By HOLLY RAMER
Associated Press
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Going with your gut on Election Day? Hungry New Hampshire voters got a preview of their ballot choices along with the daily specials Monday as candidates hit multiple diners, restaurants, and coffee shops seeking last-minute support.
Republican state Rep. Steve Negron’s schedule included all of the above as he made the case for unseating U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster, a Democrat seeking a fourth term in the 2nd Congressional District. While Kuster focused on rallying volunteers, Democrat Chris Pappas, running for the 1st District seat, and Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Molly Kelly both had diner stops planned before heading to college campuses. Republican Gov. Chris Sununu, meanwhile, started his birthday waving signs with supporters, addressing a rotary club and visiting a construction company.
Pappas’ opponent, Republican Eddie Edwards, campaigned with Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor and current Trump administration attorney. Edwards, a former police chief and former state liquor commission official who emphasizes integrity and character, often bristled at questions about the president’s behavior.
“We continue to use the same divisive approaches in politics. I don’t think that’s fair to any of us,” he said in a recent interview. “At the end of the day, we need men and women of character. I think your character becomes more important than the office you’re running for, or your policies for that matter.”
Pappas, who was joined by former Gov. John Lynch at the family restaurant he runs in Manchester, also talks about restoring decency to Washington. A former state lawmaker and current Executive Councilor, he contrasts what he calls Edwards’ “dangerous” views with his goal of investing in higher education, job training, environmental protection and affordable health care.
“I have a record of working across the aisle to get things done at the Statehouse,” he said in an interview. “People who know me know that I am someone who is collaborative, works in a bipartisan way and puts people before politics. I think that’s we need in Washington.”
Pappas and Edwards are competing to replace Democratic Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, who held the seat for two terms starting in 2006 and then traded it back and forth with Republican Frank Guinta in the last four elections. Shea-Porter’s departure means an end to the state’s distinction of having the nation’s only all-female, all Democratic Congressional delegation, but Kelly is hoping to return the governor’s office to female control.
Kelly, a former state senator, is seeking to become the third woman elected governor of New Hampshire by following in the footsteps of fellow Democrats Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, both of whom are now in the U.S. Senate. Throughout the campaign, she highlighted her background as a former single mother who put herself through college, and said she understands the struggles of New Hampshire families because she lived them.
Democrats are hoping for a blue wave, though Sununu has history on his side. Only two governors in the last 100 years have sought re-election and lost after one term.
Sununu argues more significant legislation has passed during his tenure than under any other governor in the last two decades. He frequently touted the state’s strong economy and low unemployment rate, and progress made on combatting the opioid crisis and reforming the state’s mental health and child welfare systems.
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