Candidates for governor of New Hampshire question and criticize each other in the final debate

policy

After Ayotte repeatedly refused to comment specifically on Trump's criminal convictions, Craig jumped in and used the time to return to the topic for her next question.

By HOLLY RAMER, Associated Press

October 31, 2024 | 9:28 am

Republican Kelly Ayotte's support for former President Donald Trump was a flashpoint Wednesday in her final debate with Democrat Joyce Craig in the race to become New Hampshire's next governor.

As a U.S. senator in 2016, Ayotte initially said she supported Trump as the Republican nominee for president but would not endorse him. She later withdrew her support and instead wrote to Mike Pence after Trump was caught on video making crude comments about attacking women. Eight years later, their support for Trump in this election cycle is “unwavering,” said WMUR-TV panelist Steve Bottari.

“As a former prosecutor and former attorney general, do you just not care about his criminal convictions?” Bottari asked.

“It’s not that,” she said. “That’s simply the choice we have in this election. And I think the country has been better off during his time in office just in terms of costs, our payments and security.”

After Ayotte repeatedly refused to comment specifically on Trump's criminal convictions, Craig jumped in and used the time to return to the topic for her next question.

“Where do you draw the line with Donald Trump, Kelly? Is it because he sexually assaults women? Is it when he posts about Hitler? Or is it when he tries to overthrow democracy? said Craig, the former mayor of Manchester. “There is no line with Kelly Ayotte.”

Ayotte responded with questions of her own.

“Who will fight for New Hampshire no matter what?” “Who will stand up to their party when the going gets tough?” she said. “I did it. I was the third most bipartisan senator in the U.S. Senate. I have never hesitated to cross the aisle to do what is right for New Hampshire.”

Ayotte pointed to Craig's frequent campaigning with Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey as evidence that Craig prioritizes her party and its “higher taxes, less freedom” philosophy.

“Why is she spending so much time with the governor of Massachusetts when she wants to represent the people of New Hampshire?” Ayotte said.

Describing her commitment to New Hampshire, Craig said she is a fourth-generation resident who joined the governor's race to help New Hampshire families. As for Healey, she said part of her job as governor includes working with other governors across New England on important issues like energy. But no one wanted to stop and eventually started talking about each other.

“You will never stand up because you are a partisan. I have defied my party and I will do it again,” Ayotte said, while Craig said: “You are supporting a convicted criminal for president. “He is not fit to be president.”

Ayotte and Craig are vying to become the third woman elected governor of New Hampshire, filling the seat left open by Republican Gov. Chris Sununu, who is not seeking a fifth two-year term.