AP: Ayotte Wins New Hampshire GOP Senate Race

Former state Attorney General and Sarah Palin favorite Kelly Ayotte has won New Hampshire’s Republican Senate primary, USA Today just reported, quoting the Associated Press. Ayotte was in a tight race with attorney Ovide Lamontagne but has apparently pulled it out even though a recount is likely under state law. Lamontagne was the tea party favorite, however, not Ayotte.

The race is for the seat to replace Sen. Judd Gregg, a staunch fiscal conservative who is a fierce critic of the Obama administration’s budget policies even though he was once considered and actually announced for a cabinet position.

It was unclear if Lamontagne was going to request a recount, which is his right under state law. AP gave 38 percent of the vote to Ayotte and 37 percent to Lamontagne. Paul Hodes is the Democratic nominee for the senate race.