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Explore our coverage of government and politics.

Despite Calls for Bipartisanship During N.H. 'State of the State,' Partisan Obstacles Remain

Gov. Chris Sununu talked up the economy, touted improvements to New Hampshire's mental health system, and promoted new protections for drinking water during his annual "State of the State" address.

Speaking inside Representatives Hall to a joint session of New Hampshire lawmakers on Thursday, Sununu asked Republicans and Democrats to come together, and avoid Washington-style gridlock.

"We don't spend countless days in gridlock. We roll up our sleeves and we get it done. We have a lot more to do. We have a lot more to accomplish. Let’s put our heads down and get this thing done."

But top Democrats say they haven't forgotten the 57 vetoes Sununu handed down last year, a modern record.

House Speaker Steve Shurtleff and Senate President Donna Soucy respond to Governor Sununu's State of the State address.
Credit Dan Tuohy / NHPR
House Speaker Steve Shurtleff and Senate President Donna Soucy respond to Governor Sununu's State of the State address.

During a press conference after the address, House Speaker Steve Shurtleff recounted a conversation he had with the governor.

“I said, Governor, if you see something in bills that you don't like that can be changed, we’d be glad to work with you and make it a compromise...but we've never heard from either the governor or his staff. So, it’s a two-way street."

As they did last year, Democrats are poised to pass bills raising the minimum wage, as well as enacting a statewide paid family medical leave program, which both face likely vetoes.

[Sign up for Primarily Politics, NHPR's weekly politics newsletter]

Sununu touted his own version of a paid family leave program during his address. Democrats say it would leave out the lower-income workers who need the program most. 

But on one thing there was complete agreement: when the governor praised election officials including Secretary of State Bill Gardner for a smooth presidential primary, he earned a standing ovation.

Copyright 2021 New Hampshire Public Radio. To see more, visit New Hampshire Public Radio.

Gov. Chris Sununu gives boxes of chocolates to House Speaker Steve Shurtleff and Senate President Donna Soucy before giving his State of the State speech.
Dan Tuohy / NHPR /
Gov. Chris Sununu gives boxes of chocolates to House Speaker Steve Shurtleff and Senate President Donna Soucy before giving his State of the State speech.
Governor Sununu during his 2020 State of the State speech.
Dan Tuohy / NHPR /
Governor Sununu during his 2020 State of the State speech.
Gov. Chris Sununu waves to organizers of the Ride for the Fallen 7 - the tribute to the seven motorcycle riders killed when a truck crashed into them in Randolph, N.H., in June of 2019.
Dan Tuohy / NHPR /
Gov. Chris Sununu waves to organizers of the Ride for the Fallen 7 - the tribute to the seven motorcycle riders killed when a truck crashed into them in Randolph, N.H., in June of 2019.
Gov. Chris Sununu during his 2020 State of the State address.
Dan Tuohy / NHPR /
Gov. Chris Sununu during his 2020 State of the State address.

Todd started as a news correspondent with NHPR in 2009. He spent nearly a decade in the non-profit world, working with international development agencies and anti-poverty groups. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University.
Josh has worked at NHPR since 2000 and serves as NHPRâââ
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