The first declared winner of the night is . . . John Stephen.

I know, I know, who? Well, as of tonight, he is the Republican nominee for governor of New Hampshire.

Local papers endorsed him on this basis:

That’s why Foster’s Daily Democrat and The Citizen of Laconia endorse John Stephen in Tuesday’s Republican gubernatorial primary. Stephen is pitted against fellow Republicans Jack Kimball, Frank Emiro and Karen Testerman.
Although New Hampshire has fared better than most states during the economic downturn, Gov. Lynch and the Legislature have had to make difficult choices to lay off workers and reduce services. More tough choices lie ahead. That’s why it’s crucial the next governor possesses a hands-on understanding of Granite State politics and policies. This is not a time for on-the-job training.
Stephen’s extensive government experience separates him from his challengers. During his tenure as head of Health and Human Services, New Hampshire’s largest department that consumes nearly half of the state budget, Stephen saved taxpayers millions of dollars. His policies weren’t always popular at first and his pugnacious persistence ruffled a few feathers, but his decisions have stood the test of time and today he is respected for his innovative thinking.In the private sector, Stephen continued to turn heads. Working for a consulting firm he specialized in assisting state governments such as South Carolina and Rhode Island to craft creative strategies to provide social services.
This private/public experience gives credence to Stephen’s plan to revitalize New Hampshire, the key points of which are: cut spending, taxes and fees; balance the budget with fiscal responsibility and transparency; reduce health care costs; modernize state government; support local government. These are not pie-in-the-sky hopes. John Stephen has the creativity, energy and experience to make them realities. He is a candidate all Republicans can be proud to support.

Arriving in my e-mailbox:

The Republican Governors Association congratulated John Stephen today on his primary victory. “John has the right combination of public and private sector experience to get New Hampshire moving again,” said RGA Spokesman Chris Schrimpf. ”After six long years of New Hampshire idling, it’s time for leadership that will shift the state into gear. The last thing New Hampshire needs is an unprecedented fourth term for John Lynch.”