Morse Becomes Senate President

As expected, state Sen. Chuck Morse, R-Salem, is now the President of the Senate after a special session on Sept. 3, where state Sen. Peter Bragdon, R-Milford, stepped down from the position, after taking a job as the executive director of the Local Government Center. 

Morse thanked his colleagues for the responsibility of leading the body, saying he would work to ensure that the Senate was led with honesty and integrity. He pointed to his experience leading the Finance Committee and shepherding a budget through the Senate that everyone could support. 

“I pledge to you that this Senate will continue operating in an honest and collegial manner,” he said, adding that his door would always be open for Senators to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns.

In nominating Morse, state Sen. Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, the former Congressman pointed to both Bragdon and former Senate President state Sen. Sylvia Larsen, D-Concord, saying Morse would rule with a “light touch” and would allow people to “work together” despite the partisan differences between Republicans and Democrats. He commended Morse’s work at Finance in getting a budget approved, despite the political divide.

Bradley said Bragdon paid “attention to detail” and was also “fair and transparent … while learning to be gracious in the chair.”

Larsen seconded the nomination of Morse, saying she was hopeful that assurances Democrats were given about fairness would occur. Specifically, Larsen pointed to Medicare expansion, taking a more political tone with her seconding. She noted that the program would bring the state billions in federal dollars to help guarantee that 58,000 people in New Hampshire who didn’t currently have healthcare would receive it. Larsen added the Senate worked best when the President treated all as equals and believed Morse would lead it that way.

“I believe he understands that the people of the state of New Hampshire elected each of us 24 Senators to ensure their voice and their vote is heard,” she said.

Before exiting, Bragdon said he hoped he would be remembered during his three years for leading with integrity and being honest, while allowing everyone to have their say during hearings, without retribution.

“I’ve always tried to treat everybody fairly,” he said.

Later, during an opportunity to offer comments during personal privileges, state Sen. Russell Prescott, R-Kingston, may have thrown down the gauntlet to what the future holds for the Senate. Prescott countered Larsen’s comments about Medicare expansion by saying that his company was receiving health insurance premium increases of 29 percent next year due to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. He said he will be meeting with his 40 employees later this week to discuss how the company will pay for increased costs. Prescott ended his comments by saying it was important for the Senate to not make the burden on small businesses even worse than it already is.

Political reaction

A number of politicos from around New Hampshire commented on Morse's new role as Senate President. Here is some reaction: 

Gov. Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter, wrote: “I would like to congratulate Senator Morse on his election as President of the New Hampshire Senate. Both during my time in the Senate and as Governor, I have appreciated Senator Morse’s constructive approach to addressing our challenges, as evidenced by this year’s unprecedented bipartisan budget. Throughout the years, the Senate has demonstrated time and again that leaders in Concord can rise above ideology, listen to the people of New Hampshire, and work together to solve problems. I look forward to working with President Morse in the traditions of cooperation and commonsense problem-solving to address our challenges, continue strengthening our economy, and keep New Hampshire moving forward.”

House GOP Leader Gene Chandler, R-Bartlett, stated: “House Republicans thank Sen. Bragdon for his many years of service as Senate President and look forward to continuing to work with him in his role as Senator. We look forward to working with Senate President Morse to continue to advance a legislative agenda that focuses on jobs, the economy and preserving the New Hampshire advantage. He knows the importance of keeping taxes low and keeping government accountable to its citizens. New Hampshire is lucky to have a legislative leader like Senate President Morse. We stand ready to work with Senate Leadership to find solutions that will make New Hampshire an even better place for families and businesses to grow and thrive.”

New Hampshire Republican State Committee Chairman Jennifer Horn offered the following: "I want to congratulate Chuck Morse on his election as President of the New Hampshire State Senate. Chuck is a principled and respected leader who has consistently stood up for New Hampshire taxpayers and worked across the aisle to achieve bipartisan consensus. He will be an outstanding Senate President who will protect the New Hampshire Advantage and fight to maintain fiscal responsibility in Concord."

Greg Moore, AFP-NH State Director, said: “Senator Morse has been a longtime advocate for economic freedom and prosperity, so this choice is great news for the future of New Hampshire’s economy. He has been one of the most vocal proponents of having a government that lives within its means and protecting the New Hampshire Advantage from those who would give away our low tax status.  As a business owner, he also knows the importance of keeping government small and limiting regulation.  The choice of Chuck Morse as Senate President is great news for the hard-working families of our state.”