Another Candidate Joins Crowded N.H. Senate Primary

Former GOP gubernatorial nominee Ovide Lamontagne is filing today to run for Senate in New Hampshire, adding to an already crowded GOP primary in the Granite State.

"I believe that I can build a coalition that not only can win in the primary but in the general election," Lamontagne said in a Monday phone interview.

Lamontagne has been exploring a bid for the last couple months, headlining events in both Washington, D.C. and New Hampshire.

National Republicans recruited former Attorney General Kelly Ayotte to get into the race after polls showed this summer that she led likely Democratic nominee Rep. Paul W. Hodes. Ayotte has continued to lead in more recent polls, as well.

Two other GOP businessmen with personal financial resources to fund their own campaign, William Binnie and Jim Bender, have also filed to run for the seat. Republican National Committeeman Sean Mahoney also is considering a bid.

Despite the crowded field, Lamontagne the 1996 gubernatorial nominee, was confident that he would have the means to wage a strong campaign.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2009/11/make-room-another-candidate-jo.html