Jennifer Daler announces Executive Council run
.@jdaler was the tip of the spear in overturning the O'Brien Era. That alone makes her deserving of support for Exec. Council. #nhpolitics
— Dean Barker (@deanbarker)
Former state House Rep. Jennifer Daler (D-Temple) announced today that she is running for the Executive Council seat currently held by Councilor Debora Pignatelli.
Daler is best known for her 2011 upset win in a special election to fill the House seat left vacant when Republican Robert Mead resigned to serve as chief of staff for then-Speaker Bill O’Brien. Daler won handily, carrying all five of the district’s towns and racking up 58% of the vote in O'Brien’s home district.
Daler’s win was the first step on the Democrat’s road back from the 2010 Republican landslide that produced a 3-to-1 House majority. In 2012, Democrats retook control of the House and ended O'Brien’s controversial speakership after just two years.
In a statement today, Daler praised Pignatelli, who is retiring for health reasons, and said she will build on Pignatelli’s “commitment to bringing commuter rail to Nashua, ensuring the continued excellence of the New Hampshire Judiciary, carefully reviewing state contracts for maximum value, and advocating for people, especially the most vulnerable.”
On paper, the 5th District is the swing district that determines control of the Council. Pignatelli won the seat in 2012 with 52% of the vote. Pres. Obama carried the district that year by a 50%-48% margin. Republicans exploring a run include former councilor David Wheeler and political newcomer Steve Hattamer.
In ‘12, @Maggie_Hassan was “honored” to be endorsed by @jdaler, calling her “a persistent & strong voice for progressive issues”#nhpolitics
— Dean Barker (@deanbarker)