the
contract I didnt believe that at allrsquordquo [Union Leader 5113]
Edwards Said That He Advocated For A Third Party Bidding Process Due To His Perception Of An
ldquoEnergyrdquo Against Brian Law ldquoAccording to Edwards there was an lsquoenergyrsquo among the commissioners and staff
that the ware-house contract should go to someone else because Brian Law owner of Law Warehouses had an
attitude of entitlement lsquoI just thought from an ethical standpoint it was inappropriate to have people on this review
committee that had these kind of thoughts and conversations and guidancersquo Edwards said He told liquor
commission officials to stop the bidding process and restart it under a third partyrsquos oversight because lsquoyou are not
being fair to Brian Law or anyone else in the processrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 50513]
Law Warehouses Alleged That The Liquor Commission Was Unfairly Biased Against Them ldquoLaw
Warehouses has sued the state to block the contract that was awarded to shipping giant Excel The liquor
commissions decision effectively kills a decades-long relationship that the prominent Nashua business has had
with the state Law charges that the bidding process was lsquotainted by unlawful favoritism from the startrsquordquo
[Nashua Telegraph 5513]
The State Alleged That Edwards Was Nothing But A Disgruntled Employee ldquoA state prosecutor backed by
half a dozen Liquor Commission employees told a judge Wednesday that Law Warehouses suit against the state is
based on nothing but complaints from two disgruntled former employees Senior Assistant Attorney General Mary
Ann Dempsey said sworn testimony from retired Liquor Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards and former
Liquor Commissioner Mark Bodi cant be taken at face value and is disputed by several current employees lsquoTheyre
certainly disgruntled employeesrsquo Dempsey said lsquoThat testimony is contradictedrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 5213]
2015 Liquor Commission Paid $25 Million To Settle The Case ldquoThe New Hampshire Liquor Commission has
agreed to pay $25 million to Law Warehouses to settle a lawsuit over the loss of a 20-year contract for
warehousing and distribution worth an estimated $200 millionrdquo [Union Leader 41315]
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase Licensing Fees Paid By Restaurants Up To
Twentyfold Claimed It Would Not Harm The Economy
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase The Fees Paid By ldquoRestaurant Cocktail
Lounge[s]rdquo Ten To Twentyfold ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as
much for their liquor license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants
The proposal would create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses
with more than 50 seats Under the current law bars and nightclubs can obtain a restaurant cocktail lounge license
for just $1200 if they sell $75000 worth of food annually but the bill would raise the food sales requirement to
$150000 State liquor enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that
bars and nightclubs have taken advantage of the rulesrdquo [AP 32908]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 15
Pub Owner Criticized The Proposal As Detrimental To The Economy ldquoDavid Barrett owner of Kilkenny
Pub and Twenty-One Bar amp Grill in Keene said the new requirements would force dozens of restaurants and
bars to shut down including his own lsquoIrsquove talked to 40 or 50 restaurant and bar owners in the southern and
middle part of New Hamp-shire and not one of them will pay $24000 a year for a licensersquo he said lsquoIf theyrsquore
not going to pay that you can imagine how many people will be out of work That bill should really finish
off the economy once and for allrsquordquo [AP 32908]
Edwards Argued The Measure He Supported To Raise Fees On Businesses Would Not Harm The
Economy ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as much for their liquor
license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants The proposal would
create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses with more than 50
seats hellip Edwards dismissed that argument as scare tactics and said the bill would not harm the economyrdquo [AP
32908]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For ldquoUnder his watch the enforcement division was accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies while also receiving the Spirit of America Award
from the New Hampshire Grocers Association for his collaborative approachrsquo I use the above examples of how
government can work with the hospitality and retail industries community organizations public health and law
enforcement to protect community interest without impeding the private sectorrsquo Edwards said lsquoThe goal should be
to make regulations as simple as necessary to assist business protect the public and encourage government
transparency My priority is to empower individuals to invest in job growth throughout District 4 by reforming
regulations that do not meet their stated purposersquo Edwards left the Liquor Commission after reaching a confidential
agreement with commissioners during a time of controversy over his job descriptionrdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Edwards Received Plaudits For Strict Enforcement
Nashua Telegraph ldquoEdwards Was A By-The-Book-Professional Who Wasnrsquot Fond Of Leniency[]rdquo ldquoThe
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencyrsquos enforcement division will
retire in June hellip Throughout his tenure Edwards was a by-the-book professional who wasnrsquot fond of leniency with
scofflaw license holdersrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Editorial Compared Edwards To Eliot Ness ldquoNew Hampshirersquos chief liquor law enforcer is a
teetotaling Southerner with no patience for drunkenness and a suspicious eye for alcohol in general Thank
goodness hellip Edwards is New Hampshirersquos own Eliot Ness But instead of mobsters hersquos battling bar owners who
endanger their own patrons and their communities by not following the lawrdquo [Union Leader Editorial 100207]
Shortly After Edwards ldquoTook Over The Job Of Enforcing Liquor Lawsrdquo Five Troubled Establishments Lost
Their Licensure ldquoOn June 8 2005 Eddie Edwards took over the job of enforcing liquor laws in the state of New
Hampshire About a month later a man fired four shots into the Omega nightclub in downtown Manchester and
bar owners across the state learned that a new sheriff was in town Within six months Omega lost its license to sell
alcohol in New Hampshire Others in Manchester quickly followed Envy Electra Florsquos Bar and Grill and
Aborigen Restaurant and Bar either lost their license surrendered it or dropped plans in the face of community
oppositionrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
NH State Liquor Commissioner Edwards Was Tougher Than Past Enforcement Heads ldquoNew Hampshire has
been getting tougher when it comes to enforcing liquor laws and much of the credit goes to Eddie
Edwards Edwards took over as state liquor enforcement chief two years ago In his first year the number of clubs
restaurants and stores facing fines or liquor license suspensions nearly quadrupled rising from 40 to 151 In the last
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 16
year that number of suspensions or fines dropped to 91 but Edwards said the decrease reflects the success of the
Bureau of Enforcement and Licensings efforts Patricia Russell a state liquor commissioner said Edwards by-the-
book approach to liquor law enforcement is tougher than that of his predecessor For years state liquor enforcement
officers did little more than run stings on underage sales and visit bars and restaurants she said lsquoTheres more bars
more drinking We have to be vigilant and Eddie is very vigilantrsquo Russell saidrdquo [Associated Press 10107]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The Liquor Commission Doubled Its Fines And Increased Its Penalties
ldquoSince Edwards arrival the state Liquor Commission has toughened its penalties doubling the fine for selling
to an underage or intoxicated customer to $500 plus a three-day license suspensionrdquo [Associated Press
10107]
hellipHowever Edwards Subjected Three Establishments Charged With Illegal Gambling A Felony To Far
Less Than The Maximum Punishment
A Pizza Restaurant Was ldquoCited For Gambling Violations And For Dealing Illicit Drugsrdquo And Settled With
The Liquor Commission To Revoke Its License And Forfeit $681 ldquoThe state liquor commission yesterday
revoked Three Cousins Pizza and Loungersquos liquor license in an agreement that also bars the clubrsquos owners from
applying for another license in the state for three years the commissionrsquos chief law enforcer said The clubrsquos
owners also agreed to forfeit $681 police seized during an Oct 21 raid at the 137 Wilson St lounge Chief Eddie
Edwards said hellip Three Cousins lounge was cited for gambling violations and for dealing illicit drugs on Oct 21rdquo
[Union Leader 110309]
Edwards Touted These Actions Of ldquoElected Officials And The Police Departmentrdquo As ldquoDoing All They
Can To Make Sure The Quality Of Life Is Maintained[]rdquo ldquoEdwards said the clubrsquos owners closed the
lounge last week lsquoI think thatrsquos what you see in Manchester elected officials and the police department and
the citizens in that community who are doing all they can to make sure the quality of life is maintainedrsquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Mayor Frank Guinta Praised The Liquor Commissionrsquos Actions ldquoMayor Frank C Guinta said he was
pleased with the liquor enforcement bureaursquos action lsquoThe restaurant was a blight on a neighborhood that does
not want drugs or gangs there This sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Manchesterrsquo
Guinta said in a statementrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Gambling Violations Were Felonious ldquoState law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be
charged with a class B felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their
establishmentsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
An American Legion Post Was Charged With Two Felonies For Alleged Illegal Gambing ldquoAn American
Legion Post in Lebanon has been hit with two felony charges for allowing gambling Feb 1 on its premises at 189
Mechanic St A Grafton County Superior Court grand jury indicted Guyer-Carignan Post 22 for gambling and a
charge called lsquoentertainment and entertainersrsquo according to the indictments The latter charge refers to gambling at
an establishment thats licensed to sell lsquoalcohol andor liquorrsquordquo [Union Leader 42414]
2014 $15000 Was Confiscated From The American Legion In ldquoA Similar Situation Took Place Several
Years Ago In Which the State Seized About $14000[]rdquo ldquoReached at the post on Thursday Bill Wilson
Guyer-Carignans financial officer said the state confiscated some $15000 He said the money was gleaned
from raffles and was used to benefit charity hellip A similar situation took place several years ago in which the
state seized about $14000 but later returned the money said Wilson who said that matter was resolved
without going to Superior Courtrdquo [Union Leader 42414]
Edwards Dealt With A ldquoSimilar Problemrdquo In 2010 With ldquoAdministrative Not Legal Remediesrdquo
ldquoThe Lebanon Legion post ran into a similar problem with its Super Bowl promotion in 2010 but then-
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 17
chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards resolved the matter with administrative not legal remedies
Kenney said he is pushing for a similar resolution this timerdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Law Enforcement Confiscated Seven Illegal Poker Machines From Two Pizza Parlors Illegal Gambling Was
Punishable By Felony Charges ldquoAuthorities confiscated video poker machines and charged four employees with
illegal gambling after simultaneous Friday night raids at Olympus Pizza restaurants in Manchester and Allenstown
-- the latter right next door to the police station hellip Fussell said seven video machines were seized in the raids three
in Allenstown and four in Manchester A large amount of cash was also seized he said hellip He said Finnell told him
officials were saying that an undercover officer had come into the bar last month and gotten a $50 pay-out on a
video poker game hellip State law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be charged with a class B
felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their establishmentsrdquo [Union
Leader 50910]
Edwards Said Business Owners ldquoCould Face Administrative Actions Including Fines[]rdquo ldquoLiquor
Commission Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards yesterday said the business owners could face
administrative actions including fines of up to $5000 and liquor license revocation Edwards said the state
liquor commissioners will make the ultimate decision on administrative pen-alties But he will make a
recommendation to them taking into account whether the owners were directly involved and if there were prior
violationsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar And
Reported Them To Dover Police
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar Reported
Them To Dover Police ldquoThe state Liquor Enforcement chief says he found law-enforcement officers gathering to
drink after hours at a local bar last month along with one of his own staffers The liquor enforcement bureau
Dover and state police are investigating It was 2 am on Aug 27 when state Liquor Enforcement Chief Eddie
Edwards pulled open the door of the bar The Station House and found the officers drinking The officers involved
were there to drink alcohol served to them an hour after the statersquos 1 am cutoff he said Dover Police Chief
Anthony Colarusso said yesterday he only caught wind of the alleged gathering when Edwards contacted himrdquo
[Union Leader 91207]
Edwards Advocated Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code And Increase Their Lighting
Edwards Suggested That Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code Barring Necklaces ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are
currently a lsquohot spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could
lead to change Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip They also have suggested some
impose a dress code that will discourage troublemakers lsquoPeople show up with chains on their necks We call that
battle gearrsquo said Edwards Imposing a dress code would keep out some who just come to stand against the wall
arms folded in and wait for a fight he saidrdquo [Union Leader71805]
Edwards Advocated That Night Clubs Increase Their Lighting ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are currently a lsquohot
spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could lead to change
Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip Chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards
told the governor and council lsquoItrsquos a hot spot for us right nowrsquo He said the department will continue to put pressure
on operators to follow the law while advising them to increase the lighting to better see who their customers are and
what they are doing hellip Dark rooms make it difficult to see the age and level of sobriety of a patron he noted More
lighting he said helps those who are pouring drinks and those monitoring the club to enforce the lawsrdquo [Union
Leader 71805]
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 5
Edwards Was A Teetotaler ldquoHe loved sports including football and wrestling which made him decide to never
touch a drop of alcohol He still hasnrsquot had a single siprdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Edwards Suggested Those Who Donrsquot Abstain From Alcohol Arenrsquot Courageous And Decried Communities
Which Tolerate Alcohol
Edwards Suggested Those Who Do Not Abstain From Alcohol Arenrsquot Courageous ldquolsquoI think itrsquos totally unfair
to tell young people to lsquojust say norsquo to drugs and alcohol when we donrsquot have the courage to do it ourselvesrsquo said
Eddie Edwards chief of license and enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission lsquoAt some point you
have to show real leadership to young peoplersquordquo [Union Leader 40308]
Edwards Decried Communities That Tolerate Alcohol ldquoIn a memory that remains vivid today Edwards saw a
wino beat his wife in the street with a brick No adults heeded her cries for help lsquoThatrsquos what happens in
communities when you tolerate (alcohol)rsquo he said To Edwards intoxication is just not good Itrsquos bad for a
downtown rowdy drunks start fights and frighten people away Itrsquos bad for public safety and can lead to domestic
violence date rape auto-mobile accidents And itrsquos bad for public health causing addictions Edwards even
dislikes the idea of designated drivers lsquoWhat happensrsquo he asks lsquowhen the person goes homersquordquo [Union Leader
100107]
Professional Career
2013-2017 Lobbying
Edwards Left The State Liquor Commission To Work With Beverage Companies On Liquor Laws Said ldquoIt
Is Not A Lobbying Job In The Traditional Senserdquo
2013-Present Edwards Has Been President Of Eddie Edwards Consulting [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwardsrsquo Business Was Focused On ldquoAlcohol Risk Management Consultingrdquo ldquoThe nature of the primary
business or purposes is alcohol risk management consulting The LLC may also pursue any other purpose
permitted by lawrdquo [New Hampshire Certificate of Formation 92613]
Edwards Described His Lobbying Job A ldquoNot A Lobbying Job In The Traditional Senserdquo ldquoEdwards said he
plans to become a consultant and work with government agencies and the beverage industry on matters surrounding
compliance with state liquor laws He said it is not a lobbying job in the traditional senserdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Said That He Left After Reforms To The Liquor Commission Rather Than Work In A Position In
Which He Could Be Fired ldquoThe announcment ends a stalemate over Edwards position After an overhaul of the
state Liquor Commission went into effect in 2009 officials realized lawmakers had authorized two job descriptions
dealing with the enforcement of liquor laws in the state There was chief the job that Edwards holds that gives him
protection as a classified state employee a pension after 20 years and generous benefits Then there was the job of
director a job the Liquor Commission wanted Edwards to fill and that would give the commission the ability to fire
himrdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Maintained His Business While Working As A Staffer For Rep Frank Guinta
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked As A Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta [LinkedIn accessed 9318]
2015 Eddie Edwards Consulting Filed An Annual Report [New Hampshire 2015 Annual Report 51915]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 6
2016 Eddie Edwards Consulting Filed An Annual Report [New Hampshire 2016 Annual Report 51316]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Alcoholic Beverage Companies
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Cask And Vine In January 2017 Edwards filed a report listing
himself as a lobbyist for Cask and Vine [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for Lobbyists 12517]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Traveling Vineyard In January 2017 Edwards filed a report
listing himself as a lobbyist for Traveling Vineyard [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for Lobbyists
12517]
Traveling Vineyard Was A Wine Tasting Company ldquoTraveling Vineyard began with an idea back in 2001
it is hard to know if you like a wine unless you try it first That thought launched our entire in-home wine
tasting concept Since then we have launched hundreds of Wine Guides into successful work at home jobsrdquo
[Traveling Vineyard accessed 40517]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For The Craft Brew Alliance In January 2017 Edwards filed a
report listing himself as a lobbyist for the Craft Brew Alliance [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for
Lobbyists 12517]
2016-2017 Edwards Lobbied For The LaBelle Winery The 2016 and 2017 list of registered lobbyists produced
by the New Hampshire Secretary of State noted that Edwards was a lobbyist for LaBelle Winery [New Hampshire
Secretary of State website accessed 40717]
LaBelle Winery Sought Approval Of A Large Expansion Of Their Facility ldquoOwners of the LaBelle
Winery in Amherst expect to wait a year to find out whether they can expand operations after a neighbor filed a
court challenge that he claims will protect the arearsquos rural character hellip Winery owners want to build a 24-room
inn with a restaurant big enough to seat 150 people inside and outside as well as a spa service and retail space
in a new building said LaBellersquos attorney Morgan Hollis An existing barn would be renovated and expanded
for a distillery tasting room and function room Hollis saidrdquo [Union Leader 11817]
Edwards Claimed His Lobbying Was Not What It Looked Like But He Asked The House Ethics Committee
For Approval And Registered As A Lobbyist With The State Anyway
Edwards Claimed That He Registered As A Lobbyist To Err On The Side Of Caution ldquoEdwards said most of
his consulting work is advising businesses In an interview he said he registered as a lobbyist to be overly cautious
and certain to comply with state law and in the event he had to speak with a legislator or state agency
official lsquoIrsquove always tried to do the right thingrsquo he said lsquoThe majority of work I do is consulting or helping
people address civil lawsuits or administrative casesrsquo [hellip] Edwards said that it is unfortunate that business people
have to hire someone to help navigate state regulations or laws to grow their business In the case of helping
LaBelle Winery he said he provided technical testimony with respect to a law change to allow businesses to have
off-site tasting rooms to sell productsrdquo [Union Leader 62817]
Eddie Edwards Consulting ldquoWe Provide Alcoholic Beverage Solutions For Your Business Model That Gives
You An Industry Competitive Edge While Maintaining Regulatory Compliancerdquo ldquoEddie Edwards Consulting
is an Alcoholic Beverage Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance Firm We represent alcoholic beverage
manufacturers wholesalers off-premises sellers and on-premises servers Our expertise in alcoholic beverage
regulations ranges from tied house limited licenses product approval label approval advertising direct shipping
enforcement policies and licensure requirements We have extensive experience crafting alcoholic beverage
regulations with legislators and government agencies We provide alcoholic beverage solutions for your business
model that gives you an industry competitive edge while maintaining regulatory compliance We excel in
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 7
negotiating settlements with regulatory compliance or enforcement agenciesrdquo [EEdwardsConsultingcom accessed
82918]
Edwardsrsquo Consulting Practice Vowed To Help Defend Businesses Against The ldquoAggressive Rules Or Lawsrdquo
That He Had Just Recently Enforced ldquoYou can rely on us to professionally address any of your regulatory
compliance needs or defend your business interest again aggressive rules or laws Our expertise and intimate
regulatory agencies knowledge provides you with comfort knowing our compliance strategies will fulfill federal
and state regulators expectationsrdquo [EEdwardsConsultingcom accessed 82918]
Edwards Said There Was No Issue With The Overlap Between Edwardsrsquo Tenure As A Congressional Staffer
And His Tenure As Founder And President Of A Lobbying Firm ldquoEdwards said Wednesday that any question
about his handling of his consulting business Eddie Edwards Consulting during his time as Guintas director of
community relations from January to June 2015 is a non-issue because he said lsquoAnything regarding my consulting
firm was run through both former Congressman Frank Guintarsquos office as well as the House Ethics Committee to
ensure everything was appropriate and legalrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Rep Frank Guinta Edwardsrsquo Former Boss Said That Edwards Had Not Cleared The Overlap With His
Office And That He Thought It Was ldquoInappropriaterdquo ldquoGuinta however took issue with Edwardsrsquo
statement lsquoHe never got any approval from mersquo the former congressman told WMUR on Wednesday night
lsquoAnd as far as I know he never got any approval from anyone in our office to operate his consulting firm lsquoIt
would have been inappropriate for him to be working for the federal government and lobbying or consulting at
the same time Itrsquos not anything that would have been approved nor was it ever approvedrsquo Guinta saidrdquo
[WMUR 8918]
The Edwards Campaign Produced A Letter That Proved That The House Ethics Committee Chief
Counsel Had Cleared Edwardsrsquo Lobbying Because He Was Not Senior Staff ldquo[T]he Edwards campaign on
Thursday afternoon produced an email it said it received a few hours earlier -- at 11 am on Thursday -- from
US House Ethics Committee Chief Counsel Tom Rust The campaign said the email showed that Edwards
cleared his outside employment with the committees attorneys [hellip] Rust wrote that the records showed that
Edwards lsquocalled about the outside employment rules and your continuing involvement with a consulting
company while a House employee lsquoThe informal staff level guidance you received was that because you were
not senior staff (ie base pay of $121956 for 2015) you could continue to represent clients in a fiduciary
capacity as part of your outside employment lsquoFurther you were advised that you would be able to represent
clients before state boards as outside employment but because you were a (US) House employee you could
not represent clients before the federal governmentrdquo [WMUR 8918]
Primary Competitor Andy Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Inflating His Resume Because His
LinkedIn Said He Was ldquoA Member Of The Senior Leadership Teamrdquo ldquoSanborns campaign
pointed out that Edwards described his director of community relations role with Guinta on his
LinkedIn page as lsquoa member of the senior leadership teamrsquo It also pointed out that according to the
email by Rust Edwards was told by the ethics committee attorneys that he was lsquonot senior staffrsquo lsquoIt
must be tough for Eddie Edwardsrsquo said Sanborn campaign senior advisor Ethan Zorfas lsquoHe tells the
House Ethics Committee he was not senior staff while touting on his resume that he was Did he lie to
the House Ethics Committee or did he lie on his resume Why didnt he tell Congressman Guinta about
his side lobbying businessrsquo But the Edwards campaign countered legal counsel Rust was referring to
pay scale in defining lsquosenior staffrsquo not job descriptions or organizational status The campaign said that
Edwards income on an annualized basis was about $60000rdquo [WMUR 8918]
Sanborn Campaign ldquoEddie Edwards Has Been Hiding Who He Truly Is From The People Of New
Hampshirerdquo ldquoZorfas of the Sanborn campaign said lsquoFor the past 18 months Eddie Edwards has been hiding who
he truly is from the people of New Hampshire Edwards was forced out of his 22-year (state) government job and
told he could not work for the state again in a secret agreement Then Edwards opened a lobbying business in
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 8
2013 where he lobbied the bureaucracy he once worked for Now we find out that he was also actively working as
a federal government employee while maintaining his side lobbying businessrsquo Zorfas called it a lsquoDC-style swamp
careerrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Neither The House Ethics Manual Nor The Hew Hampshire Code Of Ethics Expressly Forbid A Federal
Congressional Staffer From Lobbying On State Issues
The House Ethics Manual Said That House Staff Were Prohibited From Lobbying The Federal Government
ldquoThe House Ethics Manual addresses prohibited outside activity by House members as well as House staff It has a
different set of requirements for senior staff and non-senior staff But it also says that all staff regardless of pay
level or status are prohibited from lsquolobbying or advising on lobbying of either Congress or the Executive Branch
on behalf of any private organization or individual even on an uncompensated basis as that would conflict with a
memberrsquos general obligation to the publicrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
The New Hampshire Code Of Ethics Said That Public Employees Could Not Simultaneously Register As
State Lobbyists ldquo21-G25 Restrictions on Simultaneous Employment and Public Service ndash Volunteer service shall
not be used directly or indirectly for personal financial gain or to facilitate non-public communications with
executive branch officials or classified employees for the purpose of promoting or advancing any matter on behalf
of a third party or to influence executive branch officials or classified employees in the performance of their duties
In furtherance of this prohibition I No person shall serve as a public employee as defined by RSA 15-B2 VIII
or serve as an appointee or volunteer for any multi-branch commission committee board or similar governmental
entity and simultaneously be a person who has a duty to register as a lobbyist pursuant to RSA 15 or is employed
by or maintains an ownership interest in any entity which employs a registered lobbyistrdquo [New Hampshire Code
of Ethics Chapter 21-G accessed 82918]
Public Employees Were Defined As Employees Conducting State Business ldquoVIII lsquoPublic employeersquo
means any person including but not limited to a classified or non-classified employee or volunteer who
conducts state business on behalf of the governor any executive branch official or agencyrdquo [New Hampshire
Code of Ethics Chapter 15-B accessed 82918]
Registered Lobbying
Edwards Registered Lobbying Activity
Reporting Period Name of Client Type of Client Notes
2016 Q2 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
Traveling Vineyards Alcohol Sales
UPS Package Delivery
2016 Q3 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
Traveling Vineyard Alcohol Sales
UPS Package Delivery
2016 Q4 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar Edwards reported a $950 in-
kind contribution for a
fundraiser he hosted for Bill
OrsquoConnor a candidate for
Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
Traveling Vineyard
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 9
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
State Senate and filed the
appropriate Addendum C
UPS Package Delivery
2017 Q1 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q2 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q3 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q4 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
1995-2013 New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2013 Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2002 Edwards Worked In Various Positions At The New Hampshire Liquor Commission [Settlement
Agreement 41613]
2002 ndash 2005 Edwards Was A Lieutenant In The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New
Hampshire Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2005 ndash 2013 Edwards Was Director Of The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New Hampshire
Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2011 Edwards Earned $79706 As Chief
Edwards Earned $79706 In 2011 ldquoTop State Employee Earnings Part II hellip Eddie Edwards Ch Of Lic amp
EnforceLiquor $79706rdquo [Union Leader 61911]
Edwards Received Generous Benefits As Chief Of The State Liquor Commission ldquoThere was chief the job
that Edwards holds that gives him protection as a classified state employee a pension after 20 years and generous
benefitsrdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Left The Liquor Commission In 2013 After A Discrimination Suit And A $160000 Settlement
The Telegraph Upon Announcing Edwardsrsquo Retirement ldquoSurely Edwards Had His Run-Ins With The
Powers That Be At The SLCrdquo ldquoTheres yet another shake-up in the works at the state Liquor Commission The
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencys enforcement division will
retire in June Attempts to reach Edwards for comment last week werent successful Associates of Edwards say hes
looking to start his own law enforcement consulting business which presumably would work with officials here
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 10
and in other so-called lsquocontrolrsquo states that sell their own liquor Surely Edwards had his run-ins with the powers
that be at the SLCrdquo [Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Edwards Had Been ldquoAt Oddsrdquo With Other Liquor Commission Leadership Prior To His
Retirement ldquoCarter confirmed that Eddie Edwards the outgoing chief of enforcement for the commission is
scheduled to be deposed by the Law legal team on Monday and is expected to be present with Bodi for the
Wednesday hearing Edwards who has been at odds with the remaining two commissioners on several issues in
recent months announced plans to resign at the end of June after eight years on the jobrdquo [Union Leader
42713]
Edwardsrsquo Retirement Was Linked To A $160000 Settlement Reached With The Commission Over
Discrimination Charges That He Filed ldquoEdwardrsquos employment with the Liquor Commission shall end from State
service effective June 30 2013 [hellip] The State Agrees to pay to Edwards One Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars
($16000000) within twenty (20) days after the withdrawal of the Charge with prejudice [hellip] This sum shall be
paid as follows $30000 payable to Edwards through a regular payroll payment subject to the usual withholdings
and deductions and reportable on Edwardsrsquos W2 $95000 payable to Edwards reportable on a 1099 Misc and
$35000 payable to Edwardrsquos counsel reportable on a 1099 Misc [Settlement Agreement 41613]
Edwards Claimed That The Commission Violated The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 ldquoEdwards charge asserted
violations of federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a state law outlawing discrimination The EEOC enforces federal
laws prohibiting workplace discrimination and was created by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Associate Attorney
General Anne Edwards who handled the matter for the state told WMUR Thursday night lsquoThe complaint was for
discrimination based on racersquo The agreement states that the liquor commission denied the charge Eddie Edwards
who was the commissionrsquos chief of licensing and enforcement at the time agreed to leave the commission and not
seek further legal action against the state As part of the agreement neither the state nor Edwards admitted liability
or wrongdoing In an interview Edwards noted that part of the agreement restricted him from discussing details
with the media But he did say lsquoThis stemmed from disparaging comments of a racial nature that were made about
me repeatedly over a number of years And the more I was pointing out things that were going on in the
commission ndash and it was a whole host of things ndash the more I was being attackedrsquo Edwards said that racial
comments were made by lsquosenior officialsrsquo at the commission -- both directly to him and to his staff who later told
him of the remarksrdquo [WMUR 72718]
December 2009 Edwards Filed A Charge Of Discrimination Against The Liquor Commission With The
New Hampshire Commission On Human Rights ldquoWhereas in December 2009 Edwards filed a charge of
discrimination with the New Hampshire Commission on Human Rights and the United States Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (the ldquoChargerdquo) in which he made certain claims against the Liquor
Commission asserting violations of Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act and of New Hampshire RSA Ch
354-A all of which the Liquor Commission denies Whereas Edwards has alleged that he has other potential
claims relating to employment terms and conditions that he not yet filed [hellip]rdquo [Settlement Agreement 41613]
The Liquor Commission Had To Give Edwards A Positive Job Reference As Part Of The Settlement
Agreement ldquoAs part of the agreement the Liquor Commission provided Edwards with a letter of reference which
detailed his employment with the commission and said he lsquoled the division to successfully work with New
Hampshire law enforcement to institute campaigns against driving while intoxicated underage drinking and for
responsible consumption of alcoholrsquo lsquoFor over 22 years Chief Edwards has served the state of New Hampshire law
enforcement community in various positionsrsquo the reference letter says lsquoAs he proceeds to the next phase of his
professional career we wish him the best as he moves forward from state servicesrsquordquo [WMUR 72718]
Edwards Considered Himself A Police Officer
Edwards ldquoLiquor Enforcement Officers [Were] Like All Police Officersrdquo ldquoThe second-in-command at the
state Liquor Enforcement Bureau has resigned after being charged with drunken driving State Police said Kyle
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 11
Metcalf 45 of Nashua rear-ended another car on Interstate 93 Police said the collision was minor Hes also
charged with having an open container of alcohol and tailgating Metcalf was deputy chief of the State Liquor
Commissions Bureau of Enforcement and Licensing Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said Metcalf was
returning from a retirement party for a colleague Edwards said he and the three-member State Liquor Commission
accepted Metcalfs resignation Tuesday lsquoThese types of issues we take very very seriouslyrsquo Edwards said lsquoLiquor
enforcement officers like all police officers are required to respect all laws at all timesrsquo Edwards declined to say
whether Metcalf resigned voluntarilyrdquo [Associated Press 71107]
Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard Was Angry That Edwards And His Team Were Investigating Without
Police Oversight ldquoAlthough some departments routinely examine a drivers actions in the 24 hours prior to a crash
to see whether alcohol or other factors played a role Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard said no look-back was
done because his officers didnt suspect alcohol Auburn officers blamed texting and speeding for the crash Picard
said Only six or eight weeks later did they receive toxicology results showing Seans blood-alcohol content was
19 Picard said lsquoThe kid was deadrsquo Picard said lsquoWhat purpose would a look-back serversquo Picard was angry that
liquor investigators interviewed people in town without first notifying his department a charge Eddie Edwards
chief of Liquor Enforcement deniedrdquo[Union Leader 42912]
Edwards Said That Part Of His Job Was Helping Merchants Comply With The Laws
Edwards The Liquor Commission Would License Tobacco And Alcohol Retailers ldquoThe State Liquor
Commissions Enforcement Division enforces the states tobacco laws and conducts the required compliance checks
and reports the results The division also licenses tobacco product retailers Enforcement Division Director Eddie
Edwards said lsquoWe also provide education for merchants to help them comply with the laws The results of this
years compliance checks are partially the results of the work our field agents do every day and the work of our
youth volunteers who help conduct the compliance checksrsquordquo [Union Leader 1811]
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over A Liquor
Commission Investigation
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over An Investigation
During An Ongoing Investigation By The Attorney General ldquoThe enforcement chief at the State Liquor
Commission yesterday accused a member of the New Hampshire House leadership of exerting undue influence
over his bureaursquos investigation of whether a Keene tavern owner lsquoover-servedrsquo an intoxicated person three months
ago Eddie Edwards who has headed the enforcement bureau for more than four years said in an inter-view he
believes a separate criminal probe by the Attorney Generalrsquos Office on the circumstances surrounding his bureaursquos
investigation is focused on 11-term state Rep Daniel Eaton the former police chief in his home town of Stoddard
Edwards told the New Hampshire Union Leader the bar owner Randy Filiault a Keene city councilor lsquobrought in
some outside influencesrsquo to try to stymie his bureaursquos investigation Asked whether Eaton was one of the people he
was referring to Edwards said lsquoRightrsquordquo [Union Leader 30610]
After Rep Eaton Called Edwardsrsquo Boss To Stop Him From Executing A Search On A Property Edwards
Said He Felt He Had To Comply With His Bossrsquo Orders Against Better Judgment ldquoThe incident began when
Eaton D-Stoddard called Bodi about enforcement action taken against the Railroad Tavern Eaton said Bodi had
asked him to call with concerns so he did and passed along the bar owners allegation that enforcement officers had
gone beyond the scope of their search warrant Eaton insists he did not ask Bodi to do anything improper Bodi told
a slightly different story to the grand jury He said Eaton was hysterical and insisted the bar had been targeted in
retaliation for legislation Eaton supported that would have stripped the Liquor Commission of its enforcement
powers Bodi acknowledged Eaton did not tell him to do anything other than call the bar owner but the implication
was lsquothere would be hell to pay if this matter wasnt resolvedrsquo to Eatons satisfaction Bodi then told Liquor
Enforcement Bureau director Eddie Edwards to return the video equipment Edwards said he felt he had to choose
between being disciplined for not complying and maintaining the integrity of the investigation Bodi said he told
Edwards to retrieve any evidence on the equipment and return itrdquo [Associated Press 91910]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 12
The NH Attorney General Chastised Edwards For Making Public Comments About The Ongoing
Investigation ldquoAttorney General Michael Delaney and members of the Executive Council yesterday criticized
Liquor Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards for his public statements about a high-profile criminal
investigation Disturbing improper and unprofessional were their assessments of the way Edwards has handled
himself Edwards who was not at the breakfast meeting where the comments were made has appeared on
television and in the press discussing details of the allegations that led to a paid leave for Liquor Commissioner
Mark Bodi He said this morning he has discussed his end of the incident an administrative case that is now closed
and not the criminal probe [hellip] lsquoOur office is certainly not accustomed to having heads of law enforcement
agencies speaking publicly and drawing conclusions during the course of an investigation being conducted by the
Attorney Generals Officersquo Delaney said lsquoI do not believe Chief Edwards has distinguished himself professionally
in how he has handled this matterrsquo Councilor John Shea D-Nelson was also upsetrdquo [Union leader 31110]
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodi Said That Rep Eaton Wanted Edwards Fired For Targeting A
Specific Establishment For Liquor Law Violations ldquoThe following excerpts are taken from the transcript of
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodis testimony before the Merrimack County Grand Jury on Feb 19 [hellip] A
I received a second call Q From whom A From Representative Eaton Q What does he say during that call A
Based on my phone discussion with Eaton he was representing that this was the kind of a nefarious plot that the
Chief had told his people to go out there and surveil this establishment [hellip]Q During your first few conversations
with Representative Eaton before the second search warrant is indicated does he say anything to you that lsquoThis is
Eddies vendetta Its like sticking a needle in my eye Why are you let-ting him do thisrsquo Does any of that sound
familiar to you A Representative Eaton did not use that terminology but that certainly was the implication He had
imparted to me on another occasion when I had asked him following a very lengthy hearing in which I disagreed
with Representative Eaton over how the Enforcement Division should be handled [hellip]Following that hearing I
approached him in the lobby and I asked him lsquoWhy are you doing this What can we do to resolve thisrsquo Q And
his answer was A Get rid of Eddie Edwardsrdquo [Union Leader 8510]
Fellow Congresswoman Maggie Hassan Said She Believed Eaton Had An Issue With Edwards ldquoEaton would
not comment directly on Bodis additional contention that Eaton had a lsquovendettarsquo against liquor enforcement chief
Eddie Edwards and wanted him fired [hellip] But state Sen Maggie Hassan D-Exeter said it was her lsquoperceptionrsquo
from sitting on a study committee and a budget conference committee with Eaton that lsquohe had particular issues with
Eddie Edwardsrsquordquo [Union Leader 8610]
HEADLINE EDITORIAL Bodi should stay There is no case for removal [Union Leader Editorial Union
Leader 8610]
Union Leader Editorial Bodi Was Removed From Office After Rep Eaton Called Bodi To Stop
Edwardsrsquo Investigation ldquoEaton called Bodi to complain about his friend being targeted by Enforcement
Division chief Eddie Edwards He suggested that Bodi get rid of Edwards He also asked Bodi to call the tavern
owner which Bodi did Bodis lsquointerferencersquo in the investigation consisted of calling the tavern owner to assure
him that due process would be followed in the investigation then ordering Edwards to return the surveillance
equipment Bodi over-stepped his authority by ordering the equipment returned But Bodi clearly was not
trying to hinder the pursuit of justice He didnt order the video returned only the equipment after the video
evidence was obtained As both Bodi and the attorney general acknowledge he was only trying to get Eaton off
his back That behavior does not justify Bodis removal from office rdquo [Union Leader Editorial Union Leader
8610]
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally The Attorney General Found
The Allegations Unfounded
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally Attorney General Found The
Allegations Unfounded ldquoEdwards who referred all questions to his attorney has clashed with the commissioners
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 13
over several issues including the alleged illegal hiring of a lobbyist to help kill a bill that would have allowed the
sale of liquor in grocery and convenience stores hellip On Wednesday the Special House Committee to Evaluate the
New Hampshire State Liquor Commission heard testimony on the issue of hiring a lobbyist with Edwards
providing often conflicting testimony to Liquor Commission Chairman Joseph Mollica and Commissioner Michael
Milligan Last month the Attorney Generalrsquos Office released a preliminary investigation into Edwardsrsquo charges that
the commission illegally hired a lobbyist The attorney general found the charges were unfounded and there was no
need for a formal investigationrdquo [Union Leader 91512]
State Agencies Were Not Allowed To Hire Lobbyists ldquoSeveral lawmakers lobbyists and state employees
believe the state Liquor Commission illegally used a lobbyist to fight a bill that would have allowed liquor sales
in grocery and convenience stores State agencies are prohibited by law from paying lobbyists to influence
lawmakers A recent preliminary investigation by the Attorney Generals Office cleared the commission of any
wrongdoing saying Beer Distributors of NH lobbyist Clark Corson did not lobby for the commissionrdquo [Union
Leader 81612]
Commissioners Testified They Hired Clark Carson To Do A Study Not Lobby ldquoTwo liquor
commissioners claim - and the Attorney Generals Office agreed - that Corson was acting on his own or
lobbying for the beer wholesalers in working to defeat House Bill 1251 this session They claim Corson was
hired by the commissions advertising firm Rumbletree to do an independent study of the feasibility of selling
beer in state liquor stores But others including the commissions chief enforcement officer say the study was a
cover for Corsons lobbying efforts to defeat the billrdquo [Union Leader 81612]
The Attorney General Determined That There Was No Wrongdoing On The Part Of The Liquor
Commission ldquoThe attorney general Wednesday cleared the Liquor Commission of possible wrongdoing for
allegedly hiring a lobbyist The attorney generals report was discussed during a closed-door meeting with the
Executive Council after its meeting at Manchester School of Technology According to the report liquor
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards sent a report to the attorney general in May alleging the commission hired New
Hampshire Beer Wholesalers lobbyist Clark Corson to lobby lawmakers on behalf of the commission State law
forbids the use of state money to lobby lawmakersrdquo [Union Leader 8912]
A New Hampshire House Member Feared That The Liquor Commission Was Intimidating Edwards Into
Not Testifying At A House Hearing ldquoThe chair of the House committee investigating the Liquor Commission
and the liquor commissioners butted heads Tuesday over the committees access to information and commission
employees [hellip] Ober noted Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards testified before the committee last week
and two days later an advertisement was in the paper for someone to fill his position lsquoThat looks very much to me
like intimidationrsquo Ober said [hellip] Ober told the commission they owed Edwards something because anyone who
reads the newspaper and sees their job advertised believes lsquohe is going to be fired You need to do something He
did come in here and whistle-blowrsquordquo [Union Leader 91912]
Rep Coffey Nobody Should Be Afraid To Speak Up To The Legislature To Law Enforcement To
Anyonerdquo ldquoCoffey expressed concern about missing liquor attempts to shut down an agency store and posting
Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards job days after he testified before the committee lsquoWere not trying to rake
anyone over the coalsrsquo she said lsquobut Ive gotten email from people who want to come forward and talk to us
but are afraid for their jobs Nobody should be afraid to speak up to the Legislature to law enforcement to
anyonersquordquo [Union Leader 92112]
Edwards Testified That A Liquor Commission Bidding Process Was Rigged And Said He Advocated A
Third Party Bidding Process Commission Settled Lawsuit For $25 Million
Edwards Testified That A Company Had No Chance In The Bidding Process For A Liquor Commission
Contract ldquoThe outgoing chief of enforcement for the state Liquor Commission has joined a former commissioner
in testifying that Law Warehouses of Nashua had no chance of getting a $200 million 20-year warehouse contract
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 14
because of hostility toward the company within the commission hellip Law is seeking an injunction that would
prevent the NHLC from transferring the contract to logistics firm Exel of Westerville Ohio until Laws civil suit
seeking to overturn the contract is resolvedrdquo [Union Leader 43013]
Edwards ldquoI Know That The Commission Did Not Really Like Brian Lawrdquo ldquoEdwards described senior staff
meetings of the commission in which it became apparent to him that commissioners Mollica and Michael Milligan
did not want Law to get the contract which is consistent with Bodis deposition and affidavit lsquoI know that the
commission did not really like Brian Law I know there comments made about Brian Law not having the contract
too long or something like thatrsquo Edwards said lsquoAnd then there were comments about Brian Law specifically that
he felt he was entitled to the contractrsquo Edwards said there were concerns about the rates Law was charging and
complaints from some liquor brokers about the warehouse charges lsquoThey wanted to go in a different direction
other than with Brian Lawrsquo he said lsquoBased upon those conversations I did not believe that he was going to get the
contract I didnt believe that at allrsquordquo [Union Leader 5113]
Edwards Said That He Advocated For A Third Party Bidding Process Due To His Perception Of An
ldquoEnergyrdquo Against Brian Law ldquoAccording to Edwards there was an lsquoenergyrsquo among the commissioners and staff
that the ware-house contract should go to someone else because Brian Law owner of Law Warehouses had an
attitude of entitlement lsquoI just thought from an ethical standpoint it was inappropriate to have people on this review
committee that had these kind of thoughts and conversations and guidancersquo Edwards said He told liquor
commission officials to stop the bidding process and restart it under a third partyrsquos oversight because lsquoyou are not
being fair to Brian Law or anyone else in the processrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 50513]
Law Warehouses Alleged That The Liquor Commission Was Unfairly Biased Against Them ldquoLaw
Warehouses has sued the state to block the contract that was awarded to shipping giant Excel The liquor
commissions decision effectively kills a decades-long relationship that the prominent Nashua business has had
with the state Law charges that the bidding process was lsquotainted by unlawful favoritism from the startrsquordquo
[Nashua Telegraph 5513]
The State Alleged That Edwards Was Nothing But A Disgruntled Employee ldquoA state prosecutor backed by
half a dozen Liquor Commission employees told a judge Wednesday that Law Warehouses suit against the state is
based on nothing but complaints from two disgruntled former employees Senior Assistant Attorney General Mary
Ann Dempsey said sworn testimony from retired Liquor Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards and former
Liquor Commissioner Mark Bodi cant be taken at face value and is disputed by several current employees lsquoTheyre
certainly disgruntled employeesrsquo Dempsey said lsquoThat testimony is contradictedrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 5213]
2015 Liquor Commission Paid $25 Million To Settle The Case ldquoThe New Hampshire Liquor Commission has
agreed to pay $25 million to Law Warehouses to settle a lawsuit over the loss of a 20-year contract for
warehousing and distribution worth an estimated $200 millionrdquo [Union Leader 41315]
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase Licensing Fees Paid By Restaurants Up To
Twentyfold Claimed It Would Not Harm The Economy
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase The Fees Paid By ldquoRestaurant Cocktail
Lounge[s]rdquo Ten To Twentyfold ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as
much for their liquor license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants
The proposal would create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses
with more than 50 seats Under the current law bars and nightclubs can obtain a restaurant cocktail lounge license
for just $1200 if they sell $75000 worth of food annually but the bill would raise the food sales requirement to
$150000 State liquor enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that
bars and nightclubs have taken advantage of the rulesrdquo [AP 32908]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 15
Pub Owner Criticized The Proposal As Detrimental To The Economy ldquoDavid Barrett owner of Kilkenny
Pub and Twenty-One Bar amp Grill in Keene said the new requirements would force dozens of restaurants and
bars to shut down including his own lsquoIrsquove talked to 40 or 50 restaurant and bar owners in the southern and
middle part of New Hamp-shire and not one of them will pay $24000 a year for a licensersquo he said lsquoIf theyrsquore
not going to pay that you can imagine how many people will be out of work That bill should really finish
off the economy once and for allrsquordquo [AP 32908]
Edwards Argued The Measure He Supported To Raise Fees On Businesses Would Not Harm The
Economy ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as much for their liquor
license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants The proposal would
create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses with more than 50
seats hellip Edwards dismissed that argument as scare tactics and said the bill would not harm the economyrdquo [AP
32908]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For ldquoUnder his watch the enforcement division was accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies while also receiving the Spirit of America Award
from the New Hampshire Grocers Association for his collaborative approachrsquo I use the above examples of how
government can work with the hospitality and retail industries community organizations public health and law
enforcement to protect community interest without impeding the private sectorrsquo Edwards said lsquoThe goal should be
to make regulations as simple as necessary to assist business protect the public and encourage government
transparency My priority is to empower individuals to invest in job growth throughout District 4 by reforming
regulations that do not meet their stated purposersquo Edwards left the Liquor Commission after reaching a confidential
agreement with commissioners during a time of controversy over his job descriptionrdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Edwards Received Plaudits For Strict Enforcement
Nashua Telegraph ldquoEdwards Was A By-The-Book-Professional Who Wasnrsquot Fond Of Leniency[]rdquo ldquoThe
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencyrsquos enforcement division will
retire in June hellip Throughout his tenure Edwards was a by-the-book professional who wasnrsquot fond of leniency with
scofflaw license holdersrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Editorial Compared Edwards To Eliot Ness ldquoNew Hampshirersquos chief liquor law enforcer is a
teetotaling Southerner with no patience for drunkenness and a suspicious eye for alcohol in general Thank
goodness hellip Edwards is New Hampshirersquos own Eliot Ness But instead of mobsters hersquos battling bar owners who
endanger their own patrons and their communities by not following the lawrdquo [Union Leader Editorial 100207]
Shortly After Edwards ldquoTook Over The Job Of Enforcing Liquor Lawsrdquo Five Troubled Establishments Lost
Their Licensure ldquoOn June 8 2005 Eddie Edwards took over the job of enforcing liquor laws in the state of New
Hampshire About a month later a man fired four shots into the Omega nightclub in downtown Manchester and
bar owners across the state learned that a new sheriff was in town Within six months Omega lost its license to sell
alcohol in New Hampshire Others in Manchester quickly followed Envy Electra Florsquos Bar and Grill and
Aborigen Restaurant and Bar either lost their license surrendered it or dropped plans in the face of community
oppositionrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
NH State Liquor Commissioner Edwards Was Tougher Than Past Enforcement Heads ldquoNew Hampshire has
been getting tougher when it comes to enforcing liquor laws and much of the credit goes to Eddie
Edwards Edwards took over as state liquor enforcement chief two years ago In his first year the number of clubs
restaurants and stores facing fines or liquor license suspensions nearly quadrupled rising from 40 to 151 In the last
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 16
year that number of suspensions or fines dropped to 91 but Edwards said the decrease reflects the success of the
Bureau of Enforcement and Licensings efforts Patricia Russell a state liquor commissioner said Edwards by-the-
book approach to liquor law enforcement is tougher than that of his predecessor For years state liquor enforcement
officers did little more than run stings on underage sales and visit bars and restaurants she said lsquoTheres more bars
more drinking We have to be vigilant and Eddie is very vigilantrsquo Russell saidrdquo [Associated Press 10107]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The Liquor Commission Doubled Its Fines And Increased Its Penalties
ldquoSince Edwards arrival the state Liquor Commission has toughened its penalties doubling the fine for selling
to an underage or intoxicated customer to $500 plus a three-day license suspensionrdquo [Associated Press
10107]
hellipHowever Edwards Subjected Three Establishments Charged With Illegal Gambling A Felony To Far
Less Than The Maximum Punishment
A Pizza Restaurant Was ldquoCited For Gambling Violations And For Dealing Illicit Drugsrdquo And Settled With
The Liquor Commission To Revoke Its License And Forfeit $681 ldquoThe state liquor commission yesterday
revoked Three Cousins Pizza and Loungersquos liquor license in an agreement that also bars the clubrsquos owners from
applying for another license in the state for three years the commissionrsquos chief law enforcer said The clubrsquos
owners also agreed to forfeit $681 police seized during an Oct 21 raid at the 137 Wilson St lounge Chief Eddie
Edwards said hellip Three Cousins lounge was cited for gambling violations and for dealing illicit drugs on Oct 21rdquo
