Congressman Bass Re-Elected To Sixth Term

Congressman Charles Bass was met with cheers during last night's campaign victory party.
Thre Republican incumbent said he was proud that he rain a positive campaign, despite often rancorous jabs from his Democratic challenger, Concord attorney Paul Hodes.
"I ran on the merits of my record as a strong independent voice for NH, the work I’ve done on lowering taxes and keeping the economy strong while at the same time working on the safe reimportation of drugs, stem cell research"
Bass said throughout the campaign he was proud to be a Republican, but reminded voters that he doesn’t always vote the party line.

That stance worked for supporter Bob Washburn.

"He supported the administration on some tough votes, he’s opposed the administration on some tough votes and that the independent streak that he correctly identifies in the campaign, that he won’t get rolled over on certain issues, and that’s important."

In his acceptance speech, Bass thanked his supporters and pledged to work with his colleagues in Congress after what he called a divisive Presidential election.

"After tonight, its time for the nation to come together as a nation and work together for a strong safe and secure America.."

Bass's democratic challenger was a political newcomer in this campaign.

But in conceding last night, Paul Hodes says he’s not through with politics.

"I appreciate all the support we've had, sometimes change happens right away and sometimes it just takes a little while, so let's celebrate a great beginning, because I am not going away from the political scene in New Hampshire."

As for Bass, he says his top priorities in his sixth term will be to pass a new clean air act, telecommunication reform bill, and a new energy bill.
For NHPR news, I’m Amy Quinton.