Republicans everywhere are turning to fresh and energetic candidates with bold new ideas. They far outpace Democrats in finding new and exciting young leaders to reinvigorate the citizens, while bringing innovative solutions to our problems.

This new generation of leaders consists mostly of outside-the-box thinkers whose core beliefs are most consistent with that of mainstream Americans. They’re usually not part of the party establishment, yet they continue to impress longtime fiscal conservatives with their message, passion and commitment to the ideals that this nation was founded upon.

Ÿ In Wisconsin, Scott Walker defeated former congressman and habitual candidate Mark Neumann to become governor in 2010. Ushering in a reformist agenda, he has dramatically altered the status quo between state government and the powerful public employee unions.

Ÿ Richard Murdock defeated six-term U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar, R-Indiana. The party faithful recognized that while distinguished service is a good thing, it isn’t the only thing, and chose instead to vote for new ideas and an energy not found with the establishment candidate.

Ÿ In Nebraska, Sen. Deb Fischer came from far behind two establishment candidates to win the Republican primary. She was vastly outspent, but her conservative message and youthful passion propelled her past the two lawyers she was challenging. When asked how she was able to pull off such an upset, her campaign manager said, “People are fed up with career politicians and where the country is heading. Deb Fischer is a fresh face.”

It’s not an ideological shift in the Republican Party, as much as it is a transition away from believing that newcomers have to “wait their turn,” and that seniority and incumbency have more value than new ideas.

New Hampshire’s primary voters have an exceptional opportunity to propel another young, dynamic and energetic leader to the forefront. We can elect a governor with bold ideas, who is articulate and persuasive enough to make them a reality. That leader is Kevin Smith.

Recent history shows that it is the new entrants who have the insight and courage to make the tough choices. Our state has recently developed a great reputation for electing young, out-of-the-box thinkers who don’t just go along to get along. Most notably, former Sen. John E. Sununu, Sen. Kelly Ayotte and Rep. Frank Guinta all rely on core New Hampshire values as their compass and a passion for constructive change as their vehicle.

If we are going to reinvigorate our citizens while introducing real solutions to problems in Concord, we need to choose ideas over platitudes. To re-establish New Hampshire as the envy of the nation, we need to elect a Republican candidate for governor who has the energy and zeal to shake things up.

Kevin Smith is the candidate Republicans can enthusiastically stand behind. He has a plan to fix the problems of government, grow our economy, lower our taxes and put people back to work. Kevin won’t be afraid to pick up the phone and convince new and expanding companies to come to New Hampshire and to assure them it is once again the most business-friendly state in America.

Kevin’s plan —“New Hampshire’s Future Is Now” — is a comprehensive approach to changing the way government serves its citizens. It outlines ways to better educate our children and adapt our regulatory system to the dynamic changes in the private sector, while making our state the best place to initiate and grow new businesses.

Generic statements about freedom — with no specifics on how to ensure those rights — are simply not enough. We hear the basics about an education funding amendment and a “no broad-based taxes pledge” without discussion about what comes next. Platitudes about the New Hampshire Advantage are plentiful, but nothing is said about how to preserve and strengthen it. We hear that change is needed, but we don’t hear what those changes should be or how they will be implemented.

It is neither safe nor prudent to elect a candidate simply because it’s his turn. Real leadership doesn’t wait. Real leaders, like Kevin Smith, make it their turn, focus on the needs of citizens, develop a viable plan to address the issues and, through conviction, implement it. Kevin is the type of leader who will get results by clearing the way for more jobs for our children and a healthier economic environment for all.

Wayne Semprini is a former chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party.