Frank Staples
Frank Staples (Republican Party) ran for election for Governor of New Hampshire. He lost in the Republican primary on September 10, 2024.
Staples completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Frank Staples was born in Nashua, New Hampshire. He earned a high school diploma from Nashua High School. Staples' career experience includes working as a small business owner. [1]
Elections
2024
See also: New Hampshire gubernatorial election, 2024
General election
General election for Governor of New Hampshire
Kelly Ayotte defeated Joyce Craig and Stephen Villee in the general election for Governor of New Hampshire on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Kelly Ayotte (R) | 53.6 | 436,122 |
 | Joyce Craig (D) | 44.3 | 360,149 | |
 | Stephen Villee (L)  | 2.0 | 16,202 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 1,024 | ||
| Total votes: 813,497 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Edmond LaPlante (Constitution Party)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Governor of New Hampshire
Joyce Craig defeated Cinde Warmington and Jonathan Kiper in the Democratic primary for Governor of New Hampshire on September 10, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Joyce Craig | 47.9 | 59,976 |
 | Cinde Warmington | 41.8 | 52,420 | |
 | Jonathan Kiper | 9.4 | 11,789 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.9 | 1,076 | ||
| Total votes: 125,261 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Governor of New Hampshire
The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Governor of New Hampshire on September 10, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Kelly Ayotte | 63.1 | 88,117 |
 | Chuck Morse | 34.1 | 47,567 | |
 | Shaun Fife | 0.6 | 876 | |
| Robert McClory | 0.6 | 839 | ||
 | Frank Staples | 0.6 | 809 | |
| Richard McMenamon II | 0.4 | 527 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.6 | 867 | ||
| Total votes: 139,602 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Staples in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Frank Staples completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Staples' responses.
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His political journey began with his wrongful arrest during a peaceful protest at an Executive Council meeting on October 13, 2021, against $27 million in federal COVID-19 funding. Staples faced wrongful arrest again on November 19, 2021, at a Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee meeting, charged with Disorderly Conduct and Breach of Bail Conditions. Demonstrating his legal prowess and unyielding spirit, Frank successfully represented himself in court, leading to the dismissal of charges against eight other wrongfully arrested citizens, including Terese Bastarache, infamously arrested for "uttering amen." Frank Staples is more than a political figure; he is a nullification expert, philosopher, and legal scholar.
His extensive professional background in addiction recovery and mental health peer support underscores his deep commitment to community service.
A former facilitator and local coordinator for SMART Recovery in Manchester, NH, Frank has worked with Hope for New Hampshire community center, Amber's Place crisis respite, and the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester's ACT Team and Mobile Crisis Response Team. His dedication led him to establish Humble House, a peer support-based transitional living program. A sought-after public speaker, Frank has shared his insights on the opioid crisis, homelessness, COVID-19 lockdowns, government overreach, and cryptocurr- Fiscal Responsibility.
- Proposal: Implement a Tax Boycott and issue an executive order eliminating federal taxes, asserting financial independence and demanding federal accountability.
- Authority: While the U.S. Constitution limits state authority over federal taxes, the Ninth and Tenth Amendments reserve to the states powers not delegated to the federal government. The New Hampshire Constitution also supports state fiscal policies promoting economic independence. Part II, Article 5 permits the state legislature to manage state finances, while Part I, Article 7 asserts the right to self-government. The governor can advocate for fiscal responsibility and challenge federal economic policies by leveraging these constitutional provisions.
- Economic Empowerment.
- Proposal: Establish the New Hampshire Mint/Bank and make New Hampshire a digital mecca and cryptocurrency Sanctuary State to generate state income, bolster financial stability, and attract innovation and investment.
- Authority: The Ninth & Tenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution empower states to manage their own affairs. Part II, Article 5 of the New Hampshire Constitution grants the legislature authority over economic and financial laws. Part I, Articles 7 and 10 assert the right to self-government and reform when public liberty is threatened. The governor can advocate for legislative changes to redefine tax policy, financial systems, and create a favorable environment for metals, blockchain and cryptocurrency.
- Individual Rights and State Sovereignty.
- Proposal: Protect individual rights and assert New Hampshire's sovereignty against federal overreach.
- Legal Authority: The Ninth and Tenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution reserve rights and powers to the states and people. Part I, Article 7 of the New Hampshire Constitution asserts the right to self-government, while Part I, Article 10 supports reform or abolition of government when necessary. NH RSA 123:1 requires federal jurisdiction within the state to have explicit state consent, and NH RSA 7:6 and 7:11 empower the Attorney General to protect state interests. As governor, I will enforce these statutes to safeguard New Hampshire’s autonomy and challenge non-compliant federal jurisdiction.
I most admire Socrates and Lao Tzu for their profound commitment to living in alignment with their philosophical principles. Socrates, through his practice of Stoicism, exemplified relentless pursuit of truth, intellectual honesty, and moral integrity. His life was a testament to questioning assumptions and seeking virtue above all else. Similarly, Lao Tzu, as a proponent of Taoist philosophy, embodied harmony with nature, simplicity, and the virtue of Wu Wei (effortless action). His teachings emphasize the importance of humility, compassion, and living in accordance with the natural order.
