Bedford, NH – Jennifer Horn was elected the new chair of the New Hampshire GOP for the term 2013 to 2015. Former House Speaker Bill O'Brien placed Horn's name into nomination. In her short speech accepting the nomination, she promised to lead the party forward with new vigor and “not let the Democrats define us any longer”. Unity was the theme of all speeches by party leadership.
Horn defeated contender Andrew Hemingway who has gained popularity recently after leading the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance and his work on the Newt Gingrich campaign. Their battle for state GOP Chair was at times contentious but in the end both pledged to come together and work for the common good of the party.
Others elected included J.P. Marzullo as Vice Chair, Diane Bitter of Rye as Secretary, Fran Wendleboe as Assistant Secretary, Robert Scott as Treasurer, and Eileen Smiglowski as Assistant Treasurer. The five regional areas also caucused to elect vice chair positions for their area.
Several motions to amend the by-laws were voted on but the one that drew the most passionate debate was a change that would eliminate the possibility that any membership fee or dues for state GOP members. A proposal to charge the more than 400 state delegates an annual fee of $25 each had met with stiff resistance from members at all levels.
Comments