FRIDAY, MARCH 15, UPDATE: SUNUNU CONSIDERS FUTURE. Chris Sununu, a two-term Republican executive councilor, businessman, son of a former governor and brother of a former U.S. Senator, says he is considering running for either governor or the 1st District U.S. House seat next year.

Sununu told the Granite Status Friday he "loves" his current role as a councilor and also enjoys and is busy running the Waterville Valley ski resort.


As a result, the Newmarket resident said no decision on higher office is imminent.

"I'm a long way from making a decision," he said.

At the same time, Sununu did say that he will decide by the end of this year because if he does run for either post, he would want to make an early start.

Sununu said his consideration of a run for governor "has nothing to do with" Gov. Maggie Hassan. In fact, he had kind words for her.

"I think she is honest and sticks by her principles," he said, while acknowledging they do have philosophical and policy differences.

Regarding her pro-expanded gambling stance, Sununu said, "I'm more concerned that we're having the debate and argument at a time when it is being clouded" by debate on what some believe are pressing revenue needs of the state.

"It is never good to talk about a game-changing decision on state policy simply out of a perceived need for more tax dollars," he said.

As for a U.S. House run, Sununu said he had formerly shied away from the idea because he felt that it is difficult, if not impossible, to effect change on Capitol Hill.

But he said that after watching the gridlock in Washington, he has more recently concluded that "it just may be that Congress needs good young candidates more now than ever."

Sununu, 38, is the son of former Gov. and former White House chief of staff (and former state Republican Party Chairman) John H. Sununu and a younger brother of former U.S. Sen. John E. Sununu.

(For earlier Granite Status report, click on "Granite Status" above.)