[Union Leader 110309]
Edwards Touted These Actions Of ldquoElected Officials And The Police Departmentrdquo As ldquoDoing All They
Can To Make Sure The Quality Of Life Is Maintained[]rdquo ldquoEdwards said the clubrsquos owners closed the
lounge last week lsquoI think thatrsquos what you see in Manchester elected officials and the police department and
the citizens in that community who are doing all they can to make sure the quality of life is maintainedrsquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Mayor Frank Guinta Praised The Liquor Commissionrsquos Actions ldquoMayor Frank C Guinta said he was
pleased with the liquor enforcement bureaursquos action lsquoThe restaurant was a blight on a neighborhood that does
not want drugs or gangs there This sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Manchesterrsquo
Guinta said in a statementrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Gambling Violations Were Felonious ldquoState law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be
charged with a class B felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their
establishmentsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
An American Legion Post Was Charged With Two Felonies For Alleged Illegal Gambing ldquoAn American
Legion Post in Lebanon has been hit with two felony charges for allowing gambling Feb 1 on its premises at 189
Mechanic St A Grafton County Superior Court grand jury indicted Guyer-Carignan Post 22 for gambling and a
charge called lsquoentertainment and entertainersrsquo according to the indictments The latter charge refers to gambling at
an establishment thats licensed to sell lsquoalcohol andor liquorrsquordquo [Union Leader 42414]
2014 $15000 Was Confiscated From The American Legion In ldquoA Similar Situation Took Place Several
Years Ago In Which the State Seized About $14000[]rdquo ldquoReached at the post on Thursday Bill Wilson
Guyer-Carignans financial officer said the state confiscated some $15000 He said the money was gleaned
from raffles and was used to benefit charity hellip A similar situation took place several years ago in which the
state seized about $14000 but later returned the money said Wilson who said that matter was resolved
without going to Superior Courtrdquo [Union Leader 42414]
Edwards Dealt With A ldquoSimilar Problemrdquo In 2010 With ldquoAdministrative Not Legal Remediesrdquo
ldquoThe Lebanon Legion post ran into a similar problem with its Super Bowl promotion in 2010 but then-
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 17
chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards resolved the matter with administrative not legal remedies
Kenney said he is pushing for a similar resolution this timerdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Law Enforcement Confiscated Seven Illegal Poker Machines From Two Pizza Parlors Illegal Gambling Was
Punishable By Felony Charges ldquoAuthorities confiscated video poker machines and charged four employees with
illegal gambling after simultaneous Friday night raids at Olympus Pizza restaurants in Manchester and Allenstown
-- the latter right next door to the police station hellip Fussell said seven video machines were seized in the raids three
in Allenstown and four in Manchester A large amount of cash was also seized he said hellip He said Finnell told him
officials were saying that an undercover officer had come into the bar last month and gotten a $50 pay-out on a
video poker game hellip State law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be charged with a class B
felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their establishmentsrdquo [Union
Leader 50910]
Edwards Said Business Owners ldquoCould Face Administrative Actions Including Fines[]rdquo ldquoLiquor
Commission Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards yesterday said the business owners could face
administrative actions including fines of up to $5000 and liquor license revocation Edwards said the state
liquor commissioners will make the ultimate decision on administrative pen-alties But he will make a
recommendation to them taking into account whether the owners were directly involved and if there were prior
violationsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar And
Reported Them To Dover Police
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar Reported
Them To Dover Police ldquoThe state Liquor Enforcement chief says he found law-enforcement officers gathering to
drink after hours at a local bar last month along with one of his own staffers The liquor enforcement bureau
Dover and state police are investigating It was 2 am on Aug 27 when state Liquor Enforcement Chief Eddie
Edwards pulled open the door of the bar The Station House and found the officers drinking The officers involved
were there to drink alcohol served to them an hour after the statersquos 1 am cutoff he said Dover Police Chief
Anthony Colarusso said yesterday he only caught wind of the alleged gathering when Edwards contacted himrdquo
[Union Leader 91207]
Edwards Advocated Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code And Increase Their Lighting
Edwards Suggested That Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code Barring Necklaces ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are
currently a lsquohot spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could
lead to change Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip They also have suggested some
impose a dress code that will discourage troublemakers lsquoPeople show up with chains on their necks We call that
battle gearrsquo said Edwards Imposing a dress code would keep out some who just come to stand against the wall
arms folded in and wait for a fight he saidrdquo [Union Leader71805]
Edwards Advocated That Night Clubs Increase Their Lighting ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are currently a lsquohot
spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could lead to change
Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip Chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards
told the governor and council lsquoItrsquos a hot spot for us right nowrsquo He said the department will continue to put pressure
on operators to follow the law while advising them to increase the lighting to better see who their customers are and
what they are doing hellip Dark rooms make it difficult to see the age and level of sobriety of a patron he noted More
lighting he said helps those who are pouring drinks and those monitoring the club to enforce the lawsrdquo [Union
Leader 71805]
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 6
2016 Eddie Edwards Consulting Filed An Annual Report [New Hampshire 2016 Annual Report 51316]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Alcoholic Beverage Companies
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Cask And Vine In January 2017 Edwards filed a report listing
himself as a lobbyist for Cask and Vine [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for Lobbyists 12517]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For Traveling Vineyard In January 2017 Edwards filed a report
listing himself as a lobbyist for Traveling Vineyard [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for Lobbyists
12517]
Traveling Vineyard Was A Wine Tasting Company ldquoTraveling Vineyard began with an idea back in 2001
it is hard to know if you like a wine unless you try it first That thought launched our entire in-home wine
tasting concept Since then we have launched hundreds of Wine Guides into successful work at home jobsrdquo
[Traveling Vineyard accessed 40517]
2016 Edwards Registered As A Lobbyist For The Craft Brew Alliance In January 2017 Edwards filed a
report listing himself as a lobbyist for the Craft Brew Alliance [Edwards Statement of Income and Expenses for
Lobbyists 12517]
2016-2017 Edwards Lobbied For The LaBelle Winery The 2016 and 2017 list of registered lobbyists produced
by the New Hampshire Secretary of State noted that Edwards was a lobbyist for LaBelle Winery [New Hampshire
Secretary of State website accessed 40717]
LaBelle Winery Sought Approval Of A Large Expansion Of Their Facility ldquoOwners of the LaBelle
Winery in Amherst expect to wait a year to find out whether they can expand operations after a neighbor filed a
court challenge that he claims will protect the arearsquos rural character hellip Winery owners want to build a 24-room
inn with a restaurant big enough to seat 150 people inside and outside as well as a spa service and retail space
in a new building said LaBellersquos attorney Morgan Hollis An existing barn would be renovated and expanded
for a distillery tasting room and function room Hollis saidrdquo [Union Leader 11817]
Edwards Claimed His Lobbying Was Not What It Looked Like But He Asked The House Ethics Committee
For Approval And Registered As A Lobbyist With The State Anyway
Edwards Claimed That He Registered As A Lobbyist To Err On The Side Of Caution ldquoEdwards said most of
his consulting work is advising businesses In an interview he said he registered as a lobbyist to be overly cautious
and certain to comply with state law and in the event he had to speak with a legislator or state agency
official lsquoIrsquove always tried to do the right thingrsquo he said lsquoThe majority of work I do is consulting or helping
people address civil lawsuits or administrative casesrsquo [hellip] Edwards said that it is unfortunate that business people
have to hire someone to help navigate state regulations or laws to grow their business In the case of helping
LaBelle Winery he said he provided technical testimony with respect to a law change to allow businesses to have
off-site tasting rooms to sell productsrdquo [Union Leader 62817]
Eddie Edwards Consulting ldquoWe Provide Alcoholic Beverage Solutions For Your Business Model That Gives
You An Industry Competitive Edge While Maintaining Regulatory Compliancerdquo ldquoEddie Edwards Consulting
is an Alcoholic Beverage Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance Firm We represent alcoholic beverage
manufacturers wholesalers off-premises sellers and on-premises servers Our expertise in alcoholic beverage
regulations ranges from tied house limited licenses product approval label approval advertising direct shipping
enforcement policies and licensure requirements We have extensive experience crafting alcoholic beverage
regulations with legislators and government agencies We provide alcoholic beverage solutions for your business
model that gives you an industry competitive edge while maintaining regulatory compliance We excel in
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 7
negotiating settlements with regulatory compliance or enforcement agenciesrdquo [EEdwardsConsultingcom accessed
82918]
Edwardsrsquo Consulting Practice Vowed To Help Defend Businesses Against The ldquoAggressive Rules Or Lawsrdquo
That He Had Just Recently Enforced ldquoYou can rely on us to professionally address any of your regulatory
compliance needs or defend your business interest again aggressive rules or laws Our expertise and intimate
regulatory agencies knowledge provides you with comfort knowing our compliance strategies will fulfill federal
and state regulators expectationsrdquo [EEdwardsConsultingcom accessed 82918]
Edwards Said There Was No Issue With The Overlap Between Edwardsrsquo Tenure As A Congressional Staffer
And His Tenure As Founder And President Of A Lobbying Firm ldquoEdwards said Wednesday that any question
about his handling of his consulting business Eddie Edwards Consulting during his time as Guintas director of
community relations from January to June 2015 is a non-issue because he said lsquoAnything regarding my consulting
firm was run through both former Congressman Frank Guintarsquos office as well as the House Ethics Committee to
ensure everything was appropriate and legalrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Rep Frank Guinta Edwardsrsquo Former Boss Said That Edwards Had Not Cleared The Overlap With His
Office And That He Thought It Was ldquoInappropriaterdquo ldquoGuinta however took issue with Edwardsrsquo
statement lsquoHe never got any approval from mersquo the former congressman told WMUR on Wednesday night
lsquoAnd as far as I know he never got any approval from anyone in our office to operate his consulting firm lsquoIt
would have been inappropriate for him to be working for the federal government and lobbying or consulting at
the same time Itrsquos not anything that would have been approved nor was it ever approvedrsquo Guinta saidrdquo
[WMUR 8918]
The Edwards Campaign Produced A Letter That Proved That The House Ethics Committee Chief
Counsel Had Cleared Edwardsrsquo Lobbying Because He Was Not Senior Staff ldquo[T]he Edwards campaign on
Thursday afternoon produced an email it said it received a few hours earlier -- at 11 am on Thursday -- from
US House Ethics Committee Chief Counsel Tom Rust The campaign said the email showed that Edwards
cleared his outside employment with the committees attorneys [hellip] Rust wrote that the records showed that
Edwards lsquocalled about the outside employment rules and your continuing involvement with a consulting
company while a House employee lsquoThe informal staff level guidance you received was that because you were
not senior staff (ie base pay of $121956 for 2015) you could continue to represent clients in a fiduciary
capacity as part of your outside employment lsquoFurther you were advised that you would be able to represent
clients before state boards as outside employment but because you were a (US) House employee you could
not represent clients before the federal governmentrdquo [WMUR 8918]
Primary Competitor Andy Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Inflating His Resume Because His
LinkedIn Said He Was ldquoA Member Of The Senior Leadership Teamrdquo ldquoSanborns campaign
pointed out that Edwards described his director of community relations role with Guinta on his
LinkedIn page as lsquoa member of the senior leadership teamrsquo It also pointed out that according to the
email by Rust Edwards was told by the ethics committee attorneys that he was lsquonot senior staffrsquo lsquoIt
must be tough for Eddie Edwardsrsquo said Sanborn campaign senior advisor Ethan Zorfas lsquoHe tells the
House Ethics Committee he was not senior staff while touting on his resume that he was Did he lie to
the House Ethics Committee or did he lie on his resume Why didnt he tell Congressman Guinta about
his side lobbying businessrsquo But the Edwards campaign countered legal counsel Rust was referring to
pay scale in defining lsquosenior staffrsquo not job descriptions or organizational status The campaign said that
Edwards income on an annualized basis was about $60000rdquo [WMUR 8918]
Sanborn Campaign ldquoEddie Edwards Has Been Hiding Who He Truly Is From The People Of New
Hampshirerdquo ldquoZorfas of the Sanborn campaign said lsquoFor the past 18 months Eddie Edwards has been hiding who
he truly is from the people of New Hampshire Edwards was forced out of his 22-year (state) government job and
told he could not work for the state again in a secret agreement Then Edwards opened a lobbying business in
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 8
2013 where he lobbied the bureaucracy he once worked for Now we find out that he was also actively working as
a federal government employee while maintaining his side lobbying businessrsquo Zorfas called it a lsquoDC-style swamp
careerrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Neither The House Ethics Manual Nor The Hew Hampshire Code Of Ethics Expressly Forbid A Federal
Congressional Staffer From Lobbying On State Issues
The House Ethics Manual Said That House Staff Were Prohibited From Lobbying The Federal Government
ldquoThe House Ethics Manual addresses prohibited outside activity by House members as well as House staff It has a
different set of requirements for senior staff and non-senior staff But it also says that all staff regardless of pay
level or status are prohibited from lsquolobbying or advising on lobbying of either Congress or the Executive Branch
on behalf of any private organization or individual even on an uncompensated basis as that would conflict with a
memberrsquos general obligation to the publicrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
The New Hampshire Code Of Ethics Said That Public Employees Could Not Simultaneously Register As
State Lobbyists ldquo21-G25 Restrictions on Simultaneous Employment and Public Service ndash Volunteer service shall
not be used directly or indirectly for personal financial gain or to facilitate non-public communications with
executive branch officials or classified employees for the purpose of promoting or advancing any matter on behalf
of a third party or to influence executive branch officials or classified employees in the performance of their duties
In furtherance of this prohibition I No person shall serve as a public employee as defined by RSA 15-B2 VIII
or serve as an appointee or volunteer for any multi-branch commission committee board or similar governmental
entity and simultaneously be a person who has a duty to register as a lobbyist pursuant to RSA 15 or is employed
by or maintains an ownership interest in any entity which employs a registered lobbyistrdquo [New Hampshire Code
of Ethics Chapter 21-G accessed 82918]
Public Employees Were Defined As Employees Conducting State Business ldquoVIII lsquoPublic employeersquo
means any person including but not limited to a classified or non-classified employee or volunteer who
conducts state business on behalf of the governor any executive branch official or agencyrdquo [New Hampshire
Code of Ethics Chapter 15-B accessed 82918]
Registered Lobbying
Edwards Registered Lobbying Activity
Reporting Period Name of Client Type of Client Notes
2016 Q2 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
Traveling Vineyards Alcohol Sales
UPS Package Delivery
2016 Q3 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
Traveling Vineyard Alcohol Sales
UPS Package Delivery
2016 Q4 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar Edwards reported a $950 in-
kind contribution for a
fundraiser he hosted for Bill
OrsquoConnor a candidate for
Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
Traveling Vineyard
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 9
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
State Senate and filed the
appropriate Addendum C
UPS Package Delivery
2017 Q1 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q2 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q3 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q4 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
1995-2013 New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2013 Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2002 Edwards Worked In Various Positions At The New Hampshire Liquor Commission [Settlement
Agreement 41613]
2002 ndash 2005 Edwards Was A Lieutenant In The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New
Hampshire Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2005 ndash 2013 Edwards Was Director Of The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New Hampshire
Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2011 Edwards Earned $79706 As Chief
Edwards Earned $79706 In 2011 ldquoTop State Employee Earnings Part II hellip Eddie Edwards Ch Of Lic amp
EnforceLiquor $79706rdquo [Union Leader 61911]
Edwards Received Generous Benefits As Chief Of The State Liquor Commission ldquoThere was chief the job
that Edwards holds that gives him protection as a classified state employee a pension after 20 years and generous
benefitsrdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Left The Liquor Commission In 2013 After A Discrimination Suit And A $160000 Settlement
The Telegraph Upon Announcing Edwardsrsquo Retirement ldquoSurely Edwards Had His Run-Ins With The
Powers That Be At The SLCrdquo ldquoTheres yet another shake-up in the works at the state Liquor Commission The
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencys enforcement division will
retire in June Attempts to reach Edwards for comment last week werent successful Associates of Edwards say hes
looking to start his own law enforcement consulting business which presumably would work with officials here
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 10
and in other so-called lsquocontrolrsquo states that sell their own liquor Surely Edwards had his run-ins with the powers
that be at the SLCrdquo [Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Edwards Had Been ldquoAt Oddsrdquo With Other Liquor Commission Leadership Prior To His
Retirement ldquoCarter confirmed that Eddie Edwards the outgoing chief of enforcement for the commission is
scheduled to be deposed by the Law legal team on Monday and is expected to be present with Bodi for the
Wednesday hearing Edwards who has been at odds with the remaining two commissioners on several issues in
recent months announced plans to resign at the end of June after eight years on the jobrdquo [Union Leader
42713]
Edwardsrsquo Retirement Was Linked To A $160000 Settlement Reached With The Commission Over
Discrimination Charges That He Filed ldquoEdwardrsquos employment with the Liquor Commission shall end from State
service effective June 30 2013 [hellip] The State Agrees to pay to Edwards One Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars
($16000000) within twenty (20) days after the withdrawal of the Charge with prejudice [hellip] This sum shall be
paid as follows $30000 payable to Edwards through a regular payroll payment subject to the usual withholdings
and deductions and reportable on Edwardsrsquos W2 $95000 payable to Edwards reportable on a 1099 Misc and
$35000 payable to Edwardrsquos counsel reportable on a 1099 Misc [Settlement Agreement 41613]
Edwards Claimed That The Commission Violated The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 ldquoEdwards charge asserted
violations of federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a state law outlawing discrimination The EEOC enforces federal
laws prohibiting workplace discrimination and was created by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Associate Attorney
General Anne Edwards who handled the matter for the state told WMUR Thursday night lsquoThe complaint was for
discrimination based on racersquo The agreement states that the liquor commission denied the charge Eddie Edwards
who was the commissionrsquos chief of licensing and enforcement at the time agreed to leave the commission and not
seek further legal action against the state As part of the agreement neither the state nor Edwards admitted liability
or wrongdoing In an interview Edwards noted that part of the agreement restricted him from discussing details
with the media But he did say lsquoThis stemmed from disparaging comments of a racial nature that were made about
me repeatedly over a number of years And the more I was pointing out things that were going on in the
commission ndash and it was a whole host of things ndash the more I was being attackedrsquo Edwards said that racial
comments were made by lsquosenior officialsrsquo at the commission -- both directly to him and to his staff who later told
him of the remarksrdquo [WMUR 72718]
December 2009 Edwards Filed A Charge Of Discrimination Against The Liquor Commission With The
New Hampshire Commission On Human Rights ldquoWhereas in December 2009 Edwards filed a charge of
discrimination with the New Hampshire Commission on Human Rights and the United States Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (the ldquoChargerdquo) in which he made certain claims against the Liquor
Commission asserting violations of Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act and of New Hampshire RSA Ch
354-A all of which the Liquor Commission denies Whereas Edwards has alleged that he has other potential
claims relating to employment terms and conditions that he not yet filed [hellip]rdquo [Settlement Agreement 41613]
The Liquor Commission Had To Give Edwards A Positive Job Reference As Part Of The Settlement
Agreement ldquoAs part of the agreement the Liquor Commission provided Edwards with a letter of reference which
detailed his employment with the commission and said he lsquoled the division to successfully work with New
Hampshire law enforcement to institute campaigns against driving while intoxicated underage drinking and for
responsible consumption of alcoholrsquo lsquoFor over 22 years Chief Edwards has served the state of New Hampshire law
enforcement community in various positionsrsquo the reference letter says lsquoAs he proceeds to the next phase of his
professional career we wish him the best as he moves forward from state servicesrsquordquo [WMUR 72718]
Edwards Considered Himself A Police Officer
Edwards ldquoLiquor Enforcement Officers [Were] Like All Police Officersrdquo ldquoThe second-in-command at the
state Liquor Enforcement Bureau has resigned after being charged with drunken driving State Police said Kyle
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 11
Metcalf 45 of Nashua rear-ended another car on Interstate 93 Police said the collision was minor Hes also
charged with having an open container of alcohol and tailgating Metcalf was deputy chief of the State Liquor
Commissions Bureau of Enforcement and Licensing Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said Metcalf was
returning from a retirement party for a colleague Edwards said he and the three-member State Liquor Commission
accepted Metcalfs resignation Tuesday lsquoThese types of issues we take very very seriouslyrsquo Edwards said lsquoLiquor
enforcement officers like all police officers are required to respect all laws at all timesrsquo Edwards declined to say
whether Metcalf resigned voluntarilyrdquo [Associated Press 71107]
Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard Was Angry That Edwards And His Team Were Investigating Without
Police Oversight ldquoAlthough some departments routinely examine a drivers actions in the 24 hours prior to a crash
to see whether alcohol or other factors played a role Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard said no look-back was
done because his officers didnt suspect alcohol Auburn officers blamed texting and speeding for the crash Picard
said Only six or eight weeks later did they receive toxicology results showing Seans blood-alcohol content was
19 Picard said lsquoThe kid was deadrsquo Picard said lsquoWhat purpose would a look-back serversquo Picard was angry that
liquor investigators interviewed people in town without first notifying his department a charge Eddie Edwards
chief of Liquor Enforcement deniedrdquo[Union Leader 42912]
Edwards Said That Part Of His Job Was Helping Merchants Comply With The Laws
Edwards The Liquor Commission Would License Tobacco And Alcohol Retailers ldquoThe State Liquor
Commissions Enforcement Division enforces the states tobacco laws and conducts the required compliance checks
and reports the results The division also licenses tobacco product retailers Enforcement Division Director Eddie
Edwards said lsquoWe also provide education for merchants to help them comply with the laws The results of this
years compliance checks are partially the results of the work our field agents do every day and the work of our
youth volunteers who help conduct the compliance checksrsquordquo [Union Leader 1811]
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over A Liquor
Commission Investigation
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over An Investigation
During An Ongoing Investigation By The Attorney General ldquoThe enforcement chief at the State Liquor
Commission yesterday accused a member of the New Hampshire House leadership of exerting undue influence
over his bureaursquos investigation of whether a Keene tavern owner lsquoover-servedrsquo an intoxicated person three months
ago Eddie Edwards who has headed the enforcement bureau for more than four years said in an inter-view he
believes a separate criminal probe by the Attorney Generalrsquos Office on the circumstances surrounding his bureaursquos
investigation is focused on 11-term state Rep Daniel Eaton the former police chief in his home town of Stoddard
Edwards told the New Hampshire Union Leader the bar owner Randy Filiault a Keene city councilor lsquobrought in
some outside influencesrsquo to try to stymie his bureaursquos investigation Asked whether Eaton was one of the people he
was referring to Edwards said lsquoRightrsquordquo [Union Leader 30610]
After Rep Eaton Called Edwardsrsquo Boss To Stop Him From Executing A Search On A Property Edwards
Said He Felt He Had To Comply With His Bossrsquo Orders Against Better Judgment ldquoThe incident began when
Eaton D-Stoddard called Bodi about enforcement action taken against the Railroad Tavern Eaton said Bodi had
asked him to call with concerns so he did and passed along the bar owners allegation that enforcement officers had
gone beyond the scope of their search warrant Eaton insists he did not ask Bodi to do anything improper Bodi told
a slightly different story to the grand jury He said Eaton was hysterical and insisted the bar had been targeted in
retaliation for legislation Eaton supported that would have stripped the Liquor Commission of its enforcement
powers Bodi acknowledged Eaton did not tell him to do anything other than call the bar owner but the implication
was lsquothere would be hell to pay if this matter wasnt resolvedrsquo to Eatons satisfaction Bodi then told Liquor
Enforcement Bureau director Eddie Edwards to return the video equipment Edwards said he felt he had to choose
between being disciplined for not complying and maintaining the integrity of the investigation Bodi said he told
Edwards to retrieve any evidence on the equipment and return itrdquo [Associated Press 91910]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 12
The NH Attorney General Chastised Edwards For Making Public Comments About The Ongoing
Investigation ldquoAttorney General Michael Delaney and members of the Executive Council yesterday criticized
Liquor Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards for his public statements about a high-profile criminal
investigation Disturbing improper and unprofessional were their assessments of the way Edwards has handled
himself Edwards who was not at the breakfast meeting where the comments were made has appeared on
television and in the press discussing details of the allegations that led to a paid leave for Liquor Commissioner
Mark Bodi He said this morning he has discussed his end of the incident an administrative case that is now closed
and not the criminal probe [hellip] lsquoOur office is certainly not accustomed to having heads of law enforcement
agencies speaking publicly and drawing conclusions during the course of an investigation being conducted by the
Attorney Generals Officersquo Delaney said lsquoI do not believe Chief Edwards has distinguished himself professionally
in how he has handled this matterrsquo Councilor John Shea D-Nelson was also upsetrdquo [Union leader 31110]
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodi Said That Rep Eaton Wanted Edwards Fired For Targeting A
Specific Establishment For Liquor Law Violations ldquoThe following excerpts are taken from the transcript of
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodis testimony before the Merrimack County Grand Jury on Feb 19 [hellip] A
I received a second call Q From whom A From Representative Eaton Q What does he say during that call A
Based on my phone discussion with Eaton he was representing that this was the kind of a nefarious plot that the
Chief had told his people to go out there and surveil this establishment [hellip]Q During your first few conversations
with Representative Eaton before the second search warrant is indicated does he say anything to you that lsquoThis is
Eddies vendetta Its like sticking a needle in my eye Why are you let-ting him do thisrsquo Does any of that sound
familiar to you A Representative Eaton did not use that terminology but that certainly was the implication He had
imparted to me on another occasion when I had asked him following a very lengthy hearing in which I disagreed
with Representative Eaton over how the Enforcement Division should be handled [hellip]Following that hearing I
approached him in the lobby and I asked him lsquoWhy are you doing this What can we do to resolve thisrsquo Q And
his answer was A Get rid of Eddie Edwardsrdquo [Union Leader 8510]
Fellow Congresswoman Maggie Hassan Said She Believed Eaton Had An Issue With Edwards ldquoEaton would
not comment directly on Bodis additional contention that Eaton had a lsquovendettarsquo against liquor enforcement chief
Eddie Edwards and wanted him fired [hellip] But state Sen Maggie Hassan D-Exeter said it was her lsquoperceptionrsquo
from sitting on a study committee and a budget conference committee with Eaton that lsquohe had particular issues with
Eddie Edwardsrsquordquo [Union Leader 8610]
HEADLINE EDITORIAL Bodi should stay There is no case for removal [Union Leader Editorial Union
Leader 8610]
Union Leader Editorial Bodi Was Removed From Office After Rep Eaton Called Bodi To Stop
Edwardsrsquo Investigation ldquoEaton called Bodi to complain about his friend being targeted by Enforcement
Division chief Eddie Edwards He suggested that Bodi get rid of Edwards He also asked Bodi to call the tavern
owner which Bodi did Bodis lsquointerferencersquo in the investigation consisted of calling the tavern owner to assure
him that due process would be followed in the investigation then ordering Edwards to return the surveillance
equipment Bodi over-stepped his authority by ordering the equipment returned But Bodi clearly was not
trying to hinder the pursuit of justice He didnt order the video returned only the equipment after the video
evidence was obtained As both Bodi and the attorney general acknowledge he was only trying to get Eaton off
his back That behavior does not justify Bodis removal from office rdquo [Union Leader Editorial Union Leader
8610]
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally The Attorney General Found
The Allegations Unfounded
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally Attorney General Found The
Allegations Unfounded ldquoEdwards who referred all questions to his attorney has clashed with the commissioners
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 13
over several issues including the alleged illegal hiring of a lobbyist to help kill a bill that would have allowed the
sale of liquor in grocery and convenience stores hellip On Wednesday the Special House Committee to Evaluate the
New Hampshire State Liquor Commission heard testimony on the issue of hiring a lobbyist with Edwards
providing often conflicting testimony to Liquor Commission Chairman Joseph Mollica and Commissioner Michael
Milligan Last month the Attorney Generalrsquos Office released a preliminary investigation into Edwardsrsquo charges that
the commission illegally hired a lobbyist The attorney general found the charges were unfounded and there was no
need for a formal investigationrdquo [Union Leader 91512]
State Agencies Were Not Allowed To Hire Lobbyists ldquoSeveral lawmakers lobbyists and state employees
believe the state Liquor Commission illegally used a lobbyist to fight a bill that would have allowed liquor sales
in grocery and convenience stores State agencies are prohibited by law from paying lobbyists to influence
lawmakers A recent preliminary investigation by the Attorney Generals Office cleared the commission of any
wrongdoing saying Beer Distributors of NH lobbyist Clark Corson did not lobby for the commissionrdquo [Union
Leader 81612]
Commissioners Testified They Hired Clark Carson To Do A Study Not Lobby ldquoTwo liquor
commissioners claim - and the Attorney Generals Office agreed - that Corson was acting on his own or
lobbying for the beer wholesalers in working to defeat House Bill 1251 this session They claim Corson was
hired by the commissions advertising firm Rumbletree to do an independent study of the feasibility of selling
beer in state liquor stores But others including the commissions chief enforcement officer say the study was a
cover for Corsons lobbying efforts to defeat the billrdquo [Union Leader 81612]
The Attorney General Determined That There Was No Wrongdoing On The Part Of The Liquor
Commission ldquoThe attorney general Wednesday cleared the Liquor Commission of possible wrongdoing for
allegedly hiring a lobbyist The attorney generals report was discussed during a closed-door meeting with the
Executive Council after its meeting at Manchester School of Technology According to the report liquor
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards sent a report to the attorney general in May alleging the commission hired New
Hampshire Beer Wholesalers lobbyist Clark Corson to lobby lawmakers on behalf of the commission State law
forbids the use of state money to lobby lawmakersrdquo [Union Leader 8912]
A New Hampshire House Member Feared That The Liquor Commission Was Intimidating Edwards Into
Not Testifying At A House Hearing ldquoThe chair of the House committee investigating the Liquor Commission
and the liquor commissioners butted heads Tuesday over the committees access to information and commission
employees [hellip] Ober noted Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards testified before the committee last week
and two days later an advertisement was in the paper for someone to fill his position lsquoThat looks very much to me
like intimidationrsquo Ober said [hellip] Ober told the commission they owed Edwards something because anyone who
reads the newspaper and sees their job advertised believes lsquohe is going to be fired You need to do something He
did come in here and whistle-blowrsquordquo [Union Leader 91912]
Rep Coffey Nobody Should Be Afraid To Speak Up To The Legislature To Law Enforcement To
Anyonerdquo ldquoCoffey expressed concern about missing liquor attempts to shut down an agency store and posting
Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards job days after he testified before the committee lsquoWere not trying to rake
anyone over the coalsrsquo she said lsquobut Ive gotten email from people who want to come forward and talk to us
but are afraid for their jobs Nobody should be afraid to speak up to the Legislature to law enforcement to
anyonersquordquo [Union Leader 92112]
Edwards Testified That A Liquor Commission Bidding Process Was Rigged And Said He Advocated A
Third Party Bidding Process Commission Settled Lawsuit For $25 Million
Edwards Testified That A Company Had No Chance In The Bidding Process For A Liquor Commission
Contract ldquoThe outgoing chief of enforcement for the state Liquor Commission has joined a former commissioner
in testifying that Law Warehouses of Nashua had no chance of getting a $200 million 20-year warehouse contract
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 14
because of hostility toward the company within the commission hellip Law is seeking an injunction that would
prevent the NHLC from transferring the contract to logistics firm Exel of Westerville Ohio until Laws civil suit
seeking to overturn the contract is resolvedrdquo [Union Leader 43013]
Edwards ldquoI Know That The Commission Did Not Really Like Brian Lawrdquo ldquoEdwards described senior staff
meetings of the commission in which it became apparent to him that commissioners Mollica and Michael Milligan
did not want Law to get the contract which is consistent with Bodis deposition and affidavit lsquoI know that the
commission did not really like Brian Law I know there comments made about Brian Law not having the contract
too long or something like thatrsquo Edwards said lsquoAnd then there were comments about Brian Law specifically that
he felt he was entitled to the contractrsquo Edwards said there were concerns about the rates Law was charging and
complaints from some liquor brokers about the warehouse charges lsquoThey wanted to go in a different direction
other than with Brian Lawrsquo he said lsquoBased upon those conversations I did not believe that he was going to get the
contract I didnt believe that at allrsquordquo [Union Leader 5113]
Edwards Said That He Advocated For A Third Party Bidding Process Due To His Perception Of An
ldquoEnergyrdquo Against Brian Law ldquoAccording to Edwards there was an lsquoenergyrsquo among the commissioners and staff
that the ware-house contract should go to someone else because Brian Law owner of Law Warehouses had an
attitude of entitlement lsquoI just thought from an ethical standpoint it was inappropriate to have people on this review
committee that had these kind of thoughts and conversations and guidancersquo Edwards said He told liquor
commission officials to stop the bidding process and restart it under a third partyrsquos oversight because lsquoyou are not
being fair to Brian Law or anyone else in the processrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 50513]
Law Warehouses Alleged That The Liquor Commission Was Unfairly Biased Against Them ldquoLaw
Warehouses has sued the state to block the contract that was awarded to shipping giant Excel The liquor
commissions decision effectively kills a decades-long relationship that the prominent Nashua business has had
with the state Law charges that the bidding process was lsquotainted by unlawful favoritism from the startrsquordquo
[Nashua Telegraph 5513]
The State Alleged That Edwards Was Nothing But A Disgruntled Employee ldquoA state prosecutor backed by
half a dozen Liquor Commission employees told a judge Wednesday that Law Warehouses suit against the state is
based on nothing but complaints from two disgruntled former employees Senior Assistant Attorney General Mary
Ann Dempsey said sworn testimony from retired Liquor Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards and former
Liquor Commissioner Mark Bodi cant be taken at face value and is disputed by several current employees lsquoTheyre
certainly disgruntled employeesrsquo Dempsey said lsquoThat testimony is contradictedrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 5213]
2015 Liquor Commission Paid $25 Million To Settle The Case ldquoThe New Hampshire Liquor Commission has
agreed to pay $25 million to Law Warehouses to settle a lawsuit over the loss of a 20-year contract for
warehousing and distribution worth an estimated $200 millionrdquo [Union Leader 41315]
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase Licensing Fees Paid By Restaurants Up To
Twentyfold Claimed It Would Not Harm The Economy
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase The Fees Paid By ldquoRestaurant Cocktail
Lounge[s]rdquo Ten To Twentyfold ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as
much for their liquor license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants
The proposal would create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses
with more than 50 seats Under the current law bars and nightclubs can obtain a restaurant cocktail lounge license
for just $1200 if they sell $75000 worth of food annually but the bill would raise the food sales requirement to
$150000 State liquor enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that
bars and nightclubs have taken advantage of the rulesrdquo [AP 32908]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 15
Pub Owner Criticized The Proposal As Detrimental To The Economy ldquoDavid Barrett owner of Kilkenny
Pub and Twenty-One Bar amp Grill in Keene said the new requirements would force dozens of restaurants and
bars to shut down including his own lsquoIrsquove talked to 40 or 50 restaurant and bar owners in the southern and
middle part of New Hamp-shire and not one of them will pay $24000 a year for a licensersquo he said lsquoIf theyrsquore
not going to pay that you can imagine how many people will be out of work That bill should really finish
off the economy once and for allrsquordquo [AP 32908]
Edwards Argued The Measure He Supported To Raise Fees On Businesses Would Not Harm The
Economy ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as much for their liquor
license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants The proposal would
create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses with more than 50
seats hellip Edwards dismissed that argument as scare tactics and said the bill would not harm the economyrdquo [AP
32908]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For ldquoUnder his watch the enforcement division was accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies while also receiving the Spirit of America Award
from the New Hampshire Grocers Association for his collaborative approachrsquo I use the above examples of how
government can work with the hospitality and retail industries community organizations public health and law
enforcement to protect community interest without impeding the private sectorrsquo Edwards said lsquoThe goal should be
to make regulations as simple as necessary to assist business protect the public and encourage government
transparency My priority is to empower individuals to invest in job growth throughout District 4 by reforming
regulations that do not meet their stated purposersquo Edwards left the Liquor Commission after reaching a confidential
agreement with commissioners during a time of controversy over his job descriptionrdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Edwards Received Plaudits For Strict Enforcement
Nashua Telegraph ldquoEdwards Was A By-The-Book-Professional Who Wasnrsquot Fond Of Leniency[]rdquo ldquoThe
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencyrsquos enforcement division will
retire in June hellip Throughout his tenure Edwards was a by-the-book professional who wasnrsquot fond of leniency with
scofflaw license holdersrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Editorial Compared Edwards To Eliot Ness ldquoNew Hampshirersquos chief liquor law enforcer is a
teetotaling Southerner with no patience for drunkenness and a suspicious eye for alcohol in general Thank
goodness hellip Edwards is New Hampshirersquos own Eliot Ness But instead of mobsters hersquos battling bar owners who
endanger their own patrons and their communities by not following the lawrdquo [Union Leader Editorial 100207]
Shortly After Edwards ldquoTook Over The Job Of Enforcing Liquor Lawsrdquo Five Troubled Establishments Lost
Their Licensure ldquoOn June 8 2005 Eddie Edwards took over the job of enforcing liquor laws in the state of New
Hampshire About a month later a man fired four shots into the Omega nightclub in downtown Manchester and
bar owners across the state learned that a new sheriff was in town Within six months Omega lost its license to sell
alcohol in New Hampshire Others in Manchester quickly followed Envy Electra Florsquos Bar and Grill and
Aborigen Restaurant and Bar either lost their license surrendered it or dropped plans in the face of community
oppositionrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
NH State Liquor Commissioner Edwards Was Tougher Than Past Enforcement Heads ldquoNew Hampshire has
been getting tougher when it comes to enforcing liquor laws and much of the credit goes to Eddie
Edwards Edwards took over as state liquor enforcement chief two years ago In his first year the number of clubs
restaurants and stores facing fines or liquor license suspensions nearly quadrupled rising from 40 to 151 In the last
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 16
year that number of suspensions or fines dropped to 91 but Edwards said the decrease reflects the success of the
Bureau of Enforcement and Licensings efforts Patricia Russell a state liquor commissioner said Edwards by-the-
book approach to liquor law enforcement is tougher than that of his predecessor For years state liquor enforcement
officers did little more than run stings on underage sales and visit bars and restaurants she said lsquoTheres more bars
more drinking We have to be vigilant and Eddie is very vigilantrsquo Russell saidrdquo [Associated Press 10107]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The Liquor Commission Doubled Its Fines And Increased Its Penalties
ldquoSince Edwards arrival the state Liquor Commission has toughened its penalties doubling the fine for selling
to an underage or intoxicated customer to $500 plus a three-day license suspensionrdquo [Associated Press
10107]
hellipHowever Edwards Subjected Three Establishments Charged With Illegal Gambling A Felony To Far
Less Than The Maximum Punishment
A Pizza Restaurant Was ldquoCited For Gambling Violations And For Dealing Illicit Drugsrdquo And Settled With
The Liquor Commission To Revoke Its License And Forfeit $681 ldquoThe state liquor commission yesterday
revoked Three Cousins Pizza and Loungersquos liquor license in an agreement that also bars the clubrsquos owners from
applying for another license in the state for three years the commissionrsquos chief law enforcer said The clubrsquos
owners also agreed to forfeit $681 police seized during an Oct 21 raid at the 137 Wilson St lounge Chief Eddie
Edwards said hellip Three Cousins lounge was cited for gambling violations and for dealing illicit drugs on Oct 21rdquo
[Union Leader 110309]
Edwards Touted These Actions Of ldquoElected Officials And The Police Departmentrdquo As ldquoDoing All They
Can To Make Sure The Quality Of Life Is Maintained[]rdquo ldquoEdwards said the clubrsquos owners closed the
lounge last week lsquoI think thatrsquos what you see in Manchester elected officials and the police department and
the citizens in that community who are doing all they can to make sure the quality of life is maintainedrsquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Mayor Frank Guinta Praised The Liquor Commissionrsquos Actions ldquoMayor Frank C Guinta said he was
pleased with the liquor enforcement bureaursquos action lsquoThe restaurant was a blight on a neighborhood that does
not want drugs or gangs there This sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Manchesterrsquo
Guinta said in a statementrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Gambling Violations Were Felonious ldquoState law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be
charged with a class B felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their
establishmentsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
An American Legion Post Was Charged With Two Felonies For Alleged Illegal Gambing ldquoAn American
Legion Post in Lebanon has been hit with two felony charges for allowing gambling Feb 1 on its premises at 189
Mechanic St A Grafton County Superior Court grand jury indicted Guyer-Carignan Post 22 for gambling and a
charge called lsquoentertainment and entertainersrsquo according to the indictments The latter charge refers to gambling at
an establishment thats licensed to sell lsquoalcohol andor liquorrsquordquo [Union Leader 42414]
2014 $15000 Was Confiscated From The American Legion In ldquoA Similar Situation Took Place Several
Years Ago In Which the State Seized About $14000[]rdquo ldquoReached at the post on Thursday Bill Wilson
Guyer-Carignans financial officer said the state confiscated some $15000 He said the money was gleaned
from raffles and was used to benefit charity hellip A similar situation took place several years ago in which the
state seized about $14000 but later returned the money said Wilson who said that matter was resolved
without going to Superior Courtrdquo [Union Leader 42414]
Edwards Dealt With A ldquoSimilar Problemrdquo In 2010 With ldquoAdministrative Not Legal Remediesrdquo
ldquoThe Lebanon Legion post ran into a similar problem with its Super Bowl promotion in 2010 but then-
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 17
chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards resolved the matter with administrative not legal remedies
Kenney said he is pushing for a similar resolution this timerdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Law Enforcement Confiscated Seven Illegal Poker Machines From Two Pizza Parlors Illegal Gambling Was
Punishable By Felony Charges ldquoAuthorities confiscated video poker machines and charged four employees with
illegal gambling after simultaneous Friday night raids at Olympus Pizza restaurants in Manchester and Allenstown
-- the latter right next door to the police station hellip Fussell said seven video machines were seized in the raids three
in Allenstown and four in Manchester A large amount of cash was also seized he said hellip He said Finnell told him
officials were saying that an undercover officer had come into the bar last month and gotten a $50 pay-out on a
video poker game hellip State law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be charged with a class B
felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their establishmentsrdquo [Union
Leader 50910]
Edwards Said Business Owners ldquoCould Face Administrative Actions Including Fines[]rdquo ldquoLiquor
Commission Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards yesterday said the business owners could face
administrative actions including fines of up to $5000 and liquor license revocation Edwards said the state
liquor commissioners will make the ultimate decision on administrative pen-alties But he will make a
recommendation to them taking into account whether the owners were directly involved and if there were prior
violationsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar And
Reported Them To Dover Police
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar Reported
Them To Dover Police ldquoThe state Liquor Enforcement chief says he found law-enforcement officers gathering to
drink after hours at a local bar last month along with one of his own staffers The liquor enforcement bureau
Dover and state police are investigating It was 2 am on Aug 27 when state Liquor Enforcement Chief Eddie
Edwards pulled open the door of the bar The Station House and found the officers drinking The officers involved
were there to drink alcohol served to them an hour after the statersquos 1 am cutoff he said Dover Police Chief
Anthony Colarusso said yesterday he only caught wind of the alleged gathering when Edwards contacted himrdquo
[Union Leader 91207]
Edwards Advocated Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code And Increase Their Lighting
Edwards Suggested That Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code Barring Necklaces ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are
currently a lsquohot spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could
lead to change Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip They also have suggested some
impose a dress code that will discourage troublemakers lsquoPeople show up with chains on their necks We call that
battle gearrsquo said Edwards Imposing a dress code would keep out some who just come to stand against the wall
arms folded in and wait for a fight he saidrdquo [Union Leader71805]
Edwards Advocated That Night Clubs Increase Their Lighting ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are currently a lsquohot
spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could lead to change
Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip Chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards
told the governor and council lsquoItrsquos a hot spot for us right nowrsquo He said the department will continue to put pressure
on operators to follow the law while advising them to increase the lighting to better see who their customers are and
what they are doing hellip Dark rooms make it difficult to see the age and level of sobriety of a patron he noted More
lighting he said helps those who are pouring drinks and those monitoring the club to enforce the lawsrdquo [Union
Leader 71805]
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 7
negotiating settlements with regulatory compliance or enforcement agenciesrdquo [EEdwardsConsultingcom accessed
82918]
Edwardsrsquo Consulting Practice Vowed To Help Defend Businesses Against The ldquoAggressive Rules Or Lawsrdquo
That He Had Just Recently Enforced ldquoYou can rely on us to professionally address any of your regulatory
compliance needs or defend your business interest again aggressive rules or laws Our expertise and intimate
regulatory agencies knowledge provides you with comfort knowing our compliance strategies will fulfill federal
and state regulators expectationsrdquo [EEdwardsConsultingcom accessed 82918]
Edwards Said There Was No Issue With The Overlap Between Edwardsrsquo Tenure As A Congressional Staffer
And His Tenure As Founder And President Of A Lobbying Firm ldquoEdwards said Wednesday that any question
about his handling of his consulting business Eddie Edwards Consulting during his time as Guintas director of
community relations from January to June 2015 is a non-issue because he said lsquoAnything regarding my consulting
firm was run through both former Congressman Frank Guintarsquos office as well as the House Ethics Committee to
ensure everything was appropriate and legalrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Rep Frank Guinta Edwardsrsquo Former Boss Said That Edwards Had Not Cleared The Overlap With His
Office And That He Thought It Was ldquoInappropriaterdquo ldquoGuinta however took issue with Edwardsrsquo
statement lsquoHe never got any approval from mersquo the former congressman told WMUR on Wednesday night
lsquoAnd as far as I know he never got any approval from anyone in our office to operate his consulting firm lsquoIt
would have been inappropriate for him to be working for the federal government and lobbying or consulting at
the same time Itrsquos not anything that would have been approved nor was it ever approvedrsquo Guinta saidrdquo
[WMUR 8918]
The Edwards Campaign Produced A Letter That Proved That The House Ethics Committee Chief
Counsel Had Cleared Edwardsrsquo Lobbying Because He Was Not Senior Staff ldquo[T]he Edwards campaign on
Thursday afternoon produced an email it said it received a few hours earlier -- at 11 am on Thursday -- from
US House Ethics Committee Chief Counsel Tom Rust The campaign said the email showed that Edwards
cleared his outside employment with the committees attorneys [hellip] Rust wrote that the records showed that
Edwards lsquocalled about the outside employment rules and your continuing involvement with a consulting
company while a House employee lsquoThe informal staff level guidance you received was that because you were
not senior staff (ie base pay of $121956 for 2015) you could continue to represent clients in a fiduciary
capacity as part of your outside employment lsquoFurther you were advised that you would be able to represent
clients before state boards as outside employment but because you were a (US) House employee you could
not represent clients before the federal governmentrdquo [WMUR 8918]
Primary Competitor Andy Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Inflating His Resume Because His
LinkedIn Said He Was ldquoA Member Of The Senior Leadership Teamrdquo ldquoSanborns campaign
pointed out that Edwards described his director of community relations role with Guinta on his
LinkedIn page as lsquoa member of the senior leadership teamrsquo It also pointed out that according to the
email by Rust Edwards was told by the ethics committee attorneys that he was lsquonot senior staffrsquo lsquoIt
must be tough for Eddie Edwardsrsquo said Sanborn campaign senior advisor Ethan Zorfas lsquoHe tells the
House Ethics Committee he was not senior staff while touting on his resume that he was Did he lie to
the House Ethics Committee or did he lie on his resume Why didnt he tell Congressman Guinta about
his side lobbying businessrsquo But the Edwards campaign countered legal counsel Rust was referring to
pay scale in defining lsquosenior staffrsquo not job descriptions or organizational status The campaign said that
Edwards income on an annualized basis was about $60000rdquo [WMUR 8918]
Sanborn Campaign ldquoEddie Edwards Has Been Hiding Who He Truly Is From The People Of New
Hampshirerdquo ldquoZorfas of the Sanborn campaign said lsquoFor the past 18 months Eddie Edwards has been hiding who
he truly is from the people of New Hampshire Edwards was forced out of his 22-year (state) government job and
told he could not work for the state again in a secret agreement Then Edwards opened a lobbying business in
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 8
2013 where he lobbied the bureaucracy he once worked for Now we find out that he was also actively working as
a federal government employee while maintaining his side lobbying businessrsquo Zorfas called it a lsquoDC-style swamp
careerrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Neither The House Ethics Manual Nor The Hew Hampshire Code Of Ethics Expressly Forbid A Federal
Congressional Staffer From Lobbying On State Issues
The House Ethics Manual Said That House Staff Were Prohibited From Lobbying The Federal Government
ldquoThe House Ethics Manual addresses prohibited outside activity by House members as well as House staff It has a
different set of requirements for senior staff and non-senior staff But it also says that all staff regardless of pay
level or status are prohibited from lsquolobbying or advising on lobbying of either Congress or the Executive Branch
on behalf of any private organization or individual even on an uncompensated basis as that would conflict with a
memberrsquos general obligation to the publicrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
The New Hampshire Code Of Ethics Said That Public Employees Could Not Simultaneously Register As
State Lobbyists ldquo21-G25 Restrictions on Simultaneous Employment and Public Service ndash Volunteer service shall
not be used directly or indirectly for personal financial gain or to facilitate non-public communications with
