Incumbents Triumph In Amherst During Primary Election

Political hopefuls looking to challenge incumbents fell short with Amherst voters during .

Senate President Peter Bragdon (R) won by a large margin over challenger Dan Dwyer (R) with a 942-235 vote in his favor. Bragdon took Milford, Wilton and Amherst with 2,965 votes total compared to Dwyer's 1,853.

Dwyer won in his hometown of Merrimack, but by a smaller margin than expected,  The other three towns in the district proved to be a challenge for Dwyer since they have been already been represented by Bragdon for some time.

Reed Panasiti (R) was knocked out of the race for state representative as the incumbent candidates took in many more votes at the polls yesterday. Robert Rowe, Stephen Stepanek and Peter Hansen remain on the ballot.

Pamela Coughlin (D) held onto her candidacy for the register of deeds position against Mary Ann Crowell (D) with a 655-303 win.

Chris Christensen was only able to garner about half the votes compared to incumbent county commissioner Carol Holden. Christensen finished with 356 votes compete to the 708 votes cast for Holden's 708.

Amherst voters also showed support for current Hillsborough County Sheriff James Hardy over challenger Frank W. Szabo with a final vote of 711-323.

On the state level, voters with 988 votes, which trumped second place finisher Dennis Lamare at 118 votes. Amherst citizens also in yesterday's primary election.

A total of 2010 voters were cast at Souhegan High School in Amherst on Tuesday.