NH Dem Gov. Lynch’s ad hits GOP rival Stephen over allowing felons to be foster parents

Gov. Lynch ad hits NH rival over foster parents

CONCORD, N.H. — Democratic New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch is criticizing Republican rival John Stephen in a new television ad over Stephen’s decision while he was health and human services commissioner to let some felons be foster parents.

Stephen changed the rules in 2004 to let social workers decide if someone would make a good foster parent even if he or she had a criminal record. Stephen said anyone convicted of a violent crime or a crime against a child would still be banned.

Stephen spokesman Greg Moore says Lynch is trying to divert attention from a new law allowing early release of felons.

Lynch is seeking his fourth two-year term as governor. A recent poll shows he’s well ahead in the governor’s race.

Stephen ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2002 and 2008. Libertarian John Babiarz also is on the ballot.