executive branch officials or classified employees for the purpose of promoting or advancing any matter on behalf
of a third party or to influence executive branch officials or classified employees in the performance of their duties
In furtherance of this prohibition I No person shall serve as a public employee as defined by RSA 15-B2 VIII
or serve as an appointee or volunteer for any multi-branch commission committee board or similar governmental
entity and simultaneously be a person who has a duty to register as a lobbyist pursuant to RSA 15 or is employed
by or maintains an ownership interest in any entity which employs a registered lobbyistrdquo [New Hampshire Code
of Ethics Chapter 21-G accessed 82918]
Public Employees Were Defined As Employees Conducting State Business ldquoVIII lsquoPublic employeersquo
means any person including but not limited to a classified or non-classified employee or volunteer who
conducts state business on behalf of the governor any executive branch official or agencyrdquo [New Hampshire
Code of Ethics Chapter 15-B accessed 82918]
Registered Lobbying
Edwards Registered Lobbying Activity
Reporting Period Name of Client Type of Client Notes
2016 Q2 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
Traveling Vineyards Alcohol Sales
UPS Package Delivery
2016 Q3 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
Traveling Vineyard Alcohol Sales
UPS Package Delivery
2016 Q4 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar Edwards reported a $950 in-
kind contribution for a
fundraiser he hosted for Bill
OrsquoConnor a candidate for
Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
Traveling Vineyard
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 9
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
State Senate and filed the
appropriate Addendum C
UPS Package Delivery
2017 Q1 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q2 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q3 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q4 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
1995-2013 New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2013 Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2002 Edwards Worked In Various Positions At The New Hampshire Liquor Commission [Settlement
Agreement 41613]
2002 ndash 2005 Edwards Was A Lieutenant In The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New
Hampshire Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2005 ndash 2013 Edwards Was Director Of The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New Hampshire
Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2011 Edwards Earned $79706 As Chief
Edwards Earned $79706 In 2011 ldquoTop State Employee Earnings Part II hellip Eddie Edwards Ch Of Lic amp
EnforceLiquor $79706rdquo [Union Leader 61911]
Edwards Received Generous Benefits As Chief Of The State Liquor Commission ldquoThere was chief the job
that Edwards holds that gives him protection as a classified state employee a pension after 20 years and generous
benefitsrdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Left The Liquor Commission In 2013 After A Discrimination Suit And A $160000 Settlement
The Telegraph Upon Announcing Edwardsrsquo Retirement ldquoSurely Edwards Had His Run-Ins With The
Powers That Be At The SLCrdquo ldquoTheres yet another shake-up in the works at the state Liquor Commission The
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencys enforcement division will
retire in June Attempts to reach Edwards for comment last week werent successful Associates of Edwards say hes
looking to start his own law enforcement consulting business which presumably would work with officials here
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 10
and in other so-called lsquocontrolrsquo states that sell their own liquor Surely Edwards had his run-ins with the powers
that be at the SLCrdquo [Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Edwards Had Been ldquoAt Oddsrdquo With Other Liquor Commission Leadership Prior To His
Retirement ldquoCarter confirmed that Eddie Edwards the outgoing chief of enforcement for the commission is
scheduled to be deposed by the Law legal team on Monday and is expected to be present with Bodi for the
Wednesday hearing Edwards who has been at odds with the remaining two commissioners on several issues in
recent months announced plans to resign at the end of June after eight years on the jobrdquo [Union Leader
42713]
Edwardsrsquo Retirement Was Linked To A $160000 Settlement Reached With The Commission Over
Discrimination Charges That He Filed ldquoEdwardrsquos employment with the Liquor Commission shall end from State
service effective June 30 2013 [hellip] The State Agrees to pay to Edwards One Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars
($16000000) within twenty (20) days after the withdrawal of the Charge with prejudice [hellip] This sum shall be
paid as follows $30000 payable to Edwards through a regular payroll payment subject to the usual withholdings
and deductions and reportable on Edwardsrsquos W2 $95000 payable to Edwards reportable on a 1099 Misc and
$35000 payable to Edwardrsquos counsel reportable on a 1099 Misc [Settlement Agreement 41613]
Edwards Claimed That The Commission Violated The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 ldquoEdwards charge asserted
violations of federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a state law outlawing discrimination The EEOC enforces federal
laws prohibiting workplace discrimination and was created by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Associate Attorney
General Anne Edwards who handled the matter for the state told WMUR Thursday night lsquoThe complaint was for
discrimination based on racersquo The agreement states that the liquor commission denied the charge Eddie Edwards
who was the commissionrsquos chief of licensing and enforcement at the time agreed to leave the commission and not
seek further legal action against the state As part of the agreement neither the state nor Edwards admitted liability
or wrongdoing In an interview Edwards noted that part of the agreement restricted him from discussing details
with the media But he did say lsquoThis stemmed from disparaging comments of a racial nature that were made about
me repeatedly over a number of years And the more I was pointing out things that were going on in the
commission ndash and it was a whole host of things ndash the more I was being attackedrsquo Edwards said that racial
comments were made by lsquosenior officialsrsquo at the commission -- both directly to him and to his staff who later told
him of the remarksrdquo [WMUR 72718]
December 2009 Edwards Filed A Charge Of Discrimination Against The Liquor Commission With The
New Hampshire Commission On Human Rights ldquoWhereas in December 2009 Edwards filed a charge of
discrimination with the New Hampshire Commission on Human Rights and the United States Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (the ldquoChargerdquo) in which he made certain claims against the Liquor
Commission asserting violations of Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act and of New Hampshire RSA Ch
354-A all of which the Liquor Commission denies Whereas Edwards has alleged that he has other potential
claims relating to employment terms and conditions that he not yet filed [hellip]rdquo [Settlement Agreement 41613]
The Liquor Commission Had To Give Edwards A Positive Job Reference As Part Of The Settlement
Agreement ldquoAs part of the agreement the Liquor Commission provided Edwards with a letter of reference which
detailed his employment with the commission and said he lsquoled the division to successfully work with New
Hampshire law enforcement to institute campaigns against driving while intoxicated underage drinking and for
responsible consumption of alcoholrsquo lsquoFor over 22 years Chief Edwards has served the state of New Hampshire law
enforcement community in various positionsrsquo the reference letter says lsquoAs he proceeds to the next phase of his
professional career we wish him the best as he moves forward from state servicesrsquordquo [WMUR 72718]
Edwards Considered Himself A Police Officer
Edwards ldquoLiquor Enforcement Officers [Were] Like All Police Officersrdquo ldquoThe second-in-command at the
state Liquor Enforcement Bureau has resigned after being charged with drunken driving State Police said Kyle
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 11
Metcalf 45 of Nashua rear-ended another car on Interstate 93 Police said the collision was minor Hes also
charged with having an open container of alcohol and tailgating Metcalf was deputy chief of the State Liquor
Commissions Bureau of Enforcement and Licensing Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said Metcalf was
returning from a retirement party for a colleague Edwards said he and the three-member State Liquor Commission
accepted Metcalfs resignation Tuesday lsquoThese types of issues we take very very seriouslyrsquo Edwards said lsquoLiquor
enforcement officers like all police officers are required to respect all laws at all timesrsquo Edwards declined to say
whether Metcalf resigned voluntarilyrdquo [Associated Press 71107]
Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard Was Angry That Edwards And His Team Were Investigating Without
Police Oversight ldquoAlthough some departments routinely examine a drivers actions in the 24 hours prior to a crash
to see whether alcohol or other factors played a role Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard said no look-back was
done because his officers didnt suspect alcohol Auburn officers blamed texting and speeding for the crash Picard
said Only six or eight weeks later did they receive toxicology results showing Seans blood-alcohol content was
19 Picard said lsquoThe kid was deadrsquo Picard said lsquoWhat purpose would a look-back serversquo Picard was angry that
liquor investigators interviewed people in town without first notifying his department a charge Eddie Edwards
chief of Liquor Enforcement deniedrdquo[Union Leader 42912]
Edwards Said That Part Of His Job Was Helping Merchants Comply With The Laws
Edwards The Liquor Commission Would License Tobacco And Alcohol Retailers ldquoThe State Liquor
Commissions Enforcement Division enforces the states tobacco laws and conducts the required compliance checks
and reports the results The division also licenses tobacco product retailers Enforcement Division Director Eddie
Edwards said lsquoWe also provide education for merchants to help them comply with the laws The results of this
years compliance checks are partially the results of the work our field agents do every day and the work of our
youth volunteers who help conduct the compliance checksrsquordquo [Union Leader 1811]
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over A Liquor
Commission Investigation
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over An Investigation
During An Ongoing Investigation By The Attorney General ldquoThe enforcement chief at the State Liquor
Commission yesterday accused a member of the New Hampshire House leadership of exerting undue influence
over his bureaursquos investigation of whether a Keene tavern owner lsquoover-servedrsquo an intoxicated person three months
ago Eddie Edwards who has headed the enforcement bureau for more than four years said in an inter-view he
believes a separate criminal probe by the Attorney Generalrsquos Office on the circumstances surrounding his bureaursquos
investigation is focused on 11-term state Rep Daniel Eaton the former police chief in his home town of Stoddard
Edwards told the New Hampshire Union Leader the bar owner Randy Filiault a Keene city councilor lsquobrought in
some outside influencesrsquo to try to stymie his bureaursquos investigation Asked whether Eaton was one of the people he
was referring to Edwards said lsquoRightrsquordquo [Union Leader 30610]
After Rep Eaton Called Edwardsrsquo Boss To Stop Him From Executing A Search On A Property Edwards
Said He Felt He Had To Comply With His Bossrsquo Orders Against Better Judgment ldquoThe incident began when
Eaton D-Stoddard called Bodi about enforcement action taken against the Railroad Tavern Eaton said Bodi had
asked him to call with concerns so he did and passed along the bar owners allegation that enforcement officers had
gone beyond the scope of their search warrant Eaton insists he did not ask Bodi to do anything improper Bodi told
a slightly different story to the grand jury He said Eaton was hysterical and insisted the bar had been targeted in
retaliation for legislation Eaton supported that would have stripped the Liquor Commission of its enforcement
powers Bodi acknowledged Eaton did not tell him to do anything other than call the bar owner but the implication
was lsquothere would be hell to pay if this matter wasnt resolvedrsquo to Eatons satisfaction Bodi then told Liquor
Enforcement Bureau director Eddie Edwards to return the video equipment Edwards said he felt he had to choose
between being disciplined for not complying and maintaining the integrity of the investigation Bodi said he told
Edwards to retrieve any evidence on the equipment and return itrdquo [Associated Press 91910]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 12
The NH Attorney General Chastised Edwards For Making Public Comments About The Ongoing
Investigation ldquoAttorney General Michael Delaney and members of the Executive Council yesterday criticized
Liquor Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards for his public statements about a high-profile criminal
investigation Disturbing improper and unprofessional were their assessments of the way Edwards has handled
himself Edwards who was not at the breakfast meeting where the comments were made has appeared on
television and in the press discussing details of the allegations that led to a paid leave for Liquor Commissioner
Mark Bodi He said this morning he has discussed his end of the incident an administrative case that is now closed
and not the criminal probe [hellip] lsquoOur office is certainly not accustomed to having heads of law enforcement
agencies speaking publicly and drawing conclusions during the course of an investigation being conducted by the
Attorney Generals Officersquo Delaney said lsquoI do not believe Chief Edwards has distinguished himself professionally
in how he has handled this matterrsquo Councilor John Shea D-Nelson was also upsetrdquo [Union leader 31110]
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodi Said That Rep Eaton Wanted Edwards Fired For Targeting A
Specific Establishment For Liquor Law Violations ldquoThe following excerpts are taken from the transcript of
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodis testimony before the Merrimack County Grand Jury on Feb 19 [hellip] A
I received a second call Q From whom A From Representative Eaton Q What does he say during that call A
Based on my phone discussion with Eaton he was representing that this was the kind of a nefarious plot that the
Chief had told his people to go out there and surveil this establishment [hellip]Q During your first few conversations
with Representative Eaton before the second search warrant is indicated does he say anything to you that lsquoThis is
Eddies vendetta Its like sticking a needle in my eye Why are you let-ting him do thisrsquo Does any of that sound
familiar to you A Representative Eaton did not use that terminology but that certainly was the implication He had
imparted to me on another occasion when I had asked him following a very lengthy hearing in which I disagreed
with Representative Eaton over how the Enforcement Division should be handled [hellip]Following that hearing I
approached him in the lobby and I asked him lsquoWhy are you doing this What can we do to resolve thisrsquo Q And
his answer was A Get rid of Eddie Edwardsrdquo [Union Leader 8510]
Fellow Congresswoman Maggie Hassan Said She Believed Eaton Had An Issue With Edwards ldquoEaton would
not comment directly on Bodis additional contention that Eaton had a lsquovendettarsquo against liquor enforcement chief
Eddie Edwards and wanted him fired [hellip] But state Sen Maggie Hassan D-Exeter said it was her lsquoperceptionrsquo
from sitting on a study committee and a budget conference committee with Eaton that lsquohe had particular issues with
Eddie Edwardsrsquordquo [Union Leader 8610]
HEADLINE EDITORIAL Bodi should stay There is no case for removal [Union Leader Editorial Union
Leader 8610]
Union Leader Editorial Bodi Was Removed From Office After Rep Eaton Called Bodi To Stop
Edwardsrsquo Investigation ldquoEaton called Bodi to complain about his friend being targeted by Enforcement
Division chief Eddie Edwards He suggested that Bodi get rid of Edwards He also asked Bodi to call the tavern
owner which Bodi did Bodis lsquointerferencersquo in the investigation consisted of calling the tavern owner to assure
him that due process would be followed in the investigation then ordering Edwards to return the surveillance
equipment Bodi over-stepped his authority by ordering the equipment returned But Bodi clearly was not
trying to hinder the pursuit of justice He didnt order the video returned only the equipment after the video
evidence was obtained As both Bodi and the attorney general acknowledge he was only trying to get Eaton off
his back That behavior does not justify Bodis removal from office rdquo [Union Leader Editorial Union Leader
8610]
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally The Attorney General Found
The Allegations Unfounded
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally Attorney General Found The
Allegations Unfounded ldquoEdwards who referred all questions to his attorney has clashed with the commissioners
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 13
over several issues including the alleged illegal hiring of a lobbyist to help kill a bill that would have allowed the
sale of liquor in grocery and convenience stores hellip On Wednesday the Special House Committee to Evaluate the
New Hampshire State Liquor Commission heard testimony on the issue of hiring a lobbyist with Edwards
providing often conflicting testimony to Liquor Commission Chairman Joseph Mollica and Commissioner Michael
Milligan Last month the Attorney Generalrsquos Office released a preliminary investigation into Edwardsrsquo charges that
the commission illegally hired a lobbyist The attorney general found the charges were unfounded and there was no
need for a formal investigationrdquo [Union Leader 91512]
State Agencies Were Not Allowed To Hire Lobbyists ldquoSeveral lawmakers lobbyists and state employees
believe the state Liquor Commission illegally used a lobbyist to fight a bill that would have allowed liquor sales
in grocery and convenience stores State agencies are prohibited by law from paying lobbyists to influence
lawmakers A recent preliminary investigation by the Attorney Generals Office cleared the commission of any
wrongdoing saying Beer Distributors of NH lobbyist Clark Corson did not lobby for the commissionrdquo [Union
Leader 81612]
Commissioners Testified They Hired Clark Carson To Do A Study Not Lobby ldquoTwo liquor
commissioners claim - and the Attorney Generals Office agreed - that Corson was acting on his own or
lobbying for the beer wholesalers in working to defeat House Bill 1251 this session They claim Corson was
hired by the commissions advertising firm Rumbletree to do an independent study of the feasibility of selling
beer in state liquor stores But others including the commissions chief enforcement officer say the study was a
cover for Corsons lobbying efforts to defeat the billrdquo [Union Leader 81612]
The Attorney General Determined That There Was No Wrongdoing On The Part Of The Liquor
Commission ldquoThe attorney general Wednesday cleared the Liquor Commission of possible wrongdoing for
allegedly hiring a lobbyist The attorney generals report was discussed during a closed-door meeting with the
Executive Council after its meeting at Manchester School of Technology According to the report liquor
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards sent a report to the attorney general in May alleging the commission hired New
Hampshire Beer Wholesalers lobbyist Clark Corson to lobby lawmakers on behalf of the commission State law
forbids the use of state money to lobby lawmakersrdquo [Union Leader 8912]
A New Hampshire House Member Feared That The Liquor Commission Was Intimidating Edwards Into
Not Testifying At A House Hearing ldquoThe chair of the House committee investigating the Liquor Commission
and the liquor commissioners butted heads Tuesday over the committees access to information and commission
employees [hellip] Ober noted Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards testified before the committee last week
and two days later an advertisement was in the paper for someone to fill his position lsquoThat looks very much to me
like intimidationrsquo Ober said [hellip] Ober told the commission they owed Edwards something because anyone who
reads the newspaper and sees their job advertised believes lsquohe is going to be fired You need to do something He
did come in here and whistle-blowrsquordquo [Union Leader 91912]
Rep Coffey Nobody Should Be Afraid To Speak Up To The Legislature To Law Enforcement To
Anyonerdquo ldquoCoffey expressed concern about missing liquor attempts to shut down an agency store and posting
Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards job days after he testified before the committee lsquoWere not trying to rake
anyone over the coalsrsquo she said lsquobut Ive gotten email from people who want to come forward and talk to us
but are afraid for their jobs Nobody should be afraid to speak up to the Legislature to law enforcement to
anyonersquordquo [Union Leader 92112]
Edwards Testified That A Liquor Commission Bidding Process Was Rigged And Said He Advocated A
Third Party Bidding Process Commission Settled Lawsuit For $25 Million
Edwards Testified That A Company Had No Chance In The Bidding Process For A Liquor Commission
Contract ldquoThe outgoing chief of enforcement for the state Liquor Commission has joined a former commissioner
in testifying that Law Warehouses of Nashua had no chance of getting a $200 million 20-year warehouse contract
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 14
because of hostility toward the company within the commission hellip Law is seeking an injunction that would
prevent the NHLC from transferring the contract to logistics firm Exel of Westerville Ohio until Laws civil suit
seeking to overturn the contract is resolvedrdquo [Union Leader 43013]
Edwards ldquoI Know That The Commission Did Not Really Like Brian Lawrdquo ldquoEdwards described senior staff
meetings of the commission in which it became apparent to him that commissioners Mollica and Michael Milligan
did not want Law to get the contract which is consistent with Bodis deposition and affidavit lsquoI know that the
commission did not really like Brian Law I know there comments made about Brian Law not having the contract
too long or something like thatrsquo Edwards said lsquoAnd then there were comments about Brian Law specifically that
he felt he was entitled to the contractrsquo Edwards said there were concerns about the rates Law was charging and
complaints from some liquor brokers about the warehouse charges lsquoThey wanted to go in a different direction
other than with Brian Lawrsquo he said lsquoBased upon those conversations I did not believe that he was going to get the
contract I didnt believe that at allrsquordquo [Union Leader 5113]
Edwards Said That He Advocated For A Third Party Bidding Process Due To His Perception Of An
ldquoEnergyrdquo Against Brian Law ldquoAccording to Edwards there was an lsquoenergyrsquo among the commissioners and staff
that the ware-house contract should go to someone else because Brian Law owner of Law Warehouses had an
attitude of entitlement lsquoI just thought from an ethical standpoint it was inappropriate to have people on this review
committee that had these kind of thoughts and conversations and guidancersquo Edwards said He told liquor
commission officials to stop the bidding process and restart it under a third partyrsquos oversight because lsquoyou are not
being fair to Brian Law or anyone else in the processrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 50513]
Law Warehouses Alleged That The Liquor Commission Was Unfairly Biased Against Them ldquoLaw
Warehouses has sued the state to block the contract that was awarded to shipping giant Excel The liquor
commissions decision effectively kills a decades-long relationship that the prominent Nashua business has had
with the state Law charges that the bidding process was lsquotainted by unlawful favoritism from the startrsquordquo
[Nashua Telegraph 5513]
The State Alleged That Edwards Was Nothing But A Disgruntled Employee ldquoA state prosecutor backed by
half a dozen Liquor Commission employees told a judge Wednesday that Law Warehouses suit against the state is
based on nothing but complaints from two disgruntled former employees Senior Assistant Attorney General Mary
Ann Dempsey said sworn testimony from retired Liquor Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards and former
Liquor Commissioner Mark Bodi cant be taken at face value and is disputed by several current employees lsquoTheyre
certainly disgruntled employeesrsquo Dempsey said lsquoThat testimony is contradictedrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 5213]
2015 Liquor Commission Paid $25 Million To Settle The Case ldquoThe New Hampshire Liquor Commission has
agreed to pay $25 million to Law Warehouses to settle a lawsuit over the loss of a 20-year contract for
warehousing and distribution worth an estimated $200 millionrdquo [Union Leader 41315]
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase Licensing Fees Paid By Restaurants Up To
Twentyfold Claimed It Would Not Harm The Economy
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase The Fees Paid By ldquoRestaurant Cocktail
Lounge[s]rdquo Ten To Twentyfold ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as
much for their liquor license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants
The proposal would create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses
with more than 50 seats Under the current law bars and nightclubs can obtain a restaurant cocktail lounge license
for just $1200 if they sell $75000 worth of food annually but the bill would raise the food sales requirement to
$150000 State liquor enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that
bars and nightclubs have taken advantage of the rulesrdquo [AP 32908]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 15
Pub Owner Criticized The Proposal As Detrimental To The Economy ldquoDavid Barrett owner of Kilkenny
Pub and Twenty-One Bar amp Grill in Keene said the new requirements would force dozens of restaurants and
bars to shut down including his own lsquoIrsquove talked to 40 or 50 restaurant and bar owners in the southern and
middle part of New Hamp-shire and not one of them will pay $24000 a year for a licensersquo he said lsquoIf theyrsquore
not going to pay that you can imagine how many people will be out of work That bill should really finish
off the economy once and for allrsquordquo [AP 32908]
Edwards Argued The Measure He Supported To Raise Fees On Businesses Would Not Harm The
Economy ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as much for their liquor
license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants The proposal would
create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses with more than 50
seats hellip Edwards dismissed that argument as scare tactics and said the bill would not harm the economyrdquo [AP
32908]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For ldquoUnder his watch the enforcement division was accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies while also receiving the Spirit of America Award
from the New Hampshire Grocers Association for his collaborative approachrsquo I use the above examples of how
government can work with the hospitality and retail industries community organizations public health and law
enforcement to protect community interest without impeding the private sectorrsquo Edwards said lsquoThe goal should be
to make regulations as simple as necessary to assist business protect the public and encourage government
transparency My priority is to empower individuals to invest in job growth throughout District 4 by reforming
regulations that do not meet their stated purposersquo Edwards left the Liquor Commission after reaching a confidential
agreement with commissioners during a time of controversy over his job descriptionrdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Edwards Received Plaudits For Strict Enforcement
Nashua Telegraph ldquoEdwards Was A By-The-Book-Professional Who Wasnrsquot Fond Of Leniency[]rdquo ldquoThe
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencyrsquos enforcement division will
retire in June hellip Throughout his tenure Edwards was a by-the-book professional who wasnrsquot fond of leniency with
scofflaw license holdersrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Editorial Compared Edwards To Eliot Ness ldquoNew Hampshirersquos chief liquor law enforcer is a
teetotaling Southerner with no patience for drunkenness and a suspicious eye for alcohol in general Thank
goodness hellip Edwards is New Hampshirersquos own Eliot Ness But instead of mobsters hersquos battling bar owners who
endanger their own patrons and their communities by not following the lawrdquo [Union Leader Editorial 100207]
Shortly After Edwards ldquoTook Over The Job Of Enforcing Liquor Lawsrdquo Five Troubled Establishments Lost
Their Licensure ldquoOn June 8 2005 Eddie Edwards took over the job of enforcing liquor laws in the state of New
Hampshire About a month later a man fired four shots into the Omega nightclub in downtown Manchester and
bar owners across the state learned that a new sheriff was in town Within six months Omega lost its license to sell
alcohol in New Hampshire Others in Manchester quickly followed Envy Electra Florsquos Bar and Grill and
Aborigen Restaurant and Bar either lost their license surrendered it or dropped plans in the face of community
oppositionrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
NH State Liquor Commissioner Edwards Was Tougher Than Past Enforcement Heads ldquoNew Hampshire has
been getting tougher when it comes to enforcing liquor laws and much of the credit goes to Eddie
Edwards Edwards took over as state liquor enforcement chief two years ago In his first year the number of clubs
restaurants and stores facing fines or liquor license suspensions nearly quadrupled rising from 40 to 151 In the last
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 16
year that number of suspensions or fines dropped to 91 but Edwards said the decrease reflects the success of the
Bureau of Enforcement and Licensings efforts Patricia Russell a state liquor commissioner said Edwards by-the-
book approach to liquor law enforcement is tougher than that of his predecessor For years state liquor enforcement
officers did little more than run stings on underage sales and visit bars and restaurants she said lsquoTheres more bars
more drinking We have to be vigilant and Eddie is very vigilantrsquo Russell saidrdquo [Associated Press 10107]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The Liquor Commission Doubled Its Fines And Increased Its Penalties
ldquoSince Edwards arrival the state Liquor Commission has toughened its penalties doubling the fine for selling
to an underage or intoxicated customer to $500 plus a three-day license suspensionrdquo [Associated Press
10107]
hellipHowever Edwards Subjected Three Establishments Charged With Illegal Gambling A Felony To Far
Less Than The Maximum Punishment
A Pizza Restaurant Was ldquoCited For Gambling Violations And For Dealing Illicit Drugsrdquo And Settled With
The Liquor Commission To Revoke Its License And Forfeit $681 ldquoThe state liquor commission yesterday
revoked Three Cousins Pizza and Loungersquos liquor license in an agreement that also bars the clubrsquos owners from
applying for another license in the state for three years the commissionrsquos chief law enforcer said The clubrsquos
owners also agreed to forfeit $681 police seized during an Oct 21 raid at the 137 Wilson St lounge Chief Eddie
Edwards said hellip Three Cousins lounge was cited for gambling violations and for dealing illicit drugs on Oct 21rdquo
[Union Leader 110309]
Edwards Touted These Actions Of ldquoElected Officials And The Police Departmentrdquo As ldquoDoing All They
Can To Make Sure The Quality Of Life Is Maintained[]rdquo ldquoEdwards said the clubrsquos owners closed the
lounge last week lsquoI think thatrsquos what you see in Manchester elected officials and the police department and
the citizens in that community who are doing all they can to make sure the quality of life is maintainedrsquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Mayor Frank Guinta Praised The Liquor Commissionrsquos Actions ldquoMayor Frank C Guinta said he was
pleased with the liquor enforcement bureaursquos action lsquoThe restaurant was a blight on a neighborhood that does
not want drugs or gangs there This sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Manchesterrsquo
Guinta said in a statementrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Gambling Violations Were Felonious ldquoState law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be
charged with a class B felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their
establishmentsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
An American Legion Post Was Charged With Two Felonies For Alleged Illegal Gambing ldquoAn American
Legion Post in Lebanon has been hit with two felony charges for allowing gambling Feb 1 on its premises at 189
Mechanic St A Grafton County Superior Court grand jury indicted Guyer-Carignan Post 22 for gambling and a
charge called lsquoentertainment and entertainersrsquo according to the indictments The latter charge refers to gambling at
an establishment thats licensed to sell lsquoalcohol andor liquorrsquordquo [Union Leader 42414]
2014 $15000 Was Confiscated From The American Legion In ldquoA Similar Situation Took Place Several
Years Ago In Which the State Seized About $14000[]rdquo ldquoReached at the post on Thursday Bill Wilson
Guyer-Carignans financial officer said the state confiscated some $15000 He said the money was gleaned
from raffles and was used to benefit charity hellip A similar situation took place several years ago in which the
state seized about $14000 but later returned the money said Wilson who said that matter was resolved
without going to Superior Courtrdquo [Union Leader 42414]
Edwards Dealt With A ldquoSimilar Problemrdquo In 2010 With ldquoAdministrative Not Legal Remediesrdquo
ldquoThe Lebanon Legion post ran into a similar problem with its Super Bowl promotion in 2010 but then-
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 17
chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards resolved the matter with administrative not legal remedies
Kenney said he is pushing for a similar resolution this timerdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Law Enforcement Confiscated Seven Illegal Poker Machines From Two Pizza Parlors Illegal Gambling Was
Punishable By Felony Charges ldquoAuthorities confiscated video poker machines and charged four employees with
illegal gambling after simultaneous Friday night raids at Olympus Pizza restaurants in Manchester and Allenstown
-- the latter right next door to the police station hellip Fussell said seven video machines were seized in the raids three
in Allenstown and four in Manchester A large amount of cash was also seized he said hellip He said Finnell told him
officials were saying that an undercover officer had come into the bar last month and gotten a $50 pay-out on a
video poker game hellip State law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be charged with a class B
felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their establishmentsrdquo [Union
Leader 50910]
Edwards Said Business Owners ldquoCould Face Administrative Actions Including Fines[]rdquo ldquoLiquor
Commission Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards yesterday said the business owners could face
administrative actions including fines of up to $5000 and liquor license revocation Edwards said the state
liquor commissioners will make the ultimate decision on administrative pen-alties But he will make a
recommendation to them taking into account whether the owners were directly involved and if there were prior
violationsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar And
Reported Them To Dover Police
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar Reported
Them To Dover Police ldquoThe state Liquor Enforcement chief says he found law-enforcement officers gathering to
drink after hours at a local bar last month along with one of his own staffers The liquor enforcement bureau
Dover and state police are investigating It was 2 am on Aug 27 when state Liquor Enforcement Chief Eddie
Edwards pulled open the door of the bar The Station House and found the officers drinking The officers involved
were there to drink alcohol served to them an hour after the statersquos 1 am cutoff he said Dover Police Chief
Anthony Colarusso said yesterday he only caught wind of the alleged gathering when Edwards contacted himrdquo
[Union Leader 91207]
Edwards Advocated Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code And Increase Their Lighting
Edwards Suggested That Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code Barring Necklaces ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are
currently a lsquohot spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could
lead to change Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip They also have suggested some
impose a dress code that will discourage troublemakers lsquoPeople show up with chains on their necks We call that
battle gearrsquo said Edwards Imposing a dress code would keep out some who just come to stand against the wall
arms folded in and wait for a fight he saidrdquo [Union Leader71805]
Edwards Advocated That Night Clubs Increase Their Lighting ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are currently a lsquohot
spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could lead to change
Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip Chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards
told the governor and council lsquoItrsquos a hot spot for us right nowrsquo He said the department will continue to put pressure
on operators to follow the law while advising them to increase the lighting to better see who their customers are and
what they are doing hellip Dark rooms make it difficult to see the age and level of sobriety of a patron he noted More
lighting he said helps those who are pouring drinks and those monitoring the club to enforce the lawsrdquo [Union
Leader 71805]
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 8
2013 where he lobbied the bureaucracy he once worked for Now we find out that he was also actively working as
a federal government employee while maintaining his side lobbying businessrsquo Zorfas called it a lsquoDC-style swamp
careerrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Neither The House Ethics Manual Nor The Hew Hampshire Code Of Ethics Expressly Forbid A Federal
Congressional Staffer From Lobbying On State Issues
The House Ethics Manual Said That House Staff Were Prohibited From Lobbying The Federal Government
ldquoThe House Ethics Manual addresses prohibited outside activity by House members as well as House staff It has a
different set of requirements for senior staff and non-senior staff But it also says that all staff regardless of pay
level or status are prohibited from lsquolobbying or advising on lobbying of either Congress or the Executive Branch
on behalf of any private organization or individual even on an uncompensated basis as that would conflict with a
memberrsquos general obligation to the publicrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
The New Hampshire Code Of Ethics Said That Public Employees Could Not Simultaneously Register As
State Lobbyists ldquo21-G25 Restrictions on Simultaneous Employment and Public Service ndash Volunteer service shall
not be used directly or indirectly for personal financial gain or to facilitate non-public communications with
executive branch officials or classified employees for the purpose of promoting or advancing any matter on behalf
of a third party or to influence executive branch officials or classified employees in the performance of their duties
In furtherance of this prohibition I No person shall serve as a public employee as defined by RSA 15-B2 VIII
or serve as an appointee or volunteer for any multi-branch commission committee board or similar governmental
entity and simultaneously be a person who has a duty to register as a lobbyist pursuant to RSA 15 or is employed
by or maintains an ownership interest in any entity which employs a registered lobbyistrdquo [New Hampshire Code
of Ethics Chapter 21-G accessed 82918]
Public Employees Were Defined As Employees Conducting State Business ldquoVIII lsquoPublic employeersquo
means any person including but not limited to a classified or non-classified employee or volunteer who
conducts state business on behalf of the governor any executive branch official or agencyrdquo [New Hampshire
Code of Ethics Chapter 15-B accessed 82918]
Registered Lobbying
Edwards Registered Lobbying Activity
Reporting Period Name of Client Type of Client Notes
2016 Q2 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
Traveling Vineyards Alcohol Sales
UPS Package Delivery
2016 Q3 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
Traveling Vineyard Alcohol Sales
UPS Package Delivery
2016 Q4 Cask and Vine Restaurant and Bar Edwards reported a $950 in-
kind contribution for a
fundraiser he hosted for Bill
OrsquoConnor a candidate for
Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
Traveling Vineyard
La Carreta (Derry) Restaurant
La Carreta (Manchester)
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 9
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
State Senate and filed the
appropriate Addendum C
UPS Package Delivery
2017 Q1 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q2 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q3 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q4 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
1995-2013 New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2013 Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2002 Edwards Worked In Various Positions At The New Hampshire Liquor Commission [Settlement
Agreement 41613]
2002 ndash 2005 Edwards Was A Lieutenant In The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New
Hampshire Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2005 ndash 2013 Edwards Was Director Of The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New Hampshire
Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2011 Edwards Earned $79706 As Chief
Edwards Earned $79706 In 2011 ldquoTop State Employee Earnings Part II hellip Eddie Edwards Ch Of Lic amp
EnforceLiquor $79706rdquo [Union Leader 61911]
Edwards Received Generous Benefits As Chief Of The State Liquor Commission ldquoThere was chief the job
that Edwards holds that gives him protection as a classified state employee a pension after 20 years and generous
benefitsrdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Left The Liquor Commission In 2013 After A Discrimination Suit And A $160000 Settlement
The Telegraph Upon Announcing Edwardsrsquo Retirement ldquoSurely Edwards Had His Run-Ins With The
Powers That Be At The SLCrdquo ldquoTheres yet another shake-up in the works at the state Liquor Commission The
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencys enforcement division will
retire in June Attempts to reach Edwards for comment last week werent successful Associates of Edwards say hes
looking to start his own law enforcement consulting business which presumably would work with officials here
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 10
and in other so-called lsquocontrolrsquo states that sell their own liquor Surely Edwards had his run-ins with the powers
that be at the SLCrdquo [Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Edwards Had Been ldquoAt Oddsrdquo With Other Liquor Commission Leadership Prior To His
Retirement ldquoCarter confirmed that Eddie Edwards the outgoing chief of enforcement for the commission is
scheduled to be deposed by the Law legal team on Monday and is expected to be present with Bodi for the
Wednesday hearing Edwards who has been at odds with the remaining two commissioners on several issues in
recent months announced plans to resign at the end of June after eight years on the jobrdquo [Union Leader
42713]
Edwardsrsquo Retirement Was Linked To A $160000 Settlement Reached With The Commission Over
Discrimination Charges That He Filed ldquoEdwardrsquos employment with the Liquor Commission shall end from State
service effective June 30 2013 [hellip] The State Agrees to pay to Edwards One Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars
($16000000) within twenty (20) days after the withdrawal of the Charge with prejudice [hellip] This sum shall be
paid as follows $30000 payable to Edwards through a regular payroll payment subject to the usual withholdings
and deductions and reportable on Edwardsrsquos W2 $95000 payable to Edwards reportable on a 1099 Misc and
$35000 payable to Edwardrsquos counsel reportable on a 1099 Misc [Settlement Agreement 41613]
Edwards Claimed That The Commission Violated The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 ldquoEdwards charge asserted
violations of federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a state law outlawing discrimination The EEOC enforces federal
laws prohibiting workplace discrimination and was created by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Associate Attorney
General Anne Edwards who handled the matter for the state told WMUR Thursday night lsquoThe complaint was for
discrimination based on racersquo The agreement states that the liquor commission denied the charge Eddie Edwards
who was the commissionrsquos chief of licensing and enforcement at the time agreed to leave the commission and not
seek further legal action against the state As part of the agreement neither the state nor Edwards admitted liability
or wrongdoing In an interview Edwards noted that part of the agreement restricted him from discussing details
with the media But he did say lsquoThis stemmed from disparaging comments of a racial nature that were made about
me repeatedly over a number of years And the more I was pointing out things that were going on in the
commission ndash and it was a whole host of things ndash the more I was being attackedrsquo Edwards said that racial
comments were made by lsquosenior officialsrsquo at the commission -- both directly to him and to his staff who later told
him of the remarksrdquo [WMUR 72718]
December 2009 Edwards Filed A Charge Of Discrimination Against The Liquor Commission With The
New Hampshire Commission On Human Rights ldquoWhereas in December 2009 Edwards filed a charge of
discrimination with the New Hampshire Commission on Human Rights and the United States Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (the ldquoChargerdquo) in which he made certain claims against the Liquor
Commission asserting violations of Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act and of New Hampshire RSA Ch
354-A all of which the Liquor Commission denies Whereas Edwards has alleged that he has other potential
claims relating to employment terms and conditions that he not yet filed [hellip]rdquo [Settlement Agreement 41613]
The Liquor Commission Had To Give Edwards A Positive Job Reference As Part Of The Settlement
Agreement ldquoAs part of the agreement the Liquor Commission provided Edwards with a letter of reference which
detailed his employment with the commission and said he lsquoled the division to successfully work with New
Hampshire law enforcement to institute campaigns against driving while intoxicated underage drinking and for
responsible consumption of alcoholrsquo lsquoFor over 22 years Chief Edwards has served the state of New Hampshire law
enforcement community in various positionsrsquo the reference letter says lsquoAs he proceeds to the next phase of his
professional career we wish him the best as he moves forward from state servicesrsquordquo [WMUR 72718]
Edwards Considered Himself A Police Officer
Edwards ldquoLiquor Enforcement Officers [Were] Like All Police Officersrdquo ldquoThe second-in-command at the
state Liquor Enforcement Bureau has resigned after being charged with drunken driving State Police said Kyle
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 11
Metcalf 45 of Nashua rear-ended another car on Interstate 93 Police said the collision was minor Hes also
charged with having an open container of alcohol and tailgating Metcalf was deputy chief of the State Liquor
Commissions Bureau of Enforcement and Licensing Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said Metcalf was
returning from a retirement party for a colleague Edwards said he and the three-member State Liquor Commission
accepted Metcalfs resignation Tuesday lsquoThese types of issues we take very very seriouslyrsquo Edwards said lsquoLiquor
enforcement officers like all police officers are required to respect all laws at all timesrsquo Edwards declined to say
whether Metcalf resigned voluntarilyrdquo [Associated Press 71107]
Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard Was Angry That Edwards And His Team Were Investigating Without
Police Oversight ldquoAlthough some departments routinely examine a drivers actions in the 24 hours prior to a crash
to see whether alcohol or other factors played a role Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard said no look-back was
done because his officers didnt suspect alcohol Auburn officers blamed texting and speeding for the crash Picard
said Only six or eight weeks later did they receive toxicology results showing Seans blood-alcohol content was
19 Picard said lsquoThe kid was deadrsquo Picard said lsquoWhat purpose would a look-back serversquo Picard was angry that
liquor investigators interviewed people in town without first notifying his department a charge Eddie Edwards
chief of Liquor Enforcement deniedrdquo[Union Leader 42912]
Edwards Said That Part Of His Job Was Helping Merchants Comply With The Laws
Edwards The Liquor Commission Would License Tobacco And Alcohol Retailers ldquoThe State Liquor
Commissions Enforcement Division enforces the states tobacco laws and conducts the required compliance checks
and reports the results The division also licenses tobacco product retailers Enforcement Division Director Eddie
Edwards said lsquoWe also provide education for merchants to help them comply with the laws The results of this
years compliance checks are partially the results of the work our field agents do every day and the work of our
youth volunteers who help conduct the compliance checksrsquordquo [Union Leader 1811]
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over A Liquor
Commission Investigation
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over An Investigation
During An Ongoing Investigation By The Attorney General ldquoThe enforcement chief at the State Liquor
Commission yesterday accused a member of the New Hampshire House leadership of exerting undue influence
over his bureaursquos investigation of whether a Keene tavern owner lsquoover-servedrsquo an intoxicated person three months
ago Eddie Edwards who has headed the enforcement bureau for more than four years said in an inter-view he
believes a separate criminal probe by the Attorney Generalrsquos Office on the circumstances surrounding his bureaursquos
investigation is focused on 11-term state Rep Daniel Eaton the former police chief in his home town of Stoddard
Edwards told the New Hampshire Union Leader the bar owner Randy Filiault a Keene city councilor lsquobrought in
some outside influencesrsquo to try to stymie his bureaursquos investigation Asked whether Eaton was one of the people he
was referring to Edwards said lsquoRightrsquordquo [Union Leader 30610]
After Rep Eaton Called Edwardsrsquo Boss To Stop Him From Executing A Search On A Property Edwards
Said He Felt He Had To Comply With His Bossrsquo Orders Against Better Judgment ldquoThe incident began when
Eaton D-Stoddard called Bodi about enforcement action taken against the Railroad Tavern Eaton said Bodi had
asked him to call with concerns so he did and passed along the bar owners allegation that enforcement officers had
gone beyond the scope of their search warrant Eaton insists he did not ask Bodi to do anything improper Bodi told
a slightly different story to the grand jury He said Eaton was hysterical and insisted the bar had been targeted in
retaliation for legislation Eaton supported that would have stripped the Liquor Commission of its enforcement
powers Bodi acknowledged Eaton did not tell him to do anything other than call the bar owner but the implication
was lsquothere would be hell to pay if this matter wasnt resolvedrsquo to Eatons satisfaction Bodi then told Liquor
Enforcement Bureau director Eddie Edwards to return the video equipment Edwards said he felt he had to choose
between being disciplined for not complying and maintaining the integrity of the investigation Bodi said he told
Edwards to retrieve any evidence on the equipment and return itrdquo [Associated Press 91910]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 12
The NH Attorney General Chastised Edwards For Making Public Comments About The Ongoing
Investigation ldquoAttorney General Michael Delaney and members of the Executive Council yesterday criticized
Liquor Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards for his public statements about a high-profile criminal
investigation Disturbing improper and unprofessional were their assessments of the way Edwards has handled
himself Edwards who was not at the breakfast meeting where the comments were made has appeared on
television and in the press discussing details of the allegations that led to a paid leave for Liquor Commissioner
Mark Bodi He said this morning he has discussed his end of the incident an administrative case that is now closed
and not the criminal probe [hellip] lsquoOur office is certainly not accustomed to having heads of law enforcement
agencies speaking publicly and drawing conclusions during the course of an investigation being conducted by the
Attorney Generals Officersquo Delaney said lsquoI do not believe Chief Edwards has distinguished himself professionally
in how he has handled this matterrsquo Councilor John Shea D-Nelson was also upsetrdquo [Union leader 31110]
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodi Said That Rep Eaton Wanted Edwards Fired For Targeting A
Specific Establishment For Liquor Law Violations ldquoThe following excerpts are taken from the transcript of
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodis testimony before the Merrimack County Grand Jury on Feb 19 [hellip] A
I received a second call Q From whom A From Representative Eaton Q What does he say during that call A
Based on my phone discussion with Eaton he was representing that this was the kind of a nefarious plot that the
Chief had told his people to go out there and surveil this establishment [hellip]Q During your first few conversations
with Representative Eaton before the second search warrant is indicated does he say anything to you that lsquoThis is
Eddies vendetta Its like sticking a needle in my eye Why are you let-ting him do thisrsquo Does any of that sound
familiar to you A Representative Eaton did not use that terminology but that certainly was the implication He had
imparted to me on another occasion when I had asked him following a very lengthy hearing in which I disagreed
with Representative Eaton over how the Enforcement Division should be handled [hellip]Following that hearing I
approached him in the lobby and I asked him lsquoWhy are you doing this What can we do to resolve thisrsquo Q And
his answer was A Get rid of Eddie Edwardsrdquo [Union Leader 8510]
Fellow Congresswoman Maggie Hassan Said She Believed Eaton Had An Issue With Edwards ldquoEaton would
not comment directly on Bodis additional contention that Eaton had a lsquovendettarsquo against liquor enforcement chief
Eddie Edwards and wanted him fired [hellip] But state Sen Maggie Hassan D-Exeter said it was her lsquoperceptionrsquo
from sitting on a study committee and a budget conference committee with Eaton that lsquohe had particular issues with
Eddie Edwardsrsquordquo [Union Leader 8610]
HEADLINE EDITORIAL Bodi should stay There is no case for removal [Union Leader Editorial Union
Leader 8610]
Union Leader Editorial Bodi Was Removed From Office After Rep Eaton Called Bodi To Stop
Edwardsrsquo Investigation ldquoEaton called Bodi to complain about his friend being targeted by Enforcement
Division chief Eddie Edwards He suggested that Bodi get rid of Edwards He also asked Bodi to call the tavern
owner which Bodi did Bodis lsquointerferencersquo in the investigation consisted of calling the tavern owner to assure
him that due process would be followed in the investigation then ordering Edwards to return the surveillance
equipment Bodi over-stepped his authority by ordering the equipment returned But Bodi clearly was not
trying to hinder the pursuit of justice He didnt order the video returned only the equipment after the video
evidence was obtained As both Bodi and the attorney general acknowledge he was only trying to get Eaton off
his back That behavior does not justify Bodis removal from office rdquo [Union Leader Editorial Union Leader
8610]
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally The Attorney General Found
The Allegations Unfounded
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally Attorney General Found The
Allegations Unfounded ldquoEdwards who referred all questions to his attorney has clashed with the commissioners
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 13
over several issues including the alleged illegal hiring of a lobbyist to help kill a bill that would have allowed the
sale of liquor in grocery and convenience stores hellip On Wednesday the Special House Committee to Evaluate the
New Hampshire State Liquor Commission heard testimony on the issue of hiring a lobbyist with Edwards
providing often conflicting testimony to Liquor Commission Chairman Joseph Mollica and Commissioner Michael
Milligan Last month the Attorney Generalrsquos Office released a preliminary investigation into Edwardsrsquo charges that
the commission illegally hired a lobbyist The attorney general found the charges were unfounded and there was no
need for a formal investigationrdquo [Union Leader 91512]
State Agencies Were Not Allowed To Hire Lobbyists ldquoSeveral lawmakers lobbyists and state employees
believe the state Liquor Commission illegally used a lobbyist to fight a bill that would have allowed liquor sales
in grocery and convenience stores State agencies are prohibited by law from paying lobbyists to influence
lawmakers A recent preliminary investigation by the Attorney Generals Office cleared the commission of any
wrongdoing saying Beer Distributors of NH lobbyist Clark Corson did not lobby for the commissionrdquo [Union
Leader 81612]
Commissioners Testified They Hired Clark Carson To Do A Study Not Lobby ldquoTwo liquor
commissioners claim - and the Attorney Generals Office agreed - that Corson was acting on his own or
lobbying for the beer wholesalers in working to defeat House Bill 1251 this session They claim Corson was
hired by the commissions advertising firm Rumbletree to do an independent study of the feasibility of selling
beer in state liquor stores But others including the commissions chief enforcement officer say the study was a
cover for Corsons lobbying efforts to defeat the billrdquo [Union Leader 81612]
The Attorney General Determined That There Was No Wrongdoing On The Part Of The Liquor
Commission ldquoThe attorney general Wednesday cleared the Liquor Commission of possible wrongdoing for
allegedly hiring a lobbyist The attorney generals report was discussed during a closed-door meeting with the
Executive Council after its meeting at Manchester School of Technology According to the report liquor
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards sent a report to the attorney general in May alleging the commission hired New
Hampshire Beer Wholesalers lobbyist Clark Corson to lobby lawmakers on behalf of the commission State law
forbids the use of state money to lobby lawmakersrdquo [Union Leader 8912]
A New Hampshire House Member Feared That The Liquor Commission Was Intimidating Edwards Into
Not Testifying At A House Hearing ldquoThe chair of the House committee investigating the Liquor Commission
and the liquor commissioners butted heads Tuesday over the committees access to information and commission
employees [hellip] Ober noted Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards testified before the committee last week
and two days later an advertisement was in the paper for someone to fill his position lsquoThat looks very much to me
like intimidationrsquo Ober said [hellip] Ober told the commission they owed Edwards something because anyone who
reads the newspaper and sees their job advertised believes lsquohe is going to be fired You need to do something He
