BREAKING: Bettencourt to Resign from House
Majority leader will be taking a job with New Hampshire Legal Rights Foundation.
Photos
House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt (R-Salem) has announced that he will not be seeking re-election to the House and will be resigning from the House effective June 6.
Here is his statement in full regarding his resignation:
While its has been an honor to serve in the legislature representing the citizens of Salem and Windham and to serve as Majority Leader, it is time for me to move on to the next exciting phase of my life. I'm getting married next week and I am at a point in my life where my family should and needs to be my first priority. It is also critical that I am able to focus my full attention on my role as Executive Director of the New Hampshire Legal Rights Foundation. This cannot happen while there is the potential for conflict with my role as a member of the House. As such, I will not be running for for re-election this fall and will be leaving the legislature at the conclusion of legislative business on June 6th so I can finish the important work of this legislative session. Once again, I'd like to thank my constituents for the honor of serving them and to my colleagues in the House who I have had the pleasure of working with over the last eight years.
Bettencourt, 28, was first elected to the House at the age of 20 in 2004. He is presently in his fourth term in the House.
The New Hampshire Legal Rights Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to reducing government burdens and defending human and civil rights, according to its website.
Its board of directors: Chairman Tim Condon, a lawyer; Treasurer Bob Hull, the national advertising director for the Free State Project, state Rep. Paul Mirski, R-Enfield, serving as treasurer; and House Speaker William L. O'Brien, R-Mont Vernon, serving as vice chairman.
Its website lists the NHLRF's office at 12 Liberty Lane in Grafton, N.H., Hull's address, according to Speaker O'Brien's campaign finances, to which Hull contributed $500 in 2010.
The New Hampshire Legal Rights Foundation, just last week, opposed the nomination of Jim Bassett to the New Hampshire Supreme Court, based partly on his calling the court's Claremont school-funding opinions "carefully crafted." The all-Republican Executive Council confirmed Bassett this week, with one dissent.
Bettencourt, who recently graduated from the University of New Hampshire School of Law, is an alternate delegate to presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney.
In a follow-up phone interview with Patch Friday, Bettencourt said he will be the spokesman for the NHLRF in his new job and will also be fundraising on their behalf. This caused the potential for conflict of interest he stated above.
He acknowledged O'Brien was a founding member of NHLRF but said O'Brien has been "far less active" with the organziation since becoming speaker.
Bettencourt's announcement comes the same day the Union Leader provided more details about the recent resignation of former O'Brien chief of staff and House Majority Office staffer Robert Mead. The ethics of Mead getting reimbursed for mileage while traveling to and from GOP events where he is believed to have been recruiting candidates for the Legislature has come under fire.
Bettencourt called assertions that his resignation is tied to the Mead situation "very silly."
Bettencourt said his "obligation is to my soon-to-be wife and future family. I loved serving in the Legislature. I will miss my colleagues and I will miss serving the people of Salem and Windham."
He said his work on the state budget has been his biggest accomplishment in the House. He added he never backed away from taking what might have been an unpopular position on an issue.
"I looked at whether it was the right thing to do for New Hampshire and my constituents," he said.
When asked about his status as a "lightning rod" during a contentious time in the Legislature, Bettencourt reiterated that he always tried to do what was right.
"The Democrats and I had many disagreements," Bettencourt said. "But I have a tremendous amount of respect for my Democrat colleagues."
Bettencourt said he would not rule out running for elected office again in the future.
“I want to thank D.J. Bettencourt for his service to our state and for his leadership in Concord. With his help, our Republican legislature has been turning the economy around and has reduced the state’s bloated budget," said N.H. GOP Chairman Wayne MacDonald in a statement Friday night.
“D.J. is one of the young, principled and energetic leaders in our state, and I know he has a bright future ahead of him whether it is in politics, government or the private sector. I wish him the best of luck,” he said.
State Rep. Laurie Sanborn, R-Henniker, the assistant deputy majority leader, said she was "thrilled" for Bettencourt and "wished him the very best' in his future ventures.
"Serving in the Legislature is a sacrifice we willfully make in order to make our state the absolute best in the nation for our citizens," she said. "Yet, at some point, all volunteer elected officials need to step back and let someone else take their turn. DJ has given so much, and we appreciate his years of commitment and service."
