From Newsweek · · 1m 30s
New Hampshire Senate race now a toss-up as GOP gains ground
The contest to replace retiring Democrat Jeanne Shaheen has shifted from Lean Democratic to Toss Up as polls tighten and Republican money pours in.
In brief
The contest to replace retiring Democrat Jeanne Shaheen has shifted from Lean Democratic to Toss Up as polls tighten and Republican money pours in. New Hampshire's Senate race has become competitive, with Republican John Sununu closing the gap on Democrat Chris Pappas through heavy spending and tightening polls…
NH Senate race shifts to toss-up
The Cook Political Report moved the contest from Lean Democratic to Toss Up as former GOP Senator John Sununu faces Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas in November.
Polls show tight competition
A late August UNH poll found Sununu at 45% and Pappas at 43%. A September survey shows them tied at 46% each, with 9% undecided.
Republicans outspending Democrats 2-to-1
National Republicans are on pace for a $20 million spending advantage in New Hampshire. Sununu allies have already outspent pro-Pappas groups by nearly double.
“Sununu allies have already outspent pro-Pappas groups by almost a 2-1 margin”
Midterm dynamics favor Republicans
The president's party historically loses seats during midterms. Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both the House and Senate.
Democrats must defend unexpected ground
The tightening race forces Democrats to spend time and money in New Hampshire instead of focusing on flipping Republican seats elsewhere.
“It means they have to spend time and money here instead of putting all of it into flipping Republican seats.”
NH hasn't elected GOP senator since 2010
The Granite State's long Democratic streak is now at risk. Both campaigns expect significant national attention as control of the Senate hangs in the balance.
The one thing
New Hampshire's Senate race has become competitive, with Republican John Sununu closing the gap on Democrat Chris Pappas through heavy spending and tightening polls.
