Ayotte: Was she dumped by Trump voters because she dumped Trump?
New Hampshire has elected a new United States Senator for the coming term. By one thousand nineteen votes, or one tenth of one percent, Democratic Governor Margaret Wood Hassan beat incumbent Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte in Tuesday’s election. Ayotte, who had been urged to request a recount of the razor thin margin, conceded the race just before five yesterday afternoon. In what some considered a brash move, Hassan, who on election night said she’d won the race by five thousand votes, but didn’t declare victory, took to the microphone at a hastily arranged event to declare herself the winner yesterday morning, based on unofficial results. Ayotte, reportedly stunned by the move, nonetheless wished Hassan well following a bitter campaign.
Ayotte was just one of two G O P senators turned out of office on Tuesday. The other, Sen. Mark Kirk of Illinois, also abandoned presidential nominee Donald J. Trump during the campaign.
Also conceding late yesterday afternoon was First District Congressman Frank Guinta who, according to official results, lost to former Congressman Carol Shea Porter by just four thousand nine hundred five votes.
Sununu: Will have GOP Council
On the state level, the Executive Council will stay in Republican hands with a three to two majority. Democrat Attorney Andru Volunsky, who gave us the so called Claremont decision that’s had education funding in turmoil for two decades beat Republican State Senator Sam Cataldo to replace Democratic Councilor Colin Van Ostern, who ran for governor, in District Two. Republican State Senator Russell Prescott was elected to represent District Three on the Executive Council, replacing Chris Sununu, who, of course, was just elected governor.
Jasper: GOP retains the House. Will he retain the gavel?
The General Court will remain in G O P hands as well, with two hundred twenty four Republicans being elected to the four hundred member House of Representatives and fourteen Republicans being elected to the twenty four member Senate. Despite losing fourteen seats in the election, House Speaker Shawn Jasper, Republican from Hudson, touted the fact that this is the first election since 2 0 0 4 where a G O P majority was elected to the House in consecutive terms. Said Jasper, quote:
I am extremely proud of the work of our candidates across the state and the efforts of our party organization that turned out our voters to make this outcome possible. I look forward to working with our new and returning members to advance the Republican agenda.
In the same statement, House Majority Leader Dick Hinch, Republican from Merrimack added, quote:
House Republicans worked together this election to promote our positive legislative accomplishments of the last two years, with a promise to continue looking out for taxpayers and provide thoughtful, pragmatic solutions to our state’s toughest challenges. With their votes, the citizens of New Hampshire placed their trust in our ability to move our state forward.
Sanborn: Will run for Speaker of the House
Jasper is expected to be challenged for the speaker’s gavel by State Rep. Laurie Sanborn, Republican from Bedford, and State Rep. Carol McGuire, Republican from Epsom. Minority Leader Steve Shurtleff, Democrat from Concord is also expected to run for Speaker, though he will likely be defeated by whichever Republican candidate wins the party’s caucus. Jasper was elected speaker when about forty Republican legislators joined with the entire Democratic Caucus voted for him against former Speaker Bill O’Brien, Republican from New Boston. O’Brien did not seek reelection this year.
News from our own backyard continues after this.
Speaker Series announced
BeBOLD has announced the content for its November Speaker Series, which will be held on Monday, November 28th from 7 to 8 P M in the Bedford Library’s McAllaster Room. This event is open to the public. The hour-long presentation will include a free screening of “OUT OF REACH,” a documentary created by teens regarding the opioid addiction epidemic, followed by an open discussion with Bedford Police Chief John Bryfonski, Bedford P T G President and pharmacist Greg Girard, Dr. Kevin Rankins from the Elliot Hospital E R and Jon DeLena, D E A Special Agent in Charge.
BeBOLD leader Joy Monfried said that based on the findings of the recent Bedford Youth Risk Behavior Survey, this event is one parents and community members won’t want to miss. For more info visit be bold bedford dot org.
That’s news from our own backyard! Girard at Large hour ___ is next!
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