did come in here and whistle-blowrsquordquo [Union Leader 91912]
Rep Coffey Nobody Should Be Afraid To Speak Up To The Legislature To Law Enforcement To
Anyonerdquo ldquoCoffey expressed concern about missing liquor attempts to shut down an agency store and posting
Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards job days after he testified before the committee lsquoWere not trying to rake
anyone over the coalsrsquo she said lsquobut Ive gotten email from people who want to come forward and talk to us
but are afraid for their jobs Nobody should be afraid to speak up to the Legislature to law enforcement to
anyonersquordquo [Union Leader 92112]
Edwards Testified That A Liquor Commission Bidding Process Was Rigged And Said He Advocated A
Third Party Bidding Process Commission Settled Lawsuit For $25 Million
Edwards Testified That A Company Had No Chance In The Bidding Process For A Liquor Commission
Contract ldquoThe outgoing chief of enforcement for the state Liquor Commission has joined a former commissioner
in testifying that Law Warehouses of Nashua had no chance of getting a $200 million 20-year warehouse contract
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 14
because of hostility toward the company within the commission hellip Law is seeking an injunction that would
prevent the NHLC from transferring the contract to logistics firm Exel of Westerville Ohio until Laws civil suit
seeking to overturn the contract is resolvedrdquo [Union Leader 43013]
Edwards ldquoI Know That The Commission Did Not Really Like Brian Lawrdquo ldquoEdwards described senior staff
meetings of the commission in which it became apparent to him that commissioners Mollica and Michael Milligan
did not want Law to get the contract which is consistent with Bodis deposition and affidavit lsquoI know that the
commission did not really like Brian Law I know there comments made about Brian Law not having the contract
too long or something like thatrsquo Edwards said lsquoAnd then there were comments about Brian Law specifically that
he felt he was entitled to the contractrsquo Edwards said there were concerns about the rates Law was charging and
complaints from some liquor brokers about the warehouse charges lsquoThey wanted to go in a different direction
other than with Brian Lawrsquo he said lsquoBased upon those conversations I did not believe that he was going to get the
contract I didnt believe that at allrsquordquo [Union Leader 5113]
Edwards Said That He Advocated For A Third Party Bidding Process Due To His Perception Of An
ldquoEnergyrdquo Against Brian Law ldquoAccording to Edwards there was an lsquoenergyrsquo among the commissioners and staff
that the ware-house contract should go to someone else because Brian Law owner of Law Warehouses had an
attitude of entitlement lsquoI just thought from an ethical standpoint it was inappropriate to have people on this review
committee that had these kind of thoughts and conversations and guidancersquo Edwards said He told liquor
commission officials to stop the bidding process and restart it under a third partyrsquos oversight because lsquoyou are not
being fair to Brian Law or anyone else in the processrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 50513]
Law Warehouses Alleged That The Liquor Commission Was Unfairly Biased Against Them ldquoLaw
Warehouses has sued the state to block the contract that was awarded to shipping giant Excel The liquor
commissions decision effectively kills a decades-long relationship that the prominent Nashua business has had
with the state Law charges that the bidding process was lsquotainted by unlawful favoritism from the startrsquordquo
[Nashua Telegraph 5513]
The State Alleged That Edwards Was Nothing But A Disgruntled Employee ldquoA state prosecutor backed by
half a dozen Liquor Commission employees told a judge Wednesday that Law Warehouses suit against the state is
based on nothing but complaints from two disgruntled former employees Senior Assistant Attorney General Mary
Ann Dempsey said sworn testimony from retired Liquor Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards and former
Liquor Commissioner Mark Bodi cant be taken at face value and is disputed by several current employees lsquoTheyre
certainly disgruntled employeesrsquo Dempsey said lsquoThat testimony is contradictedrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 5213]
2015 Liquor Commission Paid $25 Million To Settle The Case ldquoThe New Hampshire Liquor Commission has
agreed to pay $25 million to Law Warehouses to settle a lawsuit over the loss of a 20-year contract for
warehousing and distribution worth an estimated $200 millionrdquo [Union Leader 41315]
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase Licensing Fees Paid By Restaurants Up To
Twentyfold Claimed It Would Not Harm The Economy
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase The Fees Paid By ldquoRestaurant Cocktail
Lounge[s]rdquo Ten To Twentyfold ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as
much for their liquor license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants
The proposal would create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses
with more than 50 seats Under the current law bars and nightclubs can obtain a restaurant cocktail lounge license
for just $1200 if they sell $75000 worth of food annually but the bill would raise the food sales requirement to
$150000 State liquor enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that
bars and nightclubs have taken advantage of the rulesrdquo [AP 32908]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 15
Pub Owner Criticized The Proposal As Detrimental To The Economy ldquoDavid Barrett owner of Kilkenny
Pub and Twenty-One Bar amp Grill in Keene said the new requirements would force dozens of restaurants and
bars to shut down including his own lsquoIrsquove talked to 40 or 50 restaurant and bar owners in the southern and
middle part of New Hamp-shire and not one of them will pay $24000 a year for a licensersquo he said lsquoIf theyrsquore
not going to pay that you can imagine how many people will be out of work That bill should really finish
off the economy once and for allrsquordquo [AP 32908]
Edwards Argued The Measure He Supported To Raise Fees On Businesses Would Not Harm The
Economy ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as much for their liquor
license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants The proposal would
create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses with more than 50
seats hellip Edwards dismissed that argument as scare tactics and said the bill would not harm the economyrdquo [AP
32908]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For ldquoUnder his watch the enforcement division was accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies while also receiving the Spirit of America Award
from the New Hampshire Grocers Association for his collaborative approachrsquo I use the above examples of how
government can work with the hospitality and retail industries community organizations public health and law
enforcement to protect community interest without impeding the private sectorrsquo Edwards said lsquoThe goal should be
to make regulations as simple as necessary to assist business protect the public and encourage government
transparency My priority is to empower individuals to invest in job growth throughout District 4 by reforming
regulations that do not meet their stated purposersquo Edwards left the Liquor Commission after reaching a confidential
agreement with commissioners during a time of controversy over his job descriptionrdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Edwards Received Plaudits For Strict Enforcement
Nashua Telegraph ldquoEdwards Was A By-The-Book-Professional Who Wasnrsquot Fond Of Leniency[]rdquo ldquoThe
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencyrsquos enforcement division will
retire in June hellip Throughout his tenure Edwards was a by-the-book professional who wasnrsquot fond of leniency with
scofflaw license holdersrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Editorial Compared Edwards To Eliot Ness ldquoNew Hampshirersquos chief liquor law enforcer is a
teetotaling Southerner with no patience for drunkenness and a suspicious eye for alcohol in general Thank
goodness hellip Edwards is New Hampshirersquos own Eliot Ness But instead of mobsters hersquos battling bar owners who
endanger their own patrons and their communities by not following the lawrdquo [Union Leader Editorial 100207]
Shortly After Edwards ldquoTook Over The Job Of Enforcing Liquor Lawsrdquo Five Troubled Establishments Lost
Their Licensure ldquoOn June 8 2005 Eddie Edwards took over the job of enforcing liquor laws in the state of New
Hampshire About a month later a man fired four shots into the Omega nightclub in downtown Manchester and
bar owners across the state learned that a new sheriff was in town Within six months Omega lost its license to sell
alcohol in New Hampshire Others in Manchester quickly followed Envy Electra Florsquos Bar and Grill and
Aborigen Restaurant and Bar either lost their license surrendered it or dropped plans in the face of community
oppositionrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
NH State Liquor Commissioner Edwards Was Tougher Than Past Enforcement Heads ldquoNew Hampshire has
been getting tougher when it comes to enforcing liquor laws and much of the credit goes to Eddie
Edwards Edwards took over as state liquor enforcement chief two years ago In his first year the number of clubs
restaurants and stores facing fines or liquor license suspensions nearly quadrupled rising from 40 to 151 In the last
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 16
year that number of suspensions or fines dropped to 91 but Edwards said the decrease reflects the success of the
Bureau of Enforcement and Licensings efforts Patricia Russell a state liquor commissioner said Edwards by-the-
book approach to liquor law enforcement is tougher than that of his predecessor For years state liquor enforcement
officers did little more than run stings on underage sales and visit bars and restaurants she said lsquoTheres more bars
more drinking We have to be vigilant and Eddie is very vigilantrsquo Russell saidrdquo [Associated Press 10107]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The Liquor Commission Doubled Its Fines And Increased Its Penalties
ldquoSince Edwards arrival the state Liquor Commission has toughened its penalties doubling the fine for selling
to an underage or intoxicated customer to $500 plus a three-day license suspensionrdquo [Associated Press
10107]
hellipHowever Edwards Subjected Three Establishments Charged With Illegal Gambling A Felony To Far
Less Than The Maximum Punishment
A Pizza Restaurant Was ldquoCited For Gambling Violations And For Dealing Illicit Drugsrdquo And Settled With
The Liquor Commission To Revoke Its License And Forfeit $681 ldquoThe state liquor commission yesterday
revoked Three Cousins Pizza and Loungersquos liquor license in an agreement that also bars the clubrsquos owners from
applying for another license in the state for three years the commissionrsquos chief law enforcer said The clubrsquos
owners also agreed to forfeit $681 police seized during an Oct 21 raid at the 137 Wilson St lounge Chief Eddie
Edwards said hellip Three Cousins lounge was cited for gambling violations and for dealing illicit drugs on Oct 21rdquo
[Union Leader 110309]
Edwards Touted These Actions Of ldquoElected Officials And The Police Departmentrdquo As ldquoDoing All They
Can To Make Sure The Quality Of Life Is Maintained[]rdquo ldquoEdwards said the clubrsquos owners closed the
lounge last week lsquoI think thatrsquos what you see in Manchester elected officials and the police department and
the citizens in that community who are doing all they can to make sure the quality of life is maintainedrsquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Mayor Frank Guinta Praised The Liquor Commissionrsquos Actions ldquoMayor Frank C Guinta said he was
pleased with the liquor enforcement bureaursquos action lsquoThe restaurant was a blight on a neighborhood that does
not want drugs or gangs there This sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Manchesterrsquo
Guinta said in a statementrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Gambling Violations Were Felonious ldquoState law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be
charged with a class B felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their
establishmentsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
An American Legion Post Was Charged With Two Felonies For Alleged Illegal Gambing ldquoAn American
Legion Post in Lebanon has been hit with two felony charges for allowing gambling Feb 1 on its premises at 189
Mechanic St A Grafton County Superior Court grand jury indicted Guyer-Carignan Post 22 for gambling and a
charge called lsquoentertainment and entertainersrsquo according to the indictments The latter charge refers to gambling at
an establishment thats licensed to sell lsquoalcohol andor liquorrsquordquo [Union Leader 42414]
2014 $15000 Was Confiscated From The American Legion In ldquoA Similar Situation Took Place Several
Years Ago In Which the State Seized About $14000[]rdquo ldquoReached at the post on Thursday Bill Wilson
Guyer-Carignans financial officer said the state confiscated some $15000 He said the money was gleaned
from raffles and was used to benefit charity hellip A similar situation took place several years ago in which the
state seized about $14000 but later returned the money said Wilson who said that matter was resolved
without going to Superior Courtrdquo [Union Leader 42414]
Edwards Dealt With A ldquoSimilar Problemrdquo In 2010 With ldquoAdministrative Not Legal Remediesrdquo
ldquoThe Lebanon Legion post ran into a similar problem with its Super Bowl promotion in 2010 but then-
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 17
chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards resolved the matter with administrative not legal remedies
Kenney said he is pushing for a similar resolution this timerdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Law Enforcement Confiscated Seven Illegal Poker Machines From Two Pizza Parlors Illegal Gambling Was
Punishable By Felony Charges ldquoAuthorities confiscated video poker machines and charged four employees with
illegal gambling after simultaneous Friday night raids at Olympus Pizza restaurants in Manchester and Allenstown
-- the latter right next door to the police station hellip Fussell said seven video machines were seized in the raids three
in Allenstown and four in Manchester A large amount of cash was also seized he said hellip He said Finnell told him
officials were saying that an undercover officer had come into the bar last month and gotten a $50 pay-out on a
video poker game hellip State law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be charged with a class B
felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their establishmentsrdquo [Union
Leader 50910]
Edwards Said Business Owners ldquoCould Face Administrative Actions Including Fines[]rdquo ldquoLiquor
Commission Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards yesterday said the business owners could face
administrative actions including fines of up to $5000 and liquor license revocation Edwards said the state
liquor commissioners will make the ultimate decision on administrative pen-alties But he will make a
recommendation to them taking into account whether the owners were directly involved and if there were prior
violationsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar And
Reported Them To Dover Police
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar Reported
Them To Dover Police ldquoThe state Liquor Enforcement chief says he found law-enforcement officers gathering to
drink after hours at a local bar last month along with one of his own staffers The liquor enforcement bureau
Dover and state police are investigating It was 2 am on Aug 27 when state Liquor Enforcement Chief Eddie
Edwards pulled open the door of the bar The Station House and found the officers drinking The officers involved
were there to drink alcohol served to them an hour after the statersquos 1 am cutoff he said Dover Police Chief
Anthony Colarusso said yesterday he only caught wind of the alleged gathering when Edwards contacted himrdquo
[Union Leader 91207]
Edwards Advocated Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code And Increase Their Lighting
Edwards Suggested That Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code Barring Necklaces ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are
currently a lsquohot spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could
lead to change Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip They also have suggested some
impose a dress code that will discourage troublemakers lsquoPeople show up with chains on their necks We call that
battle gearrsquo said Edwards Imposing a dress code would keep out some who just come to stand against the wall
arms folded in and wait for a fight he saidrdquo [Union Leader71805]
Edwards Advocated That Night Clubs Increase Their Lighting ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are currently a lsquohot
spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could lead to change
Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip Chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards
told the governor and council lsquoItrsquos a hot spot for us right nowrsquo He said the department will continue to put pressure
on operators to follow the law while advising them to increase the lighting to better see who their customers are and
what they are doing hellip Dark rooms make it difficult to see the age and level of sobriety of a patron he noted More
lighting he said helps those who are pouring drinks and those monitoring the club to enforce the lawsrdquo [Union
Leader 71805]
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 9
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
State Senate and filed the
appropriate Addendum C
UPS Package Delivery
2017 Q1 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q2 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q3 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
2017 Q4 Craft Brew Alliance Alcohol Sales
LaBelle Winery Alcohol Sales and
Event Venue
NH Grocers Association Food Sales
1995-2013 New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2013 Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Liquor Commission
1995 ndash 2002 Edwards Worked In Various Positions At The New Hampshire Liquor Commission [Settlement
Agreement 41613]
2002 ndash 2005 Edwards Was A Lieutenant In The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New
Hampshire Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2005 ndash 2013 Edwards Was Director Of The Division Of Enforcement And Licensing At The New Hampshire
Liquor Commission [LinkedIn accessed 82918]
2011 Edwards Earned $79706 As Chief
Edwards Earned $79706 In 2011 ldquoTop State Employee Earnings Part II hellip Eddie Edwards Ch Of Lic amp
EnforceLiquor $79706rdquo [Union Leader 61911]
Edwards Received Generous Benefits As Chief Of The State Liquor Commission ldquoThere was chief the job
that Edwards holds that gives him protection as a classified state employee a pension after 20 years and generous
benefitsrdquo [Union Leader 41713]
Edwards Left The Liquor Commission In 2013 After A Discrimination Suit And A $160000 Settlement
The Telegraph Upon Announcing Edwardsrsquo Retirement ldquoSurely Edwards Had His Run-Ins With The
Powers That Be At The SLCrdquo ldquoTheres yet another shake-up in the works at the state Liquor Commission The
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencys enforcement division will
retire in June Attempts to reach Edwards for comment last week werent successful Associates of Edwards say hes
looking to start his own law enforcement consulting business which presumably would work with officials here
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 10
and in other so-called lsquocontrolrsquo states that sell their own liquor Surely Edwards had his run-ins with the powers
that be at the SLCrdquo [Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Edwards Had Been ldquoAt Oddsrdquo With Other Liquor Commission Leadership Prior To His
Retirement ldquoCarter confirmed that Eddie Edwards the outgoing chief of enforcement for the commission is
scheduled to be deposed by the Law legal team on Monday and is expected to be present with Bodi for the
Wednesday hearing Edwards who has been at odds with the remaining two commissioners on several issues in
recent months announced plans to resign at the end of June after eight years on the jobrdquo [Union Leader
42713]
Edwardsrsquo Retirement Was Linked To A $160000 Settlement Reached With The Commission Over
Discrimination Charges That He Filed ldquoEdwardrsquos employment with the Liquor Commission shall end from State
service effective June 30 2013 [hellip] The State Agrees to pay to Edwards One Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars
($16000000) within twenty (20) days after the withdrawal of the Charge with prejudice [hellip] This sum shall be
paid as follows $30000 payable to Edwards through a regular payroll payment subject to the usual withholdings
and deductions and reportable on Edwardsrsquos W2 $95000 payable to Edwards reportable on a 1099 Misc and
$35000 payable to Edwardrsquos counsel reportable on a 1099 Misc [Settlement Agreement 41613]
Edwards Claimed That The Commission Violated The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 ldquoEdwards charge asserted
violations of federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a state law outlawing discrimination The EEOC enforces federal
laws prohibiting workplace discrimination and was created by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Associate Attorney
General Anne Edwards who handled the matter for the state told WMUR Thursday night lsquoThe complaint was for
discrimination based on racersquo The agreement states that the liquor commission denied the charge Eddie Edwards
who was the commissionrsquos chief of licensing and enforcement at the time agreed to leave the commission and not
seek further legal action against the state As part of the agreement neither the state nor Edwards admitted liability
or wrongdoing In an interview Edwards noted that part of the agreement restricted him from discussing details
with the media But he did say lsquoThis stemmed from disparaging comments of a racial nature that were made about
me repeatedly over a number of years And the more I was pointing out things that were going on in the
commission ndash and it was a whole host of things ndash the more I was being attackedrsquo Edwards said that racial
comments were made by lsquosenior officialsrsquo at the commission -- both directly to him and to his staff who later told
him of the remarksrdquo [WMUR 72718]
December 2009 Edwards Filed A Charge Of Discrimination Against The Liquor Commission With The
New Hampshire Commission On Human Rights ldquoWhereas in December 2009 Edwards filed a charge of
discrimination with the New Hampshire Commission on Human Rights and the United States Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (the ldquoChargerdquo) in which he made certain claims against the Liquor
Commission asserting violations of Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act and of New Hampshire RSA Ch
354-A all of which the Liquor Commission denies Whereas Edwards has alleged that he has other potential
claims relating to employment terms and conditions that he not yet filed [hellip]rdquo [Settlement Agreement 41613]
The Liquor Commission Had To Give Edwards A Positive Job Reference As Part Of The Settlement
Agreement ldquoAs part of the agreement the Liquor Commission provided Edwards with a letter of reference which
detailed his employment with the commission and said he lsquoled the division to successfully work with New
Hampshire law enforcement to institute campaigns against driving while intoxicated underage drinking and for
responsible consumption of alcoholrsquo lsquoFor over 22 years Chief Edwards has served the state of New Hampshire law
enforcement community in various positionsrsquo the reference letter says lsquoAs he proceeds to the next phase of his
professional career we wish him the best as he moves forward from state servicesrsquordquo [WMUR 72718]
Edwards Considered Himself A Police Officer
Edwards ldquoLiquor Enforcement Officers [Were] Like All Police Officersrdquo ldquoThe second-in-command at the
state Liquor Enforcement Bureau has resigned after being charged with drunken driving State Police said Kyle
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 11
Metcalf 45 of Nashua rear-ended another car on Interstate 93 Police said the collision was minor Hes also
charged with having an open container of alcohol and tailgating Metcalf was deputy chief of the State Liquor
Commissions Bureau of Enforcement and Licensing Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said Metcalf was
returning from a retirement party for a colleague Edwards said he and the three-member State Liquor Commission
accepted Metcalfs resignation Tuesday lsquoThese types of issues we take very very seriouslyrsquo Edwards said lsquoLiquor
enforcement officers like all police officers are required to respect all laws at all timesrsquo Edwards declined to say
whether Metcalf resigned voluntarilyrdquo [Associated Press 71107]
Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard Was Angry That Edwards And His Team Were Investigating Without
Police Oversight ldquoAlthough some departments routinely examine a drivers actions in the 24 hours prior to a crash
to see whether alcohol or other factors played a role Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard said no look-back was
done because his officers didnt suspect alcohol Auburn officers blamed texting and speeding for the crash Picard
said Only six or eight weeks later did they receive toxicology results showing Seans blood-alcohol content was
19 Picard said lsquoThe kid was deadrsquo Picard said lsquoWhat purpose would a look-back serversquo Picard was angry that
liquor investigators interviewed people in town without first notifying his department a charge Eddie Edwards
chief of Liquor Enforcement deniedrdquo[Union Leader 42912]
Edwards Said That Part Of His Job Was Helping Merchants Comply With The Laws
Edwards The Liquor Commission Would License Tobacco And Alcohol Retailers ldquoThe State Liquor
Commissions Enforcement Division enforces the states tobacco laws and conducts the required compliance checks
and reports the results The division also licenses tobacco product retailers Enforcement Division Director Eddie
Edwards said lsquoWe also provide education for merchants to help them comply with the laws The results of this
years compliance checks are partially the results of the work our field agents do every day and the work of our
youth volunteers who help conduct the compliance checksrsquordquo [Union Leader 1811]
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over A Liquor
Commission Investigation
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over An Investigation
During An Ongoing Investigation By The Attorney General ldquoThe enforcement chief at the State Liquor
Commission yesterday accused a member of the New Hampshire House leadership of exerting undue influence
over his bureaursquos investigation of whether a Keene tavern owner lsquoover-servedrsquo an intoxicated person three months
ago Eddie Edwards who has headed the enforcement bureau for more than four years said in an inter-view he
believes a separate criminal probe by the Attorney Generalrsquos Office on the circumstances surrounding his bureaursquos
investigation is focused on 11-term state Rep Daniel Eaton the former police chief in his home town of Stoddard
Edwards told the New Hampshire Union Leader the bar owner Randy Filiault a Keene city councilor lsquobrought in
some outside influencesrsquo to try to stymie his bureaursquos investigation Asked whether Eaton was one of the people he
was referring to Edwards said lsquoRightrsquordquo [Union Leader 30610]
After Rep Eaton Called Edwardsrsquo Boss To Stop Him From Executing A Search On A Property Edwards
Said He Felt He Had To Comply With His Bossrsquo Orders Against Better Judgment ldquoThe incident began when
Eaton D-Stoddard called Bodi about enforcement action taken against the Railroad Tavern Eaton said Bodi had
asked him to call with concerns so he did and passed along the bar owners allegation that enforcement officers had
gone beyond the scope of their search warrant Eaton insists he did not ask Bodi to do anything improper Bodi told
a slightly different story to the grand jury He said Eaton was hysterical and insisted the bar had been targeted in
retaliation for legislation Eaton supported that would have stripped the Liquor Commission of its enforcement
powers Bodi acknowledged Eaton did not tell him to do anything other than call the bar owner but the implication
was lsquothere would be hell to pay if this matter wasnt resolvedrsquo to Eatons satisfaction Bodi then told Liquor
Enforcement Bureau director Eddie Edwards to return the video equipment Edwards said he felt he had to choose
between being disciplined for not complying and maintaining the integrity of the investigation Bodi said he told
Edwards to retrieve any evidence on the equipment and return itrdquo [Associated Press 91910]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 12
The NH Attorney General Chastised Edwards For Making Public Comments About The Ongoing
Investigation ldquoAttorney General Michael Delaney and members of the Executive Council yesterday criticized
Liquor Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards for his public statements about a high-profile criminal
investigation Disturbing improper and unprofessional were their assessments of the way Edwards has handled
himself Edwards who was not at the breakfast meeting where the comments were made has appeared on
television and in the press discussing details of the allegations that led to a paid leave for Liquor Commissioner
Mark Bodi He said this morning he has discussed his end of the incident an administrative case that is now closed
and not the criminal probe [hellip] lsquoOur office is certainly not accustomed to having heads of law enforcement
agencies speaking publicly and drawing conclusions during the course of an investigation being conducted by the
Attorney Generals Officersquo Delaney said lsquoI do not believe Chief Edwards has distinguished himself professionally
in how he has handled this matterrsquo Councilor John Shea D-Nelson was also upsetrdquo [Union leader 31110]
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodi Said That Rep Eaton Wanted Edwards Fired For Targeting A
Specific Establishment For Liquor Law Violations ldquoThe following excerpts are taken from the transcript of
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodis testimony before the Merrimack County Grand Jury on Feb 19 [hellip] A
I received a second call Q From whom A From Representative Eaton Q What does he say during that call A
Based on my phone discussion with Eaton he was representing that this was the kind of a nefarious plot that the
Chief had told his people to go out there and surveil this establishment [hellip]Q During your first few conversations
with Representative Eaton before the second search warrant is indicated does he say anything to you that lsquoThis is
Eddies vendetta Its like sticking a needle in my eye Why are you let-ting him do thisrsquo Does any of that sound
familiar to you A Representative Eaton did not use that terminology but that certainly was the implication He had
imparted to me on another occasion when I had asked him following a very lengthy hearing in which I disagreed
with Representative Eaton over how the Enforcement Division should be handled [hellip]Following that hearing I
approached him in the lobby and I asked him lsquoWhy are you doing this What can we do to resolve thisrsquo Q And
his answer was A Get rid of Eddie Edwardsrdquo [Union Leader 8510]
Fellow Congresswoman Maggie Hassan Said She Believed Eaton Had An Issue With Edwards ldquoEaton would
not comment directly on Bodis additional contention that Eaton had a lsquovendettarsquo against liquor enforcement chief
Eddie Edwards and wanted him fired [hellip] But state Sen Maggie Hassan D-Exeter said it was her lsquoperceptionrsquo
from sitting on a study committee and a budget conference committee with Eaton that lsquohe had particular issues with
Eddie Edwardsrsquordquo [Union Leader 8610]
HEADLINE EDITORIAL Bodi should stay There is no case for removal [Union Leader Editorial Union
Leader 8610]
Union Leader Editorial Bodi Was Removed From Office After Rep Eaton Called Bodi To Stop
Edwardsrsquo Investigation ldquoEaton called Bodi to complain about his friend being targeted by Enforcement
Division chief Eddie Edwards He suggested that Bodi get rid of Edwards He also asked Bodi to call the tavern
owner which Bodi did Bodis lsquointerferencersquo in the investigation consisted of calling the tavern owner to assure
him that due process would be followed in the investigation then ordering Edwards to return the surveillance
equipment Bodi over-stepped his authority by ordering the equipment returned But Bodi clearly was not
trying to hinder the pursuit of justice He didnt order the video returned only the equipment after the video
evidence was obtained As both Bodi and the attorney general acknowledge he was only trying to get Eaton off
his back That behavior does not justify Bodis removal from office rdquo [Union Leader Editorial Union Leader
8610]
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally The Attorney General Found
The Allegations Unfounded
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally Attorney General Found The
Allegations Unfounded ldquoEdwards who referred all questions to his attorney has clashed with the commissioners
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 13
over several issues including the alleged illegal hiring of a lobbyist to help kill a bill that would have allowed the
sale of liquor in grocery and convenience stores hellip On Wednesday the Special House Committee to Evaluate the
New Hampshire State Liquor Commission heard testimony on the issue of hiring a lobbyist with Edwards
providing often conflicting testimony to Liquor Commission Chairman Joseph Mollica and Commissioner Michael
Milligan Last month the Attorney Generalrsquos Office released a preliminary investigation into Edwardsrsquo charges that
the commission illegally hired a lobbyist The attorney general found the charges were unfounded and there was no
need for a formal investigationrdquo [Union Leader 91512]
State Agencies Were Not Allowed To Hire Lobbyists ldquoSeveral lawmakers lobbyists and state employees
believe the state Liquor Commission illegally used a lobbyist to fight a bill that would have allowed liquor sales
in grocery and convenience stores State agencies are prohibited by law from paying lobbyists to influence
lawmakers A recent preliminary investigation by the Attorney Generals Office cleared the commission of any
wrongdoing saying Beer Distributors of NH lobbyist Clark Corson did not lobby for the commissionrdquo [Union
Leader 81612]
Commissioners Testified They Hired Clark Carson To Do A Study Not Lobby ldquoTwo liquor
commissioners claim - and the Attorney Generals Office agreed - that Corson was acting on his own or
lobbying for the beer wholesalers in working to defeat House Bill 1251 this session They claim Corson was
hired by the commissions advertising firm Rumbletree to do an independent study of the feasibility of selling
beer in state liquor stores But others including the commissions chief enforcement officer say the study was a
cover for Corsons lobbying efforts to defeat the billrdquo [Union Leader 81612]
The Attorney General Determined That There Was No Wrongdoing On The Part Of The Liquor
Commission ldquoThe attorney general Wednesday cleared the Liquor Commission of possible wrongdoing for
allegedly hiring a lobbyist The attorney generals report was discussed during a closed-door meeting with the
Executive Council after its meeting at Manchester School of Technology According to the report liquor
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards sent a report to the attorney general in May alleging the commission hired New
Hampshire Beer Wholesalers lobbyist Clark Corson to lobby lawmakers on behalf of the commission State law
forbids the use of state money to lobby lawmakersrdquo [Union Leader 8912]
A New Hampshire House Member Feared That The Liquor Commission Was Intimidating Edwards Into
Not Testifying At A House Hearing ldquoThe chair of the House committee investigating the Liquor Commission
and the liquor commissioners butted heads Tuesday over the committees access to information and commission
employees [hellip] Ober noted Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards testified before the committee last week
and two days later an advertisement was in the paper for someone to fill his position lsquoThat looks very much to me
like intimidationrsquo Ober said [hellip] Ober told the commission they owed Edwards something because anyone who
reads the newspaper and sees their job advertised believes lsquohe is going to be fired You need to do something He
did come in here and whistle-blowrsquordquo [Union Leader 91912]
Rep Coffey Nobody Should Be Afraid To Speak Up To The Legislature To Law Enforcement To
Anyonerdquo ldquoCoffey expressed concern about missing liquor attempts to shut down an agency store and posting
Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards job days after he testified before the committee lsquoWere not trying to rake
anyone over the coalsrsquo she said lsquobut Ive gotten email from people who want to come forward and talk to us
but are afraid for their jobs Nobody should be afraid to speak up to the Legislature to law enforcement to
anyonersquordquo [Union Leader 92112]
Edwards Testified That A Liquor Commission Bidding Process Was Rigged And Said He Advocated A
Third Party Bidding Process Commission Settled Lawsuit For $25 Million
Edwards Testified That A Company Had No Chance In The Bidding Process For A Liquor Commission
Contract ldquoThe outgoing chief of enforcement for the state Liquor Commission has joined a former commissioner
in testifying that Law Warehouses of Nashua had no chance of getting a $200 million 20-year warehouse contract
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 14
because of hostility toward the company within the commission hellip Law is seeking an injunction that would
prevent the NHLC from transferring the contract to logistics firm Exel of Westerville Ohio until Laws civil suit
seeking to overturn the contract is resolvedrdquo [Union Leader 43013]
Edwards ldquoI Know That The Commission Did Not Really Like Brian Lawrdquo ldquoEdwards described senior staff
meetings of the commission in which it became apparent to him that commissioners Mollica and Michael Milligan
did not want Law to get the contract which is consistent with Bodis deposition and affidavit lsquoI know that the
commission did not really like Brian Law I know there comments made about Brian Law not having the contract
too long or something like thatrsquo Edwards said lsquoAnd then there were comments about Brian Law specifically that
he felt he was entitled to the contractrsquo Edwards said there were concerns about the rates Law was charging and
complaints from some liquor brokers about the warehouse charges lsquoThey wanted to go in a different direction
other than with Brian Lawrsquo he said lsquoBased upon those conversations I did not believe that he was going to get the
contract I didnt believe that at allrsquordquo [Union Leader 5113]
Edwards Said That He Advocated For A Third Party Bidding Process Due To His Perception Of An
ldquoEnergyrdquo Against Brian Law ldquoAccording to Edwards there was an lsquoenergyrsquo among the commissioners and staff
that the ware-house contract should go to someone else because Brian Law owner of Law Warehouses had an
attitude of entitlement lsquoI just thought from an ethical standpoint it was inappropriate to have people on this review
committee that had these kind of thoughts and conversations and guidancersquo Edwards said He told liquor
commission officials to stop the bidding process and restart it under a third partyrsquos oversight because lsquoyou are not
being fair to Brian Law or anyone else in the processrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 50513]
Law Warehouses Alleged That The Liquor Commission Was Unfairly Biased Against Them ldquoLaw
Warehouses has sued the state to block the contract that was awarded to shipping giant Excel The liquor
commissions decision effectively kills a decades-long relationship that the prominent Nashua business has had
with the state Law charges that the bidding process was lsquotainted by unlawful favoritism from the startrsquordquo
[Nashua Telegraph 5513]
The State Alleged That Edwards Was Nothing But A Disgruntled Employee ldquoA state prosecutor backed by
half a dozen Liquor Commission employees told a judge Wednesday that Law Warehouses suit against the state is
based on nothing but complaints from two disgruntled former employees Senior Assistant Attorney General Mary
Ann Dempsey said sworn testimony from retired Liquor Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards and former
Liquor Commissioner Mark Bodi cant be taken at face value and is disputed by several current employees lsquoTheyre
certainly disgruntled employeesrsquo Dempsey said lsquoThat testimony is contradictedrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 5213]
2015 Liquor Commission Paid $25 Million To Settle The Case ldquoThe New Hampshire Liquor Commission has
agreed to pay $25 million to Law Warehouses to settle a lawsuit over the loss of a 20-year contract for
warehousing and distribution worth an estimated $200 millionrdquo [Union Leader 41315]
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase Licensing Fees Paid By Restaurants Up To
Twentyfold Claimed It Would Not Harm The Economy
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase The Fees Paid By ldquoRestaurant Cocktail
Lounge[s]rdquo Ten To Twentyfold ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as
much for their liquor license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants
The proposal would create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses
with more than 50 seats Under the current law bars and nightclubs can obtain a restaurant cocktail lounge license
for just $1200 if they sell $75000 worth of food annually but the bill would raise the food sales requirement to
$150000 State liquor enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that
bars and nightclubs have taken advantage of the rulesrdquo [AP 32908]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 15
Pub Owner Criticized The Proposal As Detrimental To The Economy ldquoDavid Barrett owner of Kilkenny
Pub and Twenty-One Bar amp Grill in Keene said the new requirements would force dozens of restaurants and
bars to shut down including his own lsquoIrsquove talked to 40 or 50 restaurant and bar owners in the southern and
middle part of New Hamp-shire and not one of them will pay $24000 a year for a licensersquo he said lsquoIf theyrsquore
not going to pay that you can imagine how many people will be out of work That bill should really finish
off the economy once and for allrsquordquo [AP 32908]
Edwards Argued The Measure He Supported To Raise Fees On Businesses Would Not Harm The
Economy ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as much for their liquor
license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants The proposal would
create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses with more than 50
seats hellip Edwards dismissed that argument as scare tactics and said the bill would not harm the economyrdquo [AP
32908]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For ldquoUnder his watch the enforcement division was accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies while also receiving the Spirit of America Award
from the New Hampshire Grocers Association for his collaborative approachrsquo I use the above examples of how
government can work with the hospitality and retail industries community organizations public health and law
enforcement to protect community interest without impeding the private sectorrsquo Edwards said lsquoThe goal should be
to make regulations as simple as necessary to assist business protect the public and encourage government
transparency My priority is to empower individuals to invest in job growth throughout District 4 by reforming
regulations that do not meet their stated purposersquo Edwards left the Liquor Commission after reaching a confidential
agreement with commissioners during a time of controversy over his job descriptionrdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Edwards Received Plaudits For Strict Enforcement
Nashua Telegraph ldquoEdwards Was A By-The-Book-Professional Who Wasnrsquot Fond Of Leniency[]rdquo ldquoThe
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencyrsquos enforcement division will
retire in June hellip Throughout his tenure Edwards was a by-the-book professional who wasnrsquot fond of leniency with
scofflaw license holdersrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Editorial Compared Edwards To Eliot Ness ldquoNew Hampshirersquos chief liquor law enforcer is a
teetotaling Southerner with no patience for drunkenness and a suspicious eye for alcohol in general Thank
goodness hellip Edwards is New Hampshirersquos own Eliot Ness But instead of mobsters hersquos battling bar owners who
endanger their own patrons and their communities by not following the lawrdquo [Union Leader Editorial 100207]
Shortly After Edwards ldquoTook Over The Job Of Enforcing Liquor Lawsrdquo Five Troubled Establishments Lost
Their Licensure ldquoOn June 8 2005 Eddie Edwards took over the job of enforcing liquor laws in the state of New
Hampshire About a month later a man fired four shots into the Omega nightclub in downtown Manchester and
bar owners across the state learned that a new sheriff was in town Within six months Omega lost its license to sell
alcohol in New Hampshire Others in Manchester quickly followed Envy Electra Florsquos Bar and Grill and
Aborigen Restaurant and Bar either lost their license surrendered it or dropped plans in the face of community
oppositionrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
NH State Liquor Commissioner Edwards Was Tougher Than Past Enforcement Heads ldquoNew Hampshire has
been getting tougher when it comes to enforcing liquor laws and much of the credit goes to Eddie
Edwards Edwards took over as state liquor enforcement chief two years ago In his first year the number of clubs
restaurants and stores facing fines or liquor license suspensions nearly quadrupled rising from 40 to 151 In the last
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 16
year that number of suspensions or fines dropped to 91 but Edwards said the decrease reflects the success of the
Bureau of Enforcement and Licensings efforts Patricia Russell a state liquor commissioner said Edwards by-the-
book approach to liquor law enforcement is tougher than that of his predecessor For years state liquor enforcement
officers did little more than run stings on underage sales and visit bars and restaurants she said lsquoTheres more bars
more drinking We have to be vigilant and Eddie is very vigilantrsquo Russell saidrdquo [Associated Press 10107]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The Liquor Commission Doubled Its Fines And Increased Its Penalties
ldquoSince Edwards arrival the state Liquor Commission has toughened its penalties doubling the fine for selling
to an underage or intoxicated customer to $500 plus a three-day license suspensionrdquo [Associated Press
10107]
hellipHowever Edwards Subjected Three Establishments Charged With Illegal Gambling A Felony To Far
Less Than The Maximum Punishment
A Pizza Restaurant Was ldquoCited For Gambling Violations And For Dealing Illicit Drugsrdquo And Settled With
The Liquor Commission To Revoke Its License And Forfeit $681 ldquoThe state liquor commission yesterday
revoked Three Cousins Pizza and Loungersquos liquor license in an agreement that also bars the clubrsquos owners from
applying for another license in the state for three years the commissionrsquos chief law enforcer said The clubrsquos
owners also agreed to forfeit $681 police seized during an Oct 21 raid at the 137 Wilson St lounge Chief Eddie
Edwards said hellip Three Cousins lounge was cited for gambling violations and for dealing illicit drugs on Oct 21rdquo
[Union Leader 110309]
Edwards Touted These Actions Of ldquoElected Officials And The Police Departmentrdquo As ldquoDoing All They
Can To Make Sure The Quality Of Life Is Maintained[]rdquo ldquoEdwards said the clubrsquos owners closed the
lounge last week lsquoI think thatrsquos what you see in Manchester elected officials and the police department and
the citizens in that community who are doing all they can to make sure the quality of life is maintainedrsquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Mayor Frank Guinta Praised The Liquor Commissionrsquos Actions ldquoMayor Frank C Guinta said he was
pleased with the liquor enforcement bureaursquos action lsquoThe restaurant was a blight on a neighborhood that does
not want drugs or gangs there This sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Manchesterrsquo
Guinta said in a statementrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Gambling Violations Were Felonious ldquoState law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be
charged with a class B felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their
establishmentsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
An American Legion Post Was Charged With Two Felonies For Alleged Illegal Gambing ldquoAn American
Legion Post in Lebanon has been hit with two felony charges for allowing gambling Feb 1 on its premises at 189
Mechanic St A Grafton County Superior Court grand jury indicted Guyer-Carignan Post 22 for gambling and a
charge called lsquoentertainment and entertainersrsquo according to the indictments The latter charge refers to gambling at
an establishment thats licensed to sell lsquoalcohol andor liquorrsquordquo [Union Leader 42414]
2014 $15000 Was Confiscated From The American Legion In ldquoA Similar Situation Took Place Several
Years Ago In Which the State Seized About $14000[]rdquo ldquoReached at the post on Thursday Bill Wilson
Guyer-Carignans financial officer said the state confiscated some $15000 He said the money was gleaned
from raffles and was used to benefit charity hellip A similar situation took place several years ago in which the
state seized about $14000 but later returned the money said Wilson who said that matter was resolved
without going to Superior Courtrdquo [Union Leader 42414]
Edwards Dealt With A ldquoSimilar Problemrdquo In 2010 With ldquoAdministrative Not Legal Remediesrdquo
ldquoThe Lebanon Legion post ran into a similar problem with its Super Bowl promotion in 2010 but then-
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 17
chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards resolved the matter with administrative not legal remedies
Kenney said he is pushing for a similar resolution this timerdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Law Enforcement Confiscated Seven Illegal Poker Machines From Two Pizza Parlors Illegal Gambling Was
Punishable By Felony Charges ldquoAuthorities confiscated video poker machines and charged four employees with
illegal gambling after simultaneous Friday night raids at Olympus Pizza restaurants in Manchester and Allenstown
-- the latter right next door to the police station hellip Fussell said seven video machines were seized in the raids three
in Allenstown and four in Manchester A large amount of cash was also seized he said hellip He said Finnell told him
officials were saying that an undercover officer had come into the bar last month and gotten a $50 pay-out on a
video poker game hellip State law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be charged with a class B
felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their establishmentsrdquo [Union
Leader 50910]
Edwards Said Business Owners ldquoCould Face Administrative Actions Including Fines[]rdquo ldquoLiquor
Commission Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards yesterday said the business owners could face
administrative actions including fines of up to $5000 and liquor license revocation Edwards said the state
liquor commissioners will make the ultimate decision on administrative pen-alties But he will make a
recommendation to them taking into account whether the owners were directly involved and if there were prior
violationsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar And
Reported Them To Dover Police
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar Reported
Them To Dover Police ldquoThe state Liquor Enforcement chief says he found law-enforcement officers gathering to
drink after hours at a local bar last month along with one of his own staffers The liquor enforcement bureau
Dover and state police are investigating It was 2 am on Aug 27 when state Liquor Enforcement Chief Eddie
Edwards pulled open the door of the bar The Station House and found the officers drinking The officers involved
were there to drink alcohol served to them an hour after the statersquos 1 am cutoff he said Dover Police Chief
Anthony Colarusso said yesterday he only caught wind of the alleged gathering when Edwards contacted himrdquo
[Union Leader 91207]
Edwards Advocated Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code And Increase Their Lighting
Edwards Suggested That Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code Barring Necklaces ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are
currently a lsquohot spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could
lead to change Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip They also have suggested some
impose a dress code that will discourage troublemakers lsquoPeople show up with chains on their necks We call that
battle gearrsquo said Edwards Imposing a dress code would keep out some who just come to stand against the wall
arms folded in and wait for a fight he saidrdquo [Union Leader71805]
Edwards Advocated That Night Clubs Increase Their Lighting ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are currently a lsquohot
spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could lead to change
Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip Chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards
told the governor and council lsquoItrsquos a hot spot for us right nowrsquo He said the department will continue to put pressure
on operators to follow the law while advising them to increase the lighting to better see who their customers are and
what they are doing hellip Dark rooms make it difficult to see the age and level of sobriety of a patron he noted More
lighting he said helps those who are pouring drinks and those monitoring the club to enforce the lawsrdquo [Union
Leader 71805]
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 10
and in other so-called lsquocontrolrsquo states that sell their own liquor Surely Edwards had his run-ins with the powers
that be at the SLCrdquo [Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Edwards Had Been ldquoAt Oddsrdquo With Other Liquor Commission Leadership Prior To His
Retirement ldquoCarter confirmed that Eddie Edwards the outgoing chief of enforcement for the commission is
scheduled to be deposed by the Law legal team on Monday and is expected to be present with Bodi for the
Wednesday hearing Edwards who has been at odds with the remaining two commissioners on several issues in
recent months announced plans to resign at the end of June after eight years on the jobrdquo [Union Leader
42713]
Edwardsrsquo Retirement Was Linked To A $160000 Settlement Reached With The Commission Over
Discrimination Charges That He Filed ldquoEdwardrsquos employment with the Liquor Commission shall end from State
service effective June 30 2013 [hellip] The State Agrees to pay to Edwards One Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars
($16000000) within twenty (20) days after the withdrawal of the Charge with prejudice [hellip] This sum shall be
paid as follows $30000 payable to Edwards through a regular payroll payment subject to the usual withholdings
and deductions and reportable on Edwardsrsquos W2 $95000 payable to Edwards reportable on a 1099 Misc and
$35000 payable to Edwardrsquos counsel reportable on a 1099 Misc [Settlement Agreement 41613]
Edwards Claimed That The Commission Violated The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 ldquoEdwards charge asserted
violations of federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a state law outlawing discrimination The EEOC enforces federal
laws prohibiting workplace discrimination and was created by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Associate Attorney
General Anne Edwards who handled the matter for the state told WMUR Thursday night lsquoThe complaint was for
discrimination based on racersquo The agreement states that the liquor commission denied the charge Eddie Edwards
who was the commissionrsquos chief of licensing and enforcement at the time agreed to leave the commission and not
seek further legal action against the state As part of the agreement neither the state nor Edwards admitted liability
or wrongdoing In an interview Edwards noted that part of the agreement restricted him from discussing details
with the media But he did say lsquoThis stemmed from disparaging comments of a racial nature that were made about
me repeatedly over a number of years And the more I was pointing out things that were going on in the
commission ndash and it was a whole host of things ndash the more I was being attackedrsquo Edwards said that racial
comments were made by lsquosenior officialsrsquo at the commission -- both directly to him and to his staff who later told
him of the remarksrdquo [WMUR 72718]
December 2009 Edwards Filed A Charge Of Discrimination Against The Liquor Commission With The
New Hampshire Commission On Human Rights ldquoWhereas in December 2009 Edwards filed a charge of
discrimination with the New Hampshire Commission on Human Rights and the United States Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (the ldquoChargerdquo) in which he made certain claims against the Liquor
Commission asserting violations of Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act and of New Hampshire RSA Ch
354-A all of which the Liquor Commission denies Whereas Edwards has alleged that he has other potential
claims relating to employment terms and conditions that he not yet filed [hellip]rdquo [Settlement Agreement 41613]
The Liquor Commission Had To Give Edwards A Positive Job Reference As Part Of The Settlement
Agreement ldquoAs part of the agreement the Liquor Commission provided Edwards with a letter of reference which
detailed his employment with the commission and said he lsquoled the division to successfully work with New
Hampshire law enforcement to institute campaigns against driving while intoxicated underage drinking and for
responsible consumption of alcoholrsquo lsquoFor over 22 years Chief Edwards has served the state of New Hampshire law
enforcement community in various positionsrsquo the reference letter says lsquoAs he proceeds to the next phase of his
professional career we wish him the best as he moves forward from state servicesrsquordquo [WMUR 72718]
Edwards Considered Himself A Police Officer
Edwards ldquoLiquor Enforcement Officers [Were] Like All Police Officersrdquo ldquoThe second-in-command at the
state Liquor Enforcement Bureau has resigned after being charged with drunken driving State Police said Kyle
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 11
Metcalf 45 of Nashua rear-ended another car on Interstate 93 Police said the collision was minor Hes also
charged with having an open container of alcohol and tailgating Metcalf was deputy chief of the State Liquor
Commissions Bureau of Enforcement and Licensing Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said Metcalf was
returning from a retirement party for a colleague Edwards said he and the three-member State Liquor Commission
accepted Metcalfs resignation Tuesday lsquoThese types of issues we take very very seriouslyrsquo Edwards said lsquoLiquor
enforcement officers like all police officers are required to respect all laws at all timesrsquo Edwards declined to say
whether Metcalf resigned voluntarilyrdquo [Associated Press 71107]
Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard Was Angry That Edwards And His Team Were Investigating Without
Police Oversight ldquoAlthough some departments routinely examine a drivers actions in the 24 hours prior to a crash
to see whether alcohol or other factors played a role Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard said no look-back was
done because his officers didnt suspect alcohol Auburn officers blamed texting and speeding for the crash Picard
said Only six or eight weeks later did they receive toxicology results showing Seans blood-alcohol content was
19 Picard said lsquoThe kid was deadrsquo Picard said lsquoWhat purpose would a look-back serversquo Picard was angry that
