Rep. Peter Allen: His Passion, Compassion, And Intelligence Will Be Long Remembered

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Thu Nov 18, 2010 at 18:34:29 PM EST
( - promoted by Dean Barker)

While he didn't get headlines or many news stories, one of New Hampshire's best public servants, and a dedicated Democrat, died earlier this week.  He was in his mid-70s, and was just two weeks from completing his 5th term in the House, where he was a passionate supporter of campaign finance reform and equality.

Peter and I went into the State Senate on the same day in 1979, each of us having been elected in November, 1978.  Our first words were, "So, you're Peter Allen?"  And he said, "So, you're Jim Splaine?"  We laughed.  He quickly became known as the "conscience" of the Senate, speaking up frequently when he saw the Republican majority playing politics on ethics and budgetary matters.  We became good friends that term, and we teamed up on a number of issues.  Unfortunately, that partnership was interrupted when he was defeated for reelection in 1980.
He was dedicated to causes concerning animal rights, forestry protection, and ethics.  He cosponsored with me House Bill 794 three years ago, which created the first "Granny D Commission," which worked for two years to study a process for voluntary public funding for political campaigns.  Coincidentally, that Commission lead to creation this past year of the Granny D Task Force," of which I'm a member and Senator Martha Fuller Clark chaired and we just finalized our report today proposing a specific bill.  I'll write about that later.  

Peter was pithy in his comments on issues on the House floor and in committee testimony.  And he was quotable and those quotes were memorable.  About campaign finance reform, he often repeated, "We have the best government that money can buy."  About Civil Unions in 2007 and gay marriage in 2009, he said, "What part of liberty and justice for all doesn't anyone understand?"

He almost didn't run for reelection in 2008 but many of us begged him to, and he did at the last minute.  This year he let us know that driving in evenings was becoming very difficult so he just couldn't do it again.  He will be missed.  His passion, compassion, and intelligence will be long remembered by those who knew him.  
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