BEDFORD, N.H. (Jan. 8)
Republican Mitt Romney has lost the New Hampshire presidential primary. He conceded defeat with images of Olympic medals for first and second place. He took second — the silver medal.
[“There have been three races. So far, I’ve gotten two silvers and one gold. But tonight congratulations goes to John McCain for running a first-class race. Congratulations on the gold, Senator — great job.” Mitt Romney]
As of 3:00 a.m., with 96 percent of the precincts reporting Tuesday night, the unofficial results are McCain with 37 percent of the votes and Romney with 32 percent. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee finished third with 11 percent of the votes.
Despite the loss, Romney’s supporters remained optimistic. Kurt Keilhacker, a volunteer for Mitt Romney’s campaign, was looking ahead to the next race.
[“I’m really encouraged. This is a good catalyst for things to come. I think that Mitt has a great chance going into Michigan.” Kurt Keilhacker]
The primary in Michigan will be Jan. 15.
This is Joyce Ogirri reporting for WATD News, Election 2008, Bedford, New Hampshire.
(Joyce Ogirri, a broadcast journalism graduate student, is covering the New Hampshire primaries for WATD Radio in Marshfield, Mass.)
-30-
