Political incumbents choosing to exit opens door for next wave of leaders
For anyone who has been around New Hampshire politics for a while, it is interesting to think back on the leaders who have come on the scene, been active and influential while in office, and then left the stage.
Barry Goldwater, the prominent Arizona senator and presidential candidate, famously said, “They remember you in Washington for one month for each term you served.” That seems true for state leaders, as well.
This year has seen the announcement of a number of retirements by influential officials, in advance of the upcoming state primary elections. They are notable and instructive.
First among the announcements was that of Gov. Chris Sununu who, after four terms, is not seeking another. The latest of a prominent political family of engineers, Sununu probably will follow the lead of his father and brother, and reenter the private sector, although political observers undoubtedly will mention him for office, elected and appointed, for some time.
The exit of any governor changes the tone in Concord, and sets off a campaign to succeed the incumbent, and 2024 is no exception. Filling this job will likely have the most effect on the state this year (with the exception of the result of the presidential race).
The announcement by 2nd District Rep. Ann McLane Kuster that she would not seek another term also set off a race to replace her. Kuster’s exit, by another member of a prominent NH family of lawyers and politicians, was more surprising since she held a rather safe seat, and held the record for successive terms for a Democrat in her district.
In making her announcement, Kuster noted she did not consider holding office to be a lifelong job, and she had other things to look forward to with her family, a healthy observation and one which others in Washington should note: There is life after Congress.
The most recent announcement, by NH Senate President Jeb Bradley, that he would not seek another term, also was significant for a number of reasons. Bradley is unique in that he served in Congress for several terms and then ran for the state Senate, and has remarked that he enjoys the statehouse more than Washington.
Bradley’s announcement brought bipartisan praise for his quiet, serious leadership.
By creating another vacancy, it also brought all the speculation about who might occupy the position next. In commenting on his retirement, Bradley pointed out the need to clear the way for the next generation, and also the fact that serving in any post in the state Legislature is really a “citizen volunteer” position, due to the almost nonexistent pay, and commended that system’s value. This is something NH citizens should remember.
Finally, a former Senate president, Executive Councilor Theodore Gatsas, R-Manchester, also a former Manchester mayor, said he would not run for another term, indicating he, too, had other things to do with his life and that it was time for the next generation. Gatsas also probably could have had another term, if he wished.
All of these exits had common themes: voluntary exit, clearing the way for the next wave of office-holders, the need for citizen leaders willing to serve and then leave, and decisions not forced by political factors. All those leaving probably could have stayed, but they had the sense and courage to keep their priorities straight and recognize the value of turnover. It is also interesting that all of them are significantly younger than President Biden or his apparent challenger for the presidency this year.
Jan Dean, wife of outgoing UNH President James Dean, recently published a delightful book, “On the Corner of Garrison & Main: Inside the University of New Hampshire’s Home.” In the book, Dean describes the spouses of each UNH president since UNH moved from Hanover to Durham in 1893. The brick house at the corner of Garrison and Main streets was acquired by the college and has been occupied by the successive presidents since.
The book provides a brief history of UNH and major events that have occurred under the administrations of each president. It also provides personal glimpses of the families and the issues faced by being first spouse.
UNH alumni will enjoy reading about the time they were students, and non-alumni will get a reminder of a lot of NH history. This 1970 graduate especially enjoyed the description of John and Harriet McConnell’s tenure, personalities and the somewhat stormy time they occupied the home, from 1963-1971. For those who have forgotten the time of student activism, Vietnam War protests, strikes, Kent State and other adventures, the book brings back those memories. Jan Dean has done UNH and the state a service in writing the book, just as her husband has done as the 20th president of the state’s flagship public research university. Both should be thanked for their exceptional service and contributions.
Brad Cook is a Manchester attorney. The views expressed in this column are his own. He can be reached at bradfordcook01@gmail.com.
