Palin-backed winner of NH Senate primary claims GOP mantle as she begins general campaign

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NH Senate primary winner Ayotte claims GOP mantle

MANCHESTER, N.H. — The Republican winner of a nail-biter of a primary election says she’ll stress fiscal responsibility in her campaign to represent New Hampshire in the Senate.

Former state Attorney General Kelly Ayotte (AY’-aht) beat Manchester lawyer Ovide Lamontagne (LAH’-mohn-tayn) by about 1,600 votes. Lamontagne conceded the race Wednesday after a long night of vote-counting.

Ayotte had the backing of former vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, while Lamontagne had the backing of local tea party activists. She’ll face Democratic Rep. Paul Hodes (HOHDZ’) in the race to replace retiring Republican Sen. Judd Gregg.

Ayotte told supporters at her campaign headquarters that she wants “to finish what Sen. Gregg has started” by advocating lower spending and personal responsibility.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Tea party ally Ovide Lamontagne (LAH’-mohn-tayn) has conceded New Hampshire’s Republican Senate primary to former state Attorney General Kelly Ayotte (AY’-aht).

He congratulated Ayotte on Wednesday and says he is disappointed but humbly accepts the result. He had the option of asking for a recount because his loss margin was within 1.5 percent of the total votes cast.

The secretary of state’s office said Wednesday that Ayotte had won by 1,667 votes. She had been backed by former Alaska Gov. and vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

Lamontagne is a conservative Manchester lawyer.