New Hampshire Newsmakers of the Year 2005: Senate President Ted Gatsas

New Hampshire politics saw a number of shakeups this year. Executive Councilor Ray Burton dealt with criticism over the hiring of a sex offender. There was a huge election day upset in Manchester, as Frank Guinta won over incumbent mayor Bob Baines.

One of the biggest shakeups came in September, when a coalition of Democrats and Republicans in the State Senate called an unusual special session to hold leadership elections. Moments before the vote was held, Senate President Tom Eaton resigned his post. The Senate then elected Manchester Republican Ted Gatsas as their new President.

Gatsas promised an "open door" policy for both Republicans and Democrats, and quickly became one of the most visible members of state government. His ascendance to Senate President made Ted Gatsas a 2005 Newsmaker of the Year.