Top NH House race set for rematch

by Alexandra Jaffe - 09/09/14 10:34 PM ET

Former Rep. Frank Guinta (R) is headed for a rematch with Rep. Carol Shea Porter (D-N.H.) for his seat after beating back a strong GOP primary challenge on Tuesday night.

{mosads}Guinta took 49 percent of the vote when the Associated Press called the race, with businessman Dan Innis taking 41 percent.

About $1.3 million spent by two outside groups supporting Innis made the primary closer than many Republicans initially expected, but Guinta’s name recognition made him the longstanding favorite for the nomination.

Still, the fact that Innis was able to keep the race so close underscores the anti-Washington sentiment that make this fall’s matchup between Guinta and Shea-Porter difficult to predict. Innis framed himself as fighter for New Hampshire up against a Washington insider during the primary, and Guinta was careful not to focus too heavily on his record in Congress — touting instead his time as mayor of Manchester in his first ad.

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She remains one of Democrats’ most vulnerable incumbents, facing a tougher electorate in the redder of New Hampshire’s two districts and an expected influx of spending from outside GOP groups.

The last survey of the race, conducted in late June, gave Guinta a three-point lead over the incumbent.

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