Charles Bass Explained

Charles Bass
State:New Hampshire
Term Start:January 3, 2011
Term End:January 3, 2013
Predecessor:Paul Hodes
Successor:Annie Kuster
Term Start1:January 3, 1995
Term End1:January 3, 2007
Predecessor1:Richard Swett
Successor1:Paul Hodes
State Senate2:New Hampshire
District2:11th
Term Start2:January 1989
Term End2:January 1993
Predecessor2:Jean White
Successor2:David Wheeler
Birth Date:8 January 1952
Birth Place:Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Party:Republican
Spouse:Lisa Bass
Education:Dartmouth College (BA)

Charles Foster Bass (born January 8, 1952) is an American politician and member of the Republican Party who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for from 1995 to 2007 and 2011 to 2013.[1] He is the son of Perkins Bass, who also represented the same New Hampshire district from 1955 to 1963.

Early life, education, and early political career

Bass was born in Boston to Katharine and Perkins Bass.[2] His father served as a Republican U.S. Congressman from New Hampshire in the 1950s and 1960s. Bass's grandfather Robert Bass served as Republican governor of New Hampshire from 1911 to 1912, founded the Progressive Republican movement, and was a friend/confidant of President Teddy Roosevelt.

Charles Bass attended the Holderness School in Holderness, New Hampshire, where he was elected President of the school in his senior year. Bass graduated from Dartmouth College in 1974.

During 1974 Bass worked for Maine Republican U.S. Congressman William Cohen. From 1975 to 1979 Bass worked for Maine Republican U.S. Congressman David F. Emery. Bass served in the New Hampshire General Court from 1982 to 1988.

New Hampshire Senate

In 1988, he ran for the New Hampshire Senate and defeated incumbent Jean White in the Republican primary.[3] He served there until 1992. While in the State Senate, he represented Peterborough.[4] He was a supporter of tort reform and some abortion rights.[5]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

1980After incumbent Republican Congressman James Colgate Cleveland of New Hampshire's 2nd congressional district decided to retire, Bass entered the race to succeed him. Then-Executive Councillor Judd Gregg won the Republican primary with 34% of the vote. State Senator Susan McLane, the mother of future Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster, came second with 25%, Bass came third with 22% and former deputy executive director of the Domestic Policy Council Robert W. Sweet came fourth with 7%. Five other candidates took the remaining 12%.[6] Gregg went on to win the general election.
Intervening yearsIn 1988, Gregg did not run for re-election, instead running successfully for Governor of New Hampshire. Bass, however, did not run to succeed him. Charles Douglas III won the election but was defeated in 1990 by Democrat Richard Swett, who was comfortably re-elected in 1992.
1994Bass ran for the 2nd District again, winning the Republican primary with 29% of the vote. Mike Hammond came second with 24%, Ward Scott was third with 20%, attorney and future New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice James P. Bassett was fourth with 14% and businessman Theo de Winter came fifth with 5%. Eight others split the remaining 8% of the vote.[7] In the general election, he rode the Republican Revolution to defeat incumbent Richard Swett by 51% to 46%.[8]
1996In the Republican primary, he was challenged by Mike Hammond, who had finished second two years previously. Bass easily defeated him, taking 66% of the vote to Hammond's 27%. Dana Albert came third with 3%, Robert J. Kulak came fourth with 2% and future State Representative Tom Alciere came fifth with 1%. Write-in candidates took the remaining 1%.[9] In the general election, Bass was re-elected to a second term against former State Senator and 1992 gubernatorial nominee Deborah Arnie Arnesen by 51% to 44%.[10]
1998–2004Between 1998 and 2004, Bass was re-elected by ever increasing margins. In 1998, he beat Mary Rauh by 53% to 45%.[11] In 2000, he was re-elected to a fourth term against attorney Barney Brannen by 56% to 41%.[12] In 2002, Rep. Bass defeated Richard Swett's wife, Katrina Swett, by 57% to 41%.[13] In 2004, he was challenged in the Republican primary by State Representative Mark Brady, whom Bass defeated by 71% to 29%. In the general election, he defeated attorney Paul Hodes by 59% to 38%, which remains the best election performance of his career.[14]
2006

