New Hampshire Republican candidate suspends campaign after his 1989 murder conviction comes to light

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A Republican candidate from New Hampshire has suspended his campaign after his 1989 murder conviction became known.

53-year-old Republican Mark Edgington told the New Hampshire Bulletin He had hoped last week that voters would overlook his 1989 conviction for first-degree murder, but the publication of that conviction had caused him and his family great distress.

He also claimed that the Journal’s coverage of him was unfair, inaccurate and “offensive.”

“When I got involved in this, I expected the press and my party to treat me fairly and respectfully and to serve my constituents,” Edgington said. “(The coverage) is causing me psychological stress and affecting my family relationships. I can’t afford that.”

Edgington was 18 years old when he pleaded no contest in Florida to second-degree murder charges in connection with the beating and strangulation death of a motel manager. He maintains his innocence and told the Notice A friend’s statement that he was hiding in the motel bathroom during the murder was confirmed.

Edgington was sentenced to 25 years in prison, but served eight years.

New Hampshire Republican House Majority Leader Jason Osborne endorsed Edgington in his campaign, but the New Hampshire Republican Party did not. Notice reported.

“I am disappointed that members of our party are parroting the liberal media and feigning outrage without even giving the candidate the dignity of a phone call,” Osborne told the Bulletin.

“Mark made a terrible mistake 37 years ago and spent his life doing good in this world, good that party leaders willfully ignore. Yet I look forward to putting this behind me and continuing to work to expand our Republican majority in the House of Representatives.”

On Friday, the New Hampshire Republican Party issued a statement supporting Edgington’s opponent.