Concord, NH - The Political Library recently elected two of New Hampshire’s political leaders to the organization’s Board of Directors.  Jim Demers of Concord and Jim Merrill of Manchester were recently elected to serve three-year terms as Board Members for the Political Library.  The Board of Directors also elected Cy Gregg to serve as Vice Chair of the organization.

As a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization promoting the political traditions of New Hampshire, the Political Library is pleased to elect two Board Members who have extensive experience in previous New Hampshire primary contents.  

“We are honored to add two individuals to our Board of Directors who have been long time supporters of the organization, our programs, and our mission,” says President and CEO Michael P. Chaney.  “Jim Demers and Jim Merrill bring experience and insight regarding the role New Hampshire plays in the presidential selection process that will provide tremendous knowledge for the Political Library’s efforts and programming in the years ahead.”

Jim Demers is the President of The Demers Group, Inc., a state government affairs firm in Concord.  Jim is a former three term member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives where he served as the Assistant Minority Whip. He was the Democratic nominee for New Hampshire’s first district congressional seat in 1986.  Jim has been actively involved in presidential politics, most recently serving as state co-chairman of President Barack Obama’s campaign.  He has appeared regularly as a political analyst on WMUR-TV’s “Close Up” program and he has appeared on Nightline, Good Morning America and C-Span.  He presently serves on the advisory board of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College.  Jim is also a member of the New Hampshire International Trade Advisory Committee and he sits on the “political insider” committee of National Journal magazine.

"The Political Library is an institution promoting a key piece of New Hampshire’s culture and history: voters engaging in the political process,” shared Demers.  “I am eager to join their efforts preserving these traditions for future generations.”

Jim Merrill is the Managing Director of Devine Strategies, a business and political consulting firm in Concord.  Jim most recently served as the New Hampshire State Director for Governor Mitt Romney's 2008 Presidential campaign.  Previously, he directed the successful 2000 general election campaign of President George W. Bush in New Hampshire.  In 2004 he served as the New Hampshire Grassroots Co-Chair for President Bush's re-election campaign.  An attorney, Jim previously served as counsel to the 2004 Bush-Cheney and 2008 McCain-Palin Presidential campaigns in New Hampshire as well as the New Hampshire Republican State Committee.  Jim is active in the community, currently serving on the Board of Directors of Easter Seals New Hampshire as Chairman of the Easter Seals NHY 2009 VIP fundraising campaign.  Jim's service in the public and private sectors has been recognized by New Hampshire industry and news media, being honored in 2004 as one of New Hampshire's "40 Under Forty" by the Union Leader and in 2009 as one of New Hampshire's "25 Leaders for the Future" by Business NH magazine.

"The Political Library has worked in a bipartisan manner for over a decade to make sure New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary provides opportunity for all candidates running for President,” said Merrill.  “As a long-time supporter of the organization, I am looking forward to working with such a distinguished board."

The Board of Directors also elected Cy Gregg to serve as Vice Chair of the organization, succeeding Dr. George Hagerty who recently retired as President of Franklin Pierce University.  Gregg has been serving on the Board of Directors since 2004. 

The Political Library is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to increase civic engagement in the democratic process by promoting and preserving the state's unique political traditions and ensuring these traditions are passed on to future generations.  The Political Library offers onsite educational programs and tours for students and the public at the Pierce Manse and administers Kids Voting New Hampshire programs in communities across the Granite State. 

The Political Library also maintains the only comprehensive collection of election campaign papers and memorabilia from over half a century and provides forums for voters and community leaders to meet Presidential candidates.

To see the Political Library's online collection or for more information, visit www.politicallibrary.org.