House Republicans chose Acting Speaker Sherm Packard as their nominee for Speaker of the New Hampshire House, filling the vacancy left by the death of Speaker Dick Hinch, NH Journal reported. Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R-Auburn) backed Packard and helped consolidate caucus support behind him, with the full House set to formally elect a Speaker on Convening Day. The selection capped a difficult stretch for the caucus following Hinch’s sudden passing.
The choice carried added weight given the circumstances, with the caucus selecting a leader only after the sudden loss of the Speaker it had just elected. As NH Journal reported, Packard had been serving as Acting Speaker and entered the contest with a clear path, drawing support across the different wings of the Republican caucus.
As NH Journal described, the decision came as the House moved to fill an unexpected leadership void created within days of Hinch’s election.
Republicans on Friday chose Acting Speaker Sherm Packard (R-Londonderry) to be the next Speaker of the NH House, filling a void left by the passing of Speaker Dick Hinch (R-Merrimack) from COVID-19.
NH Journal
The NH Journal report said the caucus moved quickly and decisively in settling on its nominee, with Packard prevailing without the need for additional rounds of voting.
The caucus elected Packard on the first ballot, with the challengers moving to make it unanimous following a decisive majority voted for the Acting Speaker.
NH Journal
According to the coverage, Osborne played a central role in lining up votes for Packard, bringing a key bloc of the caucus along with him.
Helping Packard along was support from Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R-Auburn), who brought along many of the “Freedom Caucus” Representatives with him.
NH Journal
The outlet also noted how Packard stepped into Hinch’s policy priorities after his passing, taking the lead on issues that had been at the heart of the late Speaker’s agenda.
Following Hinch’s passing, Packard assumed the prime sponsor role on two of Hinch’s key priority issues – Education Freedom Accounts and lowering employer tax rates.
NH Journal
The vote followed an unusual sequence for the chamber. Hinch had been elected unanimously on Organization Day only to pass away suddenly about a week later, and the formal election of a Speaker was set to take place when the House convened. As NH Journal reported, Packard told the outlet he was running to serve as permanent Speaker for the next two years to carry on Hinch’s legacy and agenda.
The full account at NH Journal covers the caucus vote, Packard’s pledge to carry on Hinch’s vision, and his prepared statement thanking colleagues and his fellow candidates for a respectful campaign.
For the caucus, settling the question quickly allowed members to turn their attention back to the legislative work ahead after a period of uncertainty. The choice of Packard, who had stepped in as Acting Speaker, offered continuity at a moment when House Republicans were eager to keep their agenda on track, according to NH Journal.
Read the full story at NH Journal.
