An Opportunity for NH House Democrats

At their party caucus New Hampshire Republicans chose their nominee for Speaker of the House. Because they control the House this person is usually the a shoe in for Speaker. However the vote was very close and opens up the possibility of a coalition government at the state level where Democrats join together with disenfranchised Republicans (read "moderates"). The NH House Democrats could strike a deal with Gene Chandler or some other centrist Republican for a truly bi-partisan House with Chairs from Dems and Reps the way we did it in the Senate back in 1992. It was an amazing experience with Democrats and Republicans actually working together. We passed a lot of important legislation: The Business Finance Authority, the Investment Tax Credit, The International Trade Center, Living Will and that's just off the top of my head. 

I challenge the Republican leaders who were trying to avert another O'Brien Speakership to step up and prove they want to work across party lines. Support a coalition leadership model.

Reprinted from Facebook to provide an historical overview of the process.After I wrote this the Chair of the NH Democratic Party forwarded the idea to House Democrats and they successfully struck a deal with Representative Shawn Jasper.

After I wrote this the Chair of the NH Democratic Party forwarded the idea to House Democrats and they successfully struck a deal with Representative Shawn Jasper.