1. The Constitution of New Hampshire
2. The Constitution of the United States of America
3. Tao Te Ching, by Lao Tzu
4. The Human Condition- by Hannah Arendt
5. The Social Animal- by Elliott Aronson
6. Words To The Wise- by Manly Palmer Hall
7. The Republic, by Plato
8. The Kybalion, by Three Initiates
9. Euthyphro, Apology, Crito & Phaedo, by Plato
10. The Occupation of the American Mind: Israel's Public Relations War In The United States (documentary)
11. The New Jim Crow- by Michelle Alexander
1. Integrity: Upholding honesty and ethical conduct ensures trust from constituents.
2. Transparency: Openness in decision-making fosters accountability and builds public trust.
3. Accountability: Being answerable to the people for actions taken and decisions made.
4. Humility: Acknowledging limitations and being open to feedback promotes effective leadership.
5. Respect for Liberty: Ensuring individual freedoms are protected for all citizens equally.
6. Representation: Serving as a voice for all constituents, understanding diverse perspectives.
7. Courage: Standing firm against corruption and cronyism, prioritizing public interest over personal gain.
8. Commitment to Justice: Upholding fairness and equality under the law.
9. Active Engagement: Being accessible, responsive, and engaged with the community.
10. Resilience: Facing challenges with determination, adapting to changing circumstances.
11. Adherence to Principles: Staying true to democratic values and the rule of law.
12. Responsiveness: Listening to concerns and addressing issues promptly and effectively.
2. Budgetary Authority: The governor prepares and submits the state budget to the legislature, outlining financial priorities and proposals for funding state programs and services.
3. Legislative Role: The governor can propose legislation and has the authority to sign or veto bills passed by the legislature. A veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority in both houses.
4. Commander-in-Chief: The governor is the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces and can deploy the National Guard during emergencies or times of need.
5. Judicial Powers: The governor has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, and commutations, typically after recommendations from the state's Board of Pardons.
6. Representation: The governor represents the state in various capacities, including ceremonial functions and as a spokesperson on policy matters.
7. Emergency Management: The governor plays a crucial role in coordinating state responses to emergencies and disasters, working closely with local authorities and federal agencies.
8. Appointments: The governor appoints individuals to fill vacancies in various state offices and boards, subject to approval processes outlined in state law.
9. Advocacy & Communication: The governor advocates for state priorities, communicates with the public on key issues, and promotes initiatives to improve the welfare of residents.
10. Economic Development: The governor supports economic growth initiatives, works to attract businesses to the state, and fosters an environment conducive to job creation and prosperity.
The governor must be deeply involved in setting the overall fiscal direction and priorities of the people. This involves outlining policy objectives, such as housing, employment, infrastructure, and public safety, which guides the allocation of resources in the budget.
The governor works closely with the legislature throughout the budgeting process. Collaboration is essential to ensure that the budget reflects a balanced approach that considers input from both the executive and legislative branches. This includes negotiating compromises when necessary to achieve consensus on critical issues.
Lastly, the governor exercises oversight to ensure that the budget is implemented efficiently and effectively. This includes monitoring revenue and expenditure trends, identifying potential fiscal challenges, opportunities, and making adjustments as needed to maintain fiscal stability.
Furthermore, transparency and accountability are paramount. The governor must promote openness in the budgeting process, providing clear explanations of budgetary decisions and seeking input from the public, throughout the process.
Lastly, the governor has to be prepared to make tough decisions when faced with fiscal constraints or unforeseen circumstances that require adjustments to the budget. This may involve prioritizing cuts, seeking alternative sources of revenue, or advocating for policy changes when necessary.
In New Hampshire, the governor's veto power is limited to a simple veto or a conditional veto. A simple veto means that the governor can veto the entire bill, while a conditional veto allows the governor to suggest changes to the bill before it is sent back to the legislature for reconsideration. If the legislature rejects the governor's suggested changes, the bill is sent back to the governor for a second veto, which is a simple veto.
1. **Open Communication**: The governor should prioritize open communication with legislators from both parties. Regular meetings, briefings, and updates on key issues and decisions can enhance transparency.
2. **Collaborative Decision-Making**: Involving legislative leaders in decision-making processes fosters accountability. Seeking input from legislators on important policy initiatives and budget priorities demonstrates a commitment to inclusive governance.
3. **Respect for Legislative Independence**: While the governor leads the executive branch, respecting the legislative branch's autonomy and role in lawmaking is crucial. Avoiding undue influence and allowing legislators to fulfill their constitutional duties independently promotes accountability.
4. **Public Disclosure**: Emphasizing public disclosure of government activities, budget allocations, and decision-making processes enhances transparency. This can include making agendas, minutes of meetings, and financial information readily accessible to the public.
