Ayotte sails through primary
Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) easily won her Republican primary Tuesday, setting up a general election showdown that could determine control of the Senate.
Ayotte defeated former state Sen. Jim Rubens (R) and three other Republicans. She had 79 percent of the vote with 19 percent tallied, according to The Associated Press. She will face New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan (D) in November for her seat.
{mosads}The Granite State is thought to be a pickup opportunity for Democrats. President Obama won the state in 2008 and 2012.
Democrats need to flip five seats — or four if they keep control of the White House — to become the majority in the Senate.
In a Tuesday night statement, Ayotte said she’s “deeply grateful” for the support of the voters.
Deeply grateful for the support I received from NH voters today. Read my full statement –>#NHpolitics #NHsen pic.twitter.com/LP1fkhDlBY
— Kelly Ayotte (@KellyAyotte) September 14, 2016
Hassan and Ayotte have frequently sparred over a host of issues ranging from national security to campaign spending. Outside groups on both sides of the aisle have been flooding the airwaves with attack ads.
The presidential race is could impact the state’s Senate race. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton holds a narrow lead over Donald Trump in New Hampshire.
Democrats have sought to link Ayotte to Trump, but she has tried to distance herself from the GOP presidential nominee. Ayotte has said she supports Trump but doesn’t endorse him. Last month, Trump said he wouldn’t endorse Ayotte in her primary.
While Hassan has embraced Clinton and appeared with her on the campaign trail, the governor drew criticism for dodging a question about whether she thought the former secretary of State is honest.
Hassan clarified the following day that she believed Clinton is trustworthy.
Ayotte has a slim 2-point edge in the race, according to a RealClearPolitics polling average. Hassan had opened up a lead in polling in August, but recent polls have shown Ayotte surging back into the lead.
Updated 8:54 p.m.
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