It is gratifying to see Speaker-designate Bill O’Brien and Speaker Pro Tempore to-be Gene Chandler working together for New Hampshire. Although I intensively supported O’Brien in the race for the Speakership, I also noted that Gene Chandler "led his party honorably in the past" and as the last "real" Republican Speaker of the House, "served his State and his party to the best of his ability during the years of his Speakership."
Accordingly, I have no complaints or objections upon hearing that Bill O’Brien has honored Rep. Chandler by bringing him into the State House circle of leadership. In fact, well before the election O’Brien was asked about his main opponent in the race, Rep. Chandler. Replied O’Brien, "Gene Chandler is a friend of mine. We’ve worked together in the past and I hope to be working together with him in the future, no matter how the race for the Speakership turns out."
Well spoken, Rep. O’Brien. And thank you, Rep. Chandler…both for your many contributions to New Hampshire and the state Republican Party in the past, and for your willingness to put your wisdom and political skills at the service of your party and your state today.
The Republican Party of New Hampshire is blessed with excellent, capable leadership. Consequently, we are poised to make real progress in healing the "Democrat Damages" inflicted upon us over the past four years. So I say…let’s move forward to get the job done. Onward, Republicans!