In the Republican primary, Bass won 75% to Berlin Mayor Bob Danderson's 13% and Mary Maxwell's 11%. In the general election, Hodes ran against Bass in a rematch. In late September, a top Bass staffer resigned after news broke that a U.S. government computer from Bass' D.C. office had been posting anonymous concern troll messages to New Hampshire blogs. In these messages, "IndyNH" claimed to be a supporter of Paul Hodes who was discouraged by Bass' unbeatable lead and urged other Hodes supporters to turn their efforts to other, more winnable races.[15] Hodes out-raised Bass and the race was predicted to be more competitive than two years previously. Initially, Bass maintained early leads over Hodes in most polls, ranging from just seven points in one poll to twenty-seven in another.[16] However, as the election drew nearer, polls indicated either a slight Hodes lead or a general tossup.[17] [18] Just before election day, Hodes pulled in front of Bass in numerous polls.[19] On election day at 10:30 pm, Bass conceded defeat to Hodes, who garnered 53% of the vote as opposed to 45% for Bass.[20]

2010

In 2010, Hodes declined to seek re-election to run for the U.S. Senate. Bass ran for his old seat and won the Republican primary with 42%. Jennifer Horn, the nominee for the seat in 2008, came second with 35% and State Representative Bob Giuda came third with 17%. Two other candidates took the remaining 5% of the vote. In the general election, Bass faced Ann McLane Kuster, daughter of Susan McLane, who had finished ahead of Bass in the Republican primary in 1980. Polls initially showed Bass with a wide lead but the race narrowed and Kuster pulled ahead in the final polls. Ultimately, despite the Republicans making widespread gains, Bass defeated Kuster by just 3,550 votes – 48% to 47%.

2012

Bass ran for re-election in 2012, winning the Republican primary with 81% of the vote. Dennis Lamare came second with 9%, Will Dean came third with 4%, Miroslaw Dziedzic came fourth with 3% and Gerard Beloin came fifth with 2%. In the general election, Bass faced a rematch with Ann McLane Kuster. Early polling predicted another tight race but by September, Kuster had opened up a lead, which she did not relinquish for the rest of the race. On November 6, Bass lost to Kuster by 50% to 45%.[21]

Tenure (1995–2007; 2011–2013)

Bass was elected to Congress in 1994, where he served for twelve years.[22] As part of the 1994 Republican Revolution, he signed Newt Gingrich's Contract With America.[23]

Bass was among the first and most vocal congressmen to demand that Tom DeLay step aside as House Majority Leader in 2005 and led the petition that resulted in DeLay's removal from House leadership.

Bass is a member of the Republican Majority For Choice, Republicans For Choice PAC, and Republicans for Environmental Protection. He is a director and former head of The Republican Main Street Partnership, a coalition of centrist Republicans.[24]

AbortionBass believes that abortion should be legal and supports the Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade.[25] He receives strong ratings from pro-choice interest groups and relatively low ratings from anti-abortion groups. In 2005, NARAL Pro-Choice America reported that his voting record aligned with the group's interests 100% of the time, and in 2006, Planned Parenthood reported an 82% rating for the same statistic. From 2003 to 2004, the National Right to Life Committee reported that he supported the group's interests in 27% of his votes.[26]

Although Bass supports the continued legalization of abortion, he does not support federal funding for abortion, or the legalization of partial-birth abortions.[27] In 2010, he stated, "I support the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision; however, I oppose federal funding of abortions (Hyde Amendment) and support banning of so-called partial-birth abortions."[27] He consistently voted for bills banning the practice of late term or partial- birth abortion, including H.R. 3660 [106th]: Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2000 and H.R. 760 [108th]: Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003.[28]

EnvironmentBass supports environmental protection regulations and alternative energy sources. He voted against Republican amendments of the FY 2011 spending bill, which would defund many environmental protection measures, such as the modification of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the designation of fossil fuel combustion waste as hazardous material, and the enforcement of mining regulations from the EPA.[29] He states on his official website that he supports the promotion of "clean, alternative energies that will lessen our dependence on foreign sources of oil," a position he has upheld by voting for the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which appropriates large amounts of funding for the pursuit of renewable energy.[30] He defines his position on climate change, stating, "The overwhelming scientific evidence points to the existence of global climate change."[31]
Publicly Administered Health InsuranceAlthough Congressman Bass recognizes a need for health care reform, he opposes the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and supports its repeal. He believes that the act will saddle "future generations of Americans with mountains of unsustainable debt" and, instead, advocates creating an interstate health insurance market to increase competition and form a larger risk pool.[31] Congressman Bass voted for H.R. 1217 – To repeal the Prevention and Public Health Fund in 2011, a bill that would end funding to the Prevention and Public Health Fund of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.[32]
Gay RightsAfter losing re-election in 2012, Bass came out in favor of same-sex marriage as a signatory to an amicus curiae brief submitted to the Supreme Court during the Hollingsworth v. Perry case.[33]

