Bloomberg PAC takes aim at GOP senator in key race

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s super-PAC is targeting Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) for supporting GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.

{mosads}Independence USA PAC will start airing an ad on Friday that knocks Ayotte for calling herself an independent while continuing to support Trump, even as other Republicans are bucking the real estate mogul. Ayotte will likely face New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan (D) in a tough race.  

Ayotte has said she won’t endorse Trump, but she will vote for him in November. The GOP senator has also pledged that she will “stand up” to whoever wins the presidential election.

The 30-second spot is a $2 million ad buy that will run in Boston and Manchester, N.H., markets.

“Independent Republicans all over the nation are breaking with Donald Trump and disavowing him,” said PAC spokesman Marc La Vorgna.

“Unfortunately, instead of demonstrating the independence she claims, Kelly Ayotte is still supporting Trump. That’s not the kind of leadership New Hampshire needs.”

Bloomberg, an independent, has backed Democratic Hillary Clinton for president. But the leading gun control advocate also threw his support behind Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and touted his bipartisan work on gun measures.

Ayotte faces a tough reelection battle in a state that could be pivotal in determining which party controls the Senate next year.

The GOP senator faces a primary challenge from her right on Sept. 13, but she’s expected to advance to the general.

Recent polls show a tight race in the general election; the RealClearPolitics polling average has Hassan leading by 1 point.

Ayotte isn’t the only one trying to keep some distance from the top of her party’s ticket.

Earlier this week, Hassan repeatedly sidestepped questions about whether she thinks Clinton is honest. But the next day, she said that she believes the former secretary of State is trustworthy.