Senator Gregg Wins Easy Re-election

By Doug MacPherson on Tuesday, November 2, 2004.

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New Hampshire's Senior U.S. Senator cruised to victory yesterday.

Republican Judd Gregg defeated Democratic Challenger Granny D Haddock by a two-to-one margin.

New Hampshire Public Radio correspondent Doug MacPherson has more.

Although she lost by an overwhelming margin, Democratic challenger Granny D Haddock never actually conceded to Judd Gregg. The speech she gave to supporters in Peterboro sounded like a battle cry.

TAPE GRANNY D we must own our own politicians. By getting in the habit of funding their campaigns, and demanding that they send the PAC money to the devil. :12

The 94-year-old Granny D stepped into a void created in June when would-be democratic candidate Burt Cohen announced that his campaign war-chest, along with his campaign manager, were missing. Judd Gregg, in his acceptance speech, thanked Granny D, calling her ?an extraordinary individual.? But her feisty candidacy never presented a serious challenge to the 57-year-old Republican -- the only elected official in New Hampshire history to serve as Executive Councilor, Governor, Congressman, and U.S. Senator. Gregg told supporters in Bedford that the top priority for his third term will be safeguarding the nation from terrorism. He also promised to take on the problem of entitlement spending.

TAPE GREGG we?ve got a budget that needs to be controlled. And if we?re going to control it, we?ve got to face the fact that we?re facing a demographic tidal wave, as people of my generation retire. :10

Following his formal speech, Gregg said he plans to continue to secure research funding for the University of New Hampshire. And he hinted that he may undertake a major effort to deal with the state?s rapid growth.
TAPE GREGG I think it?s time for us as a state to take a look at ourselves, and maybe form a statewide consenus, bringing all the stakeholders to the table, about how we plan for the future. We did this when I was governor, we called it the 21st century commission, I?m thinking we might want to pursue that again, making sure we have all the key parties at the table. :19

Gregg said his only sadness last night was that his father wasn?t there. Former Governor Hugh Gregg died last year at age 85. Judd Gregg said every day he strives to live up to his father?s legacy. For N-H-P-R News, I?m Doug MacPherson.