Republicans and Democrats are ramping up their lobbying and public outreach efforts ahead of a pivotal New Hampshire House vote Thursday on a much-debated GOP voter identification reform bill. Republicans say it closes a “domicile loophole,” while Democrats say it’s an attempt to legislate “voter suppression.” House Majority Leader Richard Hinch, R-Merrimack, told WMUR he is confident the bill will “narrowly” pass the House, but a key conservative Republican lawmaker is not so sure.
“If I was a gambling man, I would not bet on that bill right now,” said state Rep. JR Hoell, R-Dunbarton. “There are a number of conservative members who are opposing it because they feel it does not go far enough, and some moderate Republicans are opposing it because they feel it goes too far.”
The latest House count from the House Clerk’s Office is 220 Republicans, 170 Democrats and two Libertarians, with eight vacancies. As a result, it’s possible that 25 Republicans, or fewer depending on attendance, could kill the bill if they oppose it and if, as expected, all Democrats oppose it.
Full Article: NH House majority leader predicts narrow passage of GOP election reform bill.