Barrett Beats Rochey In Close New Portsmouth Gubernatorial Primary

Young state senator beats back former governor for NAT nod

YANCEYBURG, NEW PORTSMOUTH--The hotly contested gubernatorial primary race in New Portsmouth came to a close finish tonight, with a young state senator narrowly trumping a former governor.

State Sen. Michael Barrett (N-Bayler) slightly edged former Gov. Dale Rochey, who was seeking a rematch against incumbent Conservative Gov. Jacqueline Bosseau.

Rochey narrowly beat Bosseau in a 2007 special election, Bosseau then turned around and barely defeated Rochey in 2008. Now, her first full term as governor is up, and Bosseau will face the young state senator in the December general election.

New Portsmouth Secretary of State Richard Crux reported Barrett with almost 36% of the vote to Rochey's 34 per cent, with businessman Kyle Reeser of Lamsford coming in third with just over 30 per cent.

Around 10:00 pm Tuesday night, Rochey conceded to Barrett, and pledged his support.

"Michael Barrett is an up and coming star in the New Portsmouth Nationalist Party, and I look forward to working with him through the December election to beat Jacqueline Bosseau and restore Nationalist values in the governor's mansion," Rochey said at his campaign gathering in Yanceyburg.

Barrett, at his celebration in the town of Bayler, about 20 miles southwest of Yanceyburg, thanked Rochey for his gracious concession speech.

"I appreciate Governor Rochey's attitude and his devotion to the people of this state. I look forward to his insight and his help in this campaign that lies ahead," Barrett said.

Barrett, who is not well known outside of his home district, was expected to finish second after Rochey, who has high statewide name recognition and is perceived as the more viable candidate. A recent poll conducted by the Grantham Institute shows Bosseau leading Barrett 55%-45%, while similar polls have shown Bosseau and Rochey virtually tied.