GOP gubernatorial candidates debate in New Hampshire ahead of primary

In a recent debate held in New Hampshire, Republican candidates for governor, former U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte and former state Senate president Chuck Morse, engaged in a heated exchange as they prepared for the upcoming primary election. The candidates discussed the increasing polarization in politics, with Morse criticizing Ayotte for her past political decisions, including her inability to support Donald Trump during her Senate campaign, which he claims contributed to the loss of a Republican Senate seat for 12 years. Ayotte countered Morse's claims by highlighting her bipartisan experience as state attorney general and her commitment to uniting the state with a positive vision. She emphasized the importance of addressing addiction issues through programs like the Doorway initiative, which connects individuals with necessary services. Ayotte also defended her record on immigration, stating her support for increased border security despite Morse's criticism of her past vote for an immigration reform bill. Morse, on the other hand, focused on the need to combat drug issues in New Hampshire, advocating for stricter border control and endorsing Trump’s policies. He pointed to Ayotte's past decisions as detrimental to the state's safety and security, particularly in relation to allegations against former state workers during her tenure. The debate highlighted the contrasting approaches of the candidates, with Ayotte promoting a collaborative and positive vision for the state, while Morse emphasized a more hardline stance on immigration and drug enforcement. As the primary approaches, the candidates' differing views on these critical issues will likely influence voter sentiment and the outcome of the election.