AG Says He Won't Seek Re-Appointment

Attorney General Michael Delaney announced Tuesday that he will not seek reappointment when his term expires at the end of this month.

A brief press release sent out minutes ago says he intends to conclude his service as attorney general and return to private law practice. He has worked for the state for 14 years.

In a letter to Gov. Maggie Hassan, Delaney said he has cherished his time serving in leadership of New Hampshire's law enforcement community:

"I will forever be grateful to our public safety officials for their sacrifice, dedication, and loyalty," Delaney wrote. "I will never forget the experiences we have had together. It has been a privilege to serve as their attorney general, and I extend my sincere thanks to all of the men and women in law enforcement for their support and friendship during my administration."

Governor Hassan also issued a statement this morning following Delaney's announcement:

“Through nearly a decade and a half of public service, Mike Delaney has continuously protected and advanced the cause of justice for the people of New Hampshire," Hassan said. "He has taken on difficult challenges with integrity, strength and resolve. I have greatly appreciated his counsel. While I understand his desire to pursue new opportunities, his steady leadership of our justice system will be missed, and I wish Mike the very best.”

The statement from Hassan's office also said Delaney has agreed to stay on beyond the expiration of his term on March 31 if necessary "to help ensure a seamless transition for the Department."

The New Hampshire Republican State Committee Chairman Jennifer Horn also issued a statement following Delaney's announcement, raising questions about his pending departure.

"I want to thank Attorney General Delaney for his years of public service and for upholding New Hampshire's tradition of an independent justice department that is free of partisan influence," Horn said. "Attorney General Delaney has demonstrated courage and integrity by speaking out against policies that would damage New Hampshire, including Governor Hassan's fiscally irresponsible casino revenue scheme.

"The Attorney General's eleventh hour announcement that he will not seek reappointment when his term expires at the end of the month raises concerns about the actual reason for his abrupt retirement. After he announced his opposition to Maggie Hassan's disastrous state budget that relies on $80 million in non-existent and illegal gambling revenue, the governor refused to discuss his reappointment. There are serious questions about whether Governor Hassan decided to deny Attorney General Delaney another term because of his strong and principled rejection of her irresponsible policies. This type of shallow and vindictive political retribution indicates that Governor Hassan may be willing to engage in petty partisan politics to advance her agenda."