Hodes Wins Second Term in District 2

Paul Hodes gives his victory speech in Manchester. (Jason Meserve, NHPR)

Hodes: "Thank you New Hampshire! (cheers) Thank you to the 2nd District!"

In his victory speech Democrat Paul Hodes told supporters he looks forward to another two years in office.

Hodes says throughout the campaign he kept a positive message. He touted not only the laws he's helped pass in Congress, but also his constituent services in New Hampshire.

"What this campaign is about, what our service is about, what our government is about, is about the people. And that's what we represent."

Hodes beat challenger Jennifer Horn by a wide margin, a result in line with what polls showed leading up to the election.

But during Horn's concession speech, she hinted that this won't be the end of her political career.

"Hey, folks, this is not the end of anything. This is only the beginning."

Horn had little name recognition in many parts of the district, lost in her hometown of Nashua and failed to get enough votes in towns that have historically voted Republican. But she says she's glad for the experience.

"Regardless of the results, it has been a fabulous experience, very encouraging, very positive, and I think we were able to accomplish something good. And that's what this was about to begin with."

Congressman Hodes says his first priorities are to help the struggling economy, stabilize the financial system and deal with the mortgage foreclosure crisis. And he wants to reach across the aisle to get it done.

"And I'm hoping that we will, in the first hundred days of the new administration, really put our shoulders to the wheel, work with everybody, Democrats, Republicans, independents, to get the best ideas and try to move some big changes for the country."

For NHPR News, I'm Amy Quinton.