The Splaine Brothers Tell Why NH's First-in-the-Nation Presidential Primary Matters

By ROGER WOOD, InDepthNH.org

Keeping New Hampshire first is the goal of the man who created legislation that assures that the state will continue to be the home of the first presidential primary nationally. Podcast producer Roger Wood speaks with Portsmouth natives Jim Splaine and John Splaine, his brother. Both are political experts.

Born in Portsmouth, Jim Splaine received his bachelor’s degree in political science from University of New Hampshire. He served on the Portsmouth City Council and as the assistant-mayor of Portsmouth. He also served on the Portsmouth School Board and was a Democrat. Splaine served at various times in the state Senate and House.

Jim Splaine sponsored the 1975 law protecting New Hampshire’s lead-off primary status.

John Splaine, author and educator, has taught for more than 50 years at the high school and college level, including the University of New Hampshire. He has written non-fiction books on government, history and media literacy. He is a native of Portsmouth, and now lives in West Virginia.