Jack Conaway
6:13 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Good riddance. His time serving the majority leader was also a conflict with his role as a human being.
JIM
7:19 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Come on jack, dont beat around the bush, say what you mean ...you couldn't stand him because he was a republican ...his one and only crime
Patriot
6:29 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Interesting first job. Any person that serves this state deserves respect. Representative Bettencourt served the state a worked hard for his beliefs. Whether I agreed with his position or not he managed to maintain civility through out his short career. Good luck
http://nhlrf.org/about-nhlrf
Oedipus
10:58 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Bettencourt, civil? Patriot is as full of crap as Bettencourt.
Patriot
6:41 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
Ok, so maybe a little overboard, hopefully the news article on ch. 9 about a mileage scandal in not accurate.
Silencedogood
6:59 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
D.J. Bettencourt has served the Granite State well and we have been honored to have him served. We wish him and his new family the best and only hope to see him return in the future when he will certainly assume roles of greater responsibility. Thank you for your honest and sound efforts in Concord.
Peter North
9:24 pm on Monday, May 28, 2012
I'm thinking if someone would go so far as fabricating 11 weeks of documentation, this is only the tip of the iceberg!
Hey DJ, Mitt still looking for you to go to Maine and other places to campaign for him?
Underwater Couple
7:11 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Fair Winds and Following Seas Mr Bettencourt
ForThePeople
7:23 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Good riddance.
Murphy's Law
9:53 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
I thought you were an Independent, seems you lean awfully far to the left. Could it be your embarrassed to state you are a Democrat! I am not about right or left but who the best candidate for office is. I guess you don't embrace your Independence as much as you should.
ForThePeople
10:38 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
It's obvious you don't know much about anything to do with the New Hampshire politics. Bettencourt is far to the right and well-known as a stooge of O'Brien.
Murphy's Law
7:36 pm on Saturday, May 26, 2012
You are oblivious to my comments, as I realize Mr. Bettencourt is a (R), which is why I stated for an Independent (as you claim) you don't see who is or is not a good fit in the house regardless of party affiliation which is what an Independent embraces. Your reply of "Good riddance" speaks volumes about your leanings which are as I stated Democrat!
ForThePeople
10:43 am on Sunday, May 27, 2012
An independent does not embrace a far, extremist right-wing lying phony. They would just register as a Republican in that case.
IVoted
7:35 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
DJ maintained civility? In what parallel universe are you residing?
Around Town
8:12 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
We were lucky to have DJ not only serve the people of Salem and windham and the people of NH as house majority leader he has done a terrific job and should be applauded.. Dj thank you and good luck in your future endeavers!!
Jan Schmidt
8:26 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
He moved out of the district, didn't he?
Peter North
9:21 pm on Monday, May 28, 2012
Your right Patrick!! And all while he was living in Pembroke NH with his fiance ! PLEASE....
TomRC
8:44 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
"Not-partisan organization"? Are they serious?
ForThePeople
9:30 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
The author admitted to copying the front of that webpage instead of actually reading what it's about:
http://nhlrf.org/about-nhlrf
It's either being scared to actually do the reporting or just not bothering. Oh well, that's what we are here for.
Bruce Toker
6:20 pm on Saturday, May 26, 2012
Oh, and the League of Woman Voters is "non-partisan". Pro abortion, pro illegal alien, pro voter fraud, cry me a river.
allwhilesalemsleeps
12:35 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
Good bye and good ridance...........Who now will kiss the speakers feet!!!!!
Patriot
6:35 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
The Board of Directors look odd, "Free Staters"
Its board of directors: Chairman Tim Condon, a lawyer; Treasurer Bob Hull, the national advertising director for the Free State Project, state Rep. Paul Mirski, R-Enfield, serving as treasurer; and House Speaker William L. O'Brien, R-Mont Vernon, serving as vice chairman.
Jan Schmidt
8:31 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
Every bully has a toady, and Bettencourt has been great at it. I just wonder about the timing - what role has he played in using public funds for party purposes - and with the speed with which he leaves his post - you've got to think he's worried about getting caught.
Survivor.
9:17 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
Who then would be "Noodnick Norellis Toady?
SAA
11:31 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
No longer lives in the area anyhow, lives with gf in concord, much a do about nothing.
