There are danger signs if his adherence to traditions and integrity is not continued

When Secretary of State Bill Gardner stepped to the microphone in Concord on Jan. 3 and announced his imminent retirement from office, he sparked a governmental earthquake. Having served continuously in office since 1976, Gardner’s roots go deep in New Hampshire’s political soil. Pulling out those roots creates a void and presents a danger.

As most observers know, young Bill Gardner, then in his 20s and a Democratic state representative from Manchester, campaigned for the office by meeting with virtually all legislators and asked for their support. The overwhelmingly Republican legislature was presumed to support the GOP candidate, Arthur Drake, for the job. Drake did not campaign as Gardner did. In fact, Channel 9 already had filmed a story about Drake’s election, driven the tape to Manchester for the 6 o’clock news, and a reporter had to call the station and tell them to hold the tape, as “something strange is going on.”

What was strange was that Democrat Gardner had won, proving that no electoral result should be presumed, and candidates need to ask voters for their votes, not presume to have them.

From the outset, Gardner promised that his first priority would be fair, honest and competent elections. The office has many other functions, like corporate and business filings, securities regulation, Uniform Commercial Code filings and state archives, but it is the Elections Division which is most prominent.

Every two years since, Gardner has been re-elected, more often by Republicancontrolled legislatures, but also by Democratic ones. He has become an institution, and the nonpartisan nature of his office and his conduct have become the norm to which New Hampshire is blessed to have become accustomed, unlike the situation in many other states.

Only in one recent election was the result close. In 2018, Democrat Colin Van Ostern, former executive councilor and gubernatorial candidate, challenged Gardner, with the support of much of the Democratic Party. Gardner narrowly won the election. In retrospect, had Van Ostern won, the office of Secretary of State would have become a political trophy to be passed between parties as they won or lost the legislative majority.

Gardner has been a staunch defender of the New Hampshire presidential primary, and along with legislative allies like former state senator Jim Splaine of Portsmouth, has designed legislation to keep our primary first, no matter what tricks other states try. He also has been outspoken against federal control of elections, arguing that states know what is best for their own situations. In taking such positions, he has found himself at odds with the national leadership of his own party and with members of the New Hampshire congressional delegation.

Bill Gardner deserves a happy and healthy retirement. Indeed, at his press conference, he noted that the prior two secretaries of state died in office, something he said he did not aspire to do! Still, the timing of his announcement was a surprise.

While Gardner claimed there were no health or political considerations in his decision, there certainly appears to be a strategic reason for it, and a good one. Under our system, Deputy Secretary of State David Scanlan, who has served long and well as head of the election unit of the office, will succeed Gardner. A former Republican legislator, Scanlan has had a firm and steady hand on the tiller of state elections, under Gardner’s guidance. He is well known to local officials, is pleasant, easygoing and experienced. By giving him 11 months to prove himself in the office, he should be a strong candidate for the job.

Gardner’s tenure was a guard against politicization of the office and insurance that the vital functions performed by it, especially when it comes to the integrity of elections, continue. It is critical that all citizens, and all those elected to the Legislature later this year, remember and consider that when selecting the next secretary of state, especially when so many are trying to maneuver and taint election processes nationwide and faith in democratic institutions is shaken.

Bill Gardner’s retirement is a time to thank him and say, “Job well done, Mr. Secretary.” It is also the occasion to heed the warning of what dangers exist if he is not replaced by someone who can continue his traditions and integrity. New Hampshire, beware!

Brad Cook is a Manchester attorney. The views expressed in this column are his own. He can be reached at bradfordcook01@gmail.com.