Sununu Loses Reelection Bid to Shaheen

Senator John Sununu gives his concession speech in Manchester. (Kelli True, NHPR)

The race was a rematch of the 2002 contest between Sununu and Shaheen. Back then, the economy was stable and many voters liked President George W. Bush. This time, the situation could not be more different and Shaheen linked Sununu to the president at every turn.

In his concession speech, the Republican never said his opponent’s name but he congratulated her on running, in his words, an effective race. Sununu offered this farewell.

CUT I want to thank everyone in NH for giving me the privilege to serve the greatest state in the greatest nation. Good night and God speed.//applause

For her part, Shaheen thanked Sununu for the work he had done. She said she was honored to become the state’s first woman senator.

For NHPR News, I’m Jon Greenberg.