NH GOP stands by their man (who kept the nuts in line)

A Patch survey of 102 influential New Hampshire Republican activists, party leaders and elected officials finds broad support for House Speaker Bill O’Brien, who has been called one of the most controversial leaders in state history.

Nearly two-thirds of the respondents said they would like to see O’Brien return as House Speaker next year. The Speaker’s greatest achievement? “Keeping the nuts in line,” replied one realist.

Democrats will probably not object to having O’Brien lead the party in November. In the latest WMUR/Granite State Poll, only 15% of New Hampshire adults had a favorable opinion of O’Brien, compared to 27% who expressed an unfavorable opinion of the House Speaker.