Salem's Morse Secures GOP Support for Senate Presidency

Sen. Chuck Morse (R-Salem) has secured the unanimous support of the 13-member Republican Caucus in his bid to become the next president of the New Hampshire State Senate.

A majority of the Senate's 24 members is required to elect a successor to Senate President Peter Bragdon when the full Senate next meets on Sept. 3 at 10 a.m.

Senate Republicans met on Tuesday morning to discuss selecting a new Senate president.

"I am honored to have the unanimous support of my fellow Republican Senators," Morse said in a statement issued after the caucus. "As under the leadership of President Bragdon, our caucus remains committed to responsibly managing state government while enacting policies that will encourage job growth and improve our economy. I am humbled the caucus has entrusted me to lead as we continue those efforts.

"In the days ahead I look forward to talking with members of the Democratic Caucus in order to gain their support ahead of the Senate meeting next week," Morse added. "As our work over the last year has shown us, there is much more that unites us than divides us, and by seeking to expand those areas of agreement, and reiterating my pledge to lead the Senate in an open, honest, and transparent manner, I am confident I can earn their votes next Tuesday."

New Hampshire State Republican Committee Chairman Jennifer Horn issued a statement Tuesday congratulating Morse.

"I want to congratulate Chuck for receiving the support of every Republican Senator for his bid to become the next Senate President," Horn said. "Chuck is a principled conservative who has been a tireless advocate for limited taxation and fiscal responsibility. He will make an outstanding Senate President and will help promote pro-growth policies that will create jobs and protect the New Hampshire Advantage."

Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) said as a small business owner, Morse understands how to manage and meet a payroll.

"Equally as important, he understands the challenges facing our economy – its employers and its employees – and has a proven track record of championing legislation to ease those burdens and make New Hampshire a better place to live and work," Bradley said. "Those qualities, along with his unquestioned integrity and work ethic, make Sen. Morse the right person to lead the Senate at this important time."

Bradley also praised Bragdon, saying "it has been a true pleasure working with President Bragdon over the last three years. All of us have appreciated his steadfast leadership, his commitment to ethics, and his sincere friendship during his time as Senate President. I look forward to working with Sen. Morse as he fills the big shoes President Bragdon is leaving behind."

Horn offered praise for Bragdon as well, thanking him for his leadership and service.

"He is a man of great character and integrity, and we look forward to his continued contributions to the State of New Hampshire," she said.

Bragdon (R-Milford) announced Aug. 16 that he would step down as Senate president. He had come under fire after being named the new head of the Local Government Center. The New Hampshire Democratic Party and several newspapers had called on him to relinquish his post as Senate president due to the potential for a conflict of interest.