Top 10 Stories of 2012: Fiery District 9 Senate Race

Top 10 Stories of 2012: Bedford Proves Vital for Romney Campaign

Bedford Patch launched in June of 2011, making 2012 the first complete year of full-time hyper-local online community coverage in Bedford.

In the last 12 months, readers have been treated with some uplifting and positive stories and accomplishments. At other times, Patch has been forced to cover local and national tragedies that make us all take pause and remember who and what is most important to us.

We thought it only fitting that, as we approach 2013, we look back at some of the most interesting and newsworthy local stories of the last year. After all, where else are you going to get a list that's entirely dedicated to Bedford?

#5: Plenty of fireworks in NH District 9 Senate Race

When Andy Sanborn resigned his previous New Hampshire Senate seat and moved to Bedford earlier this year, he knew he'd be in for a battle to get back to the statehouse.

After announcing, unofficially, his intent to run for Sen. Ray White's soon-to-be vactated office, Sanborn and his wife, Rep. Laurie Sanborn, got right to work, meeting with Bedford Republicans and attending many local events. The couple even traveled District 9 on nearly identical scooters, going door-to-door in an effort to gain traction amongst voters.

On the horizon was Lee Nyquist, a New Boston lawyer and Town Moderator, who was running unopposed on the Democratic ticket.

First, however, Sanborn had to defeat longtime resident Ken Hawkins in the GOP primary. As the summer weather heated up, so did the race between the outspoken Republicans. The candidates but ultimately Sanborn prevailed, convincingly, in September.

Things didn't get any easier for Sanborn against Nyquist. The foes faced off in several debates and, while maintaining a surface level if civility, each candidate took their shots at the other throughout the race.

Once all votes were tabulated, Sanborn once again proved victorious, but barely. The race was so close, in fact, that Nyquist called for a recount. And while the latter gained some votes, it was not enough to overtake Sanborn.

The victory proved vital for Sanborn and the GOP as it allowed Republicans to maintain control of the state senate.

Top 10 Newsworthy Stories of 2012

#10: Bedford hires a new town manager

#9: Frank Szabo's abortion remarks spark outrage

#8: Bedford All-Stars fall one win short of Little League World Series

#7: Bedford plays large role in Romney's primary victory

#6: Sandy knocks out power to thousands in Bedford

#5: Plenty of Fireworks in District 9 Senate Race

#4: Sparks fly in Bedford Town Moderator Race

#3: Sunday, Dec. 30 4 p.m.

#2: Monday, Dec. 31, 6 a.m.

#1: Monday, Dec. 31, 4 p.m.

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