NASHUA-- At about 9 p.m., the Republican nominee for governor, state Sen. Joe Kenney, declared his victory and addressed a boisterous crowd of supporters.

"I am so proud to accept the Republican nomination for governor in the state of New Hampshire," Kenney told a crowd of about 75 in a conference room at the Courtyard Marriot.

Kenney, who was unopposed in the Republican primary, faces two term Gov. John Lynch (D-Hopkinton) in the general election. Lynch defeated retired school teacher Kathryn "Katy" Forry (D-Jaffrey) Tuesday night. She had challenged Lynch to give voters a choice over an income tax.

Lynch and Kenney both oppose a sales or income tax.

Kenney said he is running for governor because the social fabric of New Hampshire is changing and claimed if elected governor he will not accept special interest money.

"I am running for governor because our state is changing and I want to keep it New Hampshire," Kenney said. "John Lynch is changing the state of New Hampshire. And his party is changing the state of New Hampshire."

Kenney stressed in his victory speech that he is a small town guy who grew up in a small town and understands New Hampshire values and traditions.

"We brought Boston politics into the corner office and into the New Hampshire legislature," Kenney said. "Well I'm going to tell you, John Lynch, I'm a New Hampshire guy and I'm going to take you on."

Kenney said he can beat Lynch by going town to town and talking to residents about his message "to keep New Hampshire, New Hampshire." He urged supporters in the crowd to talk to neighbors about his campaign.

In his brief remarks, Kenney repeatedly attacked Lynch on bringing special interests to the state house and into the New Hampshire legislature.