Ayotte: `We see right through' Warren's words
Granite State U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte — facing a tough re-election fight against Democratic rival Gov. Maggie Hassan — joined Herald Radio yesterday to talk about her race and Obamacare hikes. Here are excerpts:
Q: What is your response to Elizabeth Warren saying she agrees with Donald Trump in saying that you are weak?
A: Well, maybe she should ask the police and law enforcement of our state whether or not they think I’m weak having been attorney general of our state, having been a murder prosecutor, having had the endorsement of our troopers association, the Manchester Patrolman’s Association. I have a long history of standing up for the people of New Hampshire, so the thing about her coming to New Hampshire, a Massachusetts senator, and telling the voters, telling New Hampshire what to do, I think we see right through that.
Q: How difficult has it been running during a presidential election year?
A: I know the media wants to ask the questions about the top of the ticket, but this race is really about who’s going to be New Hampshire’s voice in the Senate, who’s going to fight for the people of New Hampshire, who’s going to stand up for them no matter who’s in the Oval Office … I focus on solving problems and getting things done.
Q: What is happening in New Hampshire with Obamacare?
A: I can tell you from being out on the trail talking to people, they’re facing higher deductibles, higher co-pays, higher premiums … Basically, families are working very hard, they’re paying more, with less in their pockets with less choice. This is a big difference in this race. Gov. Hassan follows Hillary Clinton on everything. She’s for expanding it, but has no plan for how we make fundamental changes to this law to make sure that people have more competition, more choice, we drive down health care costs, more transparency … The one-size-fitsall from Washington is creating a dynamic for my constituents, they couldn’t keep the plan they liked and had … we need some serious changes.
Q: Could you see yourself finding common ground with Hillary Clinton if she were to win?
A: Yes. I have one of the most bipartisan records in the Senate, so I am always looking for common ground, on principles and my beliefs. We need to get things done for this country, so I will work with Republicans and Democrats to solve our problems and challenges for this nation, and I think that’s what we all need to do.