One of the most closely watched races of primary night was the Republican race in the Executive Council Third District.
As New Hampshire Public Radio's Dan Gorenstein reports, the spotlight is likely to stay on the race even after the primary.
Senator Chuck Morse has won a tight three-way GOP primary to replace outgoing Executive Councilor Ruth Griffin.
Going into the race yesterday, most political observers agreed the contest was too close to call.
Portsmouth businessman Sean Mahoney had received the endorsements from key newspapers in the district, not to mention Councilor Griffin herself.
Morse had the backing of legislative leaders, and had outraised both Mahoney and former State Senator Russell Prescott.
In a year when turnout was low, the onus was on the campaigns to get their people to the polls. Senator Morse says that's exactly what his campaign did.
"We... phone banks, we did lit drops, we were out there with sign waves, we did everything that good campaigns would do."
Runner-up Sean Mahoney said he was impressed with the Morse machine, and expressed regret not working a little harder in a few towns. When asked why he couldn't deliver a victory after receiving key endorsements, Mahoney pointed to the voter.
"Well I just think there was a greater level of voter apathy this year, than we've seen in a very long period of time, which was unfortunate, that more people didn't take the time to understand the candidates and take the time to get out there and vote."
Both the Morse and Mahoney campaigns agreed that turnout was stronger in towns in and around Salem, helping Senator Morse.
With the primary behind him, Morse is now focusing on a fight with former Senate President, Democrat Beverly Hollingworth. Republicans see Hollingworth as a formidable opponent with twenty years in the legislature. The three Republican candidates all painted her as a classic liberal, one who supported instituting an income tax as a state senator.
Senator Morse says, unlike the GOP primary, it will be easy to distinguish himself from his opponent. Hollingworth, who won her primary with more than 80 percent of the vote, is more than happy to run on records.
"I passed a budget - unprecedented budget - that was supported by a very Republican House without amendment. That clearly shows that I have the ability to work with both House and Senate, and Republicans and Democrats."
Democrats see District 3 as an excellent chance to help buoy Governor Lynch in what they expect will be a second term. Some Republicans warn that if the minority party picks up seats in the House and Senate, having a four to one majority on the Council will be vital.
For NHPR News, I'm Dan Gorenstein.
