Republican Liberty Caucus in the thick of New Hampshire House Majority leader battle

Libertarian Republicans now power brokers in NH State Legislature

From Eric Dondero:

In a sure sign of the growing influence of the Republican Liberty Caucus, two RLC-backed candidates are serious contenders for Majority Leader of the New Hampshire House.

From the Concord Monitor, "Republican fight for Majority leader" Nov. 28:

The race for New Hampshire House majority leader may look a lot like the race for House speaker, pitting more conservative, libertarian-leaning lawmakers against the established Republican Party leadership.

Three representatives are vying for the position: Paul Mirski of Enfield, D.J. Bettencourt of Salem and Shawn Jasper of Hudson. Al Baldasaro of Londonderry was also running, but withdrew and threw his support behind Mirski. Although the majority leader is traditionally chosen by the speaker of the House, this year he will be elected by the Republican caucus, which meets Wednesday.

Mirski, an ally of Republican speaker nominee William O'Brien, was widely considered a potential majority leader even before O'Brien decided the position should be elected. Both Mirski and Bettencourt are affiliated with the conservative, Constitution-minded House Republican Alliance. Both serve on the transition team for O'Brien, also an HRA leader. During the general election, Bettencourt and Mirski were endorsed by the Republican Liberty Caucus.

Jasper has a long history of leadership within the House Republican caucus, most recently as Republican whip. He is not allied with the party's more libertarian wing

Baldarasso and Bettencourt have been affiliated with the RLC since the early 2000s. There are few if any policy differences between Bettencourt and Mirski. Most differences appear to be over resume and style.

Note - Rep. Baldarasso is a decorated Vietnam War Vet. He is a self-described "Pro-Defense libertarian." He was a guest on "Libertarian Politics Live" in 2006. More info: NHRLC.org