NH-2: Kuster Opponent

One of the surprising 2016 campaign results was three-term Granite State Rep. Annie Kuster’s (D-Concord) close call.  Winning in what was perceived to be a relatively non-competitive campaign with just a 50-45% victory margin against an under-funded Republican opponent, the state’s western district is attracting more attention in the 2017-18 election cycle.  Earlier this week, physician Stewart Levenson joined the Republican primary with the goal of unseating the Democratic incumbent in a 2nd District that encompasses Nashua and Concord and all of the territory west of these larger cities to the Vermont border.  New Hampshire has been the most erratic political state since 2006, and with a penchant for defeating incumbents.  Since 2006, inclusive, incumbents have won only five of 14 Senate and US House races.  Therefore, considering such a track record, no office holder can be considered safe.

--Jim Ellis