Former state health chief Stephen wins NH’s GOP primary for governor to face Gov. Lynch

John Stephen wins NH Republican governor primary

CONCORD, N.H. — Former New Hampshire health Commissioner John Stephen has defeated three lesser-known opponents to capture the Republican gubernatorial nomination and will face Democratic Gov. John Lynch in November.

Stephen promised to cut state spending without raising taxes. Throughout his campaign, he focused his criticism on Lynch, who is running for a fourth two-year term. Stephen said the next governor would face a huge budget deficit because of Lynch’s mismanagement.

Stephen is no newcomer to politics. He twice failed to win his party’s nomination in the 1st Congressional District. This is his first attempt to win the governor’s seat.

He defeated state Rep. Frank Emiro, businessman Jack Kimball and consultant Karen Testerman.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Democratic Gov. John Lynch has easily won his party’s nomination in his bid for a fourth, two-year term.

Lynch said his top priority is helping New Hampshire businesses grow. He ran a television ad featuring businesses that benefited from jobs programs created by his administration. Lynch reiterated New Hampshire’s traditional pledge to veto personal income or general sales taxes and said he was committed to keeping taxes low.

Lynch’s opponents, state Rep. Timothy Robertson of Keene and former state Rep. Frank Sullivan of Manchester, had little money and name recognition.

Lynch will face the winner of the four-way Republican primary in November.