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"A conservative group is asking Republican candidates to sign a pledge on issues ranging from lower taxes to smaller government.Click to watch News 9's coverage.The group Americans for Prosperity is asking candidates to sign a five-point promise that includes opposition to the Affordable Care Act.\"Making sure we are keeping government small, cutting taxes, passing right-to-work laws -- popular things that everyone should support regardless of party,\" said Greg Moore of Americans for Prosperity.The group is funded by the billionaire Koch brothers, something Democrats were quick to point out.\"What it is is a pledge that is concocted by an out-of-state group headquartered in Virginia funded by out-of-state special interests,\" said Kathy Sullivan of the New Hampshire Democratic Party.Despite the criticism, Republican candidates said they would sign the pledge.\"I don't care what the Democrats say about the Koch brothers, their contribution to this country and the conservative movement is second to none,\" said Andrew Hemingway, Republican candidate for governor.Hemingway took a swipe at his primary opponent, Walt Havenstein, for not signing the pledge in person.\"When asked a question, we answer,\" Hemingway said. \"From day one, my opponent has done the opposite. Democrats have done this for years. Duck, weave, hide.\"Havenstein's campaign responded by saying that Havenstein supports the principles of the AFP pledge and will sign it, he had a previous commitment.\"Executive Councilors Chris Sununu and Joe Kenny also signed and were unable to attend,\" the campaign said. \"Is Andrew criticizing them as well?\"Supporters of the pledge call it an evolved version of the no sales or income tax pledge, but analysts said it illustrates a new trend.\"We're in a period now in American politics where the third parties like the Koch brothers or some on the left can dictate what campaigns will be talking about and campaigning about, not just giving donations,\" said James Pindell of WMUR Political Scoop.Americans for Prosperity said it's been operating in New Hampshire since 2004. It said about 200 local state and federal office candidates have signed the group's pledge."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.wmur.com/article/republicans-asked-to-sign-conservative-group-s-pledge/5192132>