New Hampshire gov. not expected to run in 2012 [View All]

[Freddie Stubbs]

Source: CNN

Manchester, New Hampshire (CNN) - Popular New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch is expected to announce Thursday he will not seek a historic fifth term in office, putting another state race in play for Republicans in 2012.

Lynch, an immensely well-liked Democrat, has headed the state for eight years and is considered all-but-unbeatable were he to run again. WMUR reported Lynch will announce Thursday morning he has chosen not to run for a fifth two-year term, according to sources with direct knowledge of his decision.

One likely Republican contender for the seat is Ovide Lamontagne, a tea party favorite who ran a close but ultimately unsuccessful primary campaign against now-Sen. Kelly Ayotte in 2010. Lamontagne is widely expected to announce his candidacy in the coming weeks.

Other potential candidates include tea party darling and head of the conservative think tank Cornerstone Kevin Smith, as well as 2010 gubernatorial candidate John Stephen and Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas.

Read more: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/15/new-hampshire-gov-not-expected-to-run-in-2012/