On September 11 , 2001 , Lynch won the Democratic primary with 39 % of the vote , 10 points ahead of Jacques , who ranked second with 29 % of the vote . The same day , the September 11 attacks took place , which dampened the ensuing general election campaign between Lynch and the Republican nominee , state Senator Jo Ann Sprague . As both sides turned to similar themes of patriotism and defense , Lynch benefited from the demographics of his district . On October 16 , he defeated Sprague 65 % -33 %
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Stephen F. Lynch