liquor investigators interviewed people in town without first notifying his department a charge Eddie Edwards
chief of Liquor Enforcement deniedrdquo[Union Leader 42912]
Edwards Said That Part Of His Job Was Helping Merchants Comply With The Laws
Edwards The Liquor Commission Would License Tobacco And Alcohol Retailers ldquoThe State Liquor
Commissions Enforcement Division enforces the states tobacco laws and conducts the required compliance checks
and reports the results The division also licenses tobacco product retailers Enforcement Division Director Eddie
Edwards said lsquoWe also provide education for merchants to help them comply with the laws The results of this
years compliance checks are partially the results of the work our field agents do every day and the work of our
youth volunteers who help conduct the compliance checksrsquordquo [Union Leader 1811]
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over A Liquor
Commission Investigation
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over An Investigation
During An Ongoing Investigation By The Attorney General ldquoThe enforcement chief at the State Liquor
Commission yesterday accused a member of the New Hampshire House leadership of exerting undue influence
over his bureaursquos investigation of whether a Keene tavern owner lsquoover-servedrsquo an intoxicated person three months
ago Eddie Edwards who has headed the enforcement bureau for more than four years said in an inter-view he
believes a separate criminal probe by the Attorney Generalrsquos Office on the circumstances surrounding his bureaursquos
investigation is focused on 11-term state Rep Daniel Eaton the former police chief in his home town of Stoddard
Edwards told the New Hampshire Union Leader the bar owner Randy Filiault a Keene city councilor lsquobrought in
some outside influencesrsquo to try to stymie his bureaursquos investigation Asked whether Eaton was one of the people he
was referring to Edwards said lsquoRightrsquordquo [Union Leader 30610]
After Rep Eaton Called Edwardsrsquo Boss To Stop Him From Executing A Search On A Property Edwards
Said He Felt He Had To Comply With His Bossrsquo Orders Against Better Judgment ldquoThe incident began when
Eaton D-Stoddard called Bodi about enforcement action taken against the Railroad Tavern Eaton said Bodi had
asked him to call with concerns so he did and passed along the bar owners allegation that enforcement officers had
gone beyond the scope of their search warrant Eaton insists he did not ask Bodi to do anything improper Bodi told
a slightly different story to the grand jury He said Eaton was hysterical and insisted the bar had been targeted in
retaliation for legislation Eaton supported that would have stripped the Liquor Commission of its enforcement
powers Bodi acknowledged Eaton did not tell him to do anything other than call the bar owner but the implication
was lsquothere would be hell to pay if this matter wasnt resolvedrsquo to Eatons satisfaction Bodi then told Liquor
Enforcement Bureau director Eddie Edwards to return the video equipment Edwards said he felt he had to choose
between being disciplined for not complying and maintaining the integrity of the investigation Bodi said he told
Edwards to retrieve any evidence on the equipment and return itrdquo [Associated Press 91910]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 12
The NH Attorney General Chastised Edwards For Making Public Comments About The Ongoing
Investigation ldquoAttorney General Michael Delaney and members of the Executive Council yesterday criticized
Liquor Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards for his public statements about a high-profile criminal
investigation Disturbing improper and unprofessional were their assessments of the way Edwards has handled
himself Edwards who was not at the breakfast meeting where the comments were made has appeared on
television and in the press discussing details of the allegations that led to a paid leave for Liquor Commissioner
Mark Bodi He said this morning he has discussed his end of the incident an administrative case that is now closed
and not the criminal probe [hellip] lsquoOur office is certainly not accustomed to having heads of law enforcement
agencies speaking publicly and drawing conclusions during the course of an investigation being conducted by the
Attorney Generals Officersquo Delaney said lsquoI do not believe Chief Edwards has distinguished himself professionally
in how he has handled this matterrsquo Councilor John Shea D-Nelson was also upsetrdquo [Union leader 31110]
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodi Said That Rep Eaton Wanted Edwards Fired For Targeting A
Specific Establishment For Liquor Law Violations ldquoThe following excerpts are taken from the transcript of
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodis testimony before the Merrimack County Grand Jury on Feb 19 [hellip] A
I received a second call Q From whom A From Representative Eaton Q What does he say during that call A
Based on my phone discussion with Eaton he was representing that this was the kind of a nefarious plot that the
Chief had told his people to go out there and surveil this establishment [hellip]Q During your first few conversations
with Representative Eaton before the second search warrant is indicated does he say anything to you that lsquoThis is
Eddies vendetta Its like sticking a needle in my eye Why are you let-ting him do thisrsquo Does any of that sound
familiar to you A Representative Eaton did not use that terminology but that certainly was the implication He had
imparted to me on another occasion when I had asked him following a very lengthy hearing in which I disagreed
with Representative Eaton over how the Enforcement Division should be handled [hellip]Following that hearing I
approached him in the lobby and I asked him lsquoWhy are you doing this What can we do to resolve thisrsquo Q And
his answer was A Get rid of Eddie Edwardsrdquo [Union Leader 8510]
Fellow Congresswoman Maggie Hassan Said She Believed Eaton Had An Issue With Edwards ldquoEaton would
not comment directly on Bodis additional contention that Eaton had a lsquovendettarsquo against liquor enforcement chief
Eddie Edwards and wanted him fired [hellip] But state Sen Maggie Hassan D-Exeter said it was her lsquoperceptionrsquo
from sitting on a study committee and a budget conference committee with Eaton that lsquohe had particular issues with
Eddie Edwardsrsquordquo [Union Leader 8610]
HEADLINE EDITORIAL Bodi should stay There is no case for removal [Union Leader Editorial Union
Leader 8610]
Union Leader Editorial Bodi Was Removed From Office After Rep Eaton Called Bodi To Stop
Edwardsrsquo Investigation ldquoEaton called Bodi to complain about his friend being targeted by Enforcement
Division chief Eddie Edwards He suggested that Bodi get rid of Edwards He also asked Bodi to call the tavern
owner which Bodi did Bodis lsquointerferencersquo in the investigation consisted of calling the tavern owner to assure
him that due process would be followed in the investigation then ordering Edwards to return the surveillance
equipment Bodi over-stepped his authority by ordering the equipment returned But Bodi clearly was not
trying to hinder the pursuit of justice He didnt order the video returned only the equipment after the video
evidence was obtained As both Bodi and the attorney general acknowledge he was only trying to get Eaton off
his back That behavior does not justify Bodis removal from office rdquo [Union Leader Editorial Union Leader
8610]
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally The Attorney General Found
The Allegations Unfounded
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally Attorney General Found The
Allegations Unfounded ldquoEdwards who referred all questions to his attorney has clashed with the commissioners
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 13
over several issues including the alleged illegal hiring of a lobbyist to help kill a bill that would have allowed the
sale of liquor in grocery and convenience stores hellip On Wednesday the Special House Committee to Evaluate the
New Hampshire State Liquor Commission heard testimony on the issue of hiring a lobbyist with Edwards
providing often conflicting testimony to Liquor Commission Chairman Joseph Mollica and Commissioner Michael
Milligan Last month the Attorney Generalrsquos Office released a preliminary investigation into Edwardsrsquo charges that
the commission illegally hired a lobbyist The attorney general found the charges were unfounded and there was no
need for a formal investigationrdquo [Union Leader 91512]
State Agencies Were Not Allowed To Hire Lobbyists ldquoSeveral lawmakers lobbyists and state employees
believe the state Liquor Commission illegally used a lobbyist to fight a bill that would have allowed liquor sales
in grocery and convenience stores State agencies are prohibited by law from paying lobbyists to influence
lawmakers A recent preliminary investigation by the Attorney Generals Office cleared the commission of any
wrongdoing saying Beer Distributors of NH lobbyist Clark Corson did not lobby for the commissionrdquo [Union
Leader 81612]
Commissioners Testified They Hired Clark Carson To Do A Study Not Lobby ldquoTwo liquor
commissioners claim - and the Attorney Generals Office agreed - that Corson was acting on his own or
lobbying for the beer wholesalers in working to defeat House Bill 1251 this session They claim Corson was
hired by the commissions advertising firm Rumbletree to do an independent study of the feasibility of selling
beer in state liquor stores But others including the commissions chief enforcement officer say the study was a
cover for Corsons lobbying efforts to defeat the billrdquo [Union Leader 81612]
The Attorney General Determined That There Was No Wrongdoing On The Part Of The Liquor
Commission ldquoThe attorney general Wednesday cleared the Liquor Commission of possible wrongdoing for
allegedly hiring a lobbyist The attorney generals report was discussed during a closed-door meeting with the
Executive Council after its meeting at Manchester School of Technology According to the report liquor
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards sent a report to the attorney general in May alleging the commission hired New
Hampshire Beer Wholesalers lobbyist Clark Corson to lobby lawmakers on behalf of the commission State law
forbids the use of state money to lobby lawmakersrdquo [Union Leader 8912]
A New Hampshire House Member Feared That The Liquor Commission Was Intimidating Edwards Into
Not Testifying At A House Hearing ldquoThe chair of the House committee investigating the Liquor Commission
and the liquor commissioners butted heads Tuesday over the committees access to information and commission
employees [hellip] Ober noted Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards testified before the committee last week
and two days later an advertisement was in the paper for someone to fill his position lsquoThat looks very much to me
like intimidationrsquo Ober said [hellip] Ober told the commission they owed Edwards something because anyone who
reads the newspaper and sees their job advertised believes lsquohe is going to be fired You need to do something He
did come in here and whistle-blowrsquordquo [Union Leader 91912]
Rep Coffey Nobody Should Be Afraid To Speak Up To The Legislature To Law Enforcement To
Anyonerdquo ldquoCoffey expressed concern about missing liquor attempts to shut down an agency store and posting
Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards job days after he testified before the committee lsquoWere not trying to rake
anyone over the coalsrsquo she said lsquobut Ive gotten email from people who want to come forward and talk to us
but are afraid for their jobs Nobody should be afraid to speak up to the Legislature to law enforcement to
anyonersquordquo [Union Leader 92112]
Edwards Testified That A Liquor Commission Bidding Process Was Rigged And Said He Advocated A
Third Party Bidding Process Commission Settled Lawsuit For $25 Million
Edwards Testified That A Company Had No Chance In The Bidding Process For A Liquor Commission
Contract ldquoThe outgoing chief of enforcement for the state Liquor Commission has joined a former commissioner
in testifying that Law Warehouses of Nashua had no chance of getting a $200 million 20-year warehouse contract
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 14
because of hostility toward the company within the commission hellip Law is seeking an injunction that would
prevent the NHLC from transferring the contract to logistics firm Exel of Westerville Ohio until Laws civil suit
seeking to overturn the contract is resolvedrdquo [Union Leader 43013]
Edwards ldquoI Know That The Commission Did Not Really Like Brian Lawrdquo ldquoEdwards described senior staff
meetings of the commission in which it became apparent to him that commissioners Mollica and Michael Milligan
did not want Law to get the contract which is consistent with Bodis deposition and affidavit lsquoI know that the
commission did not really like Brian Law I know there comments made about Brian Law not having the contract
too long or something like thatrsquo Edwards said lsquoAnd then there were comments about Brian Law specifically that
he felt he was entitled to the contractrsquo Edwards said there were concerns about the rates Law was charging and
complaints from some liquor brokers about the warehouse charges lsquoThey wanted to go in a different direction
other than with Brian Lawrsquo he said lsquoBased upon those conversations I did not believe that he was going to get the
contract I didnt believe that at allrsquordquo [Union Leader 5113]
Edwards Said That He Advocated For A Third Party Bidding Process Due To His Perception Of An
ldquoEnergyrdquo Against Brian Law ldquoAccording to Edwards there was an lsquoenergyrsquo among the commissioners and staff
that the ware-house contract should go to someone else because Brian Law owner of Law Warehouses had an
attitude of entitlement lsquoI just thought from an ethical standpoint it was inappropriate to have people on this review
committee that had these kind of thoughts and conversations and guidancersquo Edwards said He told liquor
commission officials to stop the bidding process and restart it under a third partyrsquos oversight because lsquoyou are not
being fair to Brian Law or anyone else in the processrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 50513]
Law Warehouses Alleged That The Liquor Commission Was Unfairly Biased Against Them ldquoLaw
Warehouses has sued the state to block the contract that was awarded to shipping giant Excel The liquor
commissions decision effectively kills a decades-long relationship that the prominent Nashua business has had
with the state Law charges that the bidding process was lsquotainted by unlawful favoritism from the startrsquordquo
[Nashua Telegraph 5513]
The State Alleged That Edwards Was Nothing But A Disgruntled Employee ldquoA state prosecutor backed by
half a dozen Liquor Commission employees told a judge Wednesday that Law Warehouses suit against the state is
based on nothing but complaints from two disgruntled former employees Senior Assistant Attorney General Mary
Ann Dempsey said sworn testimony from retired Liquor Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards and former
Liquor Commissioner Mark Bodi cant be taken at face value and is disputed by several current employees lsquoTheyre
certainly disgruntled employeesrsquo Dempsey said lsquoThat testimony is contradictedrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 5213]
2015 Liquor Commission Paid $25 Million To Settle The Case ldquoThe New Hampshire Liquor Commission has
agreed to pay $25 million to Law Warehouses to settle a lawsuit over the loss of a 20-year contract for
warehousing and distribution worth an estimated $200 millionrdquo [Union Leader 41315]
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase Licensing Fees Paid By Restaurants Up To
Twentyfold Claimed It Would Not Harm The Economy
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase The Fees Paid By ldquoRestaurant Cocktail
Lounge[s]rdquo Ten To Twentyfold ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as
much for their liquor license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants
The proposal would create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses
with more than 50 seats Under the current law bars and nightclubs can obtain a restaurant cocktail lounge license
for just $1200 if they sell $75000 worth of food annually but the bill would raise the food sales requirement to
$150000 State liquor enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that
bars and nightclubs have taken advantage of the rulesrdquo [AP 32908]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 15
Pub Owner Criticized The Proposal As Detrimental To The Economy ldquoDavid Barrett owner of Kilkenny
Pub and Twenty-One Bar amp Grill in Keene said the new requirements would force dozens of restaurants and
bars to shut down including his own lsquoIrsquove talked to 40 or 50 restaurant and bar owners in the southern and
middle part of New Hamp-shire and not one of them will pay $24000 a year for a licensersquo he said lsquoIf theyrsquore
not going to pay that you can imagine how many people will be out of work That bill should really finish
off the economy once and for allrsquordquo [AP 32908]
Edwards Argued The Measure He Supported To Raise Fees On Businesses Would Not Harm The
Economy ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as much for their liquor
license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants The proposal would
create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses with more than 50
seats hellip Edwards dismissed that argument as scare tactics and said the bill would not harm the economyrdquo [AP
32908]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For ldquoUnder his watch the enforcement division was accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies while also receiving the Spirit of America Award
from the New Hampshire Grocers Association for his collaborative approachrsquo I use the above examples of how
government can work with the hospitality and retail industries community organizations public health and law
enforcement to protect community interest without impeding the private sectorrsquo Edwards said lsquoThe goal should be
to make regulations as simple as necessary to assist business protect the public and encourage government
transparency My priority is to empower individuals to invest in job growth throughout District 4 by reforming
regulations that do not meet their stated purposersquo Edwards left the Liquor Commission after reaching a confidential
agreement with commissioners during a time of controversy over his job descriptionrdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Edwards Received Plaudits For Strict Enforcement
Nashua Telegraph ldquoEdwards Was A By-The-Book-Professional Who Wasnrsquot Fond Of Leniency[]rdquo ldquoThe
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencyrsquos enforcement division will
retire in June hellip Throughout his tenure Edwards was a by-the-book professional who wasnrsquot fond of leniency with
scofflaw license holdersrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Editorial Compared Edwards To Eliot Ness ldquoNew Hampshirersquos chief liquor law enforcer is a
teetotaling Southerner with no patience for drunkenness and a suspicious eye for alcohol in general Thank
goodness hellip Edwards is New Hampshirersquos own Eliot Ness But instead of mobsters hersquos battling bar owners who
endanger their own patrons and their communities by not following the lawrdquo [Union Leader Editorial 100207]
Shortly After Edwards ldquoTook Over The Job Of Enforcing Liquor Lawsrdquo Five Troubled Establishments Lost
Their Licensure ldquoOn June 8 2005 Eddie Edwards took over the job of enforcing liquor laws in the state of New
Hampshire About a month later a man fired four shots into the Omega nightclub in downtown Manchester and
bar owners across the state learned that a new sheriff was in town Within six months Omega lost its license to sell
alcohol in New Hampshire Others in Manchester quickly followed Envy Electra Florsquos Bar and Grill and
Aborigen Restaurant and Bar either lost their license surrendered it or dropped plans in the face of community
oppositionrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
NH State Liquor Commissioner Edwards Was Tougher Than Past Enforcement Heads ldquoNew Hampshire has
been getting tougher when it comes to enforcing liquor laws and much of the credit goes to Eddie
Edwards Edwards took over as state liquor enforcement chief two years ago In his first year the number of clubs
restaurants and stores facing fines or liquor license suspensions nearly quadrupled rising from 40 to 151 In the last
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 16
year that number of suspensions or fines dropped to 91 but Edwards said the decrease reflects the success of the
Bureau of Enforcement and Licensings efforts Patricia Russell a state liquor commissioner said Edwards by-the-
book approach to liquor law enforcement is tougher than that of his predecessor For years state liquor enforcement
officers did little more than run stings on underage sales and visit bars and restaurants she said lsquoTheres more bars
more drinking We have to be vigilant and Eddie is very vigilantrsquo Russell saidrdquo [Associated Press 10107]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The Liquor Commission Doubled Its Fines And Increased Its Penalties
ldquoSince Edwards arrival the state Liquor Commission has toughened its penalties doubling the fine for selling
to an underage or intoxicated customer to $500 plus a three-day license suspensionrdquo [Associated Press
10107]
hellipHowever Edwards Subjected Three Establishments Charged With Illegal Gambling A Felony To Far
Less Than The Maximum Punishment
A Pizza Restaurant Was ldquoCited For Gambling Violations And For Dealing Illicit Drugsrdquo And Settled With
The Liquor Commission To Revoke Its License And Forfeit $681 ldquoThe state liquor commission yesterday
revoked Three Cousins Pizza and Loungersquos liquor license in an agreement that also bars the clubrsquos owners from
applying for another license in the state for three years the commissionrsquos chief law enforcer said The clubrsquos
owners also agreed to forfeit $681 police seized during an Oct 21 raid at the 137 Wilson St lounge Chief Eddie
Edwards said hellip Three Cousins lounge was cited for gambling violations and for dealing illicit drugs on Oct 21rdquo
[Union Leader 110309]
Edwards Touted These Actions Of ldquoElected Officials And The Police Departmentrdquo As ldquoDoing All They
Can To Make Sure The Quality Of Life Is Maintained[]rdquo ldquoEdwards said the clubrsquos owners closed the
lounge last week lsquoI think thatrsquos what you see in Manchester elected officials and the police department and
the citizens in that community who are doing all they can to make sure the quality of life is maintainedrsquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Mayor Frank Guinta Praised The Liquor Commissionrsquos Actions ldquoMayor Frank C Guinta said he was
pleased with the liquor enforcement bureaursquos action lsquoThe restaurant was a blight on a neighborhood that does
not want drugs or gangs there This sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Manchesterrsquo
Guinta said in a statementrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Gambling Violations Were Felonious ldquoState law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be
charged with a class B felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their
establishmentsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
An American Legion Post Was Charged With Two Felonies For Alleged Illegal Gambing ldquoAn American
Legion Post in Lebanon has been hit with two felony charges for allowing gambling Feb 1 on its premises at 189
Mechanic St A Grafton County Superior Court grand jury indicted Guyer-Carignan Post 22 for gambling and a
charge called lsquoentertainment and entertainersrsquo according to the indictments The latter charge refers to gambling at
an establishment thats licensed to sell lsquoalcohol andor liquorrsquordquo [Union Leader 42414]
2014 $15000 Was Confiscated From The American Legion In ldquoA Similar Situation Took Place Several
Years Ago In Which the State Seized About $14000[]rdquo ldquoReached at the post on Thursday Bill Wilson
Guyer-Carignans financial officer said the state confiscated some $15000 He said the money was gleaned
from raffles and was used to benefit charity hellip A similar situation took place several years ago in which the
state seized about $14000 but later returned the money said Wilson who said that matter was resolved
without going to Superior Courtrdquo [Union Leader 42414]
Edwards Dealt With A ldquoSimilar Problemrdquo In 2010 With ldquoAdministrative Not Legal Remediesrdquo
ldquoThe Lebanon Legion post ran into a similar problem with its Super Bowl promotion in 2010 but then-
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 17
chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards resolved the matter with administrative not legal remedies
Kenney said he is pushing for a similar resolution this timerdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Law Enforcement Confiscated Seven Illegal Poker Machines From Two Pizza Parlors Illegal Gambling Was
Punishable By Felony Charges ldquoAuthorities confiscated video poker machines and charged four employees with
illegal gambling after simultaneous Friday night raids at Olympus Pizza restaurants in Manchester and Allenstown
-- the latter right next door to the police station hellip Fussell said seven video machines were seized in the raids three
in Allenstown and four in Manchester A large amount of cash was also seized he said hellip He said Finnell told him
officials were saying that an undercover officer had come into the bar last month and gotten a $50 pay-out on a
video poker game hellip State law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be charged with a class B
felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their establishmentsrdquo [Union
Leader 50910]
Edwards Said Business Owners ldquoCould Face Administrative Actions Including Fines[]rdquo ldquoLiquor
Commission Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards yesterday said the business owners could face
administrative actions including fines of up to $5000 and liquor license revocation Edwards said the state
liquor commissioners will make the ultimate decision on administrative pen-alties But he will make a
recommendation to them taking into account whether the owners were directly involved and if there were prior
violationsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar And
Reported Them To Dover Police
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar Reported
Them To Dover Police ldquoThe state Liquor Enforcement chief says he found law-enforcement officers gathering to
drink after hours at a local bar last month along with one of his own staffers The liquor enforcement bureau
Dover and state police are investigating It was 2 am on Aug 27 when state Liquor Enforcement Chief Eddie
Edwards pulled open the door of the bar The Station House and found the officers drinking The officers involved
were there to drink alcohol served to them an hour after the statersquos 1 am cutoff he said Dover Police Chief
Anthony Colarusso said yesterday he only caught wind of the alleged gathering when Edwards contacted himrdquo
[Union Leader 91207]
Edwards Advocated Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code And Increase Their Lighting
Edwards Suggested That Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code Barring Necklaces ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are
currently a lsquohot spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could
lead to change Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip They also have suggested some
impose a dress code that will discourage troublemakers lsquoPeople show up with chains on their necks We call that
battle gearrsquo said Edwards Imposing a dress code would keep out some who just come to stand against the wall
arms folded in and wait for a fight he saidrdquo [Union Leader71805]
Edwards Advocated That Night Clubs Increase Their Lighting ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are currently a lsquohot
spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could lead to change
Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip Chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards
told the governor and council lsquoItrsquos a hot spot for us right nowrsquo He said the department will continue to put pressure
on operators to follow the law while advising them to increase the lighting to better see who their customers are and
what they are doing hellip Dark rooms make it difficult to see the age and level of sobriety of a patron he noted More
lighting he said helps those who are pouring drinks and those monitoring the club to enforce the lawsrdquo [Union
Leader 71805]
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 11
Metcalf 45 of Nashua rear-ended another car on Interstate 93 Police said the collision was minor Hes also
charged with having an open container of alcohol and tailgating Metcalf was deputy chief of the State Liquor
Commissions Bureau of Enforcement and Licensing Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said Metcalf was
returning from a retirement party for a colleague Edwards said he and the three-member State Liquor Commission
accepted Metcalfs resignation Tuesday lsquoThese types of issues we take very very seriouslyrsquo Edwards said lsquoLiquor
enforcement officers like all police officers are required to respect all laws at all timesrsquo Edwards declined to say
whether Metcalf resigned voluntarilyrdquo [Associated Press 71107]
Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard Was Angry That Edwards And His Team Were Investigating Without
Police Oversight ldquoAlthough some departments routinely examine a drivers actions in the 24 hours prior to a crash
to see whether alcohol or other factors played a role Auburn Police Chief Edward Picard said no look-back was
done because his officers didnt suspect alcohol Auburn officers blamed texting and speeding for the crash Picard
said Only six or eight weeks later did they receive toxicology results showing Seans blood-alcohol content was
19 Picard said lsquoThe kid was deadrsquo Picard said lsquoWhat purpose would a look-back serversquo Picard was angry that
liquor investigators interviewed people in town without first notifying his department a charge Eddie Edwards
chief of Liquor Enforcement deniedrdquo[Union Leader 42912]
Edwards Said That Part Of His Job Was Helping Merchants Comply With The Laws
Edwards The Liquor Commission Would License Tobacco And Alcohol Retailers ldquoThe State Liquor
Commissions Enforcement Division enforces the states tobacco laws and conducts the required compliance checks
and reports the results The division also licenses tobacco product retailers Enforcement Division Director Eddie
Edwards said lsquoWe also provide education for merchants to help them comply with the laws The results of this
years compliance checks are partially the results of the work our field agents do every day and the work of our
youth volunteers who help conduct the compliance checksrsquordquo [Union Leader 1811]
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over A Liquor
Commission Investigation
Edwards Accused A Member Of The New Hampshire House Of Exerting Influence Over An Investigation
During An Ongoing Investigation By The Attorney General ldquoThe enforcement chief at the State Liquor
Commission yesterday accused a member of the New Hampshire House leadership of exerting undue influence
over his bureaursquos investigation of whether a Keene tavern owner lsquoover-servedrsquo an intoxicated person three months
ago Eddie Edwards who has headed the enforcement bureau for more than four years said in an inter-view he
believes a separate criminal probe by the Attorney Generalrsquos Office on the circumstances surrounding his bureaursquos
investigation is focused on 11-term state Rep Daniel Eaton the former police chief in his home town of Stoddard
Edwards told the New Hampshire Union Leader the bar owner Randy Filiault a Keene city councilor lsquobrought in
some outside influencesrsquo to try to stymie his bureaursquos investigation Asked whether Eaton was one of the people he
was referring to Edwards said lsquoRightrsquordquo [Union Leader 30610]
After Rep Eaton Called Edwardsrsquo Boss To Stop Him From Executing A Search On A Property Edwards
Said He Felt He Had To Comply With His Bossrsquo Orders Against Better Judgment ldquoThe incident began when
Eaton D-Stoddard called Bodi about enforcement action taken against the Railroad Tavern Eaton said Bodi had
asked him to call with concerns so he did and passed along the bar owners allegation that enforcement officers had
gone beyond the scope of their search warrant Eaton insists he did not ask Bodi to do anything improper Bodi told
a slightly different story to the grand jury He said Eaton was hysterical and insisted the bar had been targeted in
retaliation for legislation Eaton supported that would have stripped the Liquor Commission of its enforcement
powers Bodi acknowledged Eaton did not tell him to do anything other than call the bar owner but the implication
was lsquothere would be hell to pay if this matter wasnt resolvedrsquo to Eatons satisfaction Bodi then told Liquor
Enforcement Bureau director Eddie Edwards to return the video equipment Edwards said he felt he had to choose
between being disciplined for not complying and maintaining the integrity of the investigation Bodi said he told
Edwards to retrieve any evidence on the equipment and return itrdquo [Associated Press 91910]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 12
The NH Attorney General Chastised Edwards For Making Public Comments About The Ongoing
Investigation ldquoAttorney General Michael Delaney and members of the Executive Council yesterday criticized
Liquor Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards for his public statements about a high-profile criminal
investigation Disturbing improper and unprofessional were their assessments of the way Edwards has handled
himself Edwards who was not at the breakfast meeting where the comments were made has appeared on
television and in the press discussing details of the allegations that led to a paid leave for Liquor Commissioner
Mark Bodi He said this morning he has discussed his end of the incident an administrative case that is now closed
and not the criminal probe [hellip] lsquoOur office is certainly not accustomed to having heads of law enforcement
agencies speaking publicly and drawing conclusions during the course of an investigation being conducted by the
Attorney Generals Officersquo Delaney said lsquoI do not believe Chief Edwards has distinguished himself professionally
in how he has handled this matterrsquo Councilor John Shea D-Nelson was also upsetrdquo [Union leader 31110]
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodi Said That Rep Eaton Wanted Edwards Fired For Targeting A
Specific Establishment For Liquor Law Violations ldquoThe following excerpts are taken from the transcript of
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodis testimony before the Merrimack County Grand Jury on Feb 19 [hellip] A
I received a second call Q From whom A From Representative Eaton Q What does he say during that call A
Based on my phone discussion with Eaton he was representing that this was the kind of a nefarious plot that the
Chief had told his people to go out there and surveil this establishment [hellip]Q During your first few conversations
with Representative Eaton before the second search warrant is indicated does he say anything to you that lsquoThis is
Eddies vendetta Its like sticking a needle in my eye Why are you let-ting him do thisrsquo Does any of that sound
familiar to you A Representative Eaton did not use that terminology but that certainly was the implication He had
imparted to me on another occasion when I had asked him following a very lengthy hearing in which I disagreed
with Representative Eaton over how the Enforcement Division should be handled [hellip]Following that hearing I
approached him in the lobby and I asked him lsquoWhy are you doing this What can we do to resolve thisrsquo Q And
his answer was A Get rid of Eddie Edwardsrdquo [Union Leader 8510]
Fellow Congresswoman Maggie Hassan Said She Believed Eaton Had An Issue With Edwards ldquoEaton would
not comment directly on Bodis additional contention that Eaton had a lsquovendettarsquo against liquor enforcement chief
Eddie Edwards and wanted him fired [hellip] But state Sen Maggie Hassan D-Exeter said it was her lsquoperceptionrsquo
from sitting on a study committee and a budget conference committee with Eaton that lsquohe had particular issues with
Eddie Edwardsrsquordquo [Union Leader 8610]
HEADLINE EDITORIAL Bodi should stay There is no case for removal [Union Leader Editorial Union
Leader 8610]
Union Leader Editorial Bodi Was Removed From Office After Rep Eaton Called Bodi To Stop
Edwardsrsquo Investigation ldquoEaton called Bodi to complain about his friend being targeted by Enforcement
Division chief Eddie Edwards He suggested that Bodi get rid of Edwards He also asked Bodi to call the tavern
owner which Bodi did Bodis lsquointerferencersquo in the investigation consisted of calling the tavern owner to assure
him that due process would be followed in the investigation then ordering Edwards to return the surveillance
equipment Bodi over-stepped his authority by ordering the equipment returned But Bodi clearly was not
trying to hinder the pursuit of justice He didnt order the video returned only the equipment after the video
evidence was obtained As both Bodi and the attorney general acknowledge he was only trying to get Eaton off
his back That behavior does not justify Bodis removal from office rdquo [Union Leader Editorial Union Leader
8610]
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally The Attorney General Found
The Allegations Unfounded
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally Attorney General Found The
Allegations Unfounded ldquoEdwards who referred all questions to his attorney has clashed with the commissioners
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 13
over several issues including the alleged illegal hiring of a lobbyist to help kill a bill that would have allowed the
sale of liquor in grocery and convenience stores hellip On Wednesday the Special House Committee to Evaluate the
New Hampshire State Liquor Commission heard testimony on the issue of hiring a lobbyist with Edwards
providing often conflicting testimony to Liquor Commission Chairman Joseph Mollica and Commissioner Michael
Milligan Last month the Attorney Generalrsquos Office released a preliminary investigation into Edwardsrsquo charges that
the commission illegally hired a lobbyist The attorney general found the charges were unfounded and there was no
need for a formal investigationrdquo [Union Leader 91512]
State Agencies Were Not Allowed To Hire Lobbyists ldquoSeveral lawmakers lobbyists and state employees
believe the state Liquor Commission illegally used a lobbyist to fight a bill that would have allowed liquor sales
in grocery and convenience stores State agencies are prohibited by law from paying lobbyists to influence
lawmakers A recent preliminary investigation by the Attorney Generals Office cleared the commission of any
wrongdoing saying Beer Distributors of NH lobbyist Clark Corson did not lobby for the commissionrdquo [Union
Leader 81612]
Commissioners Testified They Hired Clark Carson To Do A Study Not Lobby ldquoTwo liquor
commissioners claim - and the Attorney Generals Office agreed - that Corson was acting on his own or
lobbying for the beer wholesalers in working to defeat House Bill 1251 this session They claim Corson was
hired by the commissions advertising firm Rumbletree to do an independent study of the feasibility of selling
beer in state liquor stores But others including the commissions chief enforcement officer say the study was a
cover for Corsons lobbying efforts to defeat the billrdquo [Union Leader 81612]
The Attorney General Determined That There Was No Wrongdoing On The Part Of The Liquor
Commission ldquoThe attorney general Wednesday cleared the Liquor Commission of possible wrongdoing for
allegedly hiring a lobbyist The attorney generals report was discussed during a closed-door meeting with the
Executive Council after its meeting at Manchester School of Technology According to the report liquor
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards sent a report to the attorney general in May alleging the commission hired New
Hampshire Beer Wholesalers lobbyist Clark Corson to lobby lawmakers on behalf of the commission State law
forbids the use of state money to lobby lawmakersrdquo [Union Leader 8912]
A New Hampshire House Member Feared That The Liquor Commission Was Intimidating Edwards Into
Not Testifying At A House Hearing ldquoThe chair of the House committee investigating the Liquor Commission
and the liquor commissioners butted heads Tuesday over the committees access to information and commission
employees [hellip] Ober noted Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards testified before the committee last week
and two days later an advertisement was in the paper for someone to fill his position lsquoThat looks very much to me
like intimidationrsquo Ober said [hellip] Ober told the commission they owed Edwards something because anyone who
reads the newspaper and sees their job advertised believes lsquohe is going to be fired You need to do something He
did come in here and whistle-blowrsquordquo [Union Leader 91912]
Rep Coffey Nobody Should Be Afraid To Speak Up To The Legislature To Law Enforcement To
Anyonerdquo ldquoCoffey expressed concern about missing liquor attempts to shut down an agency store and posting
Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards job days after he testified before the committee lsquoWere not trying to rake
anyone over the coalsrsquo she said lsquobut Ive gotten email from people who want to come forward and talk to us
but are afraid for their jobs Nobody should be afraid to speak up to the Legislature to law enforcement to
anyonersquordquo [Union Leader 92112]
Edwards Testified That A Liquor Commission Bidding Process Was Rigged And Said He Advocated A
Third Party Bidding Process Commission Settled Lawsuit For $25 Million
Edwards Testified That A Company Had No Chance In The Bidding Process For A Liquor Commission
Contract ldquoThe outgoing chief of enforcement for the state Liquor Commission has joined a former commissioner
in testifying that Law Warehouses of Nashua had no chance of getting a $200 million 20-year warehouse contract
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 14
because of hostility toward the company within the commission hellip Law is seeking an injunction that would
prevent the NHLC from transferring the contract to logistics firm Exel of Westerville Ohio until Laws civil suit
seeking to overturn the contract is resolvedrdquo [Union Leader 43013]
Edwards ldquoI Know That The Commission Did Not Really Like Brian Lawrdquo ldquoEdwards described senior staff
meetings of the commission in which it became apparent to him that commissioners Mollica and Michael Milligan
did not want Law to get the contract which is consistent with Bodis deposition and affidavit lsquoI know that the
commission did not really like Brian Law I know there comments made about Brian Law not having the contract
too long or something like thatrsquo Edwards said lsquoAnd then there were comments about Brian Law specifically that
he felt he was entitled to the contractrsquo Edwards said there were concerns about the rates Law was charging and
complaints from some liquor brokers about the warehouse charges lsquoThey wanted to go in a different direction
other than with Brian Lawrsquo he said lsquoBased upon those conversations I did not believe that he was going to get the
contract I didnt believe that at allrsquordquo [Union Leader 5113]
Edwards Said That He Advocated For A Third Party Bidding Process Due To His Perception Of An
ldquoEnergyrdquo Against Brian Law ldquoAccording to Edwards there was an lsquoenergyrsquo among the commissioners and staff
that the ware-house contract should go to someone else because Brian Law owner of Law Warehouses had an
attitude of entitlement lsquoI just thought from an ethical standpoint it was inappropriate to have people on this review
committee that had these kind of thoughts and conversations and guidancersquo Edwards said He told liquor
commission officials to stop the bidding process and restart it under a third partyrsquos oversight because lsquoyou are not
being fair to Brian Law or anyone else in the processrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 50513]
Law Warehouses Alleged That The Liquor Commission Was Unfairly Biased Against Them ldquoLaw
Warehouses has sued the state to block the contract that was awarded to shipping giant Excel The liquor
commissions decision effectively kills a decades-long relationship that the prominent Nashua business has had
with the state Law charges that the bidding process was lsquotainted by unlawful favoritism from the startrsquordquo
[Nashua Telegraph 5513]
The State Alleged That Edwards Was Nothing But A Disgruntled Employee ldquoA state prosecutor backed by
half a dozen Liquor Commission employees told a judge Wednesday that Law Warehouses suit against the state is
based on nothing but complaints from two disgruntled former employees Senior Assistant Attorney General Mary
Ann Dempsey said sworn testimony from retired Liquor Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards and former
Liquor Commissioner Mark Bodi cant be taken at face value and is disputed by several current employees lsquoTheyre
certainly disgruntled employeesrsquo Dempsey said lsquoThat testimony is contradictedrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 5213]
2015 Liquor Commission Paid $25 Million To Settle The Case ldquoThe New Hampshire Liquor Commission has
agreed to pay $25 million to Law Warehouses to settle a lawsuit over the loss of a 20-year contract for
warehousing and distribution worth an estimated $200 millionrdquo [Union Leader 41315]
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase Licensing Fees Paid By Restaurants Up To
Twentyfold Claimed It Would Not Harm The Economy
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase The Fees Paid By ldquoRestaurant Cocktail
Lounge[s]rdquo Ten To Twentyfold ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as
much for their liquor license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants
The proposal would create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses
with more than 50 seats Under the current law bars and nightclubs can obtain a restaurant cocktail lounge license
for just $1200 if they sell $75000 worth of food annually but the bill would raise the food sales requirement to
$150000 State liquor enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that
bars and nightclubs have taken advantage of the rulesrdquo [AP 32908]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 15
Pub Owner Criticized The Proposal As Detrimental To The Economy ldquoDavid Barrett owner of Kilkenny
Pub and Twenty-One Bar amp Grill in Keene said the new requirements would force dozens of restaurants and
bars to shut down including his own lsquoIrsquove talked to 40 or 50 restaurant and bar owners in the southern and
middle part of New Hamp-shire and not one of them will pay $24000 a year for a licensersquo he said lsquoIf theyrsquore
not going to pay that you can imagine how many people will be out of work That bill should really finish
off the economy once and for allrsquordquo [AP 32908]
Edwards Argued The Measure He Supported To Raise Fees On Businesses Would Not Harm The
Economy ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as much for their liquor
license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants The proposal would
create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses with more than 50
seats hellip Edwards dismissed that argument as scare tactics and said the bill would not harm the economyrdquo [AP
32908]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For ldquoUnder his watch the enforcement division was accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies while also receiving the Spirit of America Award
from the New Hampshire Grocers Association for his collaborative approachrsquo I use the above examples of how
government can work with the hospitality and retail industries community organizations public health and law
enforcement to protect community interest without impeding the private sectorrsquo Edwards said lsquoThe goal should be
to make regulations as simple as necessary to assist business protect the public and encourage government
transparency My priority is to empower individuals to invest in job growth throughout District 4 by reforming
regulations that do not meet their stated purposersquo Edwards left the Liquor Commission after reaching a confidential
agreement with commissioners during a time of controversy over his job descriptionrdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Edwards Received Plaudits For Strict Enforcement
Nashua Telegraph ldquoEdwards Was A By-The-Book-Professional Who Wasnrsquot Fond Of Leniency[]rdquo ldquoThe
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencyrsquos enforcement division will
retire in June hellip Throughout his tenure Edwards was a by-the-book professional who wasnrsquot fond of leniency with
scofflaw license holdersrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Editorial Compared Edwards To Eliot Ness ldquoNew Hampshirersquos chief liquor law enforcer is a
teetotaling Southerner with no patience for drunkenness and a suspicious eye for alcohol in general Thank
goodness hellip Edwards is New Hampshirersquos own Eliot Ness But instead of mobsters hersquos battling bar owners who
endanger their own patrons and their communities by not following the lawrdquo [Union Leader Editorial 100207]
Shortly After Edwards ldquoTook Over The Job Of Enforcing Liquor Lawsrdquo Five Troubled Establishments Lost
Their Licensure ldquoOn June 8 2005 Eddie Edwards took over the job of enforcing liquor laws in the state of New
Hampshire About a month later a man fired four shots into the Omega nightclub in downtown Manchester and
bar owners across the state learned that a new sheriff was in town Within six months Omega lost its license to sell
alcohol in New Hampshire Others in Manchester quickly followed Envy Electra Florsquos Bar and Grill and
Aborigen Restaurant and Bar either lost their license surrendered it or dropped plans in the face of community
oppositionrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
NH State Liquor Commissioner Edwards Was Tougher Than Past Enforcement Heads ldquoNew Hampshire has
been getting tougher when it comes to enforcing liquor laws and much of the credit goes to Eddie
Edwards Edwards took over as state liquor enforcement chief two years ago In his first year the number of clubs
restaurants and stores facing fines or liquor license suspensions nearly quadrupled rising from 40 to 151 In the last
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 16
year that number of suspensions or fines dropped to 91 but Edwards said the decrease reflects the success of the
Bureau of Enforcement and Licensings efforts Patricia Russell a state liquor commissioner said Edwards by-the-
book approach to liquor law enforcement is tougher than that of his predecessor For years state liquor enforcement
officers did little more than run stings on underage sales and visit bars and restaurants she said lsquoTheres more bars
more drinking We have to be vigilant and Eddie is very vigilantrsquo Russell saidrdquo [Associated Press 10107]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The Liquor Commission Doubled Its Fines And Increased Its Penalties
ldquoSince Edwards arrival the state Liquor Commission has toughened its penalties doubling the fine for selling
to an underage or intoxicated customer to $500 plus a three-day license suspensionrdquo [Associated Press
10107]
hellipHowever Edwards Subjected Three Establishments Charged With Illegal Gambling A Felony To Far
Less Than The Maximum Punishment
A Pizza Restaurant Was ldquoCited For Gambling Violations And For Dealing Illicit Drugsrdquo And Settled With
The Liquor Commission To Revoke Its License And Forfeit $681 ldquoThe state liquor commission yesterday
revoked Three Cousins Pizza and Loungersquos liquor license in an agreement that also bars the clubrsquos owners from
applying for another license in the state for three years the commissionrsquos chief law enforcer said The clubrsquos
owners also agreed to forfeit $681 police seized during an Oct 21 raid at the 137 Wilson St lounge Chief Eddie
Edwards said hellip Three Cousins lounge was cited for gambling violations and for dealing illicit drugs on Oct 21rdquo
[Union Leader 110309]
Edwards Touted These Actions Of ldquoElected Officials And The Police Departmentrdquo As ldquoDoing All They
Can To Make Sure The Quality Of Life Is Maintained[]rdquo ldquoEdwards said the clubrsquos owners closed the
lounge last week lsquoI think thatrsquos what you see in Manchester elected officials and the police department and
the citizens in that community who are doing all they can to make sure the quality of life is maintainedrsquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Mayor Frank Guinta Praised The Liquor Commissionrsquos Actions ldquoMayor Frank C Guinta said he was
pleased with the liquor enforcement bureaursquos action lsquoThe restaurant was a blight on a neighborhood that does
not want drugs or gangs there This sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Manchesterrsquo
Guinta said in a statementrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Gambling Violations Were Felonious ldquoState law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be
charged with a class B felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their
establishmentsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
An American Legion Post Was Charged With Two Felonies For Alleged Illegal Gambing ldquoAn American
Legion Post in Lebanon has been hit with two felony charges for allowing gambling Feb 1 on its premises at 189
Mechanic St A Grafton County Superior Court grand jury indicted Guyer-Carignan Post 22 for gambling and a
charge called lsquoentertainment and entertainersrsquo according to the indictments The latter charge refers to gambling at
an establishment thats licensed to sell lsquoalcohol andor liquorrsquordquo [Union Leader 42414]
2014 $15000 Was Confiscated From The American Legion In ldquoA Similar Situation Took Place Several
Years Ago In Which the State Seized About $14000[]rdquo ldquoReached at the post on Thursday Bill Wilson
Guyer-Carignans financial officer said the state confiscated some $15000 He said the money was gleaned
from raffles and was used to benefit charity hellip A similar situation took place several years ago in which the
state seized about $14000 but later returned the money said Wilson who said that matter was resolved
without going to Superior Courtrdquo [Union Leader 42414]
Edwards Dealt With A ldquoSimilar Problemrdquo In 2010 With ldquoAdministrative Not Legal Remediesrdquo
ldquoThe Lebanon Legion post ran into a similar problem with its Super Bowl promotion in 2010 but then-
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 17
chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards resolved the matter with administrative not legal remedies
Kenney said he is pushing for a similar resolution this timerdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Law Enforcement Confiscated Seven Illegal Poker Machines From Two Pizza Parlors Illegal Gambling Was
Punishable By Felony Charges ldquoAuthorities confiscated video poker machines and charged four employees with
illegal gambling after simultaneous Friday night raids at Olympus Pizza restaurants in Manchester and Allenstown
-- the latter right next door to the police station hellip Fussell said seven video machines were seized in the raids three
in Allenstown and four in Manchester A large amount of cash was also seized he said hellip He said Finnell told him
officials were saying that an undercover officer had come into the bar last month and gotten a $50 pay-out on a
video poker game hellip State law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be charged with a class B
felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their establishmentsrdquo [Union
Leader 50910]
Edwards Said Business Owners ldquoCould Face Administrative Actions Including Fines[]rdquo ldquoLiquor
Commission Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards yesterday said the business owners could face
administrative actions including fines of up to $5000 and liquor license revocation Edwards said the state
liquor commissioners will make the ultimate decision on administrative pen-alties But he will make a
recommendation to them taking into account whether the owners were directly involved and if there were prior
violationsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar And
Reported Them To Dover Police
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar Reported
Them To Dover Police ldquoThe state Liquor Enforcement chief says he found law-enforcement officers gathering to
drink after hours at a local bar last month along with one of his own staffers The liquor enforcement bureau
Dover and state police are investigating It was 2 am on Aug 27 when state Liquor Enforcement Chief Eddie
Edwards pulled open the door of the bar The Station House and found the officers drinking The officers involved
were there to drink alcohol served to them an hour after the statersquos 1 am cutoff he said Dover Police Chief
Anthony Colarusso said yesterday he only caught wind of the alleged gathering when Edwards contacted himrdquo
[Union Leader 91207]
Edwards Advocated Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code And Increase Their Lighting
Edwards Suggested That Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code Barring Necklaces ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are
currently a lsquohot spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could
lead to change Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip They also have suggested some
impose a dress code that will discourage troublemakers lsquoPeople show up with chains on their necks We call that
battle gearrsquo said Edwards Imposing a dress code would keep out some who just come to stand against the wall
arms folded in and wait for a fight he saidrdquo [Union Leader71805]
Edwards Advocated That Night Clubs Increase Their Lighting ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are currently a lsquohot
spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could lead to change
Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip Chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards
told the governor and council lsquoItrsquos a hot spot for us right nowrsquo He said the department will continue to put pressure
on operators to follow the law while advising them to increase the lighting to better see who their customers are and
what they are doing hellip Dark rooms make it difficult to see the age and level of sobriety of a patron he noted More
lighting he said helps those who are pouring drinks and those monitoring the club to enforce the lawsrdquo [Union
Leader 71805]
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 12
The NH Attorney General Chastised Edwards For Making Public Comments About The Ongoing
Investigation ldquoAttorney General Michael Delaney and members of the Executive Council yesterday criticized
Liquor Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards for his public statements about a high-profile criminal
investigation Disturbing improper and unprofessional were their assessments of the way Edwards has handled
himself Edwards who was not at the breakfast meeting where the comments were made has appeared on
television and in the press discussing details of the allegations that led to a paid leave for Liquor Commissioner
Mark Bodi He said this morning he has discussed his end of the incident an administrative case that is now closed
and not the criminal probe [hellip] lsquoOur office is certainly not accustomed to having heads of law enforcement
agencies speaking publicly and drawing conclusions during the course of an investigation being conducted by the
Attorney Generals Officersquo Delaney said lsquoI do not believe Chief Edwards has distinguished himself professionally
in how he has handled this matterrsquo Councilor John Shea D-Nelson was also upsetrdquo [Union leader 31110]
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodi Said That Rep Eaton Wanted Edwards Fired For Targeting A
Specific Establishment For Liquor Law Violations ldquoThe following excerpts are taken from the transcript of
Liquor Commission Chairman Mark Bodis testimony before the Merrimack County Grand Jury on Feb 19 [hellip] A
I received a second call Q From whom A From Representative Eaton Q What does he say during that call A
Based on my phone discussion with Eaton he was representing that this was the kind of a nefarious plot that the
