We live in challenging economic times, making it more important than ever for states to elect strong, steady leaders who can be trusted. I am writing today to say that Ovide Lamontagne is the right person at the right time to lead New Hampshire through this period of economic uncertainty, and I enthusiastically endorse him in the race for governor.

At Forbes I have seen time and again the importance of free people and free markets as a solution to turning an economy around, which is why I’ve become involved in gubernatorial races across the country because principled, conservative leadership in governors’ offices leads to policies and reforms that grow jobs and grow an economy.

In New Hampshire, Ovide is the one person who can bring a record of proven, consistent, conservative leadership to the State House and jumpstart New Hampshire’s economy.

Electing Ovide governor is critical to maintaining the New Hampshire Advantage, curbing the size and scope of state government, restraining government spending, and unleashing the power of New Hampshire’s private sector.

As we’ve seen across the country, electing principled, conservative leaders to governors’ offices results in pro-jobs, pro-taxpayer reforms that can serve as a blueprint for similar reforms at the national level. Ovide will provide the vision and leadership in Concord that we’ve seen in states such as New Jersey and Indiana. In those states, Governors Chris Christie and Mitch Daniels have taken principled stands to reduce spending, rein in taxes and regulations, and resist overreaching Washington policies that would drive up state budget deficits and increase dependency on government programs.

Ovide’s conservative leadership will ensure similar taxpayer-friendly and business-friendly reforms take hold in New Hampshire. He will work with the Legislature to ensure the state continues to shun broad-based sales and income taxes. He will work with the Legislature and the business community to provide a stable business environment. Ovide’s leadership will bring about reforms that will give businesses of all sizes, in all industries, the confidence to take risks, innovate, grow, and add jobs. Such reforms will also make New Hampshire more attractive to out-of-state firms looking to escape high taxes and burdensome regulations in other states.

Over years, I have been fortunate to make many friends in New Hampshire. Two things are crystal clear: New Hampshire voters want leadership from their next governor, and they share my view that the way to grow jobs and strengthen the economy is to end partisan bickering and bring conservative, independent-minded solutions to the fiscal challenges facing the state. Ovide Lamontagne will provide the independent leadership and conservative approach to problem-solving needed in Concord.

Ovide is the “real deal.” He is a leader, a proven, consistent conservative, and is grounded in core principles of low taxes, small government, limited regulation, and individual responsibility. For Ovide, “Live free or die” isn’t simply a motto — it’s a way of life. My confidence in Ovide’s leadership and his conservative principles make supporting him for governor an easy choice. As you consider the type of leader the state needs during these challenging times, I urge you to join me in supporting Ovide Lamontagne for governor of New Hampshire.

Steve Forbes is the editor-in-chief of business magazine Forbes as well as president and chief executive officer of its publisher, Forbes Inc. He was a Republican candidate in the U.S. Presidential primaries in 1996 and 2000, finishing fourth and third, respectively, in New Hampshire.