Paul Poirier has pulled his hat out of the ring for Speaker of the House.
Poirier, an independent state representative from Barre, said he withdrew his challenge to Shap Smith for one simple reason: “I could not win.”
Smith, a Democrat, has been House Speaker since 2009. In an email sent to his fellow legislators yesterday, Poirier told them that despite ending his campaign prematurely, he thinks he made a point — “I believe this exercise will make the House more cordial in terms of respect towards the minority parties.”
Poirier said he met with Smith for the second time recently to discuss his grievances. Poirier says the Legislature is too partisan and Democrats are drowning out minority voices. Poirier said he encouraged Smith to allow more debate on the House floor — “It’s the obligation of the majority to protect the rights of the minority. They also have a responsibility to make sure the minority has an opportunity to debate and amend.”
According to Poirier, the Republican and Progressive Party leaders have had “frank” conversations with Smith in recent weeks.
The House will elect its Speaker on Jan. 9. Smith does not face other challengers.