Chief had told his people to go out there and surveil this establishment [hellip]Q During your first few conversations
with Representative Eaton before the second search warrant is indicated does he say anything to you that lsquoThis is
Eddies vendetta Its like sticking a needle in my eye Why are you let-ting him do thisrsquo Does any of that sound
familiar to you A Representative Eaton did not use that terminology but that certainly was the implication He had
imparted to me on another occasion when I had asked him following a very lengthy hearing in which I disagreed
with Representative Eaton over how the Enforcement Division should be handled [hellip]Following that hearing I
approached him in the lobby and I asked him lsquoWhy are you doing this What can we do to resolve thisrsquo Q And
his answer was A Get rid of Eddie Edwardsrdquo [Union Leader 8510]
Fellow Congresswoman Maggie Hassan Said She Believed Eaton Had An Issue With Edwards ldquoEaton would
not comment directly on Bodis additional contention that Eaton had a lsquovendettarsquo against liquor enforcement chief
Eddie Edwards and wanted him fired [hellip] But state Sen Maggie Hassan D-Exeter said it was her lsquoperceptionrsquo
from sitting on a study committee and a budget conference committee with Eaton that lsquohe had particular issues with
Eddie Edwardsrsquordquo [Union Leader 8610]
HEADLINE EDITORIAL Bodi should stay There is no case for removal [Union Leader Editorial Union
Leader 8610]
Union Leader Editorial Bodi Was Removed From Office After Rep Eaton Called Bodi To Stop
Edwardsrsquo Investigation ldquoEaton called Bodi to complain about his friend being targeted by Enforcement
Division chief Eddie Edwards He suggested that Bodi get rid of Edwards He also asked Bodi to call the tavern
owner which Bodi did Bodis lsquointerferencersquo in the investigation consisted of calling the tavern owner to assure
him that due process would be followed in the investigation then ordering Edwards to return the surveillance
equipment Bodi over-stepped his authority by ordering the equipment returned But Bodi clearly was not
trying to hinder the pursuit of justice He didnt order the video returned only the equipment after the video
evidence was obtained As both Bodi and the attorney general acknowledge he was only trying to get Eaton off
his back That behavior does not justify Bodis removal from office rdquo [Union Leader Editorial Union Leader
8610]
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally The Attorney General Found
The Allegations Unfounded
Edwards Alleged That The Liquor Commission Hired A Lobbyist Illegally Attorney General Found The
Allegations Unfounded ldquoEdwards who referred all questions to his attorney has clashed with the commissioners
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 13
over several issues including the alleged illegal hiring of a lobbyist to help kill a bill that would have allowed the
sale of liquor in grocery and convenience stores hellip On Wednesday the Special House Committee to Evaluate the
New Hampshire State Liquor Commission heard testimony on the issue of hiring a lobbyist with Edwards
providing often conflicting testimony to Liquor Commission Chairman Joseph Mollica and Commissioner Michael
Milligan Last month the Attorney Generalrsquos Office released a preliminary investigation into Edwardsrsquo charges that
the commission illegally hired a lobbyist The attorney general found the charges were unfounded and there was no
need for a formal investigationrdquo [Union Leader 91512]
State Agencies Were Not Allowed To Hire Lobbyists ldquoSeveral lawmakers lobbyists and state employees
believe the state Liquor Commission illegally used a lobbyist to fight a bill that would have allowed liquor sales
in grocery and convenience stores State agencies are prohibited by law from paying lobbyists to influence
lawmakers A recent preliminary investigation by the Attorney Generals Office cleared the commission of any
wrongdoing saying Beer Distributors of NH lobbyist Clark Corson did not lobby for the commissionrdquo [Union
Leader 81612]
Commissioners Testified They Hired Clark Carson To Do A Study Not Lobby ldquoTwo liquor
commissioners claim - and the Attorney Generals Office agreed - that Corson was acting on his own or
lobbying for the beer wholesalers in working to defeat House Bill 1251 this session They claim Corson was
hired by the commissions advertising firm Rumbletree to do an independent study of the feasibility of selling
beer in state liquor stores But others including the commissions chief enforcement officer say the study was a
cover for Corsons lobbying efforts to defeat the billrdquo [Union Leader 81612]
The Attorney General Determined That There Was No Wrongdoing On The Part Of The Liquor
Commission ldquoThe attorney general Wednesday cleared the Liquor Commission of possible wrongdoing for
allegedly hiring a lobbyist The attorney generals report was discussed during a closed-door meeting with the
Executive Council after its meeting at Manchester School of Technology According to the report liquor
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards sent a report to the attorney general in May alleging the commission hired New
Hampshire Beer Wholesalers lobbyist Clark Corson to lobby lawmakers on behalf of the commission State law
forbids the use of state money to lobby lawmakersrdquo [Union Leader 8912]
A New Hampshire House Member Feared That The Liquor Commission Was Intimidating Edwards Into
Not Testifying At A House Hearing ldquoThe chair of the House committee investigating the Liquor Commission
and the liquor commissioners butted heads Tuesday over the committees access to information and commission
employees [hellip] Ober noted Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards testified before the committee last week
and two days later an advertisement was in the paper for someone to fill his position lsquoThat looks very much to me
like intimidationrsquo Ober said [hellip] Ober told the commission they owed Edwards something because anyone who
reads the newspaper and sees their job advertised believes lsquohe is going to be fired You need to do something He
did come in here and whistle-blowrsquordquo [Union Leader 91912]
Rep Coffey Nobody Should Be Afraid To Speak Up To The Legislature To Law Enforcement To
Anyonerdquo ldquoCoffey expressed concern about missing liquor attempts to shut down an agency store and posting
Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards job days after he testified before the committee lsquoWere not trying to rake
anyone over the coalsrsquo she said lsquobut Ive gotten email from people who want to come forward and talk to us
but are afraid for their jobs Nobody should be afraid to speak up to the Legislature to law enforcement to
anyonersquordquo [Union Leader 92112]
Edwards Testified That A Liquor Commission Bidding Process Was Rigged And Said He Advocated A
Third Party Bidding Process Commission Settled Lawsuit For $25 Million
Edwards Testified That A Company Had No Chance In The Bidding Process For A Liquor Commission
Contract ldquoThe outgoing chief of enforcement for the state Liquor Commission has joined a former commissioner
in testifying that Law Warehouses of Nashua had no chance of getting a $200 million 20-year warehouse contract
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 14
because of hostility toward the company within the commission hellip Law is seeking an injunction that would
prevent the NHLC from transferring the contract to logistics firm Exel of Westerville Ohio until Laws civil suit
seeking to overturn the contract is resolvedrdquo [Union Leader 43013]
Edwards ldquoI Know That The Commission Did Not Really Like Brian Lawrdquo ldquoEdwards described senior staff
meetings of the commission in which it became apparent to him that commissioners Mollica and Michael Milligan
did not want Law to get the contract which is consistent with Bodis deposition and affidavit lsquoI know that the
commission did not really like Brian Law I know there comments made about Brian Law not having the contract
too long or something like thatrsquo Edwards said lsquoAnd then there were comments about Brian Law specifically that
he felt he was entitled to the contractrsquo Edwards said there were concerns about the rates Law was charging and
complaints from some liquor brokers about the warehouse charges lsquoThey wanted to go in a different direction
other than with Brian Lawrsquo he said lsquoBased upon those conversations I did not believe that he was going to get the
contract I didnt believe that at allrsquordquo [Union Leader 5113]
Edwards Said That He Advocated For A Third Party Bidding Process Due To His Perception Of An
ldquoEnergyrdquo Against Brian Law ldquoAccording to Edwards there was an lsquoenergyrsquo among the commissioners and staff
that the ware-house contract should go to someone else because Brian Law owner of Law Warehouses had an
attitude of entitlement lsquoI just thought from an ethical standpoint it was inappropriate to have people on this review
committee that had these kind of thoughts and conversations and guidancersquo Edwards said He told liquor
commission officials to stop the bidding process and restart it under a third partyrsquos oversight because lsquoyou are not
being fair to Brian Law or anyone else in the processrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 50513]
Law Warehouses Alleged That The Liquor Commission Was Unfairly Biased Against Them ldquoLaw
Warehouses has sued the state to block the contract that was awarded to shipping giant Excel The liquor
commissions decision effectively kills a decades-long relationship that the prominent Nashua business has had
with the state Law charges that the bidding process was lsquotainted by unlawful favoritism from the startrsquordquo
[Nashua Telegraph 5513]
The State Alleged That Edwards Was Nothing But A Disgruntled Employee ldquoA state prosecutor backed by
half a dozen Liquor Commission employees told a judge Wednesday that Law Warehouses suit against the state is
based on nothing but complaints from two disgruntled former employees Senior Assistant Attorney General Mary
Ann Dempsey said sworn testimony from retired Liquor Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards and former
Liquor Commissioner Mark Bodi cant be taken at face value and is disputed by several current employees lsquoTheyre
certainly disgruntled employeesrsquo Dempsey said lsquoThat testimony is contradictedrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 5213]
2015 Liquor Commission Paid $25 Million To Settle The Case ldquoThe New Hampshire Liquor Commission has
agreed to pay $25 million to Law Warehouses to settle a lawsuit over the loss of a 20-year contract for
warehousing and distribution worth an estimated $200 millionrdquo [Union Leader 41315]
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase Licensing Fees Paid By Restaurants Up To
Twentyfold Claimed It Would Not Harm The Economy
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase The Fees Paid By ldquoRestaurant Cocktail
Lounge[s]rdquo Ten To Twentyfold ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as
much for their liquor license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants
The proposal would create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses
with more than 50 seats Under the current law bars and nightclubs can obtain a restaurant cocktail lounge license
for just $1200 if they sell $75000 worth of food annually but the bill would raise the food sales requirement to
$150000 State liquor enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that
bars and nightclubs have taken advantage of the rulesrdquo [AP 32908]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 15
Pub Owner Criticized The Proposal As Detrimental To The Economy ldquoDavid Barrett owner of Kilkenny
Pub and Twenty-One Bar amp Grill in Keene said the new requirements would force dozens of restaurants and
bars to shut down including his own lsquoIrsquove talked to 40 or 50 restaurant and bar owners in the southern and
middle part of New Hamp-shire and not one of them will pay $24000 a year for a licensersquo he said lsquoIf theyrsquore
not going to pay that you can imagine how many people will be out of work That bill should really finish
off the economy once and for allrsquordquo [AP 32908]
Edwards Argued The Measure He Supported To Raise Fees On Businesses Would Not Harm The
Economy ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as much for their liquor
license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants The proposal would
create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses with more than 50
seats hellip Edwards dismissed that argument as scare tactics and said the bill would not harm the economyrdquo [AP
32908]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For ldquoUnder his watch the enforcement division was accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies while also receiving the Spirit of America Award
from the New Hampshire Grocers Association for his collaborative approachrsquo I use the above examples of how
government can work with the hospitality and retail industries community organizations public health and law
enforcement to protect community interest without impeding the private sectorrsquo Edwards said lsquoThe goal should be
to make regulations as simple as necessary to assist business protect the public and encourage government
transparency My priority is to empower individuals to invest in job growth throughout District 4 by reforming
regulations that do not meet their stated purposersquo Edwards left the Liquor Commission after reaching a confidential
agreement with commissioners during a time of controversy over his job descriptionrdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Edwards Received Plaudits For Strict Enforcement
Nashua Telegraph ldquoEdwards Was A By-The-Book-Professional Who Wasnrsquot Fond Of Leniency[]rdquo ldquoThe
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencyrsquos enforcement division will
retire in June hellip Throughout his tenure Edwards was a by-the-book professional who wasnrsquot fond of leniency with
scofflaw license holdersrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Editorial Compared Edwards To Eliot Ness ldquoNew Hampshirersquos chief liquor law enforcer is a
teetotaling Southerner with no patience for drunkenness and a suspicious eye for alcohol in general Thank
goodness hellip Edwards is New Hampshirersquos own Eliot Ness But instead of mobsters hersquos battling bar owners who
endanger their own patrons and their communities by not following the lawrdquo [Union Leader Editorial 100207]
Shortly After Edwards ldquoTook Over The Job Of Enforcing Liquor Lawsrdquo Five Troubled Establishments Lost
Their Licensure ldquoOn June 8 2005 Eddie Edwards took over the job of enforcing liquor laws in the state of New
Hampshire About a month later a man fired four shots into the Omega nightclub in downtown Manchester and
bar owners across the state learned that a new sheriff was in town Within six months Omega lost its license to sell
alcohol in New Hampshire Others in Manchester quickly followed Envy Electra Florsquos Bar and Grill and
Aborigen Restaurant and Bar either lost their license surrendered it or dropped plans in the face of community
oppositionrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
NH State Liquor Commissioner Edwards Was Tougher Than Past Enforcement Heads ldquoNew Hampshire has
been getting tougher when it comes to enforcing liquor laws and much of the credit goes to Eddie
Edwards Edwards took over as state liquor enforcement chief two years ago In his first year the number of clubs
restaurants and stores facing fines or liquor license suspensions nearly quadrupled rising from 40 to 151 In the last
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 16
year that number of suspensions or fines dropped to 91 but Edwards said the decrease reflects the success of the
Bureau of Enforcement and Licensings efforts Patricia Russell a state liquor commissioner said Edwards by-the-
book approach to liquor law enforcement is tougher than that of his predecessor For years state liquor enforcement
officers did little more than run stings on underage sales and visit bars and restaurants she said lsquoTheres more bars
more drinking We have to be vigilant and Eddie is very vigilantrsquo Russell saidrdquo [Associated Press 10107]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The Liquor Commission Doubled Its Fines And Increased Its Penalties
ldquoSince Edwards arrival the state Liquor Commission has toughened its penalties doubling the fine for selling
to an underage or intoxicated customer to $500 plus a three-day license suspensionrdquo [Associated Press
10107]
hellipHowever Edwards Subjected Three Establishments Charged With Illegal Gambling A Felony To Far
Less Than The Maximum Punishment
A Pizza Restaurant Was ldquoCited For Gambling Violations And For Dealing Illicit Drugsrdquo And Settled With
The Liquor Commission To Revoke Its License And Forfeit $681 ldquoThe state liquor commission yesterday
revoked Three Cousins Pizza and Loungersquos liquor license in an agreement that also bars the clubrsquos owners from
applying for another license in the state for three years the commissionrsquos chief law enforcer said The clubrsquos
owners also agreed to forfeit $681 police seized during an Oct 21 raid at the 137 Wilson St lounge Chief Eddie
Edwards said hellip Three Cousins lounge was cited for gambling violations and for dealing illicit drugs on Oct 21rdquo
[Union Leader 110309]
Edwards Touted These Actions Of ldquoElected Officials And The Police Departmentrdquo As ldquoDoing All They
Can To Make Sure The Quality Of Life Is Maintained[]rdquo ldquoEdwards said the clubrsquos owners closed the
lounge last week lsquoI think thatrsquos what you see in Manchester elected officials and the police department and
the citizens in that community who are doing all they can to make sure the quality of life is maintainedrsquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Mayor Frank Guinta Praised The Liquor Commissionrsquos Actions ldquoMayor Frank C Guinta said he was
pleased with the liquor enforcement bureaursquos action lsquoThe restaurant was a blight on a neighborhood that does
not want drugs or gangs there This sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Manchesterrsquo
Guinta said in a statementrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Gambling Violations Were Felonious ldquoState law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be
charged with a class B felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their
establishmentsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
An American Legion Post Was Charged With Two Felonies For Alleged Illegal Gambing ldquoAn American
Legion Post in Lebanon has been hit with two felony charges for allowing gambling Feb 1 on its premises at 189
Mechanic St A Grafton County Superior Court grand jury indicted Guyer-Carignan Post 22 for gambling and a
charge called lsquoentertainment and entertainersrsquo according to the indictments The latter charge refers to gambling at
an establishment thats licensed to sell lsquoalcohol andor liquorrsquordquo [Union Leader 42414]
2014 $15000 Was Confiscated From The American Legion In ldquoA Similar Situation Took Place Several
Years Ago In Which the State Seized About $14000[]rdquo ldquoReached at the post on Thursday Bill Wilson
Guyer-Carignans financial officer said the state confiscated some $15000 He said the money was gleaned
from raffles and was used to benefit charity hellip A similar situation took place several years ago in which the
state seized about $14000 but later returned the money said Wilson who said that matter was resolved
without going to Superior Courtrdquo [Union Leader 42414]
Edwards Dealt With A ldquoSimilar Problemrdquo In 2010 With ldquoAdministrative Not Legal Remediesrdquo
ldquoThe Lebanon Legion post ran into a similar problem with its Super Bowl promotion in 2010 but then-
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 17
chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards resolved the matter with administrative not legal remedies
Kenney said he is pushing for a similar resolution this timerdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Law Enforcement Confiscated Seven Illegal Poker Machines From Two Pizza Parlors Illegal Gambling Was
Punishable By Felony Charges ldquoAuthorities confiscated video poker machines and charged four employees with
illegal gambling after simultaneous Friday night raids at Olympus Pizza restaurants in Manchester and Allenstown
-- the latter right next door to the police station hellip Fussell said seven video machines were seized in the raids three
in Allenstown and four in Manchester A large amount of cash was also seized he said hellip He said Finnell told him
officials were saying that an undercover officer had come into the bar last month and gotten a $50 pay-out on a
video poker game hellip State law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be charged with a class B
felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their establishmentsrdquo [Union
Leader 50910]
Edwards Said Business Owners ldquoCould Face Administrative Actions Including Fines[]rdquo ldquoLiquor
Commission Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards yesterday said the business owners could face
administrative actions including fines of up to $5000 and liquor license revocation Edwards said the state
liquor commissioners will make the ultimate decision on administrative pen-alties But he will make a
recommendation to them taking into account whether the owners were directly involved and if there were prior
violationsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar And
Reported Them To Dover Police
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar Reported
Them To Dover Police ldquoThe state Liquor Enforcement chief says he found law-enforcement officers gathering to
drink after hours at a local bar last month along with one of his own staffers The liquor enforcement bureau
Dover and state police are investigating It was 2 am on Aug 27 when state Liquor Enforcement Chief Eddie
Edwards pulled open the door of the bar The Station House and found the officers drinking The officers involved
were there to drink alcohol served to them an hour after the statersquos 1 am cutoff he said Dover Police Chief
Anthony Colarusso said yesterday he only caught wind of the alleged gathering when Edwards contacted himrdquo
[Union Leader 91207]
Edwards Advocated Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code And Increase Their Lighting
Edwards Suggested That Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code Barring Necklaces ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are
currently a lsquohot spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could
lead to change Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip They also have suggested some
impose a dress code that will discourage troublemakers lsquoPeople show up with chains on their necks We call that
battle gearrsquo said Edwards Imposing a dress code would keep out some who just come to stand against the wall
arms folded in and wait for a fight he saidrdquo [Union Leader71805]
Edwards Advocated That Night Clubs Increase Their Lighting ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are currently a lsquohot
spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could lead to change
Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip Chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards
told the governor and council lsquoItrsquos a hot spot for us right nowrsquo He said the department will continue to put pressure
on operators to follow the law while advising them to increase the lighting to better see who their customers are and
what they are doing hellip Dark rooms make it difficult to see the age and level of sobriety of a patron he noted More
lighting he said helps those who are pouring drinks and those monitoring the club to enforce the lawsrdquo [Union
Leader 71805]
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 13
over several issues including the alleged illegal hiring of a lobbyist to help kill a bill that would have allowed the
sale of liquor in grocery and convenience stores hellip On Wednesday the Special House Committee to Evaluate the
New Hampshire State Liquor Commission heard testimony on the issue of hiring a lobbyist with Edwards
providing often conflicting testimony to Liquor Commission Chairman Joseph Mollica and Commissioner Michael
Milligan Last month the Attorney Generalrsquos Office released a preliminary investigation into Edwardsrsquo charges that
the commission illegally hired a lobbyist The attorney general found the charges were unfounded and there was no
need for a formal investigationrdquo [Union Leader 91512]
State Agencies Were Not Allowed To Hire Lobbyists ldquoSeveral lawmakers lobbyists and state employees
believe the state Liquor Commission illegally used a lobbyist to fight a bill that would have allowed liquor sales
in grocery and convenience stores State agencies are prohibited by law from paying lobbyists to influence
lawmakers A recent preliminary investigation by the Attorney Generals Office cleared the commission of any
wrongdoing saying Beer Distributors of NH lobbyist Clark Corson did not lobby for the commissionrdquo [Union
Leader 81612]
Commissioners Testified They Hired Clark Carson To Do A Study Not Lobby ldquoTwo liquor
commissioners claim - and the Attorney Generals Office agreed - that Corson was acting on his own or
lobbying for the beer wholesalers in working to defeat House Bill 1251 this session They claim Corson was
hired by the commissions advertising firm Rumbletree to do an independent study of the feasibility of selling
beer in state liquor stores But others including the commissions chief enforcement officer say the study was a
cover for Corsons lobbying efforts to defeat the billrdquo [Union Leader 81612]
The Attorney General Determined That There Was No Wrongdoing On The Part Of The Liquor
Commission ldquoThe attorney general Wednesday cleared the Liquor Commission of possible wrongdoing for
allegedly hiring a lobbyist The attorney generals report was discussed during a closed-door meeting with the
Executive Council after its meeting at Manchester School of Technology According to the report liquor
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards sent a report to the attorney general in May alleging the commission hired New
Hampshire Beer Wholesalers lobbyist Clark Corson to lobby lawmakers on behalf of the commission State law
forbids the use of state money to lobby lawmakersrdquo [Union Leader 8912]
A New Hampshire House Member Feared That The Liquor Commission Was Intimidating Edwards Into
Not Testifying At A House Hearing ldquoThe chair of the House committee investigating the Liquor Commission
and the liquor commissioners butted heads Tuesday over the committees access to information and commission
employees [hellip] Ober noted Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards testified before the committee last week
and two days later an advertisement was in the paper for someone to fill his position lsquoThat looks very much to me
like intimidationrsquo Ober said [hellip] Ober told the commission they owed Edwards something because anyone who
reads the newspaper and sees their job advertised believes lsquohe is going to be fired You need to do something He
did come in here and whistle-blowrsquordquo [Union Leader 91912]
Rep Coffey Nobody Should Be Afraid To Speak Up To The Legislature To Law Enforcement To
Anyonerdquo ldquoCoffey expressed concern about missing liquor attempts to shut down an agency store and posting
Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards job days after he testified before the committee lsquoWere not trying to rake
anyone over the coalsrsquo she said lsquobut Ive gotten email from people who want to come forward and talk to us
but are afraid for their jobs Nobody should be afraid to speak up to the Legislature to law enforcement to
anyonersquordquo [Union Leader 92112]
Edwards Testified That A Liquor Commission Bidding Process Was Rigged And Said He Advocated A
Third Party Bidding Process Commission Settled Lawsuit For $25 Million
Edwards Testified That A Company Had No Chance In The Bidding Process For A Liquor Commission
Contract ldquoThe outgoing chief of enforcement for the state Liquor Commission has joined a former commissioner
in testifying that Law Warehouses of Nashua had no chance of getting a $200 million 20-year warehouse contract
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 14
because of hostility toward the company within the commission hellip Law is seeking an injunction that would
prevent the NHLC from transferring the contract to logistics firm Exel of Westerville Ohio until Laws civil suit
seeking to overturn the contract is resolvedrdquo [Union Leader 43013]
Edwards ldquoI Know That The Commission Did Not Really Like Brian Lawrdquo ldquoEdwards described senior staff
meetings of the commission in which it became apparent to him that commissioners Mollica and Michael Milligan
did not want Law to get the contract which is consistent with Bodis deposition and affidavit lsquoI know that the
commission did not really like Brian Law I know there comments made about Brian Law not having the contract
too long or something like thatrsquo Edwards said lsquoAnd then there were comments about Brian Law specifically that
he felt he was entitled to the contractrsquo Edwards said there were concerns about the rates Law was charging and
complaints from some liquor brokers about the warehouse charges lsquoThey wanted to go in a different direction
other than with Brian Lawrsquo he said lsquoBased upon those conversations I did not believe that he was going to get the
contract I didnt believe that at allrsquordquo [Union Leader 5113]
Edwards Said That He Advocated For A Third Party Bidding Process Due To His Perception Of An
ldquoEnergyrdquo Against Brian Law ldquoAccording to Edwards there was an lsquoenergyrsquo among the commissioners and staff
that the ware-house contract should go to someone else because Brian Law owner of Law Warehouses had an
attitude of entitlement lsquoI just thought from an ethical standpoint it was inappropriate to have people on this review
committee that had these kind of thoughts and conversations and guidancersquo Edwards said He told liquor
commission officials to stop the bidding process and restart it under a third partyrsquos oversight because lsquoyou are not
being fair to Brian Law or anyone else in the processrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 50513]
Law Warehouses Alleged That The Liquor Commission Was Unfairly Biased Against Them ldquoLaw
Warehouses has sued the state to block the contract that was awarded to shipping giant Excel The liquor
commissions decision effectively kills a decades-long relationship that the prominent Nashua business has had
with the state Law charges that the bidding process was lsquotainted by unlawful favoritism from the startrsquordquo
[Nashua Telegraph 5513]
The State Alleged That Edwards Was Nothing But A Disgruntled Employee ldquoA state prosecutor backed by
half a dozen Liquor Commission employees told a judge Wednesday that Law Warehouses suit against the state is
based on nothing but complaints from two disgruntled former employees Senior Assistant Attorney General Mary
Ann Dempsey said sworn testimony from retired Liquor Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards and former
Liquor Commissioner Mark Bodi cant be taken at face value and is disputed by several current employees lsquoTheyre
certainly disgruntled employeesrsquo Dempsey said lsquoThat testimony is contradictedrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 5213]
2015 Liquor Commission Paid $25 Million To Settle The Case ldquoThe New Hampshire Liquor Commission has
agreed to pay $25 million to Law Warehouses to settle a lawsuit over the loss of a 20-year contract for
warehousing and distribution worth an estimated $200 millionrdquo [Union Leader 41315]
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase Licensing Fees Paid By Restaurants Up To
Twentyfold Claimed It Would Not Harm The Economy
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase The Fees Paid By ldquoRestaurant Cocktail
Lounge[s]rdquo Ten To Twentyfold ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as
much for their liquor license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants
The proposal would create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses
with more than 50 seats Under the current law bars and nightclubs can obtain a restaurant cocktail lounge license
for just $1200 if they sell $75000 worth of food annually but the bill would raise the food sales requirement to
$150000 State liquor enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that
bars and nightclubs have taken advantage of the rulesrdquo [AP 32908]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 15
Pub Owner Criticized The Proposal As Detrimental To The Economy ldquoDavid Barrett owner of Kilkenny
Pub and Twenty-One Bar amp Grill in Keene said the new requirements would force dozens of restaurants and
bars to shut down including his own lsquoIrsquove talked to 40 or 50 restaurant and bar owners in the southern and
middle part of New Hamp-shire and not one of them will pay $24000 a year for a licensersquo he said lsquoIf theyrsquore
not going to pay that you can imagine how many people will be out of work That bill should really finish
off the economy once and for allrsquordquo [AP 32908]
Edwards Argued The Measure He Supported To Raise Fees On Businesses Would Not Harm The
Economy ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as much for their liquor
license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants The proposal would
create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses with more than 50
seats hellip Edwards dismissed that argument as scare tactics and said the bill would not harm the economyrdquo [AP
32908]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For ldquoUnder his watch the enforcement division was accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies while also receiving the Spirit of America Award
from the New Hampshire Grocers Association for his collaborative approachrsquo I use the above examples of how
government can work with the hospitality and retail industries community organizations public health and law
enforcement to protect community interest without impeding the private sectorrsquo Edwards said lsquoThe goal should be
to make regulations as simple as necessary to assist business protect the public and encourage government
transparency My priority is to empower individuals to invest in job growth throughout District 4 by reforming
regulations that do not meet their stated purposersquo Edwards left the Liquor Commission after reaching a confidential
agreement with commissioners during a time of controversy over his job descriptionrdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Edwards Received Plaudits For Strict Enforcement
Nashua Telegraph ldquoEdwards Was A By-The-Book-Professional Who Wasnrsquot Fond Of Leniency[]rdquo ldquoThe
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencyrsquos enforcement division will
retire in June hellip Throughout his tenure Edwards was a by-the-book professional who wasnrsquot fond of leniency with
scofflaw license holdersrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Editorial Compared Edwards To Eliot Ness ldquoNew Hampshirersquos chief liquor law enforcer is a
teetotaling Southerner with no patience for drunkenness and a suspicious eye for alcohol in general Thank
goodness hellip Edwards is New Hampshirersquos own Eliot Ness But instead of mobsters hersquos battling bar owners who
endanger their own patrons and their communities by not following the lawrdquo [Union Leader Editorial 100207]
Shortly After Edwards ldquoTook Over The Job Of Enforcing Liquor Lawsrdquo Five Troubled Establishments Lost
Their Licensure ldquoOn June 8 2005 Eddie Edwards took over the job of enforcing liquor laws in the state of New
Hampshire About a month later a man fired four shots into the Omega nightclub in downtown Manchester and
bar owners across the state learned that a new sheriff was in town Within six months Omega lost its license to sell
alcohol in New Hampshire Others in Manchester quickly followed Envy Electra Florsquos Bar and Grill and
Aborigen Restaurant and Bar either lost their license surrendered it or dropped plans in the face of community
oppositionrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
NH State Liquor Commissioner Edwards Was Tougher Than Past Enforcement Heads ldquoNew Hampshire has
been getting tougher when it comes to enforcing liquor laws and much of the credit goes to Eddie
Edwards Edwards took over as state liquor enforcement chief two years ago In his first year the number of clubs
restaurants and stores facing fines or liquor license suspensions nearly quadrupled rising from 40 to 151 In the last
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 16
year that number of suspensions or fines dropped to 91 but Edwards said the decrease reflects the success of the
Bureau of Enforcement and Licensings efforts Patricia Russell a state liquor commissioner said Edwards by-the-
book approach to liquor law enforcement is tougher than that of his predecessor For years state liquor enforcement
officers did little more than run stings on underage sales and visit bars and restaurants she said lsquoTheres more bars
more drinking We have to be vigilant and Eddie is very vigilantrsquo Russell saidrdquo [Associated Press 10107]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The Liquor Commission Doubled Its Fines And Increased Its Penalties
ldquoSince Edwards arrival the state Liquor Commission has toughened its penalties doubling the fine for selling
to an underage or intoxicated customer to $500 plus a three-day license suspensionrdquo [Associated Press
10107]
hellipHowever Edwards Subjected Three Establishments Charged With Illegal Gambling A Felony To Far
Less Than The Maximum Punishment
A Pizza Restaurant Was ldquoCited For Gambling Violations And For Dealing Illicit Drugsrdquo And Settled With
The Liquor Commission To Revoke Its License And Forfeit $681 ldquoThe state liquor commission yesterday
revoked Three Cousins Pizza and Loungersquos liquor license in an agreement that also bars the clubrsquos owners from
applying for another license in the state for three years the commissionrsquos chief law enforcer said The clubrsquos
owners also agreed to forfeit $681 police seized during an Oct 21 raid at the 137 Wilson St lounge Chief Eddie
Edwards said hellip Three Cousins lounge was cited for gambling violations and for dealing illicit drugs on Oct 21rdquo
[Union Leader 110309]
Edwards Touted These Actions Of ldquoElected Officials And The Police Departmentrdquo As ldquoDoing All They
Can To Make Sure The Quality Of Life Is Maintained[]rdquo ldquoEdwards said the clubrsquos owners closed the
lounge last week lsquoI think thatrsquos what you see in Manchester elected officials and the police department and
the citizens in that community who are doing all they can to make sure the quality of life is maintainedrsquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Mayor Frank Guinta Praised The Liquor Commissionrsquos Actions ldquoMayor Frank C Guinta said he was
pleased with the liquor enforcement bureaursquos action lsquoThe restaurant was a blight on a neighborhood that does
not want drugs or gangs there This sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Manchesterrsquo
Guinta said in a statementrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Gambling Violations Were Felonious ldquoState law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be
charged with a class B felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their
establishmentsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
An American Legion Post Was Charged With Two Felonies For Alleged Illegal Gambing ldquoAn American
Legion Post in Lebanon has been hit with two felony charges for allowing gambling Feb 1 on its premises at 189
Mechanic St A Grafton County Superior Court grand jury indicted Guyer-Carignan Post 22 for gambling and a
charge called lsquoentertainment and entertainersrsquo according to the indictments The latter charge refers to gambling at
an establishment thats licensed to sell lsquoalcohol andor liquorrsquordquo [Union Leader 42414]
2014 $15000 Was Confiscated From The American Legion In ldquoA Similar Situation Took Place Several
Years Ago In Which the State Seized About $14000[]rdquo ldquoReached at the post on Thursday Bill Wilson
Guyer-Carignans financial officer said the state confiscated some $15000 He said the money was gleaned
from raffles and was used to benefit charity hellip A similar situation took place several years ago in which the
state seized about $14000 but later returned the money said Wilson who said that matter was resolved
without going to Superior Courtrdquo [Union Leader 42414]
Edwards Dealt With A ldquoSimilar Problemrdquo In 2010 With ldquoAdministrative Not Legal Remediesrdquo
ldquoThe Lebanon Legion post ran into a similar problem with its Super Bowl promotion in 2010 but then-
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 17
chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards resolved the matter with administrative not legal remedies
Kenney said he is pushing for a similar resolution this timerdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Law Enforcement Confiscated Seven Illegal Poker Machines From Two Pizza Parlors Illegal Gambling Was
Punishable By Felony Charges ldquoAuthorities confiscated video poker machines and charged four employees with
illegal gambling after simultaneous Friday night raids at Olympus Pizza restaurants in Manchester and Allenstown
-- the latter right next door to the police station hellip Fussell said seven video machines were seized in the raids three
in Allenstown and four in Manchester A large amount of cash was also seized he said hellip He said Finnell told him
officials were saying that an undercover officer had come into the bar last month and gotten a $50 pay-out on a
video poker game hellip State law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be charged with a class B
felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their establishmentsrdquo [Union
Leader 50910]
Edwards Said Business Owners ldquoCould Face Administrative Actions Including Fines[]rdquo ldquoLiquor
Commission Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards yesterday said the business owners could face
administrative actions including fines of up to $5000 and liquor license revocation Edwards said the state
liquor commissioners will make the ultimate decision on administrative pen-alties But he will make a
recommendation to them taking into account whether the owners were directly involved and if there were prior
violationsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar And
Reported Them To Dover Police
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar Reported
Them To Dover Police ldquoThe state Liquor Enforcement chief says he found law-enforcement officers gathering to
drink after hours at a local bar last month along with one of his own staffers The liquor enforcement bureau
Dover and state police are investigating It was 2 am on Aug 27 when state Liquor Enforcement Chief Eddie
Edwards pulled open the door of the bar The Station House and found the officers drinking The officers involved
were there to drink alcohol served to them an hour after the statersquos 1 am cutoff he said Dover Police Chief
Anthony Colarusso said yesterday he only caught wind of the alleged gathering when Edwards contacted himrdquo
[Union Leader 91207]
Edwards Advocated Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code And Increase Their Lighting
Edwards Suggested That Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code Barring Necklaces ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are
currently a lsquohot spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could
lead to change Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip They also have suggested some
impose a dress code that will discourage troublemakers lsquoPeople show up with chains on their necks We call that
battle gearrsquo said Edwards Imposing a dress code would keep out some who just come to stand against the wall
arms folded in and wait for a fight he saidrdquo [Union Leader71805]
Edwards Advocated That Night Clubs Increase Their Lighting ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are currently a lsquohot
spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could lead to change
Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip Chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards
told the governor and council lsquoItrsquos a hot spot for us right nowrsquo He said the department will continue to put pressure
on operators to follow the law while advising them to increase the lighting to better see who their customers are and
what they are doing hellip Dark rooms make it difficult to see the age and level of sobriety of a patron he noted More
lighting he said helps those who are pouring drinks and those monitoring the club to enforce the lawsrdquo [Union
Leader 71805]
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 14
because of hostility toward the company within the commission hellip Law is seeking an injunction that would
prevent the NHLC from transferring the contract to logistics firm Exel of Westerville Ohio until Laws civil suit
seeking to overturn the contract is resolvedrdquo [Union Leader 43013]
Edwards ldquoI Know That The Commission Did Not Really Like Brian Lawrdquo ldquoEdwards described senior staff
meetings of the commission in which it became apparent to him that commissioners Mollica and Michael Milligan
did not want Law to get the contract which is consistent with Bodis deposition and affidavit lsquoI know that the
commission did not really like Brian Law I know there comments made about Brian Law not having the contract
too long or something like thatrsquo Edwards said lsquoAnd then there were comments about Brian Law specifically that
he felt he was entitled to the contractrsquo Edwards said there were concerns about the rates Law was charging and
complaints from some liquor brokers about the warehouse charges lsquoThey wanted to go in a different direction
other than with Brian Lawrsquo he said lsquoBased upon those conversations I did not believe that he was going to get the
contract I didnt believe that at allrsquordquo [Union Leader 5113]
Edwards Said That He Advocated For A Third Party Bidding Process Due To His Perception Of An
ldquoEnergyrdquo Against Brian Law ldquoAccording to Edwards there was an lsquoenergyrsquo among the commissioners and staff
that the ware-house contract should go to someone else because Brian Law owner of Law Warehouses had an
attitude of entitlement lsquoI just thought from an ethical standpoint it was inappropriate to have people on this review
committee that had these kind of thoughts and conversations and guidancersquo Edwards said He told liquor
commission officials to stop the bidding process and restart it under a third partyrsquos oversight because lsquoyou are not
being fair to Brian Law or anyone else in the processrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 50513]
Law Warehouses Alleged That The Liquor Commission Was Unfairly Biased Against Them ldquoLaw
Warehouses has sued the state to block the contract that was awarded to shipping giant Excel The liquor
commissions decision effectively kills a decades-long relationship that the prominent Nashua business has had
with the state Law charges that the bidding process was lsquotainted by unlawful favoritism from the startrsquordquo
[Nashua Telegraph 5513]
The State Alleged That Edwards Was Nothing But A Disgruntled Employee ldquoA state prosecutor backed by
half a dozen Liquor Commission employees told a judge Wednesday that Law Warehouses suit against the state is
based on nothing but complaints from two disgruntled former employees Senior Assistant Attorney General Mary
Ann Dempsey said sworn testimony from retired Liquor Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards and former
Liquor Commissioner Mark Bodi cant be taken at face value and is disputed by several current employees lsquoTheyre
certainly disgruntled employeesrsquo Dempsey said lsquoThat testimony is contradictedrsquordquo [Nashua Telegraph 5213]
2015 Liquor Commission Paid $25 Million To Settle The Case ldquoThe New Hampshire Liquor Commission has
agreed to pay $25 million to Law Warehouses to settle a lawsuit over the loss of a 20-year contract for
warehousing and distribution worth an estimated $200 millionrdquo [Union Leader 41315]
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase Licensing Fees Paid By Restaurants Up To
Twentyfold Claimed It Would Not Harm The Economy
Edwards Advocated For A Measure Which Would Increase The Fees Paid By ldquoRestaurant Cocktail
Lounge[s]rdquo Ten To Twentyfold ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as
much for their liquor license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants
The proposal would create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses
with more than 50 seats Under the current law bars and nightclubs can obtain a restaurant cocktail lounge license
for just $1200 if they sell $75000 worth of food annually but the bill would raise the food sales requirement to
$150000 State liquor enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that
bars and nightclubs have taken advantage of the rulesrdquo [AP 32908]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 15
Pub Owner Criticized The Proposal As Detrimental To The Economy ldquoDavid Barrett owner of Kilkenny
Pub and Twenty-One Bar amp Grill in Keene said the new requirements would force dozens of restaurants and
bars to shut down including his own lsquoIrsquove talked to 40 or 50 restaurant and bar owners in the southern and
middle part of New Hamp-shire and not one of them will pay $24000 a year for a licensersquo he said lsquoIf theyrsquore
not going to pay that you can imagine how many people will be out of work That bill should really finish
off the economy once and for allrsquordquo [AP 32908]
Edwards Argued The Measure He Supported To Raise Fees On Businesses Would Not Harm The
Economy ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as much for their liquor
license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants The proposal would
create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses with more than 50
seats hellip Edwards dismissed that argument as scare tactics and said the bill would not harm the economyrdquo [AP
32908]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For ldquoUnder his watch the enforcement division was accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies while also receiving the Spirit of America Award
from the New Hampshire Grocers Association for his collaborative approachrsquo I use the above examples of how
government can work with the hospitality and retail industries community organizations public health and law
enforcement to protect community interest without impeding the private sectorrsquo Edwards said lsquoThe goal should be
to make regulations as simple as necessary to assist business protect the public and encourage government
transparency My priority is to empower individuals to invest in job growth throughout District 4 by reforming
regulations that do not meet their stated purposersquo Edwards left the Liquor Commission after reaching a confidential
agreement with commissioners during a time of controversy over his job descriptionrdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Edwards Received Plaudits For Strict Enforcement
Nashua Telegraph ldquoEdwards Was A By-The-Book-Professional Who Wasnrsquot Fond Of Leniency[]rdquo ldquoThe
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencyrsquos enforcement division will
retire in June hellip Throughout his tenure Edwards was a by-the-book professional who wasnrsquot fond of leniency with
scofflaw license holdersrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Editorial Compared Edwards To Eliot Ness ldquoNew Hampshirersquos chief liquor law enforcer is a
teetotaling Southerner with no patience for drunkenness and a suspicious eye for alcohol in general Thank
goodness hellip Edwards is New Hampshirersquos own Eliot Ness But instead of mobsters hersquos battling bar owners who
endanger their own patrons and their communities by not following the lawrdquo [Union Leader Editorial 100207]
Shortly After Edwards ldquoTook Over The Job Of Enforcing Liquor Lawsrdquo Five Troubled Establishments Lost
Their Licensure ldquoOn June 8 2005 Eddie Edwards took over the job of enforcing liquor laws in the state of New
Hampshire About a month later a man fired four shots into the Omega nightclub in downtown Manchester and
bar owners across the state learned that a new sheriff was in town Within six months Omega lost its license to sell
alcohol in New Hampshire Others in Manchester quickly followed Envy Electra Florsquos Bar and Grill and
Aborigen Restaurant and Bar either lost their license surrendered it or dropped plans in the face of community
oppositionrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
NH State Liquor Commissioner Edwards Was Tougher Than Past Enforcement Heads ldquoNew Hampshire has
been getting tougher when it comes to enforcing liquor laws and much of the credit goes to Eddie
Edwards Edwards took over as state liquor enforcement chief two years ago In his first year the number of clubs
restaurants and stores facing fines or liquor license suspensions nearly quadrupled rising from 40 to 151 In the last
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 16
year that number of suspensions or fines dropped to 91 but Edwards said the decrease reflects the success of the
Bureau of Enforcement and Licensings efforts Patricia Russell a state liquor commissioner said Edwards by-the-
book approach to liquor law enforcement is tougher than that of his predecessor For years state liquor enforcement
officers did little more than run stings on underage sales and visit bars and restaurants she said lsquoTheres more bars
more drinking We have to be vigilant and Eddie is very vigilantrsquo Russell saidrdquo [Associated Press 10107]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The Liquor Commission Doubled Its Fines And Increased Its Penalties
ldquoSince Edwards arrival the state Liquor Commission has toughened its penalties doubling the fine for selling
to an underage or intoxicated customer to $500 plus a three-day license suspensionrdquo [Associated Press
10107]
hellipHowever Edwards Subjected Three Establishments Charged With Illegal Gambling A Felony To Far
Less Than The Maximum Punishment
A Pizza Restaurant Was ldquoCited For Gambling Violations And For Dealing Illicit Drugsrdquo And Settled With
The Liquor Commission To Revoke Its License And Forfeit $681 ldquoThe state liquor commission yesterday
revoked Three Cousins Pizza and Loungersquos liquor license in an agreement that also bars the clubrsquos owners from
applying for another license in the state for three years the commissionrsquos chief law enforcer said The clubrsquos
owners also agreed to forfeit $681 police seized during an Oct 21 raid at the 137 Wilson St lounge Chief Eddie
Edwards said hellip Three Cousins lounge was cited for gambling violations and for dealing illicit drugs on Oct 21rdquo
[Union Leader 110309]
Edwards Touted These Actions Of ldquoElected Officials And The Police Departmentrdquo As ldquoDoing All They
Can To Make Sure The Quality Of Life Is Maintained[]rdquo ldquoEdwards said the clubrsquos owners closed the
lounge last week lsquoI think thatrsquos what you see in Manchester elected officials and the police department and
the citizens in that community who are doing all they can to make sure the quality of life is maintainedrsquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Mayor Frank Guinta Praised The Liquor Commissionrsquos Actions ldquoMayor Frank C Guinta said he was
pleased with the liquor enforcement bureaursquos action lsquoThe restaurant was a blight on a neighborhood that does
not want drugs or gangs there This sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Manchesterrsquo
Guinta said in a statementrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Gambling Violations Were Felonious ldquoState law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be
charged with a class B felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their
establishmentsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
An American Legion Post Was Charged With Two Felonies For Alleged Illegal Gambing ldquoAn American
Legion Post in Lebanon has been hit with two felony charges for allowing gambling Feb 1 on its premises at 189
Mechanic St A Grafton County Superior Court grand jury indicted Guyer-Carignan Post 22 for gambling and a
charge called lsquoentertainment and entertainersrsquo according to the indictments The latter charge refers to gambling at
an establishment thats licensed to sell lsquoalcohol andor liquorrsquordquo [Union Leader 42414]
2014 $15000 Was Confiscated From The American Legion In ldquoA Similar Situation Took Place Several
Years Ago In Which the State Seized About $14000[]rdquo ldquoReached at the post on Thursday Bill Wilson
Guyer-Carignans financial officer said the state confiscated some $15000 He said the money was gleaned
from raffles and was used to benefit charity hellip A similar situation took place several years ago in which the
state seized about $14000 but later returned the money said Wilson who said that matter was resolved
without going to Superior Courtrdquo [Union Leader 42414]
Edwards Dealt With A ldquoSimilar Problemrdquo In 2010 With ldquoAdministrative Not Legal Remediesrdquo
ldquoThe Lebanon Legion post ran into a similar problem with its Super Bowl promotion in 2010 but then-
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 17
chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards resolved the matter with administrative not legal remedies
Kenney said he is pushing for a similar resolution this timerdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Law Enforcement Confiscated Seven Illegal Poker Machines From Two Pizza Parlors Illegal Gambling Was
Punishable By Felony Charges ldquoAuthorities confiscated video poker machines and charged four employees with
illegal gambling after simultaneous Friday night raids at Olympus Pizza restaurants in Manchester and Allenstown
-- the latter right next door to the police station hellip Fussell said seven video machines were seized in the raids three
in Allenstown and four in Manchester A large amount of cash was also seized he said hellip He said Finnell told him
officials were saying that an undercover officer had come into the bar last month and gotten a $50 pay-out on a
video poker game hellip State law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be charged with a class B
felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their establishmentsrdquo [Union
Leader 50910]
Edwards Said Business Owners ldquoCould Face Administrative Actions Including Fines[]rdquo ldquoLiquor
Commission Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards yesterday said the business owners could face
administrative actions including fines of up to $5000 and liquor license revocation Edwards said the state
liquor commissioners will make the ultimate decision on administrative pen-alties But he will make a
recommendation to them taking into account whether the owners were directly involved and if there were prior
violationsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar And
Reported Them To Dover Police
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar Reported
Them To Dover Police ldquoThe state Liquor Enforcement chief says he found law-enforcement officers gathering to
drink after hours at a local bar last month along with one of his own staffers The liquor enforcement bureau
Dover and state police are investigating It was 2 am on Aug 27 when state Liquor Enforcement Chief Eddie
Edwards pulled open the door of the bar The Station House and found the officers drinking The officers involved
were there to drink alcohol served to them an hour after the statersquos 1 am cutoff he said Dover Police Chief
Anthony Colarusso said yesterday he only caught wind of the alleged gathering when Edwards contacted himrdquo
[Union Leader 91207]
Edwards Advocated Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code And Increase Their Lighting
Edwards Suggested That Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code Barring Necklaces ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are
currently a lsquohot spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could
lead to change Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip They also have suggested some
impose a dress code that will discourage troublemakers lsquoPeople show up with chains on their necks We call that
battle gearrsquo said Edwards Imposing a dress code would keep out some who just come to stand against the wall
arms folded in and wait for a fight he saidrdquo [Union Leader71805]
Edwards Advocated That Night Clubs Increase Their Lighting ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are currently a lsquohot
spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could lead to change
Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip Chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards
