DOVER, N.H. (AP) — The former newspaper editor who prompted a testy retort from Ronald Reagan in a 1980 presidential primary debate has died.

Jon Breen was executive editor of The Telegraph of Nashua when he moderated the televised debate Feb. 23, 1980. The Hyder Family Hospice House says Breen died at the Dover residence Sept. 14. He was 81.

Reagan campaign money financed the debate but the newspaper invited only the front-runners. At the start, Reagan insisted all GOP candidates participate. Breen disagreed and asked that Reagan’s microphone be turned off.

Reagan fired back: “I am paying for this microphone, Mr. Green,” flubbing Breen’s name.