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► STATEHOUSENew Hampshire Libertarians undergo growing painsFour-member delegation selects new leader with coin-flip after tie vote.By KHVIN LANDRIGANTelegraph StaffCONCORD — The fledgling Libertarian Party of New Hampshire experienced growing pains during the weekend.Following in the footsteps of the more established political parties, the four-member Libertarian delegation in the New Hampshire House of Representatives turned to new leadership, selecting state Rep. Donald Gorman of Deerfieldas the party’s legislative leader.Gorman prevailed after a coin flip resolved a leadership battle when the members deadlocked, 2-2. The coin flip was made by Douglas Harrigan, the party's new chairman, who had come to witness the Libertarian caucus.In turning to Gorman — a newly converted Libertarian — the legislators abandoned the candidacy of«/state Rep. Calvin Warburton of Raymond, the first lawmaker inwNew Hampshire history to join the third party.Rep. Finlay Rothhaus of Merrimack said he supported Warburton simply because lie was the firstHouse Libertarian.Warburton had been optimistic about being chosen to lead the party, having announced on Oct. 20 that he would launch a renegade challenge to the re-election of House Speaker Harold Burns,R-Whitefield.As a Republican, Warburton had been one of five candidates for Burns leadership post in 1090.Gorman, who was a Republican legislator from Derry 20 years ago. said he ran because the party needed new leaders dedicated to Libertarian principles.Warburton's views in the pasthave clashed with the party platform.Warburton, a retired clergyman and military veteran, continues toJoppose abortion rights and favors the death penalty even though the Libertarian platform conflicts with him on both issues.This is not the first political setback for the upbeat Warburton.In September, he was defeatedin his party's primary bid forgovernor, losing to nominee Miriam Luce of Windham.And a day before the caucusvote, the New Hampshire Supreme C ourt ruled in favor of Burns and House leaders and against a challenge to the $14 million budget “trailer” bill.Warburton had been the first signature on the list of legislators who filed the suit.Gorman was supported in hisleadership bid by Andrew Borsa ofPelham, the other new Libertarian elected on Nov. 3.By gaining the Republican nomination as well. Borsa topped the ticket in Pelham.
Newspaper Details
Nashua Telegraph
Nashua, New Hampshire, US
Wed, Nov 25, 1992
Page 11
Full Page
Clipped by
Dalton R.
USA 15 May 2021
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