Committee assignments

Caucus memberships

Inter-congressional career (2007–2009)

Bass is a business consultant to renewable energy companies. He has been on the Board of Managers of New England Wood Pellet, a producer of clean burning wood pellets, located in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, since January 2007.

In March 2006, the company publicly credited Bass with setting up a February 2006 meeting in New Hampshire between its president, Steven Walker, and Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. In March 2007, Bass reported on his financial disclosure statement that he had bought shares in the company in January and November 2006. But in October 2010 he said that his initial purchase had been in January 2007, after he left office.[35]

In 2009, Bass joined the board of directors of Laidlaw Biopower, LLC,[36] a developer of biomass power plants in the northeastern United States.[37]

Post-congressional career (2013–present)

Bass considered challenging Democratic incumbent Jeanne Shaheen in the 2014 Senate election[38] but decided against it.[39] For the 2016 presidential election, he endorsed his friend and former colleague, Ohio governor John Kasich for the Republican nomination.

Bass is a member of the ReFormers Caucus of Issue One.[40]

Electoral history

: Results 1996–2006; 2010–2012[41] ! Year! Republican! Votes! Pct!! Democratic! Votes! Pct!! 3rd Party! Party! Votes! Pct!! 3rd Party! Party! Votes! Pct
1994Charlie Bass83,12151.44Richard Swett74,24345.95John LewickeLibertarian2,9861.85Linda SpitzfadenNatural Law1,2230.76
1996Charles Bass123,00150.50Arnie Arnesen105,86743.46Carole LamirandeIndependent10,7574.42
1998Charles Bass85,74053.13Mary Rauh72,21744.75Paula WermeLibertarian3,3382.07
2000Charles Bass152,58156.19Barney Brannen110,36740.64Brian ChristesonLibertarian3,3382.07Roy KendelConstitution2,2040.81
2002Charles Bass125,80456.81Katrina Swett90,47940.86Rosalie BabiarzLibertarian5,0512.28
2004Charles Bass191,18858.25Paul Hodes125,28038.17Richard KahnLibertarian11,3113.45
2006Charles Bass94,01245.61Paul Hodes108,63452.71Ken BlevensLibertarian3,3051.60
2010Charles Bass108,61048.34Ann McLane Kuster105,06046.76Tim vanBlommesteynIndependent6,1972.76Howard L. WilsonLibertarian4,7962.13
2012Charles Bass152,97745.34Ann McLane Kuster169,27550.17Hardy MaciaLibertarian14,9364.43

Personal life

Bass currently resides in Peterborough, New Hampshire. He is an Episcopalian.[42]

