Experts say the accessibility of New Hampshire’s Legislature is a big draw for those looking to test the political waters, but with low pay and huge membership come drawbacks for those with grander political aspirations.
University of New Hampshire Associate Professor of Political Science Dante Scala says, unlike other states, those elected to the Legislature in the Granite State have an uphill battle being recognized, making it tough to parlay a House seat into a lobbyist position or a higher-ranking elected position, whether it be governor or a congressional seat.
…Legislators here are among the lowest paid in the country, with the meager salary producing a body whose makeup is far different from states like Massachusetts, whose lawmakers often are career politicians.
…“They really run because they can. Unlike in states with professional legislatures, the barriers to entry are very low in New Hampshire,” Scala noted.
Experts say the low pay and many members also benefit those with political aspirations because potential candidates don’t need to have established a name for themselves before running or have a huge war chest to mount a campaign.
“You just need to have time on your hands,” Scala said.
…“At the end of the day whether you are far on the Republican side, far on the Democrat side, or smack dab in the middle, you are nothing more than a volunteer with a glorified title,” he said.
Scala said some might enter the Legislature with grand aspirations and find their support is largely local.
“They think their status means a lot outside of Concord, and it isn’t necessarily so,” Scala noted.
…”At least the members aren’t on the take,” Pantelakos said.
hmmm
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