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Do you support legislation that would prohibit state commissioners from engaging in political activities, such as endorsing candidates, lobbying, or serving on a political committee?

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Senate Democratic Leader Jeff Woodburn of Whitefield is the chief sponsor of SB 466, which deals with political activities of commissioners of state agencies.

If the bill passes, it would make it illegal for a commissioner to hold or campaign for elective office, serve as the officer of a political party or political committee, use his or her name in support of or in opposition to a candidate, participate in or contribute to political campaigns, or act as a lobbyist.

To learn more about free speech issues in New Hampshire, visit our issue page.

Concerns about Edelblut lead to bill

The legislation was created as a response to the political activities of Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut.

He ran for governor as a Republican before being appointed to lead the Department of Education by Gov. Christopher Sununu, and he has faced criticism for appearing at GOP events around the state, advocating for conservative causes.

“When an individual is appointed as a commissioner of a state or federal agency, they are appointed to serve the public. It should be a given that these appointed officials will not use their position for personal or political gain.”

- Sen. Jeff Woodburn

Restrictions are infringement of free speech rights

Opponents say the legislation is unconstitutional.

“Our policy concern is that this bill fundamentally tramples the free speech rights of commissioners.”

- Greg Moore, state director with the conservative policy group Americans for Prosperity

What do you think? Should state commissioners be prohibited from engaging in partisan politics? Tell us in the comment section below.

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