House Republicans solidified their narrow majority on Organization Day, helped by strong GOP attendance plus Democratic no-shows and crossovers, NH Journal reported. Speaker Sherm Packard was reelected and Rep. Jason Osborne resumed the House Majority Leader role.
The day’s expectations were upended by the GOP’s turnout, according to NH Journal.
With a minuscule 201-198 majority, House Republicans were ready for a bumpy ride on Organization Day. But thanks to solid attendance by its caucus, combined with no-shows and crossovers from House Democrats, Speaker Sherm Packard (R-Londonderry) and his crew enjoyed smooth sailing on Wednesday.
NH Journal
Attendance margins set the tone early in the session.
The day began with good news for the GOP with an attendance count of 200 Republicans to 191 Democrats, giving them a nine-vote margin.
NH Journal
The Senate margins were even more favorable on the day’s most closely watched vote, NH Journal noted.
With 100 percent attendance in the 24-member state Senate, their 14-10 majority meant Republicans had a 13-vote cushion in the secretary of state election, the most closely watched vote of the day.
NH Journal
The Speaker’s election margin suggested he drew support across the aisle.
The news got even better when Packard was elected speaker in a secret ballot 205-184, which meant at least five Democrats crossed the aisle to support him over their own caucus leader Rep. Matt Wilhelm (D-Manchester).
NH Journal
In the Senate, leaders struck a bipartisan note about the divided legislature.
In his first remarks as Senate President, Bradley urged his fellow senators to “listen to the voters. They elected a divided legislature. They want us to work together.”
NH Journal
Osborne returned to his leadership post in the House, per NH Journal.
In the House, Rep. Jason Osborne (R-Auburn) resumed the Majority Leader role.
NH Journal
Read the full story at NH Journal.
