CONCORD – On Wednesday, Senior Democratic Advisor David E. Cote announced his resignation from the New Hampshire House.
House Democratic Leader Matt Wilhelm, D-Manchester, thanked Cote, who has been unable to attend any sessions due to health problems.
“On behalf of the entire House Democratic Caucus, I thank Representative Cote for his decades of service to the people of Nashua and to the New Hampshire House of Representatives. Representative Cote’s tireless advocacy to protect the rights of all individuals, assure elections remain open and fair, and provide loyal counsel to countless colleagues has brought immeasurable benefit to the Granite State.
“Due to his disability and chronic health diagnosis, he is at substantially higher risk of contracting infectious disease and was unable to serve in person this term,” Wilhelm said.
Wilhelm said he remains disappointed that the House rejected efforts to allow remote participation in the legislative process, which effectively blocked Rep. Cote and others in similar situations from fully serving their constituents. Cote didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Wilhelm said House Democrats will continue advocating to allow full participation in the legislative process regardless of physical ability.
The New Hampshire Democratic Party issued a release saying: “Because of severe health concerns, Representative Cote was unable to attend State House meetings in person. The former House Democratic Leader was unable to perform his duties as a legislator because of the decision by Republican House Speaker Sherman Packard and the House GOP’s refusal to allow Representative Cote to perform his job remotely.
“While the State Senate provides senators with the remote option during a health challenge, Packard decided not to allow Representative Cote to continue his legislative work, which he has done for over forty years.”
Packard didn’t respond to a request for comment.
A lawsuit filed by the Democrats that included Cote, that would allow disabled House lawmakers to participate remotely, to which Speaker Packard objected, is still pending.
In response to Cote’s resignation, NHDP Chair Ray Buckley released the following statement:
“Tremendous gratitude is extended to David Cote for his over four decades of extraordinary service representing the people of Nashua in the legislature. David’s intellect and wit will be sorely missed.
“I served with David for 16 years early in his legislative career. I have the utmost respect and admiration for my friend of decades. While his time as a legislator has come to an unfortunate end, David will continue to be an active and valued leader in the state Democratic Party, where he serves on the influential party Rules Committee.”