told the governor and council lsquoItrsquos a hot spot for us right nowrsquo He said the department will continue to put pressure
on operators to follow the law while advising them to increase the lighting to better see who their customers are and
what they are doing hellip Dark rooms make it difficult to see the age and level of sobriety of a patron he noted More
lighting he said helps those who are pouring drinks and those monitoring the club to enforce the lawsrdquo [Union
Leader 71805]
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 15
Pub Owner Criticized The Proposal As Detrimental To The Economy ldquoDavid Barrett owner of Kilkenny
Pub and Twenty-One Bar amp Grill in Keene said the new requirements would force dozens of restaurants and
bars to shut down including his own lsquoIrsquove talked to 40 or 50 restaurant and bar owners in the southern and
middle part of New Hamp-shire and not one of them will pay $24000 a year for a licensersquo he said lsquoIf theyrsquore
not going to pay that you can imagine how many people will be out of work That bill should really finish
off the economy once and for allrsquordquo [AP 32908]
Edwards Argued The Measure He Supported To Raise Fees On Businesses Would Not Harm The
Economy ldquoBar and nightclub owners that serve hard liquor would pay 10 to 20 times as much for their liquor
license under a bill aimed at preventing such businesses from masquerading as restaurants The proposal would
create a new tavern license costing $12000 for small bars and up to $24000 for businesses with more than 50
seats hellip Edwards dismissed that argument as scare tactics and said the bill would not harm the economyrdquo [AP
32908]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The NH Liquor Commission Received An Award From An Organization That
Edwards Ended Up Lobbying For ldquoUnder his watch the enforcement division was accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies while also receiving the Spirit of America Award
from the New Hampshire Grocers Association for his collaborative approachrsquo I use the above examples of how
government can work with the hospitality and retail industries community organizations public health and law
enforcement to protect community interest without impeding the private sectorrsquo Edwards said lsquoThe goal should be
to make regulations as simple as necessary to assist business protect the public and encourage government
transparency My priority is to empower individuals to invest in job growth throughout District 4 by reforming
regulations that do not meet their stated purposersquo Edwards left the Liquor Commission after reaching a confidential
agreement with commissioners during a time of controversy over his job descriptionrdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Edwards Received Plaudits For Strict Enforcement
Nashua Telegraph ldquoEdwards Was A By-The-Book-Professional Who Wasnrsquot Fond Of Leniency[]rdquo ldquoThe
Sunday Telegraph confirmed that Eddie Edwards the longtime chief of the agencyrsquos enforcement division will
retire in June hellip Throughout his tenure Edwards was a by-the-book professional who wasnrsquot fond of leniency with
scofflaw license holdersrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 41413]
Union Leader Editorial Compared Edwards To Eliot Ness ldquoNew Hampshirersquos chief liquor law enforcer is a
teetotaling Southerner with no patience for drunkenness and a suspicious eye for alcohol in general Thank
goodness hellip Edwards is New Hampshirersquos own Eliot Ness But instead of mobsters hersquos battling bar owners who
endanger their own patrons and their communities by not following the lawrdquo [Union Leader Editorial 100207]
Shortly After Edwards ldquoTook Over The Job Of Enforcing Liquor Lawsrdquo Five Troubled Establishments Lost
Their Licensure ldquoOn June 8 2005 Eddie Edwards took over the job of enforcing liquor laws in the state of New
Hampshire About a month later a man fired four shots into the Omega nightclub in downtown Manchester and
bar owners across the state learned that a new sheriff was in town Within six months Omega lost its license to sell
alcohol in New Hampshire Others in Manchester quickly followed Envy Electra Florsquos Bar and Grill and
Aborigen Restaurant and Bar either lost their license surrendered it or dropped plans in the face of community
oppositionrdquo [Union Leader 100107]
NH State Liquor Commissioner Edwards Was Tougher Than Past Enforcement Heads ldquoNew Hampshire has
been getting tougher when it comes to enforcing liquor laws and much of the credit goes to Eddie
Edwards Edwards took over as state liquor enforcement chief two years ago In his first year the number of clubs
restaurants and stores facing fines or liquor license suspensions nearly quadrupled rising from 40 to 151 In the last
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 16
year that number of suspensions or fines dropped to 91 but Edwards said the decrease reflects the success of the
Bureau of Enforcement and Licensings efforts Patricia Russell a state liquor commissioner said Edwards by-the-
book approach to liquor law enforcement is tougher than that of his predecessor For years state liquor enforcement
officers did little more than run stings on underage sales and visit bars and restaurants she said lsquoTheres more bars
more drinking We have to be vigilant and Eddie is very vigilantrsquo Russell saidrdquo [Associated Press 10107]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The Liquor Commission Doubled Its Fines And Increased Its Penalties
ldquoSince Edwards arrival the state Liquor Commission has toughened its penalties doubling the fine for selling
to an underage or intoxicated customer to $500 plus a three-day license suspensionrdquo [Associated Press
10107]
hellipHowever Edwards Subjected Three Establishments Charged With Illegal Gambling A Felony To Far
Less Than The Maximum Punishment
A Pizza Restaurant Was ldquoCited For Gambling Violations And For Dealing Illicit Drugsrdquo And Settled With
The Liquor Commission To Revoke Its License And Forfeit $681 ldquoThe state liquor commission yesterday
revoked Three Cousins Pizza and Loungersquos liquor license in an agreement that also bars the clubrsquos owners from
applying for another license in the state for three years the commissionrsquos chief law enforcer said The clubrsquos
owners also agreed to forfeit $681 police seized during an Oct 21 raid at the 137 Wilson St lounge Chief Eddie
Edwards said hellip Three Cousins lounge was cited for gambling violations and for dealing illicit drugs on Oct 21rdquo
[Union Leader 110309]
Edwards Touted These Actions Of ldquoElected Officials And The Police Departmentrdquo As ldquoDoing All They
Can To Make Sure The Quality Of Life Is Maintained[]rdquo ldquoEdwards said the clubrsquos owners closed the
lounge last week lsquoI think thatrsquos what you see in Manchester elected officials and the police department and
the citizens in that community who are doing all they can to make sure the quality of life is maintainedrsquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Mayor Frank Guinta Praised The Liquor Commissionrsquos Actions ldquoMayor Frank C Guinta said he was
pleased with the liquor enforcement bureaursquos action lsquoThe restaurant was a blight on a neighborhood that does
not want drugs or gangs there This sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Manchesterrsquo
Guinta said in a statementrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Gambling Violations Were Felonious ldquoState law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be
charged with a class B felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their
establishmentsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
An American Legion Post Was Charged With Two Felonies For Alleged Illegal Gambing ldquoAn American
Legion Post in Lebanon has been hit with two felony charges for allowing gambling Feb 1 on its premises at 189
Mechanic St A Grafton County Superior Court grand jury indicted Guyer-Carignan Post 22 for gambling and a
charge called lsquoentertainment and entertainersrsquo according to the indictments The latter charge refers to gambling at
an establishment thats licensed to sell lsquoalcohol andor liquorrsquordquo [Union Leader 42414]
2014 $15000 Was Confiscated From The American Legion In ldquoA Similar Situation Took Place Several
Years Ago In Which the State Seized About $14000[]rdquo ldquoReached at the post on Thursday Bill Wilson
Guyer-Carignans financial officer said the state confiscated some $15000 He said the money was gleaned
from raffles and was used to benefit charity hellip A similar situation took place several years ago in which the
state seized about $14000 but later returned the money said Wilson who said that matter was resolved
without going to Superior Courtrdquo [Union Leader 42414]
Edwards Dealt With A ldquoSimilar Problemrdquo In 2010 With ldquoAdministrative Not Legal Remediesrdquo
ldquoThe Lebanon Legion post ran into a similar problem with its Super Bowl promotion in 2010 but then-
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 17
chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards resolved the matter with administrative not legal remedies
Kenney said he is pushing for a similar resolution this timerdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Law Enforcement Confiscated Seven Illegal Poker Machines From Two Pizza Parlors Illegal Gambling Was
Punishable By Felony Charges ldquoAuthorities confiscated video poker machines and charged four employees with
illegal gambling after simultaneous Friday night raids at Olympus Pizza restaurants in Manchester and Allenstown
-- the latter right next door to the police station hellip Fussell said seven video machines were seized in the raids three
in Allenstown and four in Manchester A large amount of cash was also seized he said hellip He said Finnell told him
officials were saying that an undercover officer had come into the bar last month and gotten a $50 pay-out on a
video poker game hellip State law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be charged with a class B
felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their establishmentsrdquo [Union
Leader 50910]
Edwards Said Business Owners ldquoCould Face Administrative Actions Including Fines[]rdquo ldquoLiquor
Commission Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards yesterday said the business owners could face
administrative actions including fines of up to $5000 and liquor license revocation Edwards said the state
liquor commissioners will make the ultimate decision on administrative pen-alties But he will make a
recommendation to them taking into account whether the owners were directly involved and if there were prior
violationsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar And
Reported Them To Dover Police
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar Reported
Them To Dover Police ldquoThe state Liquor Enforcement chief says he found law-enforcement officers gathering to
drink after hours at a local bar last month along with one of his own staffers The liquor enforcement bureau
Dover and state police are investigating It was 2 am on Aug 27 when state Liquor Enforcement Chief Eddie
Edwards pulled open the door of the bar The Station House and found the officers drinking The officers involved
were there to drink alcohol served to them an hour after the statersquos 1 am cutoff he said Dover Police Chief
Anthony Colarusso said yesterday he only caught wind of the alleged gathering when Edwards contacted himrdquo
[Union Leader 91207]
Edwards Advocated Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code And Increase Their Lighting
Edwards Suggested That Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code Barring Necklaces ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are
currently a lsquohot spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could
lead to change Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip They also have suggested some
impose a dress code that will discourage troublemakers lsquoPeople show up with chains on their necks We call that
battle gearrsquo said Edwards Imposing a dress code would keep out some who just come to stand against the wall
arms folded in and wait for a fight he saidrdquo [Union Leader71805]
Edwards Advocated That Night Clubs Increase Their Lighting ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are currently a lsquohot
spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could lead to change
Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip Chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards
told the governor and council lsquoItrsquos a hot spot for us right nowrsquo He said the department will continue to put pressure
on operators to follow the law while advising them to increase the lighting to better see who their customers are and
what they are doing hellip Dark rooms make it difficult to see the age and level of sobriety of a patron he noted More
lighting he said helps those who are pouring drinks and those monitoring the club to enforce the lawsrdquo [Union
Leader 71805]
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 16
year that number of suspensions or fines dropped to 91 but Edwards said the decrease reflects the success of the
Bureau of Enforcement and Licensings efforts Patricia Russell a state liquor commissioner said Edwards by-the-
book approach to liquor law enforcement is tougher than that of his predecessor For years state liquor enforcement
officers did little more than run stings on underage sales and visit bars and restaurants she said lsquoTheres more bars
more drinking We have to be vigilant and Eddie is very vigilantrsquo Russell saidrdquo [Associated Press 10107]
Under Edwardsrsquo Leadership The Liquor Commission Doubled Its Fines And Increased Its Penalties
ldquoSince Edwards arrival the state Liquor Commission has toughened its penalties doubling the fine for selling
to an underage or intoxicated customer to $500 plus a three-day license suspensionrdquo [Associated Press
10107]
hellipHowever Edwards Subjected Three Establishments Charged With Illegal Gambling A Felony To Far
Less Than The Maximum Punishment
A Pizza Restaurant Was ldquoCited For Gambling Violations And For Dealing Illicit Drugsrdquo And Settled With
The Liquor Commission To Revoke Its License And Forfeit $681 ldquoThe state liquor commission yesterday
revoked Three Cousins Pizza and Loungersquos liquor license in an agreement that also bars the clubrsquos owners from
applying for another license in the state for three years the commissionrsquos chief law enforcer said The clubrsquos
owners also agreed to forfeit $681 police seized during an Oct 21 raid at the 137 Wilson St lounge Chief Eddie
Edwards said hellip Three Cousins lounge was cited for gambling violations and for dealing illicit drugs on Oct 21rdquo
[Union Leader 110309]
Edwards Touted These Actions Of ldquoElected Officials And The Police Departmentrdquo As ldquoDoing All They
Can To Make Sure The Quality Of Life Is Maintained[]rdquo ldquoEdwards said the clubrsquos owners closed the
lounge last week lsquoI think thatrsquos what you see in Manchester elected officials and the police department and
the citizens in that community who are doing all they can to make sure the quality of life is maintainedrsquo
Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Mayor Frank Guinta Praised The Liquor Commissionrsquos Actions ldquoMayor Frank C Guinta said he was
pleased with the liquor enforcement bureaursquos action lsquoThe restaurant was a blight on a neighborhood that does
not want drugs or gangs there This sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Manchesterrsquo
Guinta said in a statementrdquo [Union Leader 110309]
Gambling Violations Were Felonious ldquoState law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be
charged with a class B felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their
establishmentsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
An American Legion Post Was Charged With Two Felonies For Alleged Illegal Gambing ldquoAn American
Legion Post in Lebanon has been hit with two felony charges for allowing gambling Feb 1 on its premises at 189
Mechanic St A Grafton County Superior Court grand jury indicted Guyer-Carignan Post 22 for gambling and a
charge called lsquoentertainment and entertainersrsquo according to the indictments The latter charge refers to gambling at
an establishment thats licensed to sell lsquoalcohol andor liquorrsquordquo [Union Leader 42414]
2014 $15000 Was Confiscated From The American Legion In ldquoA Similar Situation Took Place Several
Years Ago In Which the State Seized About $14000[]rdquo ldquoReached at the post on Thursday Bill Wilson
Guyer-Carignans financial officer said the state confiscated some $15000 He said the money was gleaned
from raffles and was used to benefit charity hellip A similar situation took place several years ago in which the
state seized about $14000 but later returned the money said Wilson who said that matter was resolved
without going to Superior Courtrdquo [Union Leader 42414]
Edwards Dealt With A ldquoSimilar Problemrdquo In 2010 With ldquoAdministrative Not Legal Remediesrdquo
ldquoThe Lebanon Legion post ran into a similar problem with its Super Bowl promotion in 2010 but then-
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 17
chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards resolved the matter with administrative not legal remedies
Kenney said he is pushing for a similar resolution this timerdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Law Enforcement Confiscated Seven Illegal Poker Machines From Two Pizza Parlors Illegal Gambling Was
Punishable By Felony Charges ldquoAuthorities confiscated video poker machines and charged four employees with
illegal gambling after simultaneous Friday night raids at Olympus Pizza restaurants in Manchester and Allenstown
-- the latter right next door to the police station hellip Fussell said seven video machines were seized in the raids three
in Allenstown and four in Manchester A large amount of cash was also seized he said hellip He said Finnell told him
officials were saying that an undercover officer had come into the bar last month and gotten a $50 pay-out on a
video poker game hellip State law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be charged with a class B
felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their establishmentsrdquo [Union
Leader 50910]
Edwards Said Business Owners ldquoCould Face Administrative Actions Including Fines[]rdquo ldquoLiquor
Commission Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards yesterday said the business owners could face
administrative actions including fines of up to $5000 and liquor license revocation Edwards said the state
liquor commissioners will make the ultimate decision on administrative pen-alties But he will make a
recommendation to them taking into account whether the owners were directly involved and if there were prior
violationsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar And
Reported Them To Dover Police
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar Reported
Them To Dover Police ldquoThe state Liquor Enforcement chief says he found law-enforcement officers gathering to
drink after hours at a local bar last month along with one of his own staffers The liquor enforcement bureau
Dover and state police are investigating It was 2 am on Aug 27 when state Liquor Enforcement Chief Eddie
Edwards pulled open the door of the bar The Station House and found the officers drinking The officers involved
were there to drink alcohol served to them an hour after the statersquos 1 am cutoff he said Dover Police Chief
Anthony Colarusso said yesterday he only caught wind of the alleged gathering when Edwards contacted himrdquo
[Union Leader 91207]
Edwards Advocated Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code And Increase Their Lighting
Edwards Suggested That Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code Barring Necklaces ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are
currently a lsquohot spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could
lead to change Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip They also have suggested some
impose a dress code that will discourage troublemakers lsquoPeople show up with chains on their necks We call that
battle gearrsquo said Edwards Imposing a dress code would keep out some who just come to stand against the wall
arms folded in and wait for a fight he saidrdquo [Union Leader71805]
Edwards Advocated That Night Clubs Increase Their Lighting ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are currently a lsquohot
spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could lead to change
Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip Chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards
told the governor and council lsquoItrsquos a hot spot for us right nowrsquo He said the department will continue to put pressure
on operators to follow the law while advising them to increase the lighting to better see who their customers are and
what they are doing hellip Dark rooms make it difficult to see the age and level of sobriety of a patron he noted More
lighting he said helps those who are pouring drinks and those monitoring the club to enforce the lawsrdquo [Union
Leader 71805]
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 17
chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards resolved the matter with administrative not legal remedies
Kenney said he is pushing for a similar resolution this timerdquo [Union Leader 51514]
Law Enforcement Confiscated Seven Illegal Poker Machines From Two Pizza Parlors Illegal Gambling Was
Punishable By Felony Charges ldquoAuthorities confiscated video poker machines and charged four employees with
illegal gambling after simultaneous Friday night raids at Olympus Pizza restaurants in Manchester and Allenstown
-- the latter right next door to the police station hellip Fussell said seven video machines were seized in the raids three
in Allenstown and four in Manchester A large amount of cash was also seized he said hellip He said Finnell told him
officials were saying that an undercover officer had come into the bar last month and gotten a $50 pay-out on a
video poker game hellip State law was changed in 1999 so that business owners could be charged with a class B
felony instead of a misdemeanor if gambling is conducted as a business within their establishmentsrdquo [Union
Leader 50910]
Edwards Said Business Owners ldquoCould Face Administrative Actions Including Fines[]rdquo ldquoLiquor
Commission Enforcement Division Chief Eddie Edwards yesterday said the business owners could face
administrative actions including fines of up to $5000 and liquor license revocation Edwards said the state
liquor commissioners will make the ultimate decision on administrative pen-alties But he will make a
recommendation to them taking into account whether the owners were directly involved and if there were prior
violationsrdquo [Union Leader 50910]
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar And
Reported Them To Dover Police
Edwards Personally Caught One Of His Staff And Three Police Drinking After Hours At A Bar Reported
Them To Dover Police ldquoThe state Liquor Enforcement chief says he found law-enforcement officers gathering to
drink after hours at a local bar last month along with one of his own staffers The liquor enforcement bureau
Dover and state police are investigating It was 2 am on Aug 27 when state Liquor Enforcement Chief Eddie
Edwards pulled open the door of the bar The Station House and found the officers drinking The officers involved
were there to drink alcohol served to them an hour after the statersquos 1 am cutoff he said Dover Police Chief
Anthony Colarusso said yesterday he only caught wind of the alleged gathering when Edwards contacted himrdquo
[Union Leader 91207]
Edwards Advocated Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code And Increase Their Lighting
Edwards Suggested That Night Clubs Impose A Dress Code Barring Necklaces ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are
currently a lsquohot spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could
lead to change Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip They also have suggested some
impose a dress code that will discourage troublemakers lsquoPeople show up with chains on their necks We call that
battle gearrsquo said Edwards Imposing a dress code would keep out some who just come to stand against the wall
arms folded in and wait for a fight he saidrdquo [Union Leader71805]
Edwards Advocated That Night Clubs Increase Their Lighting ldquoManchesterrsquos nightclubs are currently a lsquohot
spotrsquo for the State Liquor Commissionrsquos enforcement efforts and are getting attention that could lead to change
Gov John Lynch and the Executive Council were told last week hellip Chief of Liquor Enforcement Eddie Edwards
told the governor and council lsquoItrsquos a hot spot for us right nowrsquo He said the department will continue to put pressure
on operators to follow the law while advising them to increase the lighting to better see who their customers are and
what they are doing hellip Dark rooms make it difficult to see the age and level of sobriety of a patron he noted More
lighting he said helps those who are pouring drinks and those monitoring the club to enforce the lawsrdquo [Union
Leader 71805]
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 18
Edwards Enforced A Law Banning Advertisements For Happy Hour And Drink Specials ldquoMany clubs were
cited for advertising policies Edwards said state law prohibits any advertising of drink specials such as happy hour
2-for-1 nights or ladiesrsquo night discountsrdquo [Union Leader 70505]
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problemrdquo
Edwards Said That Drunk Strippers Could ldquoRile The Crowd Up It Could Lead To A Problem[]rdquo ldquoMarkrsquos
Showplace has lost its license to sell liquor from yesterday until Friday the second time in five months that the strip
club has been penalized for liquor-law violations state officials said hellip The Liquor Commission also fined Markrsquos
$100 for allowing dancers to drink at the bar while on break lsquoIf you have dancers on stage and theyrsquore impaired
and they rile the crowd up it could lead to a problemrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 32008]
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores
Edwards Supported State Owned Liquor Stores ldquoEdwards views state liquor stores as lsquoregulatory storesrsquo whose
main purpose is to control alcohol sales lsquoThis allows you to ensure a revenue stream and has a dramatic effect on
public safetyrsquordquo [Union Leader 12808]
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
Edwards Fought To Protect A Law That Only Allowed Nano Breweries To Sell Beer 4 Ounces At A Time
ldquoThe committee also heard testimony on a proposal to allow nano breweries which produce less than 2000 barrels
of beer per year to sell samples of more than four ounces on their premises Supporters noted that current law
allows a nano brewery to sell only four ounces of each beer they sell to a single customer so a customer can buy 16
ounces of beer in four-ounce shots but cant buy a pint The bill was opposed by Eddie Edwards head of
enforcement for the State Liquor Commission lsquoThere is a difference between sampling and consumingrsquo Edwards
saidrdquo [Union Leader 13013]
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo
Edwards Suggested Barring 18-20 Year Olds From Night Clubs To Solve The ldquoIssuerdquo Of Night Clubs
Having Only ldquoEntertainment Dancing And Alcoholrdquo ldquoOfficials of organizations in and out of state
government are looking at whether state laws should be changed to prevent nightclubs from admitting customers 18
to 20 years of age according to people involved in the discussion No proposals have been finalized and Liquor
Commission Enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said there is no consensus on how to go about it hellip lsquoThe real issue
wersquore dealing with is 10 11 12 (at night) and the only thing there is entertainment dancing and alcohol Thatrsquos
difficult for these establishments to controlrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 112206]
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea
Edwards Recommended Banning Joose And Tilt Long Island Iced Tea ldquoThe NH Liquor Commission on
Wednesday banned the sale of a fruit-flavored beer called Joose after finding itrsquos not labeled sufficiently to
indicate itrsquos an alcoholic beverage Eddie Edwards the Liquor Commissionrsquos chief of enforcement told the Herald
he recommended the ban because Joose is packaged similarly to non-alcoholic beverages He said Joosersquos bright
color scheme and marketing make it difficult to distinguish from soda hellip Edwards said he also endorsed a state ban
of Tilt Long Island Iced Tea for the same reason but the Liquor Commission voted to approve that malt beverage
for salerdquo [Portsmouth Herald 91611]
Edwards Wanted To Raise The Minimum Amount Of Food Necessary To Sell To Have A Liquor License
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 19
Edwards Wanted To Further Penalize Restaurants That Were Selling Less Food Than Alcohol ldquoState liquor
enforcement Chief Eddie Edwards said the current food sales minimum is too low and that bars and nightclubs have
taken advantage of the rules The state liquor commission has seen a steady increase in applications for restaurant
licenses for large nightclubs and bars whose owners are interested in selling only the mini-mum amount of food he
saidrdquo [Associated Press 32908]
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban
Edwards Announced He Would Not ldquoTake Aggressive Actionrdquo To Enforce The Smoking Ban ldquoState health
officials said yesterday they think the state will move smoothly into a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants when
it takes effect Monday hellip SLC enforcement chief Eddie Edwards said his staff will treat smoking like any other
condition of a barrsquos license but is not planning to take aggressive action when the law takes effect lsquoWersquoll warn
patronsrsquo he said lsquobut this is not something wersquore mounting an army to go enforcersquordquo [Union Leader 91107]
Edwards Advocated For Speaking To Adults Rather Than Youth About Underage Drinking Spoke To
Youth About Underage Drinking
Edwards Underage Drinking Is ldquoNot A Young Personrsquos Issue Itrsquos An Adult Issuerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort
aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos
the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor
Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking
to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage
drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the alcoholrsquordquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Said Talking To Youth Was ldquoTalking To The Wrong Peoplerdquo But ldquoOften Brings His Message
Directly To Young Peoplerdquo ldquoAll the money and effort aimed at convincing kids not to drink could be for naught if
we donrsquot start targeting the real culprits Parents Thatrsquos the view expressed by Eddie Edwards the statersquos new chief
of enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission after a week when the front pages were filled with
headlines about underage drinking lsquoYoursquore talking to the wrong peoplersquo Edwards told the Sunday News lsquoItrsquos not
a young personrsquos issue itrsquos an adult issue Underage drinking is an adult issue because adults are providing the
alcoholrsquo hellip Chief Edwards said tougher laws canrsquot mandate tough parenting He often brings his message directly
to young people lsquoDonrsquot allow adults to rob you of your futurersquo he tells studentsrdquo [Union Leader 21906]
Edwards Spoke To Fifth And Sixth Graders To Discourage Under Age Drinking ldquoThatrsquos the philosophy of
Eddie Edwards chief of enforcement for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission who is warning kids of the
dangers of underage drinking hellip Fifth and sixth grade isnrsquot too early for this talk Edwards said Itrsquos when young
people often begin experimentingrdquo [Union Leader 40209]
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishmentrdquo
Edwards Touted A Reduction In The ldquoPercent Of Those Arrested For DWI In New Hampshirerdquo Who ldquoHad
Their Last Drinks In A Licensed Establishment[]rdquo ldquoEddie Edwards director of that division noted just three
years ago statistics showed 58 percent of those arrested for DWI in New Hampshire had their last drinks in a
licensed establishment above the national average lsquoNow wersquore at 47 percentrsquo he said About five years ago
Edwards said his division began changing its approach to enforcement creating partnerships among his agency
local law enforcement and the licensees themselvesrdquo [Union Leader 31912]
2013 ndash 2014 South Hampton Police Department
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 20
2013 ndash 2014 Edwards Was The Chief Of Police In South Hampton ldquoEddie Edwards his 46-year-old
Republican challenger has served as the chief of police in South Hampton and as the statersquos director of liquor
enforcementrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 110214]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion When Working For The New Hampshire Association of Police
Chiefs
Edwards Worked For The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Of Police To Oppose A Casino ldquoEdwards
the South Hampton police chief and retired longtime liquor enforcement head has been playing a more visible
Statehouse role in recent months for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Edwards has been helping
to lead the chiefsrsquo campaign against legalizing a casinordquo [Nashua Telegraph 41314]
Edwards Opposed Gambling Expansion In New Hampshire While Working For The NH Association Of
Chiefs Of Police Which Opposed Gambling Expansion ldquoWhile proponents will claim that the state desperately
needs the tax revenue that a casino will bring in to fund human services highway expansion or whatever cause is
being showcased to rationalize expanded gambling this year itrsquos important to remember this fact in order for any
casino to be successful citizens have to lose hellip Eddie Edwards is chief of police in South Hampton NH He
formerly served as director of the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement Division and serves on the legislative
committee of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police which opposes expanded gambling in New Hampshirerdquo
[Nashua Telegraph 20514]
2003 ndash 2014 Pacific Institute For Research And Evaluation
2003 ndash 2014 Edwards Worked As A Trainer And Consultant For The Pacific Institute For Research And
Evaluation [LinkedIn 82918]
1990 ndash 1995 Strafford County Department Of Corrections
1990 ndash 1995 Edwards Worked As A Corrections Officer In Strafford County ldquoEdwards said he worked as a
corrections officer for five years in Strafford County for five years before joining the Liquor Commission in 1995rdquo
[Union Leader 41713]
1987 ndash 1990 Edwards Served In The Navy Which Brought Him To New Hampshire
Union Leader Edwards Served In The Navy Beginning In 1987 ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State in
1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was as-signed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Maine
Edwards used to living in the much larger Atlanta said he was confused by Portsmouthrsquos lsquodowntownrsquo because he
couldnrsquot find the tall buildings Same thing for the lack of a barbershop accustomed to cutting hair for a black man -
- New Hampshire was then and remains today one of the whitest states in the countryrdquo [Union Leader 32815]
Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Incorrectly Stated Edwards Served 27 Years In The Navy Before Joining Law
Enforcement ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past as having shaped his
character hellip He spent 27 years in the US Navy joined law enforcement and then became chief of the state
liquor commissionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Came To New Hampshire At Age 19 Due To Naval Service ldquoEdwards first came to the Granite State
in 1987 at age 19 when he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery Mainerdquo
[Union Leader 32815]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 21
Edwards Listed A Community College An Online School And Two Short Programs As His
Education
Edwards Listed ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo As Part Of His Education In August
2018 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNorthcentral Universityrdquo ldquoBusiness Administrationrdquo in his education
section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 40517]
Edwards Attended Northcentral University And Acquired A Bachelorrsquos Degree In Business Administration
Legistorm listed a BBA degree as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm accessed 82918]
Northcentral University Is An Online School Based In San Diego ldquoAs a regionally accredited online
university Northcentral University has the privilege of serving students worldwide hellip Were excited that you
are interested in joining the NCU community and while you may not be able to take a traditional campus tour
we still want to give you the opportunity to get a feel for who we are and what we are about here at NCU
Think of this website as our campus hellip Headquarters 2488 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100 San Diego CA
92106rdquo [Northcentral University website accessed 82918]
Edwards Attended New Hampshire Technical Institute And Acquired An Associatersquos Degree In Criminal
Justice Legistorm listed an Associatersquos degree in criminal justice as part of Edwardsrsquo education [Legistorm
accessed 82918]
New Hampshire Technical Institute Was Concordrsquos Community College ldquoNHTI was opened in 1965
under the name New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs In 2008 the
name of the College was changed to NHTI Concords Community College This name honors our past and
reflects our growth to a comprehensive community college with 92 academic programs and a full campus life
NHTI is situated in south central New Hampshire in the capital city of Concord The campus is located on 240
acres of fields and woods with frontage on the Merrimack River It is an easy drive to the White Mountains
New Hampshires Lakes Region the New England seacoast and metropolitan Bostonrdquo [NHTI Website
accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed The National FBI Academy ldquoConstitutional Law and Labor Lawrdquo As Part Of His
Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn account noted ldquoNational FBI Academyrdquo ldquoConstitutional
Law and Labor Lawrdquo as part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
The FBI National Academy Was A 10-Week Course ldquoThe FBI National Academy is a professional course
of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of
demonstrated leadership qualities The 10-week programmdashwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory
terrorism and terrorist mindsets management science law behavioral science law enforcement
communication and forensic sciencemdashserves to improve the administration of justice in police departments
and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards knowledge and cooperation
worldwiderdquo [FBIgov accessed 82918]
Edwards Listed Harvard University Kennedy School of Executive Education ldquoStrategic Management of
Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo As Part Of His Education Accessed in April 2017 Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn
account noted ldquoHarvard University KSEErdquo ldquoStrategic Management of Regulatory amp Enforcement Agenciesrdquo as
part of his education section [Edwardsrsquo LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (KSEE) Programs Were Mostly ldquoOne Week or Less[]rdquo
ldquoHarvard Kennedy School Executive Education offers a global curriculum focused on generating powerful
ideas to help people communities and nations solve the worldrsquos most pressing public problems Over 35
programs ndash most one week or less ndash address critical subjects from crisis leadership and decision making to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 22
economic development and national securityrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website
accessed 82918]
KSEE ldquoComplete Three Programs Within Your Chosen Concentration Area In Six Years To Earn An
Executive Certificaterdquo ldquoComplete three programs within your chosen concentration area in six years to earn
an Executive Certificate A 10 discount will be calculated based on lowest tuition and will be applied to final
program Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is more than a formal recognition that you have
completed advanced studies It also makes you part of a vibrant global community of HKS alumni who are
making a difference in the worldrdquo [Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education website accessed 82918]
Political Career
2018 Campaign
Edwards Raised More Money Than Primary Opponent Sanborn But Had Less Cash On Hand
Edwards Raised Just Over $200000 In 2018rsquos Second Quarter ldquoFormer police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
raised $206558 in the second quarter and $50948879 to daterdquo [Eagle-Tribune 71618]
Sanborn Had About $500000 More Than Edwards At The End Of The Second Quarter ldquoTheres a striking
contrast between Edwards and Sanborn on that score Sanborn has far more money than Ed-wards does on hand
$714550 as of the end of June compared to $215163 for Edwards But thats only because Sanborn has loaned his
campaign nearly 70 percent of his cash more than $510000 since this race began and $200000 on the final day of
the quarter to prop up his war chest During the past three months Edwards raised $206558 -- more than three
times the $66000 in donations Sanborn took in During the most recent report Ed-wards went over the $500000
mark from more than 3000 individual donorsrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Republican Primary Polling Consistently Showed Edwards As Ahead
August 2018 Edwards Beat Sanborn In A Poll 50-49 ldquoThis 1st CD race is very close according to macro and
micro polling The micro polling comes from the 603 Alliance which over five days conducted a straw poll of its
members Edwards got 50 percent support Sanborn had 49 percentrdquo [Union Leader 82318]
August 2018 Edwards Held A 21 Percent Favorability Advantage But Had A 35 Percent Name
Recognition Disadvantage ldquoFormer police Chief Eddie Edwards of Dover holds a 21 percent advantage in
favorability over state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford However Sanborn who has previously run for office and
held a high profile in the Senate holds a 35 percent edge over Edwards in name recognition These two candidates
are identified by this poll and others as the most competitive Republican candidates in the race for the 1st District
and they are also the top two fundraisers among the GOP candidatesrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 82118]
Both Edwards And Sanborn Had Low Favorability Numbers ldquoThe two leading Republicans in the 1st
Congressional District are nearly even in the poll State Sen Andy Sanborn holds a slight advantage in name
recognition over former Liquor Commission Chief of Enforcement Ed-die Edwards (59 to 55 percent) while
Edwards has a slight edge in favorability (28 to 26 percent)rdquo [Union Leader 82118]
May 2018 Edwards Placed First In A Straw Poll With 68 To Andy Sanbornrsquos 24 ldquoWith warmer weather
in a New Hampshire election year can straw polls be far behind In the 1st District former liquor law enforcement
chief Eddie Edwards of Dover won the first one in that race at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican
Womens Lilac Luncheon in Dover Edwards finished with 73 votes (68 percent) well ahead of State Sen Andy
Sanborn with 26 (24 percent) and newly-declared candidate Bruce Crochetiere with 9 votes (8 percent) lsquoWe have
the right message of bringing the principles of honesty integrity and service back to the 1st Districtrsquo Edwards
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 23
said lsquoIn addition we also have consistently shown that we have the best grassroots infrastructure necessary for
victory Both will be imperative for conservatives to win in Novemberrsquo Its worth repeating this was in Edwards
backyard in other words wouldnt you expect Sanborn to likely win a straw poll if it were held in Bedfordrdquo [Union
leader 52418]
Edwards Refused To Say He Would Support Sanborn If He Won The Primary
Edwards Said That Sanborn Had A ldquoCloudrdquo Over His Campaign ldquoIn the closing remarks Edwards finished
the debate by saying it wasnt worth the risk to nominate someone with a lsquocloudrsquo over their campaign lsquoSen
Sanborn has two allegations right now that he needs to answer torsquo Edwards said lsquoThis is the second allegation that
weve heard of sexual misconduct and we need an answer now not 60 days from nowrsquordquo [Union Leader 71218]
Sanborn Made Lewd Comments To A Male Intern And Told A Female Staffer That She ldquoLooked Hotrdquo
ldquoSanborn is suffering from the after-effects of his lewd comment to a male intern (Sanborn states he was
joking) The state attorney general investigated whether the intern who later worked for the Senate Clerks
office had been bribed to remain silent about Sanborns behavior The investigation found no such impropriety
but transcripts of interviews from the investigation have been slowly released by the attorney general causing a
drip drip effect on Sanborns campaign Worse than the supposed joke to the intern was the transcript of a
female staffer who told investigators of inappropriate comments Sanborn claimed the staffer was a friend of
his and his wife but sorry Senator She was an employee and you are an elected official You had no business
telling her she lsquolooked hotrsquordquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Refused To Sign A Pledge To Endorse Sanborn Should He Lose Because Of Sanbornrsquos History Of
Inappropriate Conduct ldquoEddie Edwards was scheduled to attend the debate for 1st District candidates Thursday
in Concord WMUR-TV reports he wouldnt sign the Republican Party memo because he wont agree to endorse
opponent Andy Sanborn if Sanborn wins Thats in part due to the attorney generals investigation into an
inappropriate comment Sanborn made to an intern at the Statehouse in 2013 Sanborn a state senator from Bedford
was cleared of allegations that the intern was paid to keep quiet about the commentrdquo [Associated Press 81618]
Edwards Called The Loyalty Pledge A Lie ldquolsquoI showed up because I wanted to debatersquo Edwards said exiting
the Grappone Conference Center lsquoIf we want to continue to allow people to sign forms that they dont really
mean thats not mersquo he said [hellip] While Edwards believes not having a debate lsquodoes not fracture the partyrsquo
and states that the circumstances of the event lsquodoes not mean anythingrsquo for the race moving forward he
claimed that Sanborn lsquostanding on stage and saying he is going to support (me) he is not going to do that thats
a complete liersquo Edwards said Sanborn however said that he would lsquoabsolutelyrsquo support Edwards if he were
to win the nominationrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 81618]
Edwards ldquoI Do Believe [Sanborn] Has A Character Defectrdquo ldquolsquoPeople say ldquoOh Eddie just sign it You can
change your mind laterrdquo Really is that what politics has come to that nothing we sign in earnest means anythingrsquo
Edwards said during an interview lsquoI will attend the unity breakfast I will not support the Democratic nominee I
will not mount a write-in campaign but Im not going to sign something I dont believe inrsquo [hellip] A former police
chief Edwards has said Sanborn is fundamentally flawed given that hes been criticized for sexually inappropriate
comments made to a male intern and faced other accusations of bullying legislative staff and others lsquoI do believe
he has a character defectrsquo Edward said to supporters at the Concord VFW post prior to this debaterdquo [Union Leader
81718]
Union Leader Columnist Grant Bosse Edwards Was Being An Opportunist And A Hypocrite For Calling
Out Sanborn But Supporting Trump ldquoWhile Mike Biundo Edwards senior campaign adviser states Edwards is
being genuine it is a little difficult to not sense some opportunism here -- this is politics after all What makes it
look more than the usual political opportunism is Edwards continued support of Donald Trump He is trying to
make the case that Sen Sanborns situation is different Trump he says has apologized for joking about sexually
assaulting women That ignores Trumps backpedaling after he was elected when according to the New York
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 24
Times he began questioning whether it was his voice on the infamous Access Hollywood tape Nor does it address
Trumps gloating and creepy bragging about how he got away with going backstage at beauty pageants to look at
the women Or the 14 women who said Trump groped themrdquo [Union Leader Grant Bosse Column 82118]
Edwards Received Endorsements From Prominent Republicans
Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Endorsed Edwards ldquoGiuliani highlighted that Edwards lsquoserved our country
ably in the United States Navy has been a police chief has been in charge of liquor enforcement and has a very
strong law enforcement background which to me that is always a good sign of somebody who will be a fine
politician because they have that spirit of public servicersquo He described Edwards as a lsquostrong conservative who
believes in low taxes and is a supporter of the ldquoAmerica Firstrdquo agenda of President Trumprsquo lsquoEddie will be a
supporter of his (Trump) when he gets into Congressrsquo he addedrdquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Rick Santorum Endorsed Edwards ldquoEdwards got the backing of 2012 hopeful and now-media analyst Rick
Santorum the former Pennsylvania senator lsquoAmerica is at a crossroads and its people are ready for new voices in
Congress Eddie Edwards has served our nation in the United States Navy and honorably in law enforcement in the
great state of New Hampshirersquo Santorum said lsquoHe has lived a life of service and is now ready to continue that
mission on Capitol Hill He is ideally suited to represent NH-01 and help President Trump change the direction of
our countryrsquordquo [Union Leader 8918]
Former Rep Allen West Filmed A Campaign Video For Edwards ldquoOn Wednesday GOP conservative and
retired Army Lt Col Allen West produced a video urging voters to give Edwards a long look lsquoThink about the
person who will live up to the motto Live Free or Die and represent the great state of New Hampshire Consider
Eddie Edwardsrsquo West concludedrdquo [Union Leader 8918]
Trump Campaign Co-Chair For New Hampshire ldquoI Am Confident That [Edwards] Will Fight For
President Donald Trumprsquos Agendardquo ldquoFollowing former New York mayor and presidential candidate Rudy
Giulianis campaigning for him Edwards picked up another prominent backer of presidential candidate Donald
Trump Hes former state Rep Fred Doucette R-Salem who was co-chairman of Trumps presidential campaign in
New Hampshire A retired fire-fighter and paramedic Doucette was one of Trumps earliest backers in 2016 and a
former assistant majority leader in the Housersquo I know Eddie Edwards and I am confident that he will fight for
President Donald Trumps agenda and will make a difference in protecting the values we hold most important as
Republicans in the Granite Statersquo Doucette saidrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Former State Party Chair Jeanie Forrester Endorsed Edwards Over Former Colleague Sanborn ldquoEdwards
got another boost from former Republican state chair Jeanie Forrester The Meredith lady could not choose sides
during the primary as chair but within weeks of stepping down to take a lsquonew opportunityrsquo post in local
government she got on the Edwards bandwagonrsquo Eddie Edwards is the only conservative in this race who has
demonstrated a lifetime of service to our nation He has sacrificed for our country by serving in the US Navy and
has served our state in law enforcementrsquo Forrester said lsquoHe is unafraid of tough questions which is evident by the
many town hall meetings he has hosted across the districtrsquo And Forrester offered her own dismissal of Sanborn
preferring Edwards as the GOP nomineersquo New Hampshire Republicans need to nominate a candidate that can win
the general election in Novemberrsquo Forrester said lsquoEddie Edwards is that candidatersquo Whats telling about this move
is Forrester served with Sanborn in the Senate and all but one of his current 13 GOP colleagues in the upper
chamber has yet to endorse Sanbornrdquo [Union Leader 71918]
Former NH-01 Representative And Senator Bob Smith Endorsed Edwards ldquoFormer US Sen Bob Smith
who previously represented the 1st District from 1985 to 1990 and later served as one of New Hampshires
Senators from 1990 to 2002 endorsed Edwards campaign for his former seatrdquo [Eagle-Tribune 72918]
Edwards Said It Was Hard Being A Black Conservative
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 25
Edwards Said That He Would Receive Critique From Both Sides For Being A Black Republican ldquolsquoMany
people in my community who look like me will say ldquoYou are a sellout youre an Uncle Tom you are doing the
white mans work for himrdquorsquo said Edwards lsquoI get that Whats disappointing is you also have a backdrop of people
who are suspicious who say ldquoYou cant really be a conservative because youre black Somehow youre running a
game or playing a trickrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Sent Out A Fundraising Letter That Said ldquoDemocrats Despise Freedom-Loving Blacks Who
Reject Their Liberal Stereotypesrdquo ldquoEddie Edwards directly addresses the challenges of being a black Republican
conservative candidate in an unusual fundraising letter his campaign released this week [hellip] The envelope shows a
photo of West a former congressman from Georgia holding a semi-automatic firearm lsquoThis photo shows a fearless
man proud of his military service holding a firearm for self-defense who doesnrsquot need the governmentrsquos or Nanci
Pelosirsquos protection This is NOT what the Democrats want from black Americansrsquo the letter continues [hellip] lsquoThese
Democrats despise freedom-loving blacks who reject their liberal stereotypesrsquo the letter says lsquoToday as a
conservative black Republican running for US Congress I realize Irsquom a danger to the Democrat Party not because
I carry a firearm but because I carry the US Constitutionrsquordquo [WMUR 61418]
Edwards Democrats Were ldquoUsing Race Ethnicity And Gender As A Political Weaponrdquo ldquoTodayrsquos left-
wing Democrats have stopped calling for individual responsibility and instead favor mandatory subjugation of
our freedoms to the federal government Using race ethnicity and gender as a political weapon they
shamelessly exploit even the slightest of tension to help the Democrat Party win electionsrdquo [Edwards
Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Said That He Believed Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley Was Being Racist When He
Called Edwards Unqualified ldquoEdwards said he found it lsquoconcerningrsquo that only white conservative men are
labeled racists lsquoIf folks are making comments and using divisive language regardless of their race their ethnicity
their gender they should be held accountable for thatrsquo Edwards continued lsquoAnd I can tell you that I donrsquot see that
happening Similar comments have been made in the past and people have been allowed to walk past those
comments without any accountabilityrsquo Edwards then said lsquoa white liberal here (in New Hampshire) says Irsquom not
qualified and that personrsquos not held to taskrsquo Edwards was referring to a Jan 4 tweet by New Hampshire
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley that targeted state Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford the other declared
Republican candidate in the 1st District race to succeed retiring four-term Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter In that tweet Buckley also called Edwards lsquounqualifiedrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Attacked Him For Being A Lobbyist And A Regulator
Sanborn Edwards Was ldquoA Lifelong Bureaucrat Turned Lobbyistrdquo ldquolsquoNow that this is a two-man race the
choice could not be more clear My proven conservative track record puts me head and shoulders above my
opponent a lifelong government bureaucrat turned lobbyistrsquo Sanborn said firing a right cross at Edwardsrsquo It is
time New Hampshire sent a proven reformer to DC someone who is not afraid to battle the establishment and
someone who will not bend to political pressures and threats I am the only candidate running who has been proven
to cut taxes battle illegal immigration and decrease the size of governmentrsquordquo [Union Leader 71918]
Sanborn Implied That Edwards Was Part Of The ldquoHeavy Hand Of Governmentrdquo ldquolsquoMy opponent and I are
diametrically opposedrsquo said Sanborn lsquoIm a business owner thats only ever been regulated hes a regulator I know
first-hand what it is to see the heavy hand of government come in when people dont know what they are doing but
want to tell you how to live your livesrsquo [hellip] Edwards eagerly took up Epsteins offer to allow him to respond lsquoI
am shocked just how little Andy knows about governing sometimesrsquo said Edwards lsquoHe called me a regulator I
was a police officerrsquo Edwards further explained that as the liquor chief he was responsible for enforcement in
criminal matters and regulatory issues lsquoThe notion that I was a bureaucrat because I served in the United States
military and I served in law enforcement is offensive to all who protect our nation and served to protect our
communitiesrsquo said Edwardsrdquo [Conway Daily Sun 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 26
Primary Opponent Sanborn Accused Edwards Of Increasing The Liquor Enforcement Budget While He
Was In Charge ldquoEarlier in the debate Sanborn fired the first shots at Edwards after the former chief of the New
Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement claimed he was the only one on stage to try to reduce the size of a state
agency when he declined to hire any of the 12 employees he had approved in the budget lsquoI think we need a little
bit of a clarificationrsquo Sanborn said lsquoAs chief of the Liquor Enforcement Agency you increased the budget by 83
percentrsquo lsquoIm not sure what Sen Sanborn is referring to Because last time I checked as chief of Liquor
Enforcement I dont approve the budgetrsquo Edwards said in reply He added that as state senator Sanborn was more
responsible for the spending of a state agency than he wasrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The Country Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather
Than Fighting For Each Otherrdquo
Edwards Said That The Biggest Threat To The US Was Americans Fighting Each Other ldquoRather Than
Fighting For Each Otherrdquo ldquoThe biggest threat to the US is the propensity for Americans to fight against each
other rather than fighting for each otherrdquo [WMUR 82818]
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Rep Frank Guintarsquos Office
January 2015 ndash June 2015 Edwards Worked For NH-01 Rep Frank Guinta And Said He Admired Him
Jan 2015 ndash Jun 2015 Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Frank Guinta
[LinkedIn accessed 82918]
Edwards Worked As Director Of Community Relations For Rep Guinta Said He Admired And Was
Friends With Guinta ldquoCity resident and former Republican state senate candidate Eddie Edwards is joining
Congressman-elect Frank Guintarsquos staff Edwards will serve as Guintarsquos director of community relations a position
that involves public outreach and planning hellip lsquoI am certainly happy to be working with someone who I respect
admire and consider a friendrsquo Edwards said Monday in a phone interviewrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 121614]
Edwards Described His Position In Guintarsquos Office As ldquoOutreach To Citizens Non-Profit And For-Profit
Businesses I Also Monitored Regulatory Trendsrdquo ldquoDescribing his role with Guinta Edwards wrote on
LinkedIn lsquoI served as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for executing the Congressional District
1 Office Outreach to citizens non-profit and for-profit businesses I also monitored regulatory trends that impact
labor energy local and county governmentrsquordquo [WMUR 8918]
Edwards Was Photographed With Rep Guinta In July 2014 Edwards posted a photograph of himself with
Rep Guinta to Facebook
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 27
[Eddie For NH Facebook 72814]
Edwards Used His State Campaign Facebook Page To Tout His Congressional Campaign In April 2017
Edwards state campaign Facebook page touted his Congressional campaign
