Fred Karger Celebrates Win Over Michele Bachmann in New Hampshire

Fred Karger wants you to know he beat Michele Bachmann in New Hampshire -- even though the congresswoman had already dropped out after losing in Iowa.

"Congresswoman Bachmann was in 12 national debates, raised $10 to $12 million, received massive news coverage, has huge name ID and we beat her in New Hampshire," Karger cheered in a statement. "Early last month I said that I wanted to beat Santorum or Bachmann in New Hampshire. It's a big win for me."

The Secretary of State reports that Karger had 485 votes to Bachmann's 347. Bachmann has a long track record of antigay statements, and her Christian Counseling Clinics were exposed by activist group Truth Wins Out as offering so-called reparative therapy to patients. Karger is the first openly gay candidate to have his name on the ballot in a presidential election.

"Now, it's off to Michigan for its primary next month," Karger said. "I will be competing in Michigan primary no matter what."

Karger had spent a great deal of his time and money on winning votes in New Hampshire, even airing television campaign ads. He also beat Herman Cain, who dropped out of the race, with 161 votes. Former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson switched parties and dropped out of the Republican race and got 181 votes since his name was also still on the ballot.

Former Louisiana governor Buddy Roemer was similarly blocked from the debates and finished ahead of Karger with 950 votes, and Roemer continues to be in the race.