A Stitch in Haste

Yesterday I berated a New York City local hack politician who happened to be a Democrat.

So in the spirit of non-partisanship, here’s a New Hampshire local hack politician who happens to be a Republican:

The chairman of a state commission on gay marriage is refusing to recognize Gov. John Lynch's appointee to the panel -- sparking talk of a looming legal battle.

Rep. Tony Soltani, R-Epsom, has refused to recognize Raymond Buckley, a Democrat and former Manchester representative, at the panel's last two meetings. He said Buckley's appointment isn't legal and is standing by Bryan Gould, former Gov. Craig Benson's appointee.
...
The Attorney General's Office has said Lynch's appointment is within the law. But Soltani refused to let Buckley speak at a meeting on Monday.
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Now Buckley, who is openly gay, said he is looking for a lawyer. Buckley also is considering filing an ethics complaint against Soltani with House leaders. "Soltani's behavior is nothing less than a being a bully," Buckley said. "Bullies just have no business in being a leader."

Lynch Spokeswoman Pamela Walsh said Soltani "has run amok."

More:

Associate Attorney General Ann Larney advised Lynch's office that the governor could make the switch because the law does not specify terms for commission members. Larney said the law's "plain language" clearly allows governor's appointees to serve at the pleasure of the sitting governor.

But Soltani isn't budging. "This will be resolved in the court," he said this week. "I'm the chair, so if I don't recognize someone, they're not recognized. They must compel me to recognize someone and if they try, they will lose."

I suppose, in the wake of the (judge-less) gay rights developments in Connecticut, it’s now the “activist democratic process” that has the bigots so agitated -- “A gay on a commission about gay marriage? Appointed by an elected governor? Certified by an elected Attorney General? But that circumvents the democratic dictatorial process!”

On the other hand, New Hampshire is now completely surrounded by three states (and a country) that have all made significant -- indeed huge -- progress in ending anti-gay discrimination.

If I were a New Hampshire bigot, I might try some desperate theatrics too. I guess the next step might be to claim that any vote granting gay rights must be passed unanimously, lest some bigot claim the democratic process is being "thwarted."

Hat tip to Good As You.

Completely unrelated (but fun) New Hampshire post here.