Two more Republican House members have announced they will run for House Republican leader, while a third has thrown his hat into the race for House Speaker.

State Reps. Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett) and John Reagan (R-Deerfield) each said they are running for House minority leader. State Rep. Robert Rowe (R-Amherst) said he is running for the speakership and will not be running for the post of House minority leader if his speakership bid fails.

Chandler and Reagan join State Rep. Fran Wendelboe (R-New Hampton) and Sherman Packard (R-Londonderry), who have previously announced they have also decided to seek the leadership post. The 176 House Republicans will meet on Nov. 24 at the State House to elect their leader.

Chandler served as house speaker from 2001 to 2004 before deciding not to seek a third-term amid allegations he violated campaign finance laws. Chandler eventually pled guilty and paid a fine for charges that he did not properly report money he received from a campaign committee. In the last session, Chandler was the number three Republican serving as Republican Policy Leader and was chairman of the House Republican Victory PAC.

"It seems like a natural extension of what I've been in the legislative process and I think I have something to offer and I'll let the Republican caucus decide that," Chandler said.
Chandler said that over the next legislative session Republicans must present a "united front."

"I'm running because I think we need an improved plan-of-action to gain more seats next time around," Reagan said.

Reagan also said House Republicans should focus on a fiscal conservative message that would appeal to voters.

"They need to demonstrate to voters their willingness and ability to do things that favor the taxpayer," he added.

Reagan also said that he has received "very favorable" response from House members. Rowe told PolitickerNH.com that he is running to change the relationship between the speakership and party leaders.

When asked what kind of support he has thus far received from members, Rowe said, "I am not an active political type of person. I have received a lot of good response, but I have not gone out and solicited a response."