Republican Gov.-elect Kelly Ayotte isn’t wasting time creating jobs in New Hampshire. In fact, she’s hanging her own “We’re hiring” sign.
The Ayotte transition team has launched an official website and is “seeking applicants to serve New Hampshire and input from Granite Staters. Future transition announcements and updates will be posted on the site,” according to a Wednesday press release.
Asked about this open-door application approach, Ayotte told NHJournal, “As we lay the groundwork to keep New Hampshire safe, prosperous and free, I invite anyone who is interested in serving our state to send in an application to join the team. Working together, we’ll take on our state’s toughest challenges, from tackling our housing crisis to strengthening our mental health system.”
It’s an unusual strategy for filling a governor’s administration. “Somewhere in a Philadelphia bar, there’s a bartender ready to become the Commissioner of Agriculture,” one Republican joked. It’s a reference to the real-life story of Vince Papale, a Philly bartender who became a walk-on player for the Philadelphia Eagles. (His story was the basis for the Mark Wahlberg movie “Invincible.”)
Asked about the comparison, Ayotte spokesperson John Corbett said, “Gov.-elect Ayotte is committed to building a team that will be ready on day one to hit the ground running and tackle our state’s biggest challenges.”
Whether or not Team Ayotte recruits any stars, Granite State political professionals say it’s a smart play.
“It’s incredibly smart,” said veteran GOP strategist Michael Dennehy. “She’s showing she will have a transparent administration, and she is seeking input from the public. In other words, she cares.”
Longtime political consultant Tom Rath agrees.
“I think it is a great idea,” he told NHJournal. “Putting out the welcome mat for folks who might like to help out is recognition of the talent pool available in New Hampshire. Bringing in new voices and skills is always a healthy and positive aspect of change. Credit to the governor-elect and her team for being proactive.”
The move reflects the current populist moment in American politics, a theme she touched on in a podcast interview with NHJournal.
“I want to be the governor for everyone in New Hampshire,” Ayotte said. “On election night, I said I want to be the governor for the people that also didn’t vote for me, for the whole state. And I just want to apply common sense.”
