An aggressive lobbying campaign by public safety officials, police and fire unions and business groups is trying to rally support for Safety Commissioner Dick Flynn.

But that effort seems to have had little influence on the people who hold Flynn's future in their hands: the five members of the Executive Council and Gov. John Lynch himself. The council's three Democrats say they're inclined to support a new commissioner, as long as that person is qualified. The two Republicans on the council back Flynn for another term.

"I do support the governor, not because I have anything against Commissioner Flynn," Councilor Debora Pignatelli, a Democrat from Nashua, said this week. "But these are not supposed to be lifetime appointments."

Flynn, 78, has served as safety commissioner for 35 years and has broad support among the state's law enforcement and safety officials, including police chiefs, sheriffs, fire chiefs, and rank-and-file cops and fire fighters. Supporters say they appreciate Flynn's knowledge of state government and his ability to secure federal grants to improve New Hampshire's public safety.

But Lynch said last week that he wants a new commissioner with a "fresh perspective" and does not plan to renominate Flynn when his four-year term expires in March.

The announcement surprised many in state political circles, as Flynn's decades of behind-the-scenes work had earned him connections at all levels of government. He's been an unofficial adviser to countless legislators and bureaucrats and has served under nine governors, both Republican and Democratic.

Several people who say they have spoken with Flynn in the past week said he wants to remain in office beyond his current term. But with Lynch looking for a replacement, it's left to the Executive Council to determine Flynn's fate. A majority of the council must confirm all appointment by the governor.

In the past week, councilors say, they've been bombarded with letters, e-mails and phone calls from public safety unions and private companies and lobbying groups that do business with the Department of Safety. The department, which includes the state police, the state fire marshal and all homeland security and emergency management responsibilities, awards tens of millions of dollars in contracts every year. Flynn's department also oversees the Division of Motor Vehicles, and he has the support of the state Automobile Dealers Association.

The lobbying extends within state government. A petition to gather signatures from employees of the Division of Motor Vehicles in support of Flynn raised complaints from some workers that they were pressured by their supervisors to back the commissioner.

Councilor Bev Hollingworth, a Democrat from Hampton, said she's been asked by some Flynn supporters to vote against any nominee Lynch puts forward, no matter how qualified. If a replacement can't be found immediately, Flynn remains as commissioner in holdover status, but without a fixed term.

"I'm hearing from people who've worked with him, from some of his personal friends, people who have known him for years," she said. "The thing that bothers people the most is that they don't want (Flynn) to be embarrassed."

But Hollingworth, like other councilors, said she's also received calls from people who are troubled by Flynn's reputation as a quiet player in state politics, a fixer and deal-maker.

"I got a call from one man who said, 'Flynn got me a four-digit license plate,' " Hollingworth said. "But the general public says it's time for a change."

Portsmouth Fire Chief Christopher LeClaire, president of the New Hampshire Association of Fire Chiefs, said his group overwhelmingly endorsed Flynn for another term and was disappointed that Lynch planned to replace him. The association's members were urging councilors to back Flynn, but LeClaire said the commissioner had not solicited the group's help.

"He's been a tremendous public servant, and you don't remove someone who's been that loyal," LeClaire said.

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