The Republican primary field is getting more crowded in the New Hampshire Senate race, with long-time conservative activist Ovide Lamontagne officially entering the race.

Lamontagne was chairman of the state Board of Education from 1993-1996, and was the Republican nominee for governor in 1996, losing in an open-seat race to Democrat Jeanne Shaheen (now a Senator) by a 57%-40% margin.

Former state Attorney General Kelly Ayotte is widely viewed as being the establishment favorite, but in fact it should be a busy primary. In addition to Lamontagne, other candidates include businessmen James Bender and William Binnie, who could both potentially self-finance. Lamontagne has less money coming into the race, but his long-time presence in state politics could make up for it.

Interestingly, Lamontagne explained to the Union-Leader why he won't be self-financing: "The lady of the house won't let it happen. She said that if the market is not there for me to raise the dollars, I ought to reconsider."