Tagged: NH Primary

The battle for the Republican presidential nomination may or may not be decided by the end of this month. The battle for control of the Senate, on the other hand, is likely to go on all the way until the final votes are cast in November.

The numbers suggest a good year for the GOP. Of the 33 Senate seats up for grabs, 23 are currently held by Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents. Only ten are held by Republicans. With Democrats currently holding a 53-47 advantage, the GOP would need four seats to take control — or three, if they win the White House (and the VP would break a 50-50 tie).

Texas congressman Ron Paul’s second place finish  put his supporters into celebration mode last night. 

Coming in second typically feels like a disappointment.  Not for Heather Mellem of Manchester. 

“Romney might win this election, but Ron Paul is first in ideas.  And he’s taken his cause to a level I’ve never expected he could take it to. Amazing,” she said.

With about 23 percent of the vote, Paul did three times better than four years ago.  His supporters said this performance ensures that more people will hear his message that government’s first duty is to protect individual liberty.  Paul’s backers say, as the word spreads, the number of Ron Paul voters will grow.

Summary results | Town results

Updates from the field :

"If we don't get our act together at home, we will see the end of the American Century by 2050" - Jon Huntsman 9:34 p.m.

Huntsman takes the podium. "I say third place is a ticket to ride, ladies and gentleman!" -Jon Huntsman 9:29 p.m.

Neither of them finished in the top three in New Hampshire, but Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum both say their campaigns will continue.

The two of them battled for fourth place behind Mitt Romney, Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman.

Gingrich says he’ll campaign tomorrow in South Carolina.

“I’m asking each of you not to slow down, in the next couple of days, make a list of every person you know in South Carolina and every person you know in Florida cause those are the next two great contests.”

The former House speaker said the party needs someone who can debate and defeat President Barack Obama.

Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum said he’s not concerned by what he called temporary setbacks.