Hirshberg Opts Out for Now (but leaves the door open)

by: Dean Barker

Tue Mar 06, 2007 at 05:40:28 AM EST

I have spent much of the last year seriously considering whether to join the 2008 race for the US Senate seat currently occupied by John Sununu.  I believe deeply that NH deserves better representation in Washington, DC.  Mr. Sununu's continuing support for the ill-advised and poorly executed war in Iraq, and his lack of leadership and initiative on national energy security and related climate issues are among the many reasons why I believe he must be replaced.  I believe that our state, our nation and our planet face grave risks from our dependence on fossil fuel burning in general and on Middle East oil in particular. I am certain that future generations will wonder why we did not act in the face of such clear threats to our national security and to our environment. I have proven in my business career that energy conservation, renewable fuels and environmental protection are completely compatible with job creation and economic development.  As a father, I know that we need to do more to give our children the same opportunities and bounty that we have enjoyed.  And as a NH native, I am deeply and passionately committed to environmentally sustainable economic development.  But without bold leadership from our nation's capital, our citizens and our children will only see us mortgaging our future to big oil, coal and nuclear interests.

I would be deeply honored to serve my state and my country, and I believe that I could mount an ethical, creative and formidable campaign based on a serious debate about the issues.  However, I have also had to realistically and soberly consider the implications of abandoning my current position as the Chairman of three companies and particularly as the CEO of Stonyfield Farm and the 400 employees and families that depend upon me.

I have concluded that I cannot enter this race at this time.  I have not yet found a way to responsibly transition leadership of my businesses, and I know that a campaign would make it impossible for me to give this matter the serious attention it requires.  Accordingly, I am taking myself out of consideration for the present, in the hopes that another qualified candidate can successfully challenge this incumbent.

In conclusion, I know that this is the right decision at this time. But I also have discovered through this process that I have a very strong commitment to public service and an especially deep commitment to seeing that NH gets the representation that our state deserves.  Eighteen months remain until the next election and I intend to closely watch as this race develops.  If in that time, I am successful in my transition planning at Stonyfield and the other companies, I may re-evaluate my decision, but for now I think it is best if I step aside.

Finally, I want to thank my family and the hundreds of wonderful people who have sent letters and emails providing encouragement for these deliberations.