Horn wins family style

NASHUA--Jennifer Horn (R-Nashua) is the Republican nominee in the 2nd Congressional District and will challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-Concord) in November.  Hodes, who did not have a party primary today, unseated Republican Charlie Bass in 2006.

In a five-way race that has been a big draw among Republicans, Horn competed against Grant Bosse (R-Hillsborough), Bob Clegg (R-Hudson), Jim Steiner (R-Concord) and Alfred L'Eplattenier (R-Rindge).

Libertarian Chester Lapointe of Swanzey also is on the Nov. 4 ballot.

WMUR called the race for Horn at about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, three and one-half hours after the polls closed in Nashua.

With 86 percent of districts reporting, Horn led Clegg, 40 to 34 percent according to WMUR.

Former Nashua radio talk show host and Nashua Telegraph Columnist claimed 2,137 votes in her hometown of Nashua while Clegg had 950.

Horn, 44, addressed a small crowd of about 40 supporters at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel with her entire family behind her. During her victory speech she repeatedly thanked her family for their support and said if it wasn't for them she wouldn't have ran the campaign.

 "We ran a true grassroots campaign and it is something we should all be proud of," Horn said.

A theme Horn has repeated throughout her campaign, she attacked Hodes' record and said he failed New Hampshire residents.

 "It is time for a new approach," Horn said. "A new way of doing things. It's time for a new voice in Washington. It's time for a congresswoman who has dealt directly with the problems caused by Washington and will bring some good ol' fashion New Hampshire common sense to solving those problems."

Clegg, who was tied with Horn several times throughout the evening, called Horn a little after 11 p.m. to congratulate her on her victory.

"It was a well fought race in the 2nd district," Clegg spokeswoman Alicia Preston said. "We congratulate Jennifer on the win. We look forward to unifying the party and to beat Paul Hodes."

Bosse drove from his Concord headquarters and made a personal appearance at Horn's victory headquarters in Nashua.

"Jennifer ran a great race and I congratulate her," Bosse said. "We all agree Paul Hodes has failed New Hampshire."

Horn, the mother of five, has blamed Washington, D.C. for gridlock and intervening in health care and the economy. She has promoted herself as the only candidate who understands the problems facing real people and who would bring a fresh voice to Washington.

"I know what it is to try and balance the mortgage, the grocery bill, the health insurance and wonder if you will ever be able to get around and save for retirement," Horn said.

Horn said Congress needs leadership and touched upon the need for domestic oil drilling, nuclear power plants and alternative fuels for market based initiatives. She said government needs to be out of the way for small businesses to prosper.

Horn also pledged to fight for full veteran benefits and military families. She said she needed to expand health care options for veterans and bring a full service hospital to New Hampshire.

The race's third place and fourth place finishers went to Jim Steiner and Bosse, respectively.

Horn plans to start campaigning "full steam ahead" tomorrow she said.