The United States Senate race between U.S. Sen. John Sununu (R-Waterville Valley) and U.S. Sen.-elect Jeanne Shaheen (D-Madbury) was the most expensive federal race in New Hampshire history, The Nashua Telegraph reported today.

Sununu and Shaheen spent a combined $16.7 million and national parties spent an additional $5 million on television ads on WMUR.

"Federal Election Commission records filed late last week confirmed what had been expected that for the second time the losing candidate had outspent the winner," Kevin Landrigan reported. "This time, the one-term Sununu spent $8.8 million to $7.9 million for the former three-term Gov. Shaheen. Six years ago, the roles were reversed with Sununu winning the seat despite having been outspent $1.3 million by Shaheen."

Shaheen defeated Sununu in November by seven points to become the first Democratic U.S. Senator from New Hampshire in 30 years.