Former Republican congressman Jeb Bradley won a special election in New Hampshire last night, defeating retired judge Bud Martin. State GOP Chair John Sununu used the opportunity to sound off on the marriage equality bill currently pending in the state senate, the Union Leader reports:
"State Democratic Party Chairman Raymond Buckley said the seat has
always been held by a Republican, and just a few years ago, Democrats
didn't even run a candidate for the seat. 'I don't think it's a referendum on anything, other than his (Bradley's) greater name recognition,' Buckley said. The
election does not change the makeup of the Senate; Democrats continue
to hold 14 of the 24 Senate seats. Bradley said he hopes to be sworn in
today. The election is the first test for former Gov. John H.
Sununu, who took over control of the state GOP earlier this year. He
said the race energized Republicans. Activists from across the state
volunteered on the campaign. 'As nice as the win was, the campaign was even better,' Sununu said. Sununu agreed that the results can't be seen as referendum, noting the Republican tilt of the district. He
said Bradley's election actually helps Democratic Gov. John Lynch.
Bradley could be counted on to sustain a Lynch veto of the gay marriage
and transgender discrimination legislation, 'if he (Lynch) finds the
strength to veto that garbage,' Sununu said. Buckley said it's 'silly talk' to suggest what bills Lynch will veto."
The New Hampshire marriage equality bill passed the NH House in late March by a vote of 186-179.
