NH House Feeling Blue; Senate Stays Red
House Democrats issued a statement Wednesday saying they will regain the majority.
The New Hampshire House appears poised to return to Democratic control, capping off a wild election in which New Hampshire voted for a Democratic president, a Democratic governor, two Democratic congresswomen and a Democratic majority on the Executive Council.
House Democrats issued a press release Wednesday saying that preliminary election results show House Democrats will regain the majority by a 217-177 margin with six contests yet to be decided.
"As candidates for the New Hampshire House, we listened to voters across the state, and throughout all of our conversations with Independents, Republicans, and Democrats the message was crystal clear – return common sense to Concord!" House Democratic Leader and former House Speaker Terie Norelli of Portsmouth said in a prepared statement. "They told us they wanted a Legislature to put partisan politics aside and work on the issues that mattered to Granite Staters, in a civilized way. And that's exactly what we plan to do."
The New Hampshire Senate appears set to remain in Republican control. Right now, the Senate count is 13 Republicans and 11 Democrats, with two Democratic candidates considering recounts.
In her statement, Norelli said House Democrats "look forward to collaboratively working with our new Democratic Governor Maggie Hassan and the Republican-led State Senate to move our great state forward."
Mike Healey
12:33 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Bully Boy O'Brien is still there, but will no longer rule with his abusive behavior.
The people have spoken.
Riley Reid
2:01 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The "bully" almost didn't make it back, but like you said, "no gavel" will be a good thing
Only in Salem
2:26 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
O'Brien is the number one reason that the majority change in the house. I am glad that he got elected again. I hope all the other republicans in the house remind him every day what he did to their party. But as a registered independent I will as both sides, can we please deal with the economy. Forget about guns in or out of the state house. Same sex marriage or if TSA agents should be charged with assault. Just the economy
John W.
4:48 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Looks like we'll have gridlock at the state level if what went on in D.C. is any indication. But that is why a multiparty system works. I remember back to total demagog control and one of the first things they did was make it illegal to let go of a child's helium balloon... priceless.
On the plus side I can once again breath in my favorite watering hole.
john grady
5:38 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
I am so pleased that my wife, Brenda, will be representing Merrimack in the House of Representatives under a new Speaker of the House, someone who will be fair and not a tyrant! Brenda, you are awesome. I am so proud of you!
David Pittelli
8:32 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
I was just reading the New Hampshire Constitution regarding the State Senate (Articles 25 through 40), and I see no provision for the breaking of a tie vote. (Such as, in the U.S. Senate, of having the Vice President do so; does the Lieutenant Governor do that here?) Does anyone know how a majority leader would be chosen if there's a 12-12 tie after the recount(s)?
David Pittelli
8:34 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
And now I see there is no Lieutenant Governor. My bad.