A look at results since 1948 shows that the political parties can’t take anything for granted in New Hampshire
When the New Hampshire Union Leader endorsed the Democrat for president — the first time in a century — it’s obviously not a normal political year. A review of New Hampshire’s historical voting patterns may be helpful, so those who are disappointed in the election results can take comfort from history.
• In 1948, New Hampshire showed its solid GOP majority and voted for Thomas Dewey for president (Democrat Harry Truman was elected president), Sherman Adams for governor and Styles Bridges for U.S. Senate. The other Senate seat was held by Republican Charles Tobey.
• In 1952, there was another GOP sweep. Dwight D. Eisenhower easily won New Hampshire, Hugh Gregg was elected governor and Tobey was reelected to the Senate.
• In 1956, Eisenhower again won easily with Republicans Lane Dwinell elected governor. Republicans Norris Cotton and Bridges continued in the Senate.
• 1960, a major year of change for the country, saw Richard Nixon win in New Hampshire, although John F. Kennedy was elected president. Republican Wesley Powell was reelected governor, and Bridges was again elected to the Senate.
• In 1964, Democrat Lyndon Johnson won New Hampshire in the race against Barry Goldwater. Gov. John W. King, a Democrat first elected in 1962, was reelected. Thomas McIntyre, a Democrat elected in 1962, continued in the Senate along with Republican Cotton.
• In 1968, Republicans recovered. Richard Nixon was elected president. Republican Walter Peterson was elected to his first of two terms, and Republican Norris Cotton was elected to his third term in the Senate. Democrat McIntyre still served.
• In 1972, Nixon carried New Hampshire handily. Republican Meldrim Thomson was elected governor in a three-way race. Mc- Intyre and Cotton continued in the Senate.
• In 1976, GOP President Gerald Ford carried New Hampshire, although Democrat Jimmy Carter was elected. Thomson was reelected. Democrat John Durkin, who had won a hotly contested election that had to be run twice in 1974, continued in the Senate along with fellow Democrat McIntyre.
• In 1980, New Hampshire voted for Ronald Reagan, who swept nationally. Democrat Hugh Gallen, running for his second term, was reelected. Republican Warren Rudman was elected to the Senate to join Republican Gordon Humphrey who has been elected in 1978, beating McIntyre.
• In 1984, Reagan was reelected handily and won New Hampshire. Republican John H. Sununu, first elected in 1982 as governor, was reelected. Rudman and Humphrey continued in the Senate for a Republican sweep.
• 1988 saw George Bush
carry New Hampshire and win election as president. Republican Judd Gregg
was elected governor, and Rudman and Humphrey continued in the Senate.
•
In 1992, Bill Clinton won nationally and in New Hampshire. Republican
Stephen Merrill was elected governor. Judd Gregg was elected to the
Senate and joined Republican Bob Smith, who had been elected in 1990.
•
In 1996, Clinton was reelected nationally and carried New Hampshire.
Jeanne Shaheen was elected as the Democratic Governor. Smith and Gregg
continued in the Senate.
•
In 2000, the tightly fought national presidential election saw George
W. Bush win New Hampshire. Jeanne Shaheen continued as governor, and
Smith and Gregg continued in the Senate.
• In 2004, John Kerry won New Hampshire as a surprise
Democratic winner, while Bush was reelected nationally. Democrat John
Lynch was elected governor. The GOP’s Judd Gregg and John E. Sununu were
in the Senate, Sununu having been elected in 2002.
•
In 2008, Barack Obama carried New Hampshire and won nationally.
Democrat Lynch was reelected, and Democrat Jeanne Shaheen was elected to
the Senate over Sununu, and Gregg held the other seat.
•
In 2012, Obama again won in New Hampshire as well as nationally.
Democrat Maggie Hassan was elected governor. Shaheen and Republican
Kelly Ayotte held the Senate seats.
•
In 2016, Hillary Clinton carried New Hampshire, although Donald Trump
was elected president. Republican Chris Sununu was elected governor, and
Hassan won the Senate seat previously held by Ayotte, joining Shaheen.
What
lessons can be drawn from all of this? Landslides do not predict future
landslides, as can be seen comparing 1964 to 1968 and comparing 1988 to
1992.
Brad Cook is a Manchester attorney. The views expressed in this column are his own. He can be reached at bradfordcook01@gmail.com.
