CONCORD – Exeter Republican Rep. Marshall “Lee” Quandt will seek to become Speaker of the House of Representatives, he announced Wednesday.

A lifelong resident of Exeter, Quandt is a five-term state representative and a U.S. Army combat veteran.

“The most important thing that exists in any legislature is that each member knows that they will be treated with the respect and dignity that they are due as an elected member of the New Hampshire House,” said Rep. Quandt. “I promise first and foremost to never forget that, no matter what party you are, no matter what position on a bill you have, even if it is a different position than mine, you will have the right to express that position without fear of retaliation. Respect and decorum will be the standards by which I propose to run the New Hampshire House.”

Quandt has announced previously he was exploring a run and this morning said, “I said right along I would wait for the right opportunity and the right time and see what happened after the primaries. Now is the right time.”

He said he is concerned about what is left of the Republican Party and the direction it is taking, noting there is no place right now for union members who are conservative Republicans.

“One of the big things I'm promising is we are going to have civility. We are going to treat everyone with respect,” Quandt said. “If you like me or not or if you agree with me or disagree, I simply ask you to tell me the truth.”

Quandt and current speaker William O'Brien clashed frequently over the last two years, with O'Brien removing Quandt from the House Finance Committee when he refused to back the proposed budget.

Quandt joins O'Brien and Nashua Democrat David Campbell in the race for speaker.