Former New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte beat up on Republican Paul Hodes in a vacant Senate seat given up by retiring New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg.
Ayotte, a young and conservative Republican endorsed by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, took it to hodes and rode a national roller coaster of Republican victories.
Hodes had tried to sell himself as a “fiscal conservative” during the race, but he was clearly out-matched.
“New Hampshire has sent a clear message to Washington, and that is: No more business as usual. No more spending money we don’t have on programs that don’t work. And no more backroom deals,” Ayotte said during her victory speech.
With two-thirds of precincts reporting, Ayotte lead 61 percent to 36 with two independent candidates also trailing.
“Kelly has proven that she has the courage and determination to shake up Washington,” said Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu. “In the Senate, Kelly will be part of a new generation of Republican leaders who will fight to return fiscal sanity to our government.”