New Hampshire Democrats debate strategies against Kelly Ayotte

During a recent debate at New England College, New Hampshire's Democratic gubernatorial candidates targeted Republican Kelly Ayotte, who was absent from the event. The candidates, Joyce Craig, Cinde Warmington, and Jon Kiper, frequently mentioned Ayotte, criticizing her voting record on gun safety and her potential impact on the state. Warmington highlighted Ayotte's opposition to universal background checks following the Sandy Hook tragedy, while Craig emphasized her own initiatives as mayor to combat gun violence. Kiper, distinguishing himself from his opponents, argued that gun violence is infrequent in New Hampshire and suggested focusing on preventing access to firearms for dangerous individuals. He also diverged from the traditional Democratic stance by advocating for the consideration of sales and income taxes to fund education, which he believes is essential for the state's functionality. The candidates largely agreed on policy issues but engaged in personal attacks regarding their backgrounds, particularly concerning the opioid crisis. Warmington's past as a lobbyist for Purdue Pharma was scrutinized, while Craig defended her record against accusations related to her husband's legal work. Kiper claimed that both Craig and Warmington's political histories could hinder their chances against Ayotte in the general election. Ultimately, Kiper positioned himself as a candidate without political baggage, appealing to younger and independent voters. The debate underscored the candidates' strategies to differentiate themselves while addressing pressing issues facing New Hampshire, particularly in the context of the upcoming primary election.