CONCORD — Republican U.S. Rep. Charlie Bass, R-NH, made it official on Monday, filing as a candidate for reelection at the Secretary of State's Office.

Bass emphasized his commitment to Republican priorities, in particular reducing the national debt and economic growth, while maintaining that he was willing to compromise to break partisan gridlock.

“I think 2012 is gut-check time in America,” said the 2nd District congressman, after signing his papers with help from Secretary of State Bill Gardner.

He noted that national debt was approaching $5 trillion and job growth is at a standstill. “We're never going to tax our way out of the deficit. The way to do it is restrain spending and reform our tax code and start working together,” Bass said.

Bass is being challenged by Democrat Ann McLane Kuster in a rematch of the 2010 election for New Hampshire's 2nd District. She filed for office last week.

Bass was joined at the Secretary of State's Office by campaign volunteers as well as state Senate President Peter Bragdon, R-Milford, and District 2 Executive Councilor Daniel St. Hilaire, who both support the candidate.

While Bass faulted the Obama administration, without mentioning it by name, for the country's economic woes, he also acknowledged that Congress is deeply unpopular.

“I went to Congress not to be a congressman, but to solve the nation's greatest problems,” he said. “At this point in our nation's history, we need to start solving problems. We all have principles — I believe in lower taxes, less government spending, entrepreneurship … a clean environment, but I also understand there are people who have different views.”

Bass served as the 2nd District Representative from 1995-2007. He lost the seat in 2006 and reclaimed it n 2010.

So far no candidates besides Bass and Kuster have filed in the 2nd District race.

June 15 is the deadline for all state and county candidates to file to run in the Sept. 11 primary.

tsiefer@unionleader.com