In Concord, New Hampshire, the Republican candidates vying for the governor’s nomination engaged in a heated exchange during a debate on Tuesday. Former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte and former state Senate president Chuck Morse are among the contenders seeking to succeed Gov. Chris Sununu. Despite four other candidates appearing on the GOP primary ballot, Ayotte and Morse were the only participants in the WMUR-TV debate.
The debate took a sharp turn when the candidates were questioned about addressing the rising anger and division in politics. Morse criticized Ayotte for losing her U.S. Senate seat to a Democrat in 2016 and inferred that her failure impacted the unity within the party. In response, Ayotte pointed out Morse’s lack of success in races outside his hometown.
Ayotte emphasized her experience as a former state attorney general under both Republican and Democratic administrations and expressed her commitment to fostering a positive vision for the state. She also addressed her evolving stance on former President Donald Trump, highlighting her decision to reendorse him based on what she perceives as the shortcomings of the Biden administration’s policies.
The topic of the state’s opioid crisis prompted differing approaches from the candidates. Ayotte praised the Doorway program, which connects individuals grappling with addiction to necessary services, and pledged to collaborate with communities on prevention and recovery initiatives. Morse, on the other hand, advocated for stricter border control as a means of combating the drug issue.
Furthermore, the candidates clashed over immigration policies and Ayotte’s involvement in addressing abuse at the state’s youth detention center. Morse criticized Ayotte for a Senate vote on immigration reform while questioning her actions during reports of abuse at the detention center. Ayotte defended her record by asserting her support for stringent penalties for fentanyl distributors and pledged to prioritize safety and protection for children if elected governor.
