Michael Downing
Encyclopedia
Michael "Mike" Downing (born October 20, 1954) is the Sheriff
of Rockingham County, New Hampshire
, having been elected in 2010.
Previously, Downing was a Republican
member of the New Hampshire Senate
, representing the 22nd District from 2006 to 2010. He was also a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives
from 1996 until 2002.
No Democrats appeared on the primary ballot. Police officer Shannon Coyle of Derry waged a write-in campaign for the Democratic primary, and won the nomination. Independent Dorothy Heyl also ran in the general election.
On election day, Downing won with 60% of the vote, compared to 30% for Coyle and 9% for Heyl.
Sheriff
A sheriff is in principle a legal official with responsibility for a county. In practice, the specific combination of legal, political, and ceremonial duties of a sheriff varies greatly from country to country....
of Rockingham County, New Hampshire
Rockingham County, New Hampshire
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 277,359 people, 104,529 households, and 74,320 families residing in the county. The population density was 399 people per square mile . There were 113,023 housing units at an average density of 163 per square mile...
, having been elected in 2010.
Previously, Downing was a Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
member of the New Hampshire Senate
New Hampshire Senate
The New Hampshire Senate has been meeting since 1784. It is the upper house of the New Hampshire General Court. It consists of 24 members representing Senate districts based on population...
, representing the 22nd District from 2006 to 2010. He was also a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives
New Hampshire House of Representatives
The New Hampshire House of Representatives is the lower house in the New Hampshire General Court. The House of Representatives consists of 400 members coming from 103 districts across the state, created from divisions of the state's counties. On average, each legislator represents about 3,300...
from 1996 until 2002.
2006 Campaign
After a three-way Republican primary, Mike Downing ran against Democrat Beth Roth for the open seat that was vacated by Chuck Morse who gave up the seat to run for the New Hampshire Executive Council.2010 Election as Sheriff
Downing stepped down from the Senate in order to run for Sheriff of Rockingham County. He defeated 5 other candidates to win the Republican primary.No Democrats appeared on the primary ballot. Police officer Shannon Coyle of Derry waged a write-in campaign for the Democratic primary, and won the nomination. Independent Dorothy Heyl also ran in the general election.
On election day, Downing won with 60% of the vote, compared to 30% for Coyle and 9% for Heyl.
External links
- The New Hampshire Senate - Senator Michael Downing official government website
- Project Vote Smart - Senator Michael Downing (NH) profile
- Follow the Money - Michael W (Mike) Downing