In Launching Senate Run, Hassan Says, 'We Can Do Better'

It’s official - Gov. Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter, will challenge U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-NH, next November.

Her campaign released the following video ... “we can do better” is the theme of her challenge with the governor stating she would bring her “bipartisan approach” to the U.S. Senate, if elected.

The incumbent also issued a statement welcoming the Democrat to the race, stating that the candidates had ”lots to talk about, including confronting the challenges facing our state and how we can best deliver results for New Hampshire families.”

Republicans quickly pounced on the announcement with Jennifer Horn, the Republican State Committee chairwoman, calling Hassan “Governor Gridlock,” saying she has been a failure in the corner office, and is abandoning the state’s problems and her responsibilities to seek higher office.

However, the state Senate minority leader, Jeff Woodburn, D-Dalton, said Hassan “has produced tangible, bipartisan results that have made life better for the people of New Hampshire.”

District 2 Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern, D-Concord, called Hassan “a great leader for our state” while commending her for doing what was best for the state. ”We need more of that in Washington,” he said, while adding, “Because it is critical we build an even brighter future for the people of New Hampshire, I will make a definitive announcement on whether I plan to be a candidate for Governor in the coming days.”

Executive Councilor Chris Sununu, R-Salem, last month, launched his bid for governor. State Rep. Frank Edelblut, R-Wilton, is also considering a bid.

New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley, in a statement, echoed comments by other Democrats, saying that Hassan had offered “strong bipartisan leadership,“ while working as governor and also got the state’s economy moving in the right direction with the fastest economic growth in New England and the unemployment rate at its lowest level since 2008.

NH Patch is updating this post with more information as it becomes available.