Patriot
4:19 pm on Saturday, May 26, 2012
Unless he has been drawing a check based on life in Salem? The worst that could happen is he would have to pay the money back. Imagine if the president had an audit?
JIM
6:53 am on Sunday, May 27, 2012
HE MIGHT NOT GET AUDITED BUT HE'S ABOUT TO GET ANOTHER CREDIT DOWNGRADE !!!
Rating Agencies Warn Further Downgrade Without Deficit Plan
Saturday, 26 May 2012 10:24 AM
By Newsmax Wires
Rating agencies say they need to be convinced that lawmakers have a real plan in the works to reduce the growing debt if the nation is to avert future downgrades, according to a report by The Hill.
Read more on Newsmax.com: Rating Agencies Warn Further Downgrade Without Deficit Plan
Patriot
4:22 pm on Saturday, May 26, 2012
What is ironic, most of the reps would be paid 6 figures plus expenses if they where lobbyist. My guess is we need something to complain about.
Bruce Toker
6:23 pm on Saturday, May 26, 2012
Hope we get someone a bit more to the right to replace him. Just for the pleasure of listening to the "I Hate America" crybabies, and Kool Aid drinking Obamabots.
Russ Richardson
7:12 pm on Saturday, May 26, 2012
When I viewed the web page of NHLRF it would seem that this organization is promoting its services to the community as a protecter of ones civil rights.
After looking at the make up of the board of directors, my conclusion would be, this outfit is no NHCLU. Not now, not ever.
Ron Wells
7:40 pm on Saturday, May 26, 2012
Another one bites the dust! Politics in Salem as usual
Only in Salem
7:45 pm on Saturday, May 26, 2012
Union Leader on Line House rep says Bettencourt resigning over fabricated internship reports
Bruce Toker
8:01 pm on Saturday, May 26, 2012
Oh well, if a polititian is caugt lying or fabricating their resume, they SHOULD resignor be removed. I don't care if they have an R or a D after their name. Hope all the libbys hold their own candidates to the same standard.
Patriot
8:30 pm on Saturday, May 26, 2012
Oh well?????? Not the best way to start a career!!!!!
*
638:15-a False Academic Documentation. –
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/LXII/638/638-15-a.htm
JIM
7:00 am on Sunday, May 27, 2012
how come obama can get away with it but a republican NH house member cant ? I'm not condoning lies,, just asking a question as I haven't read the articles by the union leader yet , so I'm not sure as to what the truth is about Bettencourt
David Victory
9:45 pm on Monday, May 28, 2012
@ Jim
"how come obama can get away with it but a republican NH house member cant ?"
What are you suggesting Obama got away with? If you respond, please do so legibly, and include sources. Otherwise it's lies.
JIM
8:36 am on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
sieg heil , mine post moderator heir davey, but it will do no good to post links as your in the final stages of OAKS and your terminally deranged and in denial, so your unable to see the truth or facts. obamas whole life is a lie and there is not enough memory on all our computers combined to hold the GB needed to post the links you ask for
Oedipus
12:59 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
JIM Wrote "obamas whole life is a lie and there is not enough memory on all our computers combined to hold the GB needed to post the links you ask for"
Just JIM's own special way of saying "I have no f'n clue what I'm talking about and don't try to confuse me with the truth".
JIM
1:17 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
poor opie another obot infected with OAKS....you probably caught it from your B buddy dave or his lackey Lil joe da hack ...hang in there little feller we got a cure coming for you obots in Nov
Patriot
8:01 pm on Saturday, May 26, 2012
Don't "Bate" me!
http://www.unionleader.com/article/20120526/NEWS06/120529900
Patriot
8:25 pm on Saturday, May 26, 2012
“It’s a good thing,” he said. “In life, it’s best if we know everything that’s happened to us and to the world. There’s no question that the world is better off knowing everything.”
Andy Rooney was discharged from the Army in 1945. He found his way to CBS in 1949, where he started as a writer for Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts. He also wrote for several CBS news programs including The Twentieth Century, and News of America.
Today, at 92, he continues to make sure the world—or at least CBS viewers—get the facts when he gives them A Few Minutes With Andy Rooney as the concluding spot on the news program 60 Minutes.
His advice to young journalists today is simple.
“Stick to the facts. Find out what they are and tell them,” he said. “Facts are very hard to come by. It’s worth trying [to find them] and if you stick with it you can get the facts.”
