Trump challenges Republican chances in NH Senate race
GILFORD, N.H. — Kelly Ayotte cannot escape the shadow of Donald Trump.
Even here, among the fried dough stands and pig pens of New Hampshire’s summer fairs, the Republican senator faces difficult questions about her party’s presidential nominee, a celebrity businessman who threatens to weigh down swing state Republicans at every level this fall.
There are no easy answers for vulnerable incumbents such as Ayotte, who are troubled by Trump but don’t want to alienate his shrinking, yet devoted base of support.
“With any candidate, I always reserve the right to re-evaluate my position,” Ayotte, sipping a root beer float, told The Associated Press on Saturday at Belknap County’s 4-H Fair. “My position at this moment is I’m going to be voting for him.”