Candidates for New Hampshire’s second congressional district answered questions from a small audience in a public forum the Southern New Hampshire Jewish Men’s Club sponsored on Sunday morning.
Around 100 people filtered into the social hall at Temple Beth Abraham in Nashua to nosh on bagels and lox and hear the candidates for the second congressional seat clash over taxes, deficit reduction, health care and jobs.
Speaking to a mostly Jewish crowd, New Hampshire Republican Congressman Charlie Bass emphasized his support for Israel — and attacked Democratic rival Ann McLane Kuster on her positions on the Middle East.
Bass referred to the New Hampshire Peace Action organization, which endorsed Kuster in 2010 for opposing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The congressional incumbent insisted that New Hampshire Peace Action also has a subsidiary that opposes the Camp David Accords.
Bass: Just go to New Hampshire Peace Action’s website. They have the same website designer, the same website, and they’re affiliated. Read their mission statement.
Kuster: They have not endorsed my campaign. I’ve never even heard of them.
Bass: They did endorse your campaign two years ago.
Kuster:This organization you’re referring to; I’ve never even heard of them.
Bass:New Hampshire Peace Action endorsed you two years ago.
Kuster:This other organization that you brought into this conversation has not endorsed me.
Bass: Be careful, Annie, these organizations are on the same website.
Kuster:I’m just telling you. Look at my endorsements.
The New Hampshire Peace Action organization has endorsed Kuster in her 2012 race. The Palestine Education Network is an affiliate organization that does not endorse candidates.