Michael Delaney won't seek another term as NH Attorney General
By JOHN DiSTASOSenior Political Reporter
March 19. 2013 1:07PM

CONCORD -- After 14 years in the state Department of Justice and the past three-and-a-half years as Attorney General, Michael Delaney today announced he won't seek reappointment when his term ends on March 31.
Delaney, 43, of Manchester, released a letter to Gov. Maggie Hassan in which he says he will return to private practice but remain on the job during an "appropriate" transition period.
He thanked both Hassan and former Gov. John Lynch, who appointed him attorney general in the summer of 2009, succeeding current U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who had resigned to run for the office.
It's unclear if Hassan was planning to renominate Delaney to a full, four-year term had he decided to seek reappointment.
He and the governor differ on a key issue: expanded gambling.
Hassan is strongly in favor, while Delaney has long been opposed.
Deputy Attorney General Ann Rice, speaking for Delaney, told the state Senate Ways and Means Committee in February that a casino would increase crime, gambling addiction and the potential for corruption.
Hassan is not expected to nominate a successor to Delaney at Wednesday's Executive Council meeting.
"The governor will be working to identify highly qualified candidates for this critical position as quickly as possible," said her spokesman, Marc Goldberg.
In a separate statement, Hassan said Delaney's "steady leadership of our justice system will be missed."
As Delaney, a Democrat, exits state service, he becomes part of the mix of speculation about those who may seek higher office in the future.