HOLLIS -- In a rematch between Hollis residents Jim Luther and Margaret “Peggy” Gilmour, Luther narrowly lost his state senate seat in District 12.

“I am relieved on many fronts,” Gilmour said Wednesday. “I'm very pleased with how New Hampshire voted.”

Residents are dissatisfied with the current state legislature, she said, adding citizens hit the polls to avoid another term with representatives that some say have an “extreme approach” to government.

“The time is here for all of us to roll up our sleeves and act like grownups,” said Gilmour, explaining it is her goal to work together with a more moderate stance to create better opportunities for the state.

Gilmour, a Democrat, had obtained about 15,204 votes compared to Luther's estimated 14,066 - a difference of around 1,138 votes.

In Nashua, Gilmour collected the most support with 8,355 votes, while Luther received 6,218. However, in New Ipswich, Luther (1,592) received almost twice as many votes as Gilmour (810).

Two years ago when Luther and Gilmour squared off for the same seat, Luther defeated his opponent by about 1,000 votes.

Since then, Gilmour said she has worked hard to meet the people within her district and make her voice heard.

“I also had people who worked very hard for me out there,” she added, thanking them for their dedication.

Gilmour, 70, served one term in the Senate from 2008-1010. She owns CompassWise Consulting and is the former president and CEO of Home Health and Hospice Care in Nashua.

Gilmour recently received an endorsement by the Nashua Teachers Union, among other individuals and organizations.

“Now, more than ever, we need leadership in Concord that will come together, cross party lines and work to solve the problems facing our families and small businesses,” she states on her website.

Luther was spotted campaigning outside Main Dunstable Elementary School in Nashua's Ward 5 Tuesday morning, feeling confident and optimistic.

But after his loss, Luther acknowledged Wednesday that he was disappointed.
“I am a freshman, but you know, honestly, I was feeling good about this one,” said Luther.
“The influence at the top of the ticket was just too huge. This is a big shift, and it is going to be an interesting environment.”

He expressed concern about the nation and the world, saying people are not making the tough choices, and he continued to support spending money that doesn't exist.

As for his future political career, Luther said it is too early to tell, but he will keep his options open, and in the meantime, regroup from his campaign.

Luther, 57, is a self-employed investment and money manager who previously served as a part-time pastor at the Grace Fellowship Church of Nashua.

District 12 consists of Wards 1, 2 and 5 in Nashua, along with Brookline, Hollis, Mason, Greenville, New Ipswich and Rindge.

In Hollis, Gilmour collected 2,531 votes while Luther collected 2,359. In Brookline, Gilmour gathered 1,362, and Luther gathered 1,405. In Mason, Gilmour received 344 compared to Luther's 453, and in Rindge, Gilmour collected 1,325 compared to Luther's 1,636. For the town of Greenville, Gilmour tallied 477 votes while Luther scored 403.