Jim Coburn

James B. Coburn
Born	1944 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Business leader, politician
Years active	2004–2006 (politics)
Known for	Republican candidate for Governor of New Hampshire in 2006; member of New Hampshire House of Representatives (2004–2006)

James B. Coburn (born 1944 in Boston, Massachusetts) is an American business leader, former state legislator in New Hampshire, and was the Republican candidate for Governor of New Hampshire in 2006. After relocating to Chester, New Hampshire at the age of seven due to his mother’s passing, Coburn developed a career that bridged entrepreneurship and public service.

Background

Coburn completed his education at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, New Hampshire and initially worked in a shoe manufacturing plant. He then served in the United States Air Force as a crew chief responsible for a special weapons maintenance unit stationed in West Germany, where he met his future wife, Christa.

Following his military tenure, Coburn dedicated 21 years to Digital Equipment Corporation. In 1994, he became a co-founder of Valco Data Systems, a company focused on creating software solutions for medical record archiving.

The death of his wife in 2004 from multiple sclerosis significantly shaped his political priorities, particularly regarding health-care reform. He had vowed to avoid political involvement during her lifetime and to personally care for her.

New Hampshire House of Representatives (2004–2006)

After Christa’s passing, Coburn divested his interest in Valco and successfully ran for the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 2004, representing Windham, New Hampshire. His voting history demonstrated conservative positions on taxation, abortion rights, and opposition to same-sex marriage.

Gubernatorial Campaign (2006)

Coburn announced his candidacy for governor in 2006 with Meridian Communications managing his campaign. He holds memberships with organizations such as the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of New Hampshire, Pelham Fish & Game Club, and the New Hampshire Historical Society.

He advocated for implementing a gas tax within a broader state energy strategy aimed at encouraging the use of more efficient fuels like diesel.

In the 2006 gubernatorial race, Coburn was defeated by the incumbent Democrat John Lynch by a substantial margin.

Coburn is a father of two and grandfather to three. Although he was considered a possible contender for New Hampshire's 2nd congressional district against Democrat Paul Hodes, he chose not to run and instead supported Republican Jennifer Horn.

External links

• Coburn: Businessman Turned Politician, The Boston Globe, June 11, 2006; by Norma Love.
• Coburn Makes Gubernatorial Run Official, New Hampshire Union Leader, June 14, 2006; by Tom Fahey.
• For Jim Coburn, governor's race is all according to plan, New Hampshire Union Leader, May 24, 2006; by Fergus Cullen.
• Coburn for Governor Campaign website.