The House has elected a new leader.
A coalition of moderate and conservative Republicans joined with Democrats to give Stratham Republican Doug Scamman the victory.
New Hampshire Public Radio's Dan Gorenstein reports.
Scamman is familiar with his new post.
He served as Speaker of the House from 1986-1990.
But back then he didn't draw support from such a cross section of his peers.
Pro-lifers, income taxers and fiscal conservatives joined forces if only for one day.
But without the support of Democrats, Scamman would have fallen way short of the votes necessary to win.
After the election, the new speaker, however, danced a fine line between appreciating his new found friends, and letting Republicans know he's still one of them.
5:53 I need to say at no time was I ever asked to do anything for the Democrat votes. I wanted nothing to do with that. b/c I didn't want to have any obligation. The only obligation I have to the Democrats, as I think they well understand....every member here is equal.
Scamman promised he would follow House protocol and name Republican chairs and vice chairs to the various committees, and make sure Democrats were fairly represented.
Democratic leader Jim Craig says Democrats were clear from the beginning if they couldn't elect one of their own, they would back Doug Scamman.
Their other option was Republican Mike Whalley.
After Speaker Gene Chandler withdrew from the race amid allegations of ethical violations, Whalley was Chandler's choice and that of others in House leadership.
But to win, Whalley had to overcome his reputation as legislative enforcer- one he earned during his days as whip and Deputy Speaker.
Craig says Democrats were not willing to forget so easily.
3:11 the complaints from my caucus were that there was a heavy handedness in past Republican leadership. That's the real problem our Caucus had. We just wanted to be treated fairly....in this case it was better the devil we don't know than the devil we know.
Kingston Republican Ken Weyler, who also ran for Speaker, completely agreed.
Weyler threw his support- which came primarily from conservative Republicans- to Scamman.
Weyler left little doubt he could ever support Whalley.
:48 I have been disrespected by this team. As have many of the Republicans in this House which is why there were so many votes against them. Normally it would be an easy transition for the same crew to win again, but they have to be respectful to the members. That was lacking for probably eight years...and the wheeling and dealing, I'm tired of it. I wanted a new team, a new look, new ideas.
While a fair number of Republicans voted against Whalley, the now former Deputy Speaker still enjoys a loyal and large following.
Republican Representative Fran Wendleboe predicts Speaker Scammon will have a hard time uniting his own party.
She says his ability to bridge the rift will become clearer once he announces his leadership team.
2:06 if it's packed with people, for example, who are Weyler supporters I think it will be hard to work together. But if Doug does as he seems to say, he's going to let people's talents and not who is liberal and conservative, then it will be a lot easier task to do.
It is clear change is happening at the statehouse.
Just an hour or so after the vote, a green garbage can and a moving box could be seen in Leadership offices.
And just outside those offices, a person delivered Speaker Scamman and friends a plate full of sandwiches.
For NHPR News, I'm DG.
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