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0000017a-15d9-d736-a57f-17ff8f680000Coverage of the 2016 races in New Hampshire, from the White House to the State House.

Hassan Says She's Running for Senate, Setting Up Contest Against Ayotte

Screenshot via YouTube
Hassan's announcement came in the form of a video posted on YouTube

Gov. Maggie Hassan Monday announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate, setting up a contest against Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte next year in what is expected to be a closely-watched race between two well-known, well-funded opponents.

Hassan, a two-term Democrat, made her plans known in a two-minute YouTube video Monday morning. In it, Hassan runs through what she considers a list of her accomplishments: a balanced state budget, expanded economic growth, lower tuition at community colleges, and expanded Medicaid. 

"To continue to realize our state's full potential, we need a response from Washington that meets the progress we're making here at home," Hassan then says. "And that's exactly why I'm running for the United States Senate."

The video has the look of a campaign commercial, with footage of Hassan touring businesses and schools. In it, Hassan also strikes a populist tone, describing a corrupt federal government and ineffective leaders.

"Washington has given into special interests and lobbyists who rig the system for themselves and against the middle class," Hassan says in the video. "I believe we can do better for New Hampshire families."

With Hassan's future plans now set, other state election line-ups will soon fall into place. Several Democrats are mulling campaigns for governor but have delayed making announcements until Hassan had made clear her own electoral plans.

Video: Watch Governor Hassan's Senate run announcement video

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