Hassan Appoints Bipartisan Group to Presidential Primary Centennial Anniversary Commission

In order to help celebrate New Hampshire’s First In The Nation presidential primary, Gov. Maggie Hassan recently appointed a bipartisan group of five members to serve on the Presidential Primary Centennial Anniversary Commission.

Hassan appointed John Harrigan of Colebrook, James Demers of Concord, Joseph Keefe of Rye, Jayne Millerick of Bow and Jennifer Daler of Temple. The group includes one member from each of the state’s five Executive Council districts, as well as bipartisan representation with three Democrats and two Republicans.

“Our First In The Nation presidential primary is one of New Hampshire’s most cherished traditions, representing our vibrant and robust citizen-led democracy that makes the Granite State the perfect place to begin the presidential nominating process,” Hassan said in a statement. “These five members have extensive experience with the unique political history and culture in New Hampshire and represent the diversity of our state geographically, politically and professionally. I thank them for their commitment to serve on the commission and am confident that they will help us celebrate the 100th anniversary of the New Hampshire presidential primary in the manner that will reflect its vibrant and critical role in our democracy.”

An award-winning journalist, John Harrigan has covered the North Country for various newspapers for more than four decades, including his weekly “Woods, Water and Wildlife” column that is featured in the New Hampshire Sunday News. Harrigan is also the former owner of the Colebrook News and Sentinel, which remains in his family.

A former three-term member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives and Assistant Minority Whip, James Demers has over 35 years of experience in the legislative, regulatory and political fields. He currently serves as President of Demers & Blaisdell Inc., on the advisory board of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College and as a member of the State of New Hampshire International Trade Advisory Committee.

Joseph Keefe is a former Chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party and member of the Democratic National Committee, as well as a former nominee for United States Congress in New Hampshire’s First Congressional District. He has extensive experience in national and local political affairs and in public-policy oriented communications and currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Pax World Funds and Pax World Management LLC.

From 2003 to 2005, Jayne Millerick served as Chairman of the New Hampshire Republican State Committee, and she was also a vice chairman for the 2008 John McCain for President campaign in New Hampshire. She owns Marcucci Consulting, a corporate and political public relations consulting firm, and serves on the Concord Hospital Trust Board of Trustees.

Jennifer Daler is a former two-term member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, where she served on the Health and Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee and chaired a commission to research the rising cost of health insurance for businesses in the state. She was also a candidate this year in the Democratic primary for Executive Council District 5.

The Presidential Primary Centennial Anniversary Commission was established by HB 1400, bipartisan legislation that Hassan signed earlier this year. It is tasked with encouraging, planning and coordinating appropriate events and activities commemorating the 100th anniversary of the New Hampshire presidential primary, held on March 14, 1916.

The commission also includes four members of the Legislature appointed by legislative leadership, the Secretary of State or designee and six other public members also appointed by legislative leadership.

Submitted text.