NH Rep. William O'Brien's Comments on the Passing of Margaret Thatcher

Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minster of Great Britain and the indispensable philosophical, political and international ally of Ronald Reagan, died this morning.

Lady Thatcher was a giant of conservative values and action.  Along with President Reagan, Margaret Thatcher inspired us with her thoughtful and unflinching advocacy of a dynamic, forward-looking conservatism. 

In reaction to her death, Rep. William O’Brien (R-Mont Vernon) was quoted as saying, “Prime Minster Thatcher will be missed.  She was one of the foremost conservative leaders who have come forward in recent years and led change both in Britain and the United States.  Just as the liberal progressives of the Reagan/Thatcher era tried to diminish both of them with arguments that they had to soften their rhetoric and abandon important goals to get elected, so we hear the same claims today.  Thankfully, the Iron Lady and Ronald Reagan knew better that the importance of achieving critical public policy goals outweighed the politics of the moment and we remember both so fondly for their willingness to stand against the tide, let the personal invective wash over them, and make the world a better and freer place.”

In discussing the passing of Margaret Thatcher, Rep. O’Brien noted how Mrs. Thatcher was confronted with the same arguments, at times so smugly delivered, that we hear to today.  They told her to acquiesce to some of the goals of the left to preserve a decreasing residual of liberty. She didn’t believe it.  Ronald Reagan didn’t believe.  And we likewise should reject those arguments.

As Rep. O’Brien further stated, “We should be no more distracted by those who would diminish our efforts today than were President Reagan or Prime Minister Thatcher in their time.  The passing of Margaret Thatcher reminds us this has been a long struggle with many successes along the way.  This great lady taught us that now is always the time for us to reach for more.”

William O’Brien is a state representative from Mont Vernon, serving his fourth term in the New Hampshire House.

NH House Republican Leader Gene Chandler's Statement on the Passing of Former Speaker Harold Burns

BARTLETT - Today House Republican Leader Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett) released the following statement on the passing of former New Hampshire Speaker of the House Harold Burns.

"The passing of Harold Burns is a tremendous loss for the Granite State. As someone who served with Speaker Burns I know firsthand his passion, leadership and dedication to public service for the people of New Hampshire. On behalf of the Republican caucus of the New Hampshire House we extend our deepest sympathies to the Burns family. In his honor, we will continue to serve the way Harold Burns did, with true Yankee values and Granite State ideals.”

NHGOP Statement On The Passing of Former Speaker Harold Burns

Concord - New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman Jennifer Horn released the following statement today on the passing of former NH House Speaker Harold Burns:

"Harold Burns was a dedicated and trusted public servant, and his passing is a tremendous loss for the State of New Hampshire. He was a champion of the Granite State's fiscally responsible values and served in both the House and Senate with honor and distinction. My thoughts and prayers are with Harold's family and friends during this difficult time." 

Statement from Governor Hassan on the Passing of Harold Burns

Office of New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan

CONCORD - Governor Maggie Hassan released the following statement today on the passing of former New Hampshire Speaker of the House Harold Burns:

"Tom and I join the people of New Hampshire in mourning the loss of Speaker Harold Burns. Speaker Burns ably carried on the Burns Family legacy of dedicated service to the people of Whitefield, and his steady leadership and willingness to hear all points of view in Concord helped strengthen our entire state. We are deeply saddened by his loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with Speaker Burns' family and loved ones."

Statement from Governor Hassan on the Passing of May Gruber

Office of New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan

CONCORD – Governor Maggie Hassan released the following statement today on the passing of May Gruber:

“Tom and I are saddened by the loss of May Gruber, who was a true pioneer as a successful business-woman at a time when too few women were encouraged to participate. Her commitment to philanthropy, the arts, and supporting others strengthened her Manchester community and enriched all those who knew her. May will be deeply missed.”