Murphy's Law
3:11 am on Sunday, May 27, 2012
Sorry to break the news to you Patriot, but Andy Rooney died last November. He was a great news correspondent and writer. His daughter hosts a show on PBS, she is a lot like her dad.
Patriot
5:53 am on Sunday, May 27, 2012
Thanks for leting those that did not know, it was also a cut and paste. I would have loved the interview but it was above my pay grade.
Good read
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/us/andy-rooney-mainstay-on-60-minutes-dead-at-92.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
Rick
8:14 am on Sunday, May 27, 2012
DJ was a phony, DJ is a phony, DJ will always be a phony....
Oedipus
10:14 am on Sunday, May 27, 2012
Obviously such a quick exit means he is running away from something he is very afraid of. His excuse of wanting to spend time with family doesn't fly as he has no family other than his wife yet he is now going to be spokesman and chief fundraiser for the NHLRF. Being Executive Director, fundraiser and spokesman sounds like a very time consuming job to me, whyere is he going to find time to spend with his family?
Oedipus
10:27 am on Sunday, May 27, 2012
Well, it's official DJ is a phony, lying POS. Yep, he faked his internship reports. Not a surprise though, DJ is incapable of being true to himself how can he be true in his dealings with NH?
http://www.concordmonitor.com/article/332310/rep-claims-bettencourt-faked-reports
Patriot
11:54 am on Sunday, May 27, 2012
Not the first state representative from Salem to crash and burn!
I feel terribly sorry for his family and friends.
Thanks for posting the up dated story Oedipus
Should be the talk of the wedding.
Rick
8:53 pm on Sunday, May 27, 2012
According to WMUR TV9, Rep. Bettencourt is resigning immediately. Republican Rep.
J. Brandon Giuda (Chichester), member of the Judiciary Committee, called for the immediate resignation. Another aide to the Speaker, Mr, Mead, has resigned over improper voucher payments. Seems like the dominos are falling in the Speaker's office. He will be one and done in November...
Seamus Carty
6:00 pm on Monday, May 28, 2012
And again a Republican politician does the right thing and resigns. Thanks...
Compare that to Democratic Party politicians who have done wrong but never resigned: Ted Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Gerry Studds, Barney Frank,....
Bruce Toker
6:28 pm on Monday, May 28, 2012
Oh quit picking on the good democrats! ted kennedy just left a woman to suffocate to death after a drunken drive home,while he tried to sober up, bill klinton "did NOT have a sexual relationship with that woman, Monica Lewinski,(but he RAPED Juanita Broaderick), al gore, just wanted his, uh, "manhood" massaged , gerry "studds" just unapoligetically "bent over" the pages, yes, molested teenagers, and john(the coward) kerry, eulogised him as a "great man", barney?, he didn't know a prostitution ring was being operated out of his house, didn't know his boytoy was growing weed, and now insults graduating black college students with racist comments!!!! S-I-L-E-N-C-E on the lib side?????
David Victory
9:40 pm on Monday, May 28, 2012
@ Seamus
How long did Republican bathroom pervert Larry Craig hang on? David Vitter, the good gay bashing "family values" Republican who the prostitutes referred to as "Vitter the s*itt*r" due to his fondness for diapers? He stuck around. You're not really suggesting GOP politicians always promptly step down when they cause a scandal are you?
Stop being silly. This article is about Bettencourt.
JIM
8:58 am on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Come on Bruce let's be fair, there was rep Wiener , no wait he was forced to resign for texting pics of his uhum ...weiner , well then how about Mayor Berry , no wait, he was arrested and put in prison for crack and 'cold hard cash 'problems well what about bill clintoon... no never mind he was impeached. let me think about this and I'll get back to you .....oh wait what about the tax cheat charlie rangle...no never mind he was only censured by his democrat peers after playing the race card and to this day still makes tax laws.that only the sheeple have to abide by.
Peter North
9:27 pm on Monday, May 28, 2012
Yes DJ, this means you will NEVER be Governor of the State of NH. Thank God!
Bruce Toker
4:10 am on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Davey, Was obama lying when he made the statement "my muslim faith"?
Oedipus
1:02 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
I certainly hope not. Although all religions are patently evil even if they are based on fairy tales.