Shaheen Wins NH as GOP Takes Control of Senate

As a Republican wave swept across the nation, Democratic Incumbent Jeanne Shaheen weathered the storm and beat GOP challenger Scott Brown.

As a Republican wave swept across the nation, Democratic Incumbent Jeanne Shaheen weathered the storm and beat GOP challenger Scott Brown.

"It was somewhere between a ripple and a tidal wave," said Southern New Hampshire University Civics Scholar Dean Spiliotes. "But it was not quite enough to overcome deep political capitol that Jeanne Shaheen has in the state after her years as governor."

Brown has been defeated twice in two different states. Tuesday night though, he stayed positive as he looked at the bigger picture.

"My friends, it looks like it is a good night for Americans," Brown said in his concession speech. "The Senate has changed over to republican hands."

Capitalizing on what some would call an anti-Obama sentiment, Republicans gained seven senate seats and are not in full control of Congress.

"We will see, it could mean gridlock or it could mean progress on a few issues," Spiliotes said.

New Hampshire GOP Spokeswoman Lauren Zelt says progress is now up to the President.

"Republicans will now be able to get some of the bills that have been in the house, through the senate and onto the President's desk," Zelt said.

Shaheen will be back to work this week, but what's next for Brown is unclear. He wasn't available for comment on Wednesday, and wouldn't answer Tuesday night when asked about his political future.

"I am just going to relax and spend some time with the family," he said.

"Some people mentioned him for a presidential candidate," Spiliotes said. "I think that's going to be tough coming off of now two senate race losses."

Spiliotes says after midterms, Granite Staters turn their attention to the next Presidential election right away. One day after the 2014 midterms, the buzz in New Hampshire is what possible presidential candidate will make a visit next.
 

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