Horn to Run for Top NHGOP Spot

With the announcement Tuesday that NHGOP Chairman Wayne MacDonald will not seek reelection comes word that Jennifer Horn will seek the party's stop spot.

This announcement was posted on Horn's Facebook page at about 7 p.m. Tuesday night:

"I have decided to run for Chairman of the NH Republican Party. I am very grateful for the support of Sen. Kelly Ayotte, Rep. Bass, Rep. Guinta, Senate President Bragdon, Speaker O'Brien, Minority Leader-elect Gene Chandler, and many others. I hope to earn your support in this endeavor as well."

Horn had been deliberating whether to run for the office, and was prompted to make it official after MacDonald formally announced his intention not to seek re-election via this statement, issued Tuesday afternoon:

"After much thought and discussion, I have decided I will not seek a full term as New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman. Serving as Chairman has been a challenge and a privilege. I appreciate the hard work of the dedicated activists, Party officers, and staff over the past year. It's been an honor to serve in this capacity."

MacDonald, former party vice chair, stepped up to serve as chairman after elected Chair Jack Kimball resigned following an internal rift between traditional and Tea Party Republicans

A poor showing for Republicans across the board in November's election prompted the call for regrouping and reorganizing the party from the top down and inside out.

When contacted Tuesday afternoon for comment on MacDonald's decision, Horn said: "Wayne has served our party well with distinction and commitment, and I'm personally grateful for all he's done for the party."

Horn was the 2008 Republican nominee for U.S. Congress in New Hampshire's 2nd District. Past endeavors include a stint as local radio talk show host and newspaper columnist, and she is founder and President of We the People: First in the Nation Freedom Forum.

The Republican State Committee will meet Jan. 26 to elect a new slate of party leaders.