WITHIN WEEKS OF being named legal counsel by Gov. Craig Benson, Jonathan Gallo turned the position down. The job now has been vacant for about six months.

Gallo will remain in his post as an assistant attorney general in the Criminal Division of the NH Attorney General’s Office where he has worked since 2002. He told the Union Leader he regretted turning down the position, and explained only that "unfortunately, the agenda of a few would have detracted from that position."

"The Governor was disappointed not to have the opportunity to work with Mr. Gallo," says Wendell Packard, Benson’s spokesman. "I have no predictions on how long it will take to find a new legal counsel. The governor is currently reviewing candidates and hopes to find someone soon."

Benson has had difficulty keeping the job filled. Before Gallo’s name surfaced, the post had been vacant for about six months since Christopher Reid left the job in the fall. Reid currently is in Iraq as a civilian, consulting on establishing a justice system. Benson’s initial hire was Kelly Ayotte, who left after six months to serve as deputy attorney general.

The main duties of the governor’s counsel are to provide legal advice and handle legal matters, including reviewing legislation for the governor. Packard did not say how those duties were being handled now.

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