Ayotte declared NH winner, Lamontagne concedes

CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire has certified former state Attorney General Kelly Ayotte as the winner of the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.

Ayotte was endorsed by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and won a narrow victory over Ovide Lamontagne. His conservative credentials and courting of the tea party pulled him close in the final days of the campaign.

“This has been an incredibly spirited and close primary,” said Kelly Ayotte.

Ayotte will face U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes, who was unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Before Ayotte was declared the winner, the candidates spoke about the close race.

"This has been a really powerful statement to the people of New Hampshire and the people of this nation, that it is the people who make decisions,” Lamontagne said.

Ayotte is promising to run on the conservative values that some complained she lacked.

“I will work to stop the spending spree in Washington, and to stop this administration’s looming tax increases that will hurt all of our quality of life, and especially our small businesses,” said Ayotte.

Lamontagne has decided he will not seek a recount, despite the fact that the margin of victory fell within 1.5 percent of the total votes cast.

“Well the people of New Hampshire have spoken and they have ruled. While I’m disappointed with the result, I humbly accept their verdict,” said Lamontagne.

He said that he had been through recounts before, and this one didn’t look like a winner.

“With the size of the gap we had, I think it was the best decision to make the most prudent decision under the circumstances,” said Lamontagne.

Lamontagne pledged to support Ayotte, and even appear at her rally on Thursday.

“There is no question job one now is to elect a Republican to the United States Senate, and that Republican is Kelly Ayotte,” said Lamontagne.

The secretary of state's office says Ayotte's official margin of victory was 1,667 votes.

(Copyright (c) 2010 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)