Ex-GOP gov candidate Ovide to run for Gregg’s seat

AP-NH — New Hampshire Senate,0118

Ex-GOP gov candidate Ovide to run for Gregg’s seat

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By NORMA LOVE

Associated Press Writer

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Ovide Lamontagne, a conservative activist and 1996 Republican gubernatorial nominee, says he will run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg.

Lamontagne plans to make his candidacy official Monday with filings to the Federal Election Commission. The 52-year-old Manchester attorney’s decision to run was first reported by the New Hampshire Sunday News.

He says he will focus on fiscal issues in a campaign based on conservative principles.

Lamontagne becomes the fourth declared candidate in the race, including former Attorney General Kelly Ayotte, businessmen James Bender of Hollis and William Binnie of Rye.

The only Democratic candidate so far is U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes.