Watch: GOP lawmaker’s ‘jaw drop moment’ of ‘incredible disrespect’ toward Speaker Jasper
The rancor between House Speaker Shawn Jasper and GOP lawmakers loyal to former Speaker Bill O’Brien spilled out on the House floor Thursday in a striking exchange between Jasper and Rep. Max Abramson (R-Seabrook).
Abramson was speaking in favor of House Bill 598, a bill he pulled from the consent calendar that would have modified the legal definition of “deadly force.” When Abramson addressed Jasper as “Mr. Chair,” the speaker interrupted.
“Whoever is in the chair is addressed as Mr. Speaker,” Jasper said. “You have been not doing that. I’ve given you some leeway up to now. You need to remember that regardless of whether I’m here or someone else, you are always addressing the Speaker.”
Abramson challenged Jasper. “What is the rule that specifies that?” he asked.
“Representative, that is the same parliamentary precedent and practice which requires me to address you as Representative,” Jasper answered.
“I would like to make a statement on that,” Abramson responded.
“No,” replied Jasper. “You are recognized to speak and you will address the chair properly or you will bring yourself to order and be seated. That is your choice.”
The exchange was a “jaw drop moment,” tweeted Rep. Cindy Rosenwald (D-Nashua). Abramson demonstrated “incredible disrespect” to Jasper, agreed Rep. Katherine Rogers (D-Concord).
Abramson, you may remember, is the first term Free Stater who was bounced from the Criminal Justice committee earlier this year when the Speaker learned of his felony conviction for reckless conduct. The Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee unanimously recommended against HB 598. In a division vote, the House voted 298-5 to kill the measure
