Mums the Word on Meeting between Bettencourt, Mccormack, by Tom Fahey, New Hampshire Union Leader, April 8, 2011

Mum's the Word on Meeting between Bettencourt, Mccormack

By Tom Fahey
New Hampshire Union Leader
April 8, 2011

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Mum%27s+the+word+on+meeting+between+Bettencourt%2c+McCormack&articleId=7081b828-e7f4-4aa5-b740-f2c5cbe17453

Neither side would comment Thursday on a meeting between Catholic Bishop John McCormack and House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt, R-Salem.

The two met as the atmosphere at the State House calmed after days of heated argument over the role religious leaders should have in public policy, and criticism of both Bettencourt and McCormack.

GOP chairman Jack Kimball and Speaker of the House William O'Brien both worked Wednesday to end what they said was a distraction from the House's work. O'Brien told all his caucus to end the religious discussion.

Bettencourt asked for the meeting Monday after he was roundly criticized for a Facebook comment that called McCormack "a pedophile pimp." Bettencourt was angry that McCormack joined other religious leaders in opposing cuts in the two-year budget plan the House passed last week. Bettencourt later said he regretted his choice of words, but continued to criticize McCormack's role in the scandals involving sexual abuse by priests.

McCORMACK

Diocese of Manchester spokesman Kevin Donovan said there would be no comment on Bettencourt's meeting with the bishop, which took place at McCormack's offices.

He said McCormack, "sees it as a pastoral meeting, between a bishop and a Catholic in the diocese. It was a private meeting," Donovan said.

Jim Rivers, spokesman for the House Republican office, said "they both agreed with would not be a media event." Rivers said Bettencourt told him the meeting went well.

Thursday was a quiet day at the State House, free of the disruptions that followed Bettencourt's Facebook posting. His statement prompted followed by outrage among Democrats and many Catholics, and ensuing insults of McCormack by other House Republicans.

Rep. Andrew Manuse, R-Derry, went so far as to say he was considering a bill to revoke the Catholic Church's tax exempt status. He later backed away from the idea.

GOP chairman Jack Kimball scolded both Republicans and Democrats on Wednesday, saying they had lost sight of "the bigger picture," such as budget work and fiscal and economic issues.

BETTENCOURT

Less than two hours later, Speaker of the House William O'Brien sent an email to Republican House members urging an end to comments on McCormack and religion.

The Union Leader obtained a copy of the email. It is headed "Concerns on Current Tone."

In it, O'Brien states, "Recent comments are distracting from all of our legislative accomplishments. Please, no more emails, comments, interviews, discussions or any of the like concerning the Catholic Church, priests, church scandals, etc.

"If you feel you must make a comment, contact me first."

House Information Officer Shannon Shutts said she is not aware of anyone contacting O'Brien for permission to have the last word.

"I think the message just brought everyone to put their focus back to the task at hand. We've passed a budget, 30 bills to help deregulate business and moved the conversation forward in terms of reforming state government," Shutts said.