Democrats Hodes, Shea-Porter sweep Republicans out

Democratic challengers Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter have unseated New Hampshire's incumbent Republican congressman, Charlie Bass and Jeb Bradley.

Shea-Porter's win made history. She is the first woman from New Hampshire elected to Congress, upsetting Bradley with a grassroots anti-war campaign.

The win also marked the 15th seat national Democrats needed to overtake the House from Republicans. Shea-Porter defeated Bradley 51 percent to 49 percent.

"This is a really, really powerful moment for all of us," Shea-Porter said in her victory speech.

She thanked Bradley for his service. "I appreciate the fact that this has to be a difficult night for him and his family," she said.

"We got caught in a perfect storm," Bradley said in his concession speech. "Change is coming in the wind, and the pendulum will swing one way, and then it will swing back the other way."

Two years ago, Bass cruised past Hodes with 58 percent of the vote in the 2nd Congressional District. This time, Hodes linked Bass to Bush on Iraq and tax breaks for wealthy Americans and oil corporations.

Supporters shouted “Hodes! Hodes! Hodes!” as the candidate was about to give his victory speech.

“Well, that feels pretty good, doesn’t it?” Hodes said. “It is great night to be a Democrat in New Hampshire. It’s a great night to be a Democrat in the United States of America.”

He thanked Bass for his service to New Hampshire and for a race “well run.”
“I’m grateful that we concentrated on the issues,” Hodes said.

In his concession speech, Bass congratulated Hodes on “a hard-fought campaign” and wished him well, promising a smooth transition. He thanked his wife and children, who were standing behind him, and his supporters and the people he’s met in office over the last 12 years.

Bass said if the opportunity presents itself again, “I will jump into the political fray with as much excitement, enthusiasm and passion as I have in the past.”