From the Concord Monitor

Melanie Asmar writes in this morning's Concord Monitor about Grant's first cut in his "50 Days, 50 Ways to Cut Federal Spending" program.

Republican congressional candidate Grant Bosse said yesterday that he plans to name one program he'd cut from the federal budget on each of the 50 days remaining until the Sept. 9 primary.

First on Bosse's chopping block? The 51-cent-per-gallon subsidy for domestic ethanol production.

Eliminating the subsidy "would mean real savings for taxpayers and real savings for families at the grocery store," Bosse said. The subsidy drives up gas prices and hurts the environment, he said.

Bosse, of Hillsboro, is one of four Republicans vying for a chance to unseat Democratic Rep. Paul Hodes in the state's 2nd Congressional District. Bosse is a former radio reporter who worked on Craig Benson's 2002 gubernatorial campaign. He also served as a staff member for U.S. Sen. John Sununu.

Bosse said he'll propose more than $20 billion in hypothetical cuts to the federal budget in the coming weeks. He declined to give many specifics yesterday but said he'll take aim at "pork barrel spending" and may even "walk down Sesame Street." The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which produces Sesame Street, receives a federal subsidy. Bosse said there are plenty of alternatives to the show.

Bosse said some of his cuts will be more politically popular than others, and he promised not to shy away from speaking out against programs he said are well-liked but wasteful.

If elected, he said he won't "bring home the bacon" and promised not to vote for earmarks, even if they benefit New Hampshire.

Check for campaign updates at bosse2008.blogspot.com.