Politics & Government
Jasper Elected House Speaker on Third Ballot
Democrats join Hudson Republican in order to thwart a Bill O'Brien comeback.
It took all day, but the New Hampshire House of Representatives elected a new speaker on Dec. 3, state Rep. Shawn Jasper, R-Hudson.
Jasper offered himself up as a third option earlier this week after former Speaker of the House, state Rep. William O’Brien, R-Mont Vernon, was the presumed Speaker-to-be again, after winning the Republican caucus last month.
State Rep. Steve Shurtleff, D-Penacook, was the Democratic nominee.
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After a procedural move called by O’Brien lieutenant, state Rep. David Bates, R-Windham, calling for a roll call vote for speaker failed, a first ballot was cast with O’Brien falling four vote short of a win.
Before the second ballot, Shurtleff withdrew his nomination, and Jasper fell a vote short.
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On the third ballot, Jasper won.
Here’s how the entire election played out on Twitter:
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