NASHUA – Returning to the building where she once starred in "The Wizard of Oz," former Attorney General Kelly Ayotte yesterday made her run for the U.S. Senate official, declaring her candidacy before an audience of about 275 supporters at Bicentennial Elementary School.

"I played Dorothy in the 'Wizard of Oz' in this room," said Ayotte, a Republican. "It's got me thinking: Don't you think we need more brains, more heart, and more courage in Washington, D.C.?"

Ayotte, who resigned as Attorney General last summer to explore running for the seat currently held by outgoing Sen. Judd Gregg, is the second Republican to declare, following Hollis businessman Jim Bender. At least three others -- businessman William Binnie of Rye, magazine publisher and GOP National Committeeman Sean Mahoney of Portsmouth and attorney Ovide Lamontagne of Manchester -- have been actively exploring candidacy, as well.

Kelly Ayotte, with her father Jim Veracco behind her, announces her candidacy for U.S. Senate. (THOMAS ROY)

Democrat Paul Hodes, currently representing the state's 2nd Congressional District, declared his candidacy for Gregg's Senate seat earlier this year.

Former Gov. Stephen Merrill, chairman of Ayotte's election committee, said that of the two declared candidates, Ayotte is the logical successor to Gregg.

"In my view, Sen. Judd Gregg is the most important voice in the U.S. Congress when it comes to fiscal restraint, a balanced budget, and fighting taxes," Merrill said. "Are we going to let Judd Gregg's seat go to a friend of Nancy Pelosi?"

The audience responded with a resounding "No!"

Bob Lind, Ayotte's sixth-grade teacher, spoke fondly of his former student.

"Thirty years ago, I was fortunate to teach Kelly, and though I've taught thousands of kids since then, Kelly still stands out in my mind," said Lind, who cast Ayotte as Dorothy. "Kelly is preparing for her next leading role. I know she can do it."

Ayotte, who served as Attorney General for 11 years, grew up in Nashua and attended high school with her husband, Joe, who stood beside her on stage with their two children, Kate and Jake.

In her speech announcing her candidacy, Ayotte pointed to her record fighting crime as the state's top prosecutor.

"I am proud that while I served as Attorney General, New Hampshire has been ranked the safest state in the nation the past two years," she said.

Looking toward the future, Ayotte said a current trend toward government solutions for all of the country's problems is creating "economic destruction" that will be passed down to future generations.

"If you want to see a failure of leadership, look at the federal budget," she said. "They are spending money we do not have and accumulating debt they cannot afford. The budget that Paul Hodes voted for is on track to double our national debt in five years and triple it in 10 years.

"If you think I was tough on criminals as Attorney General," she said "just wait until you see how tough I will be on wasteful spending in Washington," she said.

Valerie Martin, campaign manager for Hodes for Senate, said the election represents a clear choice.

"Paul Hodes will stand up for New Hampshire, support President Obama's economic policies that are good for the middle class and support affordable health insurance for New Hampshire families," she said. "Kelly Ayotte and the other Republicans in this race will stand with the insurance companies, the Wall Street banks, and the Washington Republican establishment that wants to bring back George Bush's failed economic policies."

Ayotte's speech resonated with Rich Jansson of Bedford, who said he is an independent voter who came to the event to hear what the former Attorney General had to offer.

"I'm a little disgusted with what the Democrats are doing with spending, cap-and-trade, and Obamacare," Jansson said. "I'm looking for an alternative."

Said Berlin Police Chief Peter Morency, a long-time Ayotte booster, "She's the greatest role model we've had in this state in a long time."

Added State Sen. Bob Odell, R-Lempster, "This is a woman who over and over again has taken a problem and solved it."