After New Hampshire’s mid-term elections on Tuesday, November 7, Democrats found themselves in an unfamiliar position. For the first time in decades, they held not only the gubernatorial seat, but a 14-10 majority in the senate.
As a result, Senator Sylvia Larsen of Concord, New Hampshire was elected the Senate president in an undisputed majority caucus of state Democratic senators. She proceeded to praise the re-elected and newly elected Democratic senators, pledging to work hard to solve some of the major issues facing the state. They included a fiscally responsible state budget, health insurance accessibility for children and adults, quality of life issues and defining and funding quality education for New Hampshire’s students.
The new Senate held a meeting with re-elected governor John Lynch, promising to work in a bi-partisan manner for the benefit of their respective constituents. The formal swearing in and election of Senators and officers for the 2007-2008 legislative session will take place on December 6, in the Senate Chamber.
As for Republicans, former Senate President Ted Gatsas (Manchester) he was named the New Hampshire Senate Republican Leader. It is his fourth term as a Senator for District 16, and he has been praised for his leadership by many on the political front. According to Senator Bob Clegg from Hudson, “Ted has been a true asset to New Hampshire Republicans. He has proven himself time and time again as someone who can get things done.”
Senator Gatsas said that, “[He] look[ed] forward to the upcoming legislative session. Senate Republicans will be the watchdogs and continue to advocate in the best interest for the people of New Hampshire. We stand firm against a sales and income tax and protecting the New Hampshire taxpayers.”
In the vote on November 14, the following Senators were named to the positionsbelow:
SENATE PRESIDENT: Sylvia B. Larsen
VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE: Lou D’Allesandro
VICE PRESIDENT FOR POLICY: Iris Estabrook
SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM: Maggie Hassan
MAJORITY LEADER: Joseph Foster
DEPUTY MAJORITY LEADER: Peter Burling
MAJORITY WHIP: Martha Fuller Clark
DEPUTY DEMOCRATIC WHIP: David Gottesman