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William (Bill) O'Brien is a N.H. state representative from Mont Vernon. Formerly the Speaker of the N.H. House (2010-2012), O'Brien was re-elected to the position in November 2014.

Rep. Laurie Sanborn Drops From House Speaker Race, Big Name Republicans Back Chandler

Dennis D. Hurd via Flickr CC

  Republican Representative Laurie Sanborn has dropped from the race to lead the House. She cites recent health concerns of her husband, state senator Andy Sanborn. He had emergency surgery on Election Day.

That leaves the bid for speakership between two former speakers: Gene Chandler who served from 2001 to 2004, and Bill O’Brien who served from 2010 to 2012.

High profile Republicans like U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte, former Congressman Charlie Bass and former Republican Governors Steve Merrill and John H. Sununu sent a letter to state reps urging them to vote for Chandler. (Scroll down to read the letter.)

The Republican Caucus will vote for speaker next week.

Letter supporting Gene Chandler

Before becoming a reporter for NHPR, Ryan devoted many months interning with The Exchange team, helping to produce their daily talk show. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire in Manchester with a major in Politics and Society and a minor in Communication Arts. While in school, he also interned for a DC-based think tank. His interests include science fiction and international relations. Ryan is a life-long Manchester resident.
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