Chandler reelected speaker unanimously by both sides of N.H. House

The nomination of Rep. Gene Chandler to a second term as Speaker of the N.H. House breezed through the state capitol like a gust of wind across the Moats yesterday morning. The Bartlett representative, the lone nominee, received unanimous support from both sides of the aisle. Chandler accepted the honor with tears in his eyes while his family, friends and colleagues gave him a two minute standing ovation. A man of few words yesterday, Chandler vowed to do his best to bring both parties together and make the next two years two of the most productive in legislative history."I'm extremely humbled to have another term as the speaker of the house," he said. "We have an enormous amount of work ahead this session. It'll require a lot of commitment and dedication I'm sure we're all up to the challenge... Every issue will have fair debate. At the end of the day I urge everyone to look back on the positives, not the negatives."Chandler once again had a strong hometown show of support. His wife, Nancy, and mother, Flora Jones, his son Justin, recently engaged, his sister, Mikell Perry, and her son, Christopher, attended, along with inlaws Dale and Marelene Cashman, who led the applause from the balcony. Several had tears in their eyes.A record crowd turned out to watch the proceedings, which were also attended by Gov. Jeanne Shaheen.Chandler was nominated from the floor by Rep. Henry Mock, of Jackson, who called it an honor to nominate Chandler. He delivered a speech like a fire and brimstone minister in support of his friend and colleague."I rise this morning to once again place in nomination for the office of speaker of the house my neighbor and friend, my fellow representative of the North Country, my fellow sportsman somewhat more successful compared to me and I'm happy to congratulate him on the arrival of his Ela Rose Chandler, his first grandchild, on Dec. 1. Congratulations Nancy and Gene," Mock said. "He has his successes and his failures, he has his weaknesses and strengths just like you and me, but unlike you and me he has risen to the pinnacle seat of responsibility in this people's court, the highest constitutional court in this beautiful state in which we live and work for which we have volunteered our services for this impending 158th session."He has a daunting task before him and so do you and I," he continued. "To quote a fellow representative who has moved on to the New Hampshire Senate Andy Peterson, in a letter I received last week, 'The voters have spoken loud and clear. They have provided us with a mandate and a new beginning and thereby have obliged us to get the job done. In order to achieve this we must now resolve not merely to defend our various individual interests in this time of turmoil, but to stand together and see to it that the tremendous advantages and opportunities with with which we have been blessed in the Granite State will continue to be available to our children and grandchildren. Though challenges ahead are formidable so be the strength, intelligence and creativity of the New Hampshire people when mobilized for a common cause. Together we will not fail.' So, Mr. Speaker, remember that coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is a success."In closing, Mock continued. "I have said before, a true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He or she does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. In the end, leaders are much like eagles. They don't flock, you find them one at a time."Rep. Connie Jones seconded the nomination. "Gene Chandler has a proven ability and commitment as a leader to help each and every one of us achieve our goals," she said. "I look forward to a productive and exciting session under his leadership as speaker of the house."Democratic Minority Leader Peter Burling closed the nomination process by endorsing Chandler. "Today," he said, "District 19 stands firmly behind Gene Chandler... We are all facing two challenging and hopefully productive years ahead and I most enthusiastically am for the casting of one ballot for Gene G. Chandler as the speaker of the house."