[Eddie Edwards For NH (Senate Campaign) Facebook 40517]
2014 State Senate Run
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate In New Hampshire To Run For State Senate
Edwards Was The First Black Candidate For State Senate In The State Of New Hampshire ldquoHistory will be
made at the State House today as the first black candidate to run for Congress in New Hampshire and the first to
run for state Senate file their paperwork together with the Secretary of State Former state Rep Jim Lawrence of
Hudson will file for the Second Congressional District while recently retired police chief Eddie Edwards of Dover
is running for state Senate in District 4 comprising Dover Somersworth Barrington and Rollinsford Both men
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 28
will be running in the Republican primary lsquoTo the best of my knowledge there has never been a black candidate on
the ballot or elected to Congress or state Senatersquo said Secretary of State Bill Gardnerrdquo [Union Leader 61114]
Edwards Lost The State Senate Race By 11 Points
Edwards Ran For State Senate In 2014 And Lost In The General Election ldquoEdwards unsuccessfully
challenged state Sen David Watters in the 2014 general election Soon after the election he served as former
Congressman Frank Guintarsquos director of community relationsrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 40517]
Edwards Lost His Senate Campaign 8067 - 10121 According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State
Edwards received 8067 votes and Watters 10121 [New Hampshire Secretary of State website accessed 40617]
Edwards Touted The Value Of Liberty And Transparency During The Campaign
Edwards Campaigned On Respecting Liberty ldquoEdwards said he wants to see people respect liberty opportunity
and our one common democracy He said he wants to create a market where people want to workrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 102914]
Edwards Said His Grandmother Instilled In Him The Value Of Liberty ldquoLiving in Atlanta Ga he was no
stranger to racial discrimination but credits his grandmother as the person who instilled in him values of liberty
independence and freedom the same values he lives by todayrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Edwards Said That He Supported Transparency Because At The Liquor Commission He Witnessed Audits
With Poor Results Going Ignored ldquoEdwards campaign theme is lsquotransparencyrsquo As part of management within
state government Edwards explained during an editorial board meeting the lsquogo along to get alongrsquo attitude he
found when he became Liquor Commission chief One example comes from an occasion when Edwards found
himself worrying about some hits his office had taken during a routine audit Edwards said he was told by others in
state government not to worry Just dont make waves and it will go away And as Edwards tells it that is just what
happened As to why this happens Edwards contends too much goes on behind closed doors and without oversight
by legislators who dont know the right questions to askrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82214]
Edwards Said That He Would Not Look For Endorsements So He Would Not Be ldquoBeholden To Anyonerdquo
Edwards ldquoI Am Not Beholden To Anyonerdquo ldquoWatters opponent Republican Eddie Edwards is taking a
different approach Hes purposely not seeking endorsements as a way to stay independent in Concord lsquoTo me I
am not running a campaign searching for endorsements I am running a campaign where Im out knocking on doors
and trying to get citizens to endorse me on November 4rsquo he said Friday lsquoI am not beholden to anyonersquordquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 9114]
Edwardsrsquo White Opponent Received An Endorsement From The Local NAACP President Because He Was
A Longstanding Member Whereas Edwards Was Not
The President Of The Local Chapter Of The NAACP Personally Endorsed Edwardsrsquo White Opponent
Incumbent David Watters Who Was A Longtime Member Of The NAACP ldquoNAACP Seacoast President
Purnell lsquoFredrsquo Ross said Monday night that he did not endorse state Sen David Wat-ters D-Dover on behalf of the
organization Ross has come under fire since his letter to the editor expressing personal support of Watters was
published in Fosters Daily Democrat on July 17 lsquoI am writing to offer my endorsement of Senator David Watters
for his decades of dedication to equality and justice for people of all racesrsquo Ross said at the start of his letter
lsquoSenator Watters is a Silver Life member of the NAACP and the Seacoast NAACP chapter and he has worked
closely with me chapter president on voting rights and other civil issuesrsquo lsquoI think people have the right to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 29
personally endorse anyone they want to because I believe in libertyrsquo Edwards said after the meeting lsquoBut to do it
behind the shield of an organization that promotes upward mobility I think thats wrong It is not the individual
speaking It is the organization speakingrsquo Edwards has never been a member of the NAACPrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat 8514]
Edwards Received Support From Prominent Republicans And NH GOP
State Senate President Chuck Morse Endorsed Edwards For The District 4 Senate Seat In 2014 ldquoOur state
faces many emerging challenges From the rising costs of health care a job market still rebounding and thousands
of our friends and neighbors still looking for work we in the State Senate need Chief Eddie Edwards more than
ever Quite simply Chief Eddie Edwards has the courage to ask the hard questions conviction to do what he says
and character to put politics aside in order to bring solutions to his constituents On Nov 4 the vot-ers of District 4
would be wise to vote for Chief Eddie Edwards and send a true public servant to Concord Chuck Morse Senate
Presidentrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 91114]
Former NY Governor George Pataki Campaigned For Edwards ldquoThis weekend former New York Gov
George Pataki a possible presidential candidate for the Republican party in 2016 joined Edwards at the Dover
Victory Office to rally phone bank volunteers [hellip] Edwards 46 said it was a pleasure to have Pataki supporting
his candidacy to empower families and businesses in District 4 which includes the Garrison City where he lives as
well as the communities of Barrington Rollins-ford and Somersworthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Edwards Received $3200 In Outside Spending From The State Republican Party ldquoIf you want to know what
the hot state Senate races are all you have to do is follow the money the state GOP is dumping into mail radio and
digital ads in the last week Because of changes in state law campaigns now have to file even last minute
contributions or expenditures [hellip] Last week the GOP also spent $3200 for mailers opposing District 4 incumbent
David Waters of Dover for challenger Eddie Edwards of Dover and $3500 for Mark Evans of Berlin in his District
1 race against incumbent Sen Jeff Woodburn of Dalton In the State Senate races the party spent about $160000
and another $50000 for GOP gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein for phone banks radio ads and mailersrdquo
[New Hampshire Sunday News 11214]
Issues
Donald Trump
Edwards ldquoThe Presidentrsquos Doing One Hell Of A Job In Washingtonrdquo ldquoEdwards praised Trump saying lsquothe
presidentrsquos doing one hell of a job in Washingtonrsquo and lsquoitrsquos about time we had a president who understood the
values of our country and stood up for our countryrsquo The 1st District is one of just 12 across the country won by
Trump in the 2016 election that is currently held by Democrats lsquoThe president won CD1 This is his districtrsquo
Edwards argued lsquoThe voters of CD1 want a congressperson who represents their values in Washington Whorsquos
proud to stand up and support an lsquoAmerica Firstrsquo agendarsquordquo [SeaCoast Online 8118]
Edwards ldquoI Think The President Is Delivering On His Promises To Folksrdquo ldquoWhen the conversation turned to
President Donald Trump Edwards offered his opinion lsquoI think the president is delivering on his promises to folksrsquo
he said lsquoI think hersquos trying Hersquos not a perfect person None of us arersquo Trump once again sparked controversy in
recent days after he reportedly derided Haiti and described African nations as lsquoshithole countriesrsquo during a White
House discussion with a bipartisan group of US Senate leaders regarding a possible immigration deal [hellip] Asked
what he thought of the presidentrsquos reported comments and whether he felt they were racist in nature Edwards
didnrsquot defend or criticize Trump but he said lsquoIt seems to me in this country we let some people make comments
and therersquos a passrsquo But he added that others who make similar comments are quickly judged and labeled a racist lsquoI
think if wersquore going to have this conversation about racism we need to be honest about it We need to tell the truth
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 30
about it And we need to hold all people accountable for their commentsrsquo he said lsquoIf we hold some accountable
then we should hold everyone accountable for their commentsrsquordquo [Concord Monitor 11518]
Relationships
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson
2016 Edwards Was A State Co-Chair For Ben Carson ldquoEdwards ran for state Senate District 4 in 2014 and
previously worked in the Manchester district office for former US Rep Frank Guinta R-NH In the 2016 New
Hampshire presidential primary he was a state co-chairman for Dr Ben Carsonrdquo [Union Leader 40517]
2014 Edwards Met With Governor Rick Perry Lauded The Actions That Led To Gov Perryrsquos Indictment
Edwards Defended Governor Rick Perry Over Actions That Led To An Indictment ldquoIf he runs Perry would
probably seek support of the partyrsquos business and national-security hawk factions lsquoThis recent incident the
indictment tells me more about his leadership than lessrsquo said Eddie Edwards a Republican state Senate candidate
and former police chief lsquoAnd I say that because itrsquos not often you see a governor willing to put himself at risk to
hold another official accountable That tells me all I need to knowrsquordquo [Boston Globe 82314]
Edwards Said Governor Perryrsquos Actions Which Led To Criminal Charges Was ldquoThe Type Of Leadership
We Need In This Country[]rdquo ldquoState senate candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover sat next to Perry during the event
and said prior to the Governor arriving that he was impressed with Perryrsquos decision to hold a public official
account-able which eventually led to the charges against him lsquoThat is the type of leadership we need in this
countryrsquo Edwards said The local candidate admitted that he does not follow Perry on a regular basisrdquo [Fosterrsquos
Daily Democrat 82514]
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo
2018 Edwards Thought Hillary Clinton Lost Because Of The Email Investigation And Because She Was
ldquoAn Unapologetic Liberal Of The Highest Orderrdquo ldquoTo hear Hillary Clinton tell it she lost not because she was
under criminal investigation by the FBI or an unapologetic liberal of the highest order but because white women
couldnrsquot stand up to their husbands What a jokerdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Edwards Admired Colin Powell
Edwards Admired Colin Powell ldquoMost admired person (outside your family) Colin Powellrdquo [Union Leader
12808]
Civil Rights amp Liberties
Post Charlottesville Edwards Defended Republican Values ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie
Edwards of Dover gave an impassioned defense of Republican Party values thats gotten a lot of attention on
Facebook During the first three days more than 5000 had already watched the five-minute piece where the former
liquor law enforcement chief an African-American speaks about how his grandmother took him to Confederate
monuments in Georgia and taught him the difference with American values lsquoI never felt fear I never felt
diminished because I knew American values werent consitent with the Confederacyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union
Leader 82417]
Edwards Disapproved Of NH Senator Shaheen Voting To Approve A Former Defense Attorney To Head
The Justice Departmentrsquos Civil Rights Division ldquoTwo New Hampshire law enforcement officials are still
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 31
smarting over US Sen Jeanne Shaheens vote last week in favor of confirming controversial attorney Debo
Adegbile to head the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard and
South Hampton Police Chief Eddie Edwards said Tuesday they were surprised by Shaheens vote because she has
been a supporter of the law enforcement community [hellip] As a private attorney he defended an appeal filed on
behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal who was convicted of the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police Officer Daniel
Faulkner Shaheen said immediately after the vote that Adegbile was lsquoqualifiedrsquo and on Tuesday she said the
Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to legal representation and that the nominee should not have been
disqualified for lsquoparticipation in this essential part of our judicial system and democracyrsquordquo [Union Leader 31214]
Crime amp Public Safety
Edwards Campaigned Against Substance Abuse And The Opioid Crisis
Edwards ldquoThroughout My Career I Have Worked To Address The Problems Of Substance Abuserdquo ldquoThroughout my career I have worked to address the problems of substance abuse As the director of enforcement
and licensing for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission I worked to reduce substance misuse and abuse I
am currently a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire helping to fight the scourge of
opioid abuse and I serve as the chairman of the Governorrsquos Advisory Group on Juvenile Justicerdquo [WMUR
82118]
Edwards Alleged That Andy Sanborn Had Not Done Enough To Combat The Opioid Crisis In New
Hampshire ldquoFormer liquor law enforcement chief Eddie Edwards R-Dover went after both US Rep Carol
Shea-Porter D-Rochester and state Sen Andy Sanborn R-Bedford charging them with failing to do enough to
ensure New Hampshire gets its share of federal opioid grants He criticized Sanborn for voting for a second time to
table an Insurance Department request to accept a $11 million grant to study how insurers treat peole with mental
health or substance abuse problems Sanborn who has spent nearly a decade long career in Concord is
irresponsibly holding up much-needed federal grant money under the guise of there not being a legislative policy
in placersquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Opposing Trump Made It Harder To Get Funding For The Opioid Crisis ldquoAnd Edwards said
Shea-Porters ongoing Trump attacks only make it harder for Gov Chris Sununu R-Newfields to make the
case that New Hampshire should get more money to fight the epi-demic as one of the states with the highest
number of overdoses per capitarsquo[hellip] lsquoIn Washington Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter who made it clear
from the very first day of the Trump administration that she had little interest in working with the President has
taken partisan politics to a new level Her consistent personal attacks on President Trump for her own political
gain is the style of political gamesmanship that ensures common ground is never found and lines of
communication are never openedrsquordquo [Union Leader 10517]
Edwards Blamed Pharmaceutical Companies For Starting The Opioid Crisis ldquoHe said Congresss job is to
stop the flow of drugs into the country But it should also hold big pharmaceutical companies responsible for their
role in starting the epidemic with prescription opioids he said That should include making pharmaceutical
companies pay for part of the effortsrdquo [Union Leader 71218]
Edwards Said That Movies And TV Caused Substance Abuse ldquoThe illicit drug trade and marketing of
prescription drugs are adversely affecting individuals families communities and businesses The promotion of
prescription drugs on television is constant while music lyrics and movies glorify illicit drug userdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily
Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards ldquoI Have Been On The Front Lines In The Fight Against Opioid Addiction And Abuserdquo ldquoAs a chief
of police I have been on the front lines in the fight against opioid addiction and abuse I have seen deaths families
torn apart and communities in crisis The current opioid crisis was not unforeseen by many in law enforcement and
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 32
the substance abuse community We must work closely with both the treatment and law enforcement communities
to give them the tools they need to defeat this epidemicrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Edwards Was Against Imprisoning Nonviolent Drug Offenders Saying ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo
Edwards ldquoDrug Abuse Is A Health Crisisrdquo ldquoWe pursue aggressive punitive action especially for first-time
offenders in trying to deal with curbing drug use In my opinion the so-called lsquozero tolerancersquo does more harm
than good I believe we are wrongheaded to pursue any drug policy that simply incarcerates more individuals cost
taxpayers more money and creates more violence The blind public policy of being lsquotough on drugsrsquo has wasted
more lives than were ever saved [hellip]It is my belief that depression joblessness and impoverishment are major
factors of illicit drug use and prescription abuse This adversely affects the quality of life education prospects and
business recruitment of a community and those that live there Drug abuse is a health crisis we cannot continue to
treat drug abuse with drugs Further we cannot simply increase taxes as a method of addressing the problem I am a
strong proponent of diversionary sentencing counseling options and working with substance abuse prevention
services such as Drug Free NH and Dover Youth To Youth among others As for drug sentencing I support any
policy that reduces criminal (misdemeanors and felonies) penalties for first-time offenders I believe there is greater
support for treatment over imprisonment as an effective sanction Treatment costs less and yields better outcomesrdquo
[Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Believed The Current Prison System Was Concerning ldquoEdwards who is known for his work as the
police chief in South Hampton and for serving as the director of the states Division of Liquor Enforcement said he
is concerned about the prison system Eighty-five percent of people being housed in that system have addiction and
mental health issues or lack education Edwards said lsquoOne in nine black men are in prisonrsquo Edwards said lsquoIt is a
$98 million a year industryrsquordquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 9914]
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana
Edwards Favored Decriminalization But Not Legalization Of Marijuana ldquoRelative to marijuana I would
support a public policy that reduces the sanction for marijuana possession to a violation I believe the penalty for
marijuana users (not dealers) should be a violation offense similar to an alcohol open-container violation I
strongly believe that those caught with this drug should not affect an individualrsquos employment opportunities or
academic future However the reality is I cannot support complete legalization at least at this time Until the
federal government reassesses the placement of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as determined by the Controlled
Substance Act not much is going to change Therefore the first step is to re-evaluate marijuanas placement as a
Schedule I drug and propose legislation to make a changerdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat Edwards Op-Ed 61314]
Edwards Thought That Decriminalizing Marijuana Would Cost More Than The State Would Make In
Taxes ldquoResponding to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it as a way to raise revenue Edwards said he
did not support legalization but did favor decriminalization lsquoWe are sending our young people off to college with
high debts only to be caught with marijuana and have a criminal record for the rest of their livesrsquo Edwards said
lsquoWe can take the money that we are spending on incarcerating our citizens 85 percent of them for substance abuse
and mental health issues and refocus that moneyrsquo As to the revenue piece Edwards said the state should not turn
to substances to make more money on the backs of citizens lsquoThe NH State Liquor Commission raises about $140
million that goes to the general fund the cost of alcohol abuse in our state is $180 million We are $40 million off
the markrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Education Issues
Edwards Supported Eliminating The Department Of Education ldquoBoth Edwards and Sanborn agreed that the
federal Department of Education was the agency they would eliminate if they had to choose onerdquo [Union Leader
71218]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 33
Edwards Supported Freezing State College Tuition ldquoAt the same time Edwards said tuition to the University
of New Hampshire should not only be frozen but reducedrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102914]
Elections amp Campaign Finance Issues
Edwards Supported Term Limits
Edwards Favored Term Limits ldquoCongress is broken However we will not change a broken Washington until we
fix the type of people we send there We have to stop electing career politicians who are solely concerned with
climbing the next rung on the ladder of their political career We must enact term limits get rid of pensions and
benefits for our representatives and bring back the sense of service that is missing from our elected leadersrdquo
[WMUR 82818]
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law
Edwards Supported The State Voter ID Law ldquoWhen asked their view of the current state Voter ID law Edwards
said asking for an ID is common sense and does not create a burdenrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase Suggested A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address
Infrastructure Spending
Edwards Opposed A Proposed Gas Tax Increase ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increaserdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Edwards Called For A Review Of The Highway Plan To Address Infrastructure Spending ldquoI am not naive to
think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are certainly roads and bridges that are in need of
improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the statersquos lsquoTen-Year Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing
issues should be undertakenrdquo [Edwards Op-Ed Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 51314]
Environmental Issues
Edwards Said That Environmental Regulations Were Harmful For Businesses ldquoMany of our job creators are
already saddled with copious amounts of red tape that is prohibitive to companies being able to compete on a global
marketplace However it is important to find a healthy balance between protecting our environment and natural
resources while promoting American prosperityrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Foreign Policy Issues
ISIS
Edwards ldquoI Applaud Trumprsquos Aggressive Annihilation Of ISISrdquo ldquoAs a Navy Veteran I applaud Trumprsquos
aggressive annihilation of ISIS and its caliphate in the Middle East Radical Islamists know that under Trump
AMERICA IS BACKrdquo [Edwards Fundraising Letter 61118]
Russia
Edwards ldquoWe Must Engage With Russia And All Nationsrdquo ldquoWe must engage with Russia and all nations in an
effort to reduce our monetary and military cost with the ultimate goal of preserving Americarsquos freedom and
libertyrdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 34
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Draft
Edwards Supported Reinstating The Military Draft ldquoEdwards stressed the issue wasnt a priority but he
philosophically backs it lsquoI absolutely support bringing back the draftrsquo Edwards said lsquoI absolutely support it Ill
tell you why I support it Its nice when people talk about freedom-loving people Its not free Its never been free
Its easy for us to blame kids Its easy for us to point the finger at college students and say ldquoThis millennial group
of 18 to 34 they have it wrongrdquorsquordquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Supported Cutting Foreign Aid To Cover Infrastructure Issues
Edwards ldquoWe Have To Take Care Of America Firstrdquo ldquoOn the topic of infrastructure Edwards pointed to
cutting foreign aid highlighting how lsquowe have to take care of America firstrsquo Moreover emphasizing how lsquothats
what the president is talking about thats what I supportrsquo he saidrdquo [Eagle Tribune 71118]
Gun Issues
Edwards Was Against Banning Bump Stocks ldquoEdwards adheres to the GOP platform on the key issues Hes
adamantly pro-life and supports the approach President Trump has taken to trade deregulation tax reform and
immigration On gun control he takes an even more aggressive position than Trump who earlier this year
announced his support for regulation of bump stock devices used to convert semiautomatic guns into automatic
weapons lsquoHe wants to ban them I dontrsquo said Edwards lsquoI see it as an accessory on a firearm nothing more and
nothing lessrsquordquo [Union Leader 81418]
Edwards ldquoI Absolutely Support The 2nd Amendmentrdquo ldquoEDWARDS I absolutely support the 2nd amendment
When I think about the state of New Hampshire I think about how passionate they are for liberty and freedom how
it means something to the people in this state There are two things that are required to maintain liberty and freedom
and independence and thatrsquos property and the second amendment VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards cares about our
constitutional rights and Edwards will fight to safeguard our second amendment rights protecting what makes New
Hampshire great Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81618]
Edwards ldquoIhellipDo Not Believe We Need Any Additional Federal Laws To Legislate The Live Of New
Hampshire Citizensrdquo ldquoScroll through to see where the 2018 Republican candidates for the US House seat
representing New Hampshires First Congressional District stand on the most important issues of today [hellip] This is
an unfortunate result of the anger and resentment and bitterness that is in our country We as a nation need to stay
vigilant against all forms of terrorism including domestic terrorism Itrsquos important we give our law enforcement the
tools they need to address this threat while at the same time protecting the guaranteed rights of all Americans
including making sure our citizensrsquo 4th Amendment rights are protected [hellip] While I certainly agree that school
districts should be making decisions that ensure our children are safe while in school many of these decisions
should be left to states and local officials rather than federal legislators dictating a top-down approach as it comes to
these issues [hellip] I am a very strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and do not believe we need any additional
federal laws to legislate the lives of New Hampshire citizensrdquo [WMUR 82818]
Health Care
Edwards Was Against The Affordable Care Act
August 2018 Edwards Supported Repealing And Replacing The ACA ldquoI strongly believe we must repeal and
replace Obamacare By all metrics it has been a failure There should be a free market solution to deal with some
of the issues of healthcare in the marketplace I believe we should be able to purchase health insurance across state
lines and there should be more transparency in healthcarerdquo [WMUR 82818]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 35
2017 Edwards Wanted Congress To Work Through August Recess To Repeal And Replace The ACA
ldquoSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky is delaying the August recess in order to work on a GOP plan to
replace the Affordable Care Act The President applauded the move Eddie Edwards called on Congress to get it
done lsquoCongress should stay through August and do their job that theyve been entrusted to do and that is to re-form
health care in this countryrsquo he said He and state Sen Andy Sanborn a fellow Republican running for the 1st
Congressional District and 2nd District Republican hopeful Jack Flanagan called upon Republicans in Congress to
fulfill campaign promises to repeal and replace Obamacarerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
2014 Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion
Edwards Opposed Medicaid Expansion ldquoAs for where his views and values stem from Edwards credits his past
as having shaped his character hellip If hersquod been a representative at the time he said he would not have voted for the
Medicaid expansionrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 82114]
Immigration amp Border Security Issues
Edwards Supported Trump Immigration Policies
Edwards ldquoIt Is Time We Start Taking Care Of American Families Firstrdquo ldquoAll of the candidates supported
the current administrations immigration policies lsquoWe need to get people out of our country who are illegalrsquo
Crochetiere said adding a desire to lsquoend chain migrationrsquo lsquoYoure not a nation if you dont enforce your bordersrsquo
Sanborn noted Edwards agreed and explained that lsquoit is time we start taking care of American families here firstrsquo
Furthermore that lsquothe president needs people who are going to support America firstrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Eagle
Tribune 71118]
Edwards ldquoI Want To Make Sure The People Who Come Here They Came Here The Right Wayrdquo ldquoWersquove
all have a great deal of respect for different nationalities different ethnicities but we have an appreciation for what
it means to be an American I want to make sure the people who come here they came here the right way So when
you come into this country illegally therersquos a consequence for that Holding people accountable who actually
violate our laws In Washington Eddie Edwards will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws
and build the wall Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
Edwards ldquoWe ShouldhellipMake Sure People Who Want To Come Here Are Truly Interested In Becoming
Americansrdquo ldquoEdwards says he supports legal immigration with one caveat lsquoI certainly think we should look at
our vetting process and make sure people who want to come here are truly interested in becoming Americansrsquordquo
[Union Leader 81418]
Edwards Disapproved Of The Democrats Holding Firm To Protect Immigrants Prior To The 2018
Shutdown
Edwards ldquoSchumer Shutdown Was Really Disappointingrdquo ldquoAsked by the Sun about the recent three-day
government shutdown Edwards said the lsquoSchumer Shutdown was really disappointingrsquo He was referencing Senate
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) He said some in Congress threatened to deny pay to military personnel
over illegal immigrants lsquoThis is not a battle over immigrationrsquo said Edwards lsquoThis is a battle over illegal
immigration and I think it defies logic that you would vote in favor of an illegal activity over US citizens and I
saw that as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life defending our country and defending our statersquordquo
[Caledonian-Record 12618]
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 36
Edwards Was Against Allowing Refugees In New Hampshire ldquoIn his closing remarks Edwards took Watters to
task saying he was quietly encouraging immigration lsquoMy opponent supports behind closed doors bringing 3000
refugees to Dover Somersworth and Rochester without any way to pay for it and hes doing that behind your backrsquo
Edwards said Watters response drew a round of applause lsquoIt is so distressful and shameful to hear this fear-
mongering about refugees or immigrants I have not spoken publicly about this We cannot be known as
communities of intolerance and fear we need to be known as a community of Americans We are in this together
and the future is brightrsquo Watters saidrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102514]
Tax Issues
Edwards Supported The Republican Tax Scam Bill
Edwards Committed To Making The Republican Tax Bill Permanent ldquoEDWARDS A lot of people are
concerned about taxes but with tax reform we actually provide economic stability we actually provide economic
opportunity and we ensure that people will keep more in their pocket In Congress Eddie Edwards will fight to
make Trumprsquos tax reform permanent safeguarding success and protecting our pocketbooks Irsquom going to represent
our voices in Washington VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo [Edwards for New Hampshire Digital
Ad 81718]
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15
Edwards Wanted To Double The Standard Deduction Double The Child Tax Credit And Reduce Corporate
Taxes To 15 ldquoWe need to cut personal taxes across the board simplify the tax code to reduce the number of
brackets double the standard deduction and double the per-child tax credit With more money in their pockets the
people of New Hampshire will have more financial stability and peace of mind Theyll be able to invest and save
for the future Second the businesses that create jobs shouldnt continue to be penalized for their success The
United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35 percent If our manufacturers are
going to be competitive in the global economy we need to stop putting them at a disadvantage by taking so much
of their earnings and driving up the costs of the goods that they produce We need to cut the corporate tax rate from
35 percent to 15 percentrdquo [Union Leader Edwards Op-ed 10517]
Edwards Signed The Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Edwards Signed The Americans For Tax Reform ldquoTaxpayer Protection Pledgerdquo ldquoThe quote hangs on the wall
next to the door of the Americans for Prosperity-NH office where the four signed the ATRs lsquotaxpayer protection
pledgersquo [hellip] Eddie Edwards and Sen Andy Sanborn two candidates for the 1st Congressional District had
previously taken this pledge State Rep Steve Negron R-Nashua who is considering a run for the 2nd District also
signed the pledgerdquo [Union Leader 71317]
Edwards Was Against Increasing The Gas Tax
Edwards A Gas Tax Increase Would Cause Businesses To Increase Prices Harm Middle Class Families
And Would Not Address Infrastructure Issues ldquoAs a resident of Dover I am concerned about a proposed gas
tax increase The motivation for increasing the gas tax is that we need to repair our highways and bridges Some
have even advanced the argument that we have not increased the gas tax since 1991 Maintaining a low gas tax rate
calls for celebration not vilification I am not naive to think we do not need to address our infrastructure There are
certainly roads and bridges that are in need of improvement Perhaps a thoughtful review of the states lsquoTen-Year
Highway Planrsquo to address our most pressing issues should be undertaken Unfortunately budgetary slight-of-hand
practices prevent us from using all the gas tax funding to address our highway and bridge problems Government
leaders mismanagement of our limited funds is offensive enough however what is unacceptable is legislature
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 37
arrogance that blames the condition of our highways and bridges on us for not supporting their gas tax proposal
[hellip] At this point an increase in the gas tax would only disproportionately affect the poor and middle-class
families I can certainly imagine the ripple effect that will take place as businesses would have to increase the
prices of goods and servicesrdquo [Nashua Telegraph 3514]
2014 Campaigned ldquoForbearancerdquo From Taxes And Regulation ldquoEdwards said that as a former executive
leader in state government his opinion is the most important things confronting New Hampshire are transparency
and accountability taxesfees and regulation of families and businesses lsquoNew Hampshire families continue to ask
for forbearance from government intrusion into their livesrsquo Edwards said lsquoMoms and dads know that New
Hampshirersquos current government policy of lsquosmile bright and tax at nightrsquo has forced their children out of state with
high debtrsquo Edwards said business leaders have asked for retooling of disruptive laws and rules that impede
growthrdquo [Fosterrsquos Daily Democrat 102214]
Labor amp Working Families Issues
Edwards Opposed Unionshellip
Edwards Supported Right-To-Work ldquoBoth State Sen Andy Sanborn of Bedford and former liquor law
enforcement chief Eddie Edwards of Dover support Right-to-Work while all nine Democratic candidates seeking
that partys nomination vigorously oppose itrdquo [Union Leader 61418]
Edwards Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Because He Wanted To Protect Small Businesses ldquoI oppose
raising the federal minimum wage The over-regulation of small businesses is crippling our economy and killing
jobs Some states and municipalities have chosen to raise their own minimum wages but that is a decision that
should be made at the state and local levelrdquo [WMUR 82818]
hellipBut Wanted To Reap Union Benefits Upon His Departure From The State Liquor Commission
During Settlement Negotiations There Was A Disagreement Between Edwardsrsquo Attorneys And State
Attorneys Regarding Edwardsrsquo Eligibility For Leave Accrual Rates Under A Collective Bargaining
Agreement Which Was Traditionally Only For Unionized Employees [Correspondence NH Attorney
Generalrsquos Office Public Record accessed 83018]
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statute [Edwards] Is A Confidential Employee
And Excluded From Union Membership Chief Edwards Is Being Treated Just Like All Other Similarly
Situated Employees We Cannot Grant Him A Benefit That His Peers Cannot And Do Not Receiverdquo
[Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Do Not Understand How The Position Could Be Listed In The CBA [Collective
Bargaining Agreement] With Regard To A Pay Issue And Not Be Covered By Itrdquo [Email 4313]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 38
Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Brown ldquoBy Statutory Definition And By Certificate He Is
Not A Union Member And Receives No Benefits Under The CBArdquo ldquoJon Both the CBA and the Personnel
Rules call for the same rate of accrual For the Chief the Personnel Rules govern even though they are exactly
the same as the CBA The mere fact that Appendix C has the position listed does not meant he Chief is entitled
to the benefits and advantages of the CBA He gets law enforcement pay just like all other law enforcement
personnel in or out of the union By statutory definition and by certificate he is not a union member and
received no benefits under the CBA To the extent he may have received some benefit in the past in error
doesnrsquot mean that he should have nor does it mean he should now I am sure you can appreciate the fact that
public settlements are public documents The state simply cannot authorize benefits to one that it does not
provide to others who are similarly situated Mikerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoI Want To Further Research This Issue hellip I Will Get Back To You On The Leave
Issuerdquo [Email 4313]
Edwardsrsquo Attorney ldquoChief Edwards Will Agree To The Statersquos Calculation Of His Accrued Leave
However We Continue To Believe That His Position Was Covered By The Collective Bargaining
Agreementrdquo [Letter 41213]
Veteransrsquo Issues
Edwards Said That He Would Focus On Improving Health Care For Veterans ldquoEDWARDS I think at some
point every American feels like they want to give back to their country And I chose United States Navy and I
served every day with pride I donrsquot think wersquore doing the right thing by our veteran population We say we care
but our actions speak differently and I believe we can change this VOICEOVER Eddie Edwards will ensure our
veterans receive the respect and health care theyrsquove earned protecting our vets Eddie Edwards for Congressrdquo
[Eddie Edwards for New Hampshire Digital Ad 81518]
Edwards Spoke At A Veterans Count Event Against Veteran Homelessness ldquoEddie Edwards of Hampton was
at the event on behalf of Veterans Count a charity and assistance program for veterans and military families
throughout New Hampshire Maine Rhode Island and Vermont Edwards said Sunday was a good opportunity to
raise awareness about what they do lsquoA veteran who is homeless shouldnrsquot be homeless A veteran who needs
medical care shouldnrsquot need that We make certain we step in and provide those valuable resources that may save a
veteranrsquos life may help their familyrsquo Edwards saidrdquo [Union Leader 11217]
Womenrsquos Issues
Edwards Said That He Was Dedicated To Defunding Planned Parenthood ldquoVOICEOVER A loving father of
two Eddie Edwards knows how important life is In Congress Edwards will fight to protect the unborn and defund
Planned Parenthood EDWARDS Innocence should be protected and everyonersquos entitled to liverdquo [Edwards for
New Hampshire Digital Ad 82418]
Personal Political History
Personal Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics Edwards has given $700 to state-level candidates
Edwards Political Giving History - State
Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount
2018 Christopher Sununu (Governor) R $500
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 39
2018 Regina Birdsell (State Senate District 19) R $200
Total $700
[National Institute on Money in State Politics accessed 82418]
According to an FEC individual contribution search Edwards has given $1240 to federal political committees
Edwards Political Giving History - Federal
Date CandidateCommittee Party Amount
42018 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $20000
4418 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $30000
33118 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $4000
101617 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $45000
42917 New Hampshire Republican State Committee R $25000
Total $124000
[FEC individual contribution accessed 82418]
Voter Activity
1997-2017 Edwards Voted Sporadically
Edwards Voting History (1997-2017)
Year Description
2017 Voted in the municipal general election
2016 Voted in the general election and both primaries
2015 Did not vote
2014 Voted in the primary and general elections
2013 Did not vote
2012 Voted in the general election
2011 Did not vote
2010 Did not vote
2009 Did not vote
2008 Voted in the general election
2007 Did not vote
2006 Did not vote
2005 Did not vote
2004 Voted in the general election
2003 Did not vote
2002 Did not vote
2001 Did not vote
2000 Voted in the general election
1999 Did not vote
1998 Voted in the general election
1997 Did not vote
[VoteBuilder accessed 82418]
Personal Financial Disclosure
2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Public Financial Disclosure For 2017 By May 2018
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 40
May 2017 Edwards Filed A Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
May 2017 Edwards Filed An Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through April 2017
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
May 2018 Edwards Should Have Filed A Second Financial Disclosure That Covered January 2017 Through
Mid-April 2018 According To House Ethics Rules
House Ethics Committee All Candidates For Office Who Qualified In 2017 Should Have Filed Financial
Disclosures In May 2017 And May 2018 ldquoIndividuals are required to file an FD Statement once they lsquoqualifyrsquo as
a candidate by raising or spending more than $5000 in a campaign for election to the House of Representatives
[hellip] If you qualify during a non-election (odd-numbered) year then you must file an FD Statement within 30 days
of becoming a candidate or May 15 of that year whichever is later You are then required to file a second Statement
on May 15 of the following year if you are still a candidate on that date If you lose a primary election or formally
withdraw as explained below before May 15 2018 then you are not required to file the second Statementrdquo [US
House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide
Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
House Ethics Committee Reports Filed In May 2018 Should Have Covered From January 1 2017 Through
At Least April 15 2018 ldquoThe reporting period for candidates and new employees is generally January 1 of the
prior calendar year through the current calendar year to a date within 30 days of the date of filing You may select
the period-ending date so long as it is no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing Thus if your Statement is
due on May 15 2018 and you file it April 15 2018 your reporting period is January 1 2017 through any date
of your choosing between March 16 and April 15 2018 Once you have determined the period covered you must
state it in the lsquoPeriod Coveredrsquo box at the top of the Preliminary Information page of the form or enter it in the
appropriate spot in the electronic filing systemrdquo [US House Committee on Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements
Periodic Transaction Reports Instruction Guide Calendar Year 2017 accessed 9318]
Net Worth
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million
2017 Edwards Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $235 Million And $825 Million [Edwards 2017
Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income
2017 Edwards Reported $99471 In Earned Income From His New Hampshire Retirement Plan And His
Consulting Firm [Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Assets amp Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income
2017 Edwards Reported Between $9500 And $25000 In Unearned Income [Edwards 2017 Public Financial
Disclosure Report filed 51817]
2017 Edwards Assets amp ldquoUnearnedrdquo Income
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 41
SP
DC
JT
Asset Year-End Value Type Of
Income
Income Current
Year
Income Preceding
Year
Min Max Min Max Min Max
JT Georgia ECE LLC $50001 $100000 Rent $1001 $2500 None None
JT ECE Properties LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $5001 $15000 $15001 $50000
JT Rental-Wells ME (Note 42 Ox
Cart Lane Wells ME)
$500001 $1000000 Rent None None $5001 $15000
SP BARK LLC $100001 $250000 Rent $2501 $5000 $15001 $50000
SP CLM Financial Svc LLC $250001 $500000 Capital Gains None None $5001 $15000
SP 401K DFA Funds + Vanguard
Funds
$500001 $1000000 Tax-Deferred None None None None
Dfa Int Real Estate Securities
Dfa Infl Prot Sec Port Instl
Dra Emerging Markets Core Eq
Dfa Real Us Targeted Value I
Dfa International Small
Company
Dfa International Small Cap
Value
Dfa Us Small Cap
Dfa Five-Year Global Fixed
Income
Dfa International Value Iii
Dfa Us Large Cap Value Iiii
Vanguard Reit Index Fund
Adm
Vanguard 500 Index Adm
JT Schwab Inv Portfolio $100001 $250000 Dividends
Interest
Capital Gains
$1001 $2500 $5001 $15000
US Large Neutral
US Large Value
US Small Neutral
US Small Value
International Large
NeutralGrowth
International Large Value
International Small
NeutralGrowth
International Small Values
Emerging Markets Large
Emerging Markets Value
Emerging Markets Small
SP Cummings Lamont +
McNamee PA
$1000001 $5000000 None None None None None
Total $2600008 $8350001 Total $9504 $25000 $45005 $145000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Liabilities
2017 Edwards Liabilities
Owner Creditor Date Incurred Type Amount Of Liability
JT Gorham Savings Bank LOC on Rental Wells ME $100001 - $250000
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 42
Positions
2017 Edwards Positions
Position Name Of Organization
Board Member Partnership for a Drug Free NH
Board Member NH Chiefs of Police Association
Board Member NH State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
Board Member Easter Seals ndash Veterans Count
Board Member NH Endowment for Health (PAST)
Board Member Clearwater Homeowners Association (PAST)
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Ambassador SPARK NH
Member National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Member FBI National Academy Association
Mentor Equity Leaders Fellowship NH
Member National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Subcommittee Member Cocheco Woods Homeowners Association
Advisory Board Member Children of the Fallen Patriot
Volunteer Consulting Services University of New Hampshire
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Edwards Was A Member Of The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association
The NH Police Association Lobbied To Protect Police Officers With Credibility Issues From Being Put On A
List Provided To Prosecutors So Court Cases Were Not Put In Jeopardy ldquoIn April Sununu and MacDonald
made good on a campaign promise the governor made to the New England Police Benevolent Association and the
New Hampshire Police Association to revise the so-called Laurie List of police officers who have what are
delicately referred to as lsquocredibility issuesrsquo mdash such as lying under oath or falsifying documentation The list exists
because prosecutors are duty-bound to inform criminal defendants of lsquoexculpatoryrsquo evidence that is evidence that
is potentially favorable to the accused Such evidence includes information that raises questions about the
credibility of government witnesses The list is secret and available only to prosecutors so defendants and their
lawyers must rely on them to make good-faith disclosures A key change made by Sununu and MacDonald is that
officers will no longer be placed on the list during misconduct investigations but only after misconduct has been
confirmed And it is now up to the officers themselves to notify prosecutors that they are under investigation if they
are scheduled to be witnesses in a particular case It apparently did not occur to the governor or the attorney general
that trusting an officer whose credibility is at issue to self-report might be a problemrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Officers Worried Their Credibility Issues Would Be Used Against Them ldquoPolice officers believe that
inclusion on the Laurie List now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule can ruin their career because
it surfaces whenever they are potential witnesses As the InDepthNH news website reports lsquoOfficers complain
that they will not be promoted or offered certain positionsrsquo if they are included on the list This is an
understandable concern on their part but beside the point At bottom the legal system depends on the
truthfulness of witnesses and other participants The career of any officer whose material untruthfulness has
been established should be ruinedrdquo [Valley News 8118]
Concord Monitor Some New Hampshire Police Chiefs Were Wiping Problematic Officersrsquo Disciplinary
Records ldquoSome New Hampshire police chiefs have been purging disciplinary records from officersrsquo
personnel files for years raising new questions about whether the secret lsquoLaurie Listrsquo ndash even in its latest May
revision ndash is protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants to all favorable evidencerdquo [Concord
Monitor 72618]
The New Hampshire Association Of Chiefs Opposed A Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without A License
Publicly Calling It ldquoThe Sex Offender And Child Concealed Carry Billrdquo ldquoA state Senate bill that would repeal
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 43
the law requiring the licensing requirements to carry concealed handguns appears to be on its way to becoming law
But the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police remains concerned releasing a press release last week
calling the legislation lsquoThe sex offender and child concealed carry billrsquo The Chiefs Association believes the bill
could allow those who canrsquot currently carry concealed handguns the ability to do so Sponsors of the bill say the
Chiefs Association concerns are already addressed in the current bill as well as state and federal law and a
spokesperson for the governor said the governor still plans to sign the bill into law [hellip] If signed into law New
Hampshire would join Vermont Maine and other states in the country that allow those who are legally allowed to
possess guns to carry them concealed without a license New Hampshire already allows those who can legally
possess a gun to carry it openly It cannot be hidden from view such as by a coatrdquo [SeaCoast Online 21917]
New Hampshire Residents Said The NH Association Of Chiefs Of Police Was Lying And Misleading The
Public About The Contents Of The Concealed Carry Bill Ultimately Failing To Protect The Second
Amendment
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 44
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 45
[New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Facebook 21417]
2009 ndash 2014 Edwards Was Board Member Of The National Endowment For Health
Edwards Was A Board Member For The New Hampshire National Endowment For Health Which Helped
Fund Planned Parenthood Despite Assertions That He Was Personally Pro-Life ldquoEpstein asked Edwards
who said he is adamantly pro-life how he came to sit on a board (New Hampshire Endowment for Health) that
gave funding to Planned Parenthood which provides womens reproductive health care including access to birth
control and abortions lsquoI do not support Planned Parenthoodrsquo said Edwards adding that he is endorsed by former
US senator and pro-life advocate Rick Santorum lsquoI believe life begins at conceptionrsquo Sanborn said that he is pro-
life with lsquostandard exemptionsrsquo He said Endowment for Health gave Planned Parenthood $60000 but said there is
no publicly available documentation of Edwards board vote lsquoIf he didnt vote for it or advocated against it we
continue to ask to see the minutes that show that or we continue to ask why in five years he never resignedrsquo said
Sanborn lsquoI have been on the boards of things I resigned from because I just didnt believe in what they didrsquordquo
[Conway Daily Sun 82818]
The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Supported The Implementation Of The Affordable Care Act
ldquoRepublican congressional candidate Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he
wanted it repealed) and immigration reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years
from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The
Concord-based non-profit took a very different view on these issues [hellip] On Obamacare the endowment financed
grants to Community Catalyst in Boston that backed up marketing of the federal health insurance exchanges lsquoThe
foundation has also invested in the states health advocacy organizations which monitor educate and advocate on
key state health issues especially the implementation of the Affordable Care Actrsquo the endowment wrote in its
annual report An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them nowrsquo Eddie was recruited to
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 46
join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different voicerdquo [Union
Leader 8218]
Edwards Served On The Board Of The New Hampshire Endowment For Health Which had An Initiative
Specifically Meant To Help Increase The Statersquos Refugee Population ldquoRepublican congressional candidate
Eddie Edwards of Dover holds the Trump-embraced views on Obamacare (he wanted it repealed) and immigration
reform (no amnesty tighter borders) in his 1st District run But for five years from 2009 to 2014 Edwards served
on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health The Concord-based non-profit took a very
different view on these issues The endowment financed the Welcoming NH Initiative which was designed to grow
the refugee population in the state and was a project of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition The MIRA came out against President Trumps travel ban and supported amnesty and sanctuary city
policies that included opposing the arrest of illegal aliensrdquo [Union Leader 8218]
Edwards Campaign Edwards Did Not Agree With The Endowmentrsquos Philosophy Despite His Position
On The Board An Edwards chief campaign consultant Michael Biundo said the candidate did not share the
endowments philosophy on those issues while on the board and he doesnt back them now lsquoEddie was
recruited to join the bipartisan board because they wanted members with a different perspective and a different
voicersquordquo [Union Leader 8218]
Agreements
2017 Edwards Agreements
Date Parties To Terms Of Agreement
62013 State of New Hampshire Retirement - Ongoing
[Edwards 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 51817]
Campaign Finance
2018 Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Raised $54108879 And Spent $32607624
Edwards 2018 Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions Total Disbursements
Year Total Indivs Other
Cmtes
Party
Cmtes Total
Operating
Expdts
Refunds
Indivs Cmtes
2017-18 $54108879 $50644777 $520000 $000 $32607624 $32347124 $260500 $000
[FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer accessed 82418]
Edwardsrsquo Federal Campaign Committee Received 94 Of His Contributions From Individual
Contributors 1 From PACs And 5 Through Self-Financing
Source Of Edwards Career Congressional Campaign Committee Funds
Category
Small Individual Contributors $164819 306
Large Individual Contributors $341629 634
PAC Contributors $5200 1
Self-Financing $29441 55
Other -$2605 -5
[OpenSecrets accessed 82418]
2014 Edwardsrsquo State Campaign Raised $18696
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 47
Edwards 2014 State Campaign Committee Funds
Total Contributions
Year Total Indivs Non-Indivs Other
2013-2014 $18696 $12546 $6120 $30
[Followthemoneyorg accessed 82418]
Public Records
Associated Entities
As of September 2018 Edwards is potentially associated with the following entities
Eddie Edwards Consulting LLC
Georgia ECE LLC
ECE Properties LLC
Maine ECE LLC
Cummings Lamont amp McNamee PLLC
Lortie amp Carignan
CLM Capital Management LLC
[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report accessed 82418 New Hampshire Secretary of State accessed 82418
Maine Secretary of State accessed 82418]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquos associated entities
Criminal And Traffic Violation Record
1987 Edwards Was Cited In Florida With Operating With A Suspended Or Revoked License Leon County Florida court records show Edwards was cited for ldquoOPERATING WHILE DL
SUSPENDEDCANCELLEDREVOKEDrdquo on September 11 1987 [Leon County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A -
STATE OF FLORIDA vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
Edwards May Have Had An Active Warrant In Florida Until 2009 Leon County Florida court records
state ldquoALERT CANCELLED WARRANT CANCELED ON 05122009 FOR EDWARDS EDDIE rdquo [Leon
County Court 37 1987 CT 021183 A - STATE OF FLORIDA Vs EDWARDS EDDIE accessed 83118]
NOTE Further research necessary into Edwardsrsquo criminal record
No Evidence Of Bankruptcy Judgments amp Liens
As of April 2017 Edwards is not associated with any bankruptcy judgments or liens [Nexis Bankruptcy
Judgments amp Liens search accessed 40617]
NOTE Further research necessary into whether Edwards or his associated entities had bankruptcies judgments or
liens
Key Visuals
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you
EDDIE EDWARDS (NH-01) Backgrounder | 48
Video
Edwards Attended A House Party And Gave A Speech About Why He Was Running For Congress [Steve
Mac Donald YouTube 81018]
Paid Media
NOTE Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive
2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media
As Of September 1 2018 Edwards Had Not Released Any Paid Media [EdwardsforNH YouTube 82418]
2018 Edwardsrsquo Primary Opponent Andy Sanborn Has One Ad
Edwards ldquoBad Guyrdquo Paid Media Summary
Date Group Name Subject Description
81418 Andy
Sanborn
ldquoNew
Hampshire
Nativerdquo
Taxes Immigration Trump
Cleaning up Congress
Positive personal record
Andy Sanborn ndash ldquoNew Hampshire Nativerdquo
TITLE New Hampshire Native (30)
DATE 81418
ANDY SANBORN Irsquom Andy Sanborn a New Hampshire native and small business owner
In the state Senate I led the effort to make sure we didnrsquot use New Hampshire taxpayer dollars for illegal
immigrants
In Washington Irsquoll work with President Trump to secure our borders and make our economy grow
Look Irsquove always fought for whatrsquos right And if you send me to Washington DC Irsquoll pass term limits and
take away the perks the pensions and all the special health care deals for elected officials Cause I stand
with you
Irsquom Andy Sanborn and I approve this message
VISUAL Paid for by Sanborn for NH PO Box 10564 Bedford NH 03110
Important Note On This Document
Please keep in mind at all times that this is preliminary research and further research will be necessary on Eddie Edwards It is
strongly recommended that you contact the DCCCrsquos Research Department for more information and in the event that you
intend to use material from this report for public communications purposes Thank you