Labor Day: Where do candidates stand on minimum wage?

In honor of Labor Day, here's a summary of where New Hampshire's gubernatorial candidates stand on the minimum wage.

Democrats

Mark Connolly: "A full-time employee making the federal minimum wage earns just over $15,000 a year—it’s simply not enough. I strongly support establishing a state minimum wage in New Hampshire, because every Granite Stater deserves to be paid a fair, living wage for their hard work."

Derek Dextraze: "Lets make min­i­mum wage $15 and be the first state in New Eng­land to do that."

Ian Freeman: "The idea of the minimum wage is interference between the employee and the employer. ... I would say if anything we shouldn't even have the minimum wage tied to the federal level."

Steve Marchand: "I do favor reinstatement of a state minimum wage, and the figure should be higher than the current minimum wage. It should reflect that New Hampshire has a higher cost of living than in many parts of the country."

Colin Van Ostern: "As Governor, Colin will fight to restore New Hampshire’s minimum wage law and raise the wage to ensure that no-one works full-time and lives in poverty."

Republicans

Frank Edelblut: "Let’s achieve major wage growth, not minimum wages."

Jeanie Forrester: "As I have stated many times, a mandated wage increase would destroy jobs and close many New Hampshire businesses, especially in the tourism industry."

Ted Gatsas: "I oppose the creation of a state minimum wage and oppose raising the federal minimum wage. The solution is empowering the private sector to create more and better paying jobs. We should not be pricing companies out of hiring young workers looking to get their foot In the door and gain work experience."

Jon Lavoie: "It may be time to look at a slight increase in the minimum wage, but certainly not anything drastic."

Chris Sununu: "I am open to a responsible increase in the federal minimum wage, provided there is a strong economic and moral case for it. I am opposed to establishing a state minimum wage."

Libertarian

Max Abramson: Abramson has voted against increasing the minimum wage as a state legislator.

Independents

William Fortune: Unknown position

Michael Gill: Unknown position

Click here to browse the profiles of the gubernatorial candidates, including all their issue positions.