5. **Ethical Standards**: Upholding high ethical standards and transparency in personal and governmental actions reinforces trust with the public and legislators alike. Avoiding conflicts of interest and adhering to campaign promises contribute to credibility.
6. **Engaging Citizens**: Facilitating public participation in policymaking through town halls, public forums, and online platforms strengthens transparency. Soliciting public input on legislative priorities and decisions promotes accountability to constituents.
The resilience, resourcefulness, and strong sense of community are defining aspects of New Hampshire's culture. Music, literature, art, and a spirit of perseverance permeate through its history, from the Pine Tree Riots of 1772 to the defiance against Governor Wentworth's rule, to the enigmatic New Hampshire Stonehenge. Our state is steeped in a tapestry of colorful and significant historical events and cultural expressions, making it a place that continues to captivate and inspire.
- Behavioral health challenges among young people: The state's 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data shows that behavioral health challenges among New Hampshire's children and adolescents are real and widespread. This trend is likely to continue, and addressing it will require a concerted effort to reduce stigma and provide accessible treatment options.
- Agricultural sustainability and land use: As the state's agricultural industry faces challenges, maintaining appropriate lands for farming and providing access to affordable land for new and young producers will be crucial. This may require innovative solutions to balance competing land uses and ensure the long-term viability of the industry.
- Education and workforce development: New Hampshire's education system will need to adapt to changing trends, including the rise of online learning and the need for more skilled workers in emerging industries. The state will also need to address its low in-state student enrollment rates and high school dropout rates.
- Infrastructure and transportation: As the state's population ages, its infrastructure will need to be adapted to accommodate the needs of an older population. This may include investments in public transportation, healthcare facilities, and community services.
- Environmental sustainability: New Hampshire will need to address the challenges posed by climate change, including rising sea levels, more frequent natural disasters, and the need for sustainable energy sources. The state's natural resources, including its forests and waterways, will also require careful management to ensure their long-term health.
- Demographic changes and population growth: New Hampshire's population is projected to continue growing, with an aging population and a need for more housing, healthcare services, and community resources.
Lessons from past events, most notably the COVID-19 lockdowns, highlight the importance of evaluating emergency measures while protecting individual liberties and economic stability first. While continuity of government and emergency management are crucial to handling a genuine crisis or emergency, they must not infringe upon constitutional protections of the people unnecessarily or arbitrarily. Any declaration of emergency must be backed by clear, objective data and must not be influenced by external factors such as federal funding, special interests or political pressure.
As a candidate, I am dedicated to confronting these issues directly. I will prioritize transparency in state finances, ensuring comprehensive disclosure of how taxpayer funds are utilized. By exposing governmental actions and ensuring rigorous accountability measures, I seek to rebuild public trust in our state institutions. Upholding principles of openness and integrity is paramount to preserving liberty and fostering accountable governance.
A ballot initiative process enhances transparency and accountability in state government by allowing critical issues to be decided by the people themselves. It strengthens our state's governance by fostering greater civic engagement and participation, as every voter has the opportunity to weigh in on important matters that impact our communities.
New Hampshire has a proud tradition of individual liberty and self-governance, and a ballot initiative process would further uphold these values. It provides a mechanism for citizens to propose and enact legislation, amend existing laws, or repeal outdated policies that no longer serve the best interests of our state.
Moreover, a ballot initiative process encourages innovation in policymaking and enables us to respond swiftly to emerging challenges and opportunities. Whether addressing healthcare reform, environmental protection, or economic development, this process ensures that New Hampshire remains adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of our residents.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign website
Staples’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
WHAT TO EXPECT Policy Overview: A Constitutionally Grounded Vision for New Hampshire New Hampshire is at a precipice. The choices we make today will define our future. Every policy I present is firmly rooted in our New Hampshire Constitution, crafted to preserve our rights and rekindle the spirit of independence and prosperity that defines our great state. Join me in this urgent fight for our future. 1. State Sovereignty and Independence
2. Government Transparency & Accountability
3. Election Integrity
4. Innovative Tax Reduction
5. Economic Freedom and Alternative Currencies
6. Enhanced Individual Liberties
7. Affordable Housing Initiative
8. Community and Mental Health
9. Energy Independence Initiative
--- Why These Policies? These policies are more than a clear roadmap to freedom and prosperity—they are a battle cry for our time. They attempt to fully address the direct threats to our state and call every Granite Stater to action. Rooted in the New Hampshire Constitution, driven by necessity, these initiatives will secure our future, restore our freedoms, and reignite the spirit of grit and independence that defines New Hampshire. It's time to make New Hampshire, New Hampshire again. Your vote for me is not a choice between two evils. Your vote for me is the choice between freedom and tyranny. Together, we will pull New Hampshire back from the precipice and ensure that our state shines bright as a beacon of liberty, independence, and prosperity. Speak with your feet. Let me be your voice.[2] |
” |
| —Frank Staples’s campaign website (2024)[3] | ||
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on June 17, 2024
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ FRANK N STAPLES FOR GOVERNOR OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, “PLATFORM OVERVIEW,” accessed August 20, 2024
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