The House Legislative Administration Committee is investigating whether Rep. Mike Brunelle (D-Manchester) has violated the N.H. Constitution by working for the state Democratic Party while also serving in the Legislature. The Subcommittee on Elections is scheduled to hold a hearing on the matter on Thursday, Jan. 13.

Rep. Phil Greazzo (R-Manchester) requested the investigation. Rep. Paul Mirsky (R-Enfield), the House majority policy advisor, agrees Brunelle is in violation of the state Constitution. But minority leader Terie Norelli (D-Portsmouth) says Brunelle’s accusers are misinformed about the rules.

Greazzo cited a stipulation stating that “no member of the General Court shall take fees, be of counsel, or act as an advocate in any cause before any branch of the Legislature.” Brunelle is the Democratic floor leader of the N.H. House and is also the paid executive director of the N.H. Democratic Party.

“He cannot equally serve the interests of the state Democratic Party and his constituents on the floor of the N.H. House at the same time,” Mirsky said in a statement released Jan. 5.

In a letter to House Speaker William O’Brien (R-Mont Vernon) dated Jan. 7, Norelli said the hearing on Jan. 13 was scheduled without giving Brunelle adequate time to prepare or providing him with written explanations and transcripts. She further argued that Brunelle’s accusers have misinterpreted the Constitution and noted that other House members, including Greazzo, have paid jobs or business interests that will be affected by state legislation.

“Singling out one person, based on his employment by a political party and ignoring the economic interests of those members directly impacted by legislation, is wrong,” Norelli wrote. She requested that the hearing be postponed to a later date.

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