Democrat John Lynch reelected as New Hampshire governor
John Lynch has won an unprecedented fourth term as governor of New Hampshire, an outcome that runs counter to the anti-incumbent, anti-Democratic sentiment that has imperiled other candidates elsewhere.
Lynch first won the seat in a close race in 2004, but was reelected in 2006 and 2008 by landslide margins as Democrats also won the state Legislature and both congressional seats.
But Republican John Stephen gave Lynch a tougher battle this year, aided by visits from high-profile GOP surrogates. Many of them, such as Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty and Haley Barbour, are considering presidential runs in 2012, and looked to curry favor with the state’s first-in-the-nation primary voters as well.
Lynch, meanwhile, curiously skipped visits from Vice President Joe Biden as he came to the state in support of congressional and Senate candidates. He did call on President Clinton, however, for an event in the final weekend.
New Hampshire’s unemployment rate stayed below the national average, aiding Lynch as he touted his management of state finances.
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