In New Hampshire, we know that small businesses and entrepreneurs are the engines of economic growth in the 21st-century economy, and our state has long been defined by the entrepreneurial spirit of our people.

The reason I decided to run for Senate is one of my responsibilities as governor is to make sure that the voices of our people and our small businesses in New Hampshire are heard in Washington and that we continue to make the type of progress we're making here at the state level; we need that same type of response and progress in Washington.

Together, we can build a stronger, more innovative New Hampshire, where our businesses can grow, flourish, and create good jobs for our people.

We want New Hampshire to be a haven for entrepreneurs and inventors - the people who are creating the products and good-paying jobs of the future.

As governor, I will always be willing to work with people who have ideas to offer and are ready to roll up their sleeves. That kind of teamwork will build a New Hampshire that will lead the nation and compete with the world. Together, we will help our businesses grow and build a stronger economy on a vision of innovation and growth.

When I visit businesses across New Hampshire, they tell me that their No. 1 need is even more highly skilled workers to fill job openings.