External links

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Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bass Wins Tight 2nd District Race – Politics News Story – WMUR New Hampshire . Wmur.com . November 2, 2010 . January 20, 2012.
  2. Web site: Ancestry.com . Freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com . January 20, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121024115303/http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~battle/reps/bass.htm . October 24, 2012 . dead .
  3. Web site: The Telegraph – Google News Archive Search. October 15, 2018.
  4. News: Past v. future in N.H . https://web.archive.org/web/20120725040754/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/boston/access/61848868.html?dids=61848868:61848868&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+15%2C+1992&author=David+Nyhan%2C+Globe+Staff&pub=Boston+Globe+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Past+v.+future+in+N.H.&pqatl=google . dead . July 25, 2012 . Boston Globe . David . Nyhan . September 15, 1992.
  5. Web site: Sun Journal – Google News Archive Search. October 15, 2018.
  6. Web site: NH District 2 – R Primary Race – Sep 09, 1980 . Our Campaigns . January 20, 2012.
  7. Web site: NH District 2 – R Primary Race – Sep 13, 1994 . Our Campaigns . January 20, 2012.
  8. Web site: NH District 2 Race – Nov 08, 1994 . Our Campaigns . January 20, 2012.
  9. Web site: NH District 2 – R Primary Race – Sep 10, 1996 . Our Campaigns . January 20, 2012.
  10. Web site: NH District 2 Race – Nov 05, 1996 . Our Campaigns . January 20, 2012.
  11. Web site: NH District 2 Race – Nov 03, 1998 . Our Campaigns . January 20, 2012.
  12. Web site: NH District 2 Race – Nov 07, 2000 . Our Campaigns . January 20, 2012.
  13. Web site: NH District 2 Race – Nov 05, 2002 . Our Campaigns . January 20, 2012.
  14. Web site: NH – District 02 Race – Nov 02, 2004 . Our Campaigns . January 20, 2012.
  15. http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060926/REPOSITORY/609260344/1219/48HOURS The Concord Monitor.
  16. Web site: Complete List of House Polls Used . October 16, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130302092740/http://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2006/Info/house_polls.html . March 2, 2013 . Electoral-Vote.com Complete List of House Polls
  17. http://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2006/Maps/Oct23.html Electoral-Vote.com October 23, 2006 New Polls.
  18. http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2006/11/02/poll_hodes_slightly_ahead_of_bass_shea_porter_gaining_ground Boston Globe Article, November 2, 2006
  19. Web site: Archived copy . October 16, 2013 . dead . http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20080812220247/http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/11072006/nhnews-ph-por-unh.mur.poll.html . August 12, 2008 . The Portsmouth (NH) Herald.
  20. Web site: NH – District 02 Race – Nov 07, 2006 . Our Campaigns . January 20, 2012.
  21. Web site: WCAX.com. October 15, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20131017015446/http://www.wcax.com/story/19788459/bass-kuster-meet-again-in-nh-congressional-race. October 17, 2013. dead.
  22. Web site: BASS, Charles Foster – Biographical Information . Bioguide.congress.gov . January 20, 2012.
  23. Web site: "Kuster ties Bass to Bush" (October 5, 2010) . Concord Monitor . January 20, 2012.
  24. Web site: Board of Directors . Republican Main Street Partnership . October 4, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090704131728/http://www.republicanmainstreet.org/index.php/BoardMembers . July 4, 2009 . dead .
  25. Web site: 2nd Congressional District Candidates On the Issues- Commitment 2010. November 21, 2011.
  26. Web site: Interest Group Rating. November 20, 2011.
  27. Web site: 2nd Congressional District Candidates on the Issues – Commitment 2010. WMUR New Hampshire. November 20, 2011.
  28. Web site: Legislation. November 20, 2011.
  29. Web site: Kasperowicz. Pete. Bass, Reichert oppose GOP environmental measures in budget debate. The Hill. February 23, 2011 . November 20, 2011.
  30. Web site: 2nd Congressional District Candidates on the Issues – Commitment 2010. November 20, 2011.
  31. Web site: Issue Positions. Vote Smart. November 20, 2011.
  32. Web site: Legislation. Vote Smart. November 20, 2011.
  33. News: The Pro-Freedom Republicans Are Coming: 131 Sign Gay Marriage Brief. Avlon. John. February 28, 2013. The Daily Beast. October 15, 2018.
  34. Web site: Biographical. Vote Smart. November 21, 2011.
  35. News: October 14, 2010 . House candidate admits mistake on financial form . Kevin Landrigan . Nashua Telegraph .
  36. Web site: Former NH Congressman Bass to Join Laidlaw's Board . Laidlaw Energy . March 17, 2009 .
  37. Web site: Aaron Blake . Former Rep. Bass opens committee for old seat . The Hill . September 30, 2009 . October 4, 2009 .
  38. Web site: 2014 Senate Races Likely To Keep Democrats on the Defensive. November 29, 2012. May 15, 2013. HuffPost.
  39. Web site: Charlie Bass won't challenge Jeanne Shaheen in New Hampshire. November 4, 2013. November 4, 2013. Politico. Emily. Schultheis.
  40. Web site: Issue One – ReFormers Caucus. issueone.org. October 15, 2018.
  41. Web site: Election Statistics . Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070725184700/http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/index.html . July 25, 2007 .
  42. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2006/jan/10/20060110-105845-8730r/

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