Ayotte Wins In New Hampshire

New Hampshire's GOP Senate primary, last night's red headed stepchild, was officially decided today and Sarah Palin's candidate won there too.

Ovide Lamontagne says he is considering, but has not yet decided, whether to seek a recount of primary election results that show him losing by only 1,667 votes to Kelly Ayotte.

But a source told UnionLeader.com he is leaning against the challenge.

Lamontagne told UnionLeader.com moments ago he will closely analyze the numbers this afternoon and make an announcement at 4 p.m. at the Legislative Office Building.

"We're looking at the numbers. They've been in flux since last night," he said. "We're continuing to consider our options."

I have to say I'm a bit sick of these endless, "let's prolong the process" gambits. Unless there's really a compelling reason to continue on, just say, "Congratulations to my opponent" and get off the stage. And no, "But I wanted to win!" is not a compelling reason.

According to pre-primary polls, Ayote was in good shape over Democratic nominee Paul Hodes.

If Ayote wins, she will keep the seat in Republican hands by replacing retiring Senator Judd Gregg.

In a related enough note, Lisa Murkowski says she will announce on Friday whether she will run a write in campaign against Republican Joe Miller and Democrat Scott McAdams.

Today is the deadline for parties to swap candidates on the November ballot. The Murkowski-Libertarian dance ended last week but people are waiting to see if the Democrats try and replace the little known McAdams with someone like the more well known former governor Tony Knowles. It's unlikely and everyone has denied it will happen but with Democrats, you never know.

Meanwhile, Mitch McConnell has told Murkowski it's time to "move on"

posted by DrewM. at 02:44 PM

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