18 Facts About Steve Merrill

Stephen Everett Merrill was an American lawyer and Republican politician from Manchester, New Hampshire.

Steve Merrill served as the 77th governor of New Hampshire from 1993 to 1997.

Steve Merrill was born in Norwich, Connecticut but moved to New Hampshire at an early age.

Steve Merrill graduated from Winnacunnet High School in Hampton, New Hampshire and the University of New Hampshire.

Steve Merrill received his Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1972.

In 1972, Steve Merrill joined the United States Air Force as a lawyer.

Steve Merrill then practiced law in Manchester from 1976 to 1984.

In 1982, Merrill became legal counsel to Governor John H Sununu.

Steve Merrill maintained a high public profile through public appearances and personally trying several cases.

Steve Merrill returned to private practice in 1989, starting a firm with Democrat John T Broderick Jr.

Steve Merrill ran as a Republican the 1992 New Hampshire gubernatorial election.

Steve Merrill won election on his first try at state office and was reelected in 1994 with seventy percent of the popular vote.

Steve Merrill proposed budget cuts and changes to state employees' Workmen's Compensation and state taxes as ways to address the fiscal emergency.

In 1993, Steve Merrill signed an executive order celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.

Steve Merrill signed a similar proclamation each year he was governor and in 1999 the state legislature officially changed the holiday's name.

Steve Merrill coined the phrase the "New Hampshire Advantage", which referred to the state's lower taxes and smaller government.

Steve Merrill declined to run for a third term, citing family obligations.

Steve Merrill died at his home in Manchester on September 5,2020, at age 74.