PORTSMOUTH – Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand kept his promise yesterday and surrendered his bid for U.S. Senate, 24 hours after former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen announced she was entering the race.

When he launched his bid eight months ago to unseat Republican Sen. John Sununu, Marchand vowed to step aside should Shaheen become a candidate. Speaking before a group of supporters who gathered at the Portsmouth library to hear him officially withdraw yesterday, Marchand said he had spoken with Shaheen about his decision.

Saying polls showed he was in a statistical dead heat with Sununu, Marchand said there was "no doubt" he could compete with Sununu but called Shaheen the strongest Democratic candidate to defeat the sitting senator in 2008.

"I am very proud of the campaign we've run, which has always focused on bringing positive change to Washington," said Marchand.

"From ending the war in Iraq to bringing affordable health care to all Americans to being the global leader on 21st century energy policy to restoring fiscal discipline, our message of fiscal and social responsibility is a real New Hampshire message," he said.

Marchand went on to say he wouldn't be supporting Sheehan if he didn't believe she shared the values on which he had based his own campaign.

"I have good relationships with both Billy (Shaheen) and Jeannie. Jeannie will be remarkable as a senator," Marchand said, adding he will do whatever he can, regardless of the role, to help get her elected.

The young mayor, who decided against seeking another term so he could pursue his senate run, said he will continue to "go to bat" for the people of New Hampshire. Supporter David Baker told him that it is "very important" that Marchand not fade into the background.

"People like you represent what people want to evolve to. You need to continue to push forward," Baker said, adding that Marchand represents hope.

When asked if he would consider another run for political office in the future, Marchand said that, at 33 years old, he faces many more opportunities. He thanked his wife, Sandy, who stood by his side during the news conference, at times near tears, and said that, for the moment, he is looking forward to being able to enjoy time with her and their two young daughters.

"But just because I'm 33 doesn't mean I'm going to wait until I'm 63 to get going," Marchand added.

To the question of whether he would encourage the other candidates to drop out of the senate race, Marchand simply said, "I'm here to support Jeanne Shaheen."

When asked if he would consider a future run against U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg, he laughed and said, " I've only been an ex-candidate for 15 minutes."

Marchand's term as mayor ends in December. He is the former Northeast director of the Concord Coalition and the former associate state director of AARP New Hampshire.