Hassan, Ayotte spar over out-of-state travel

Sen. Kelly Ayotte has issued several press releases over the past few weeks criticizing Gov. Maggie Hassan over travel out-of-state.

Governors regularly travel out-of-state for trade meetings, policy conferences, and political events.  For example, Hassan attended the National Governors Association meeting in Washington, D.C. from February 18 through 22.  However, some of Gov. Hassan’s recent travel has been to fundraise for her U.S. Senate campaign.

“If Governor Hassan’s first priority is ‘always’ her job as governor, she wouldn’t have been out of state on 30 days over the last three months,” said Ayotte spokeswoman Liz Johnson. 

Sen. Kelly Ayotte is also traveling to fundraise for her campaign, although she has not released a travel schedule.

However, according to data from the FEC, Ayotte and Hassan have both received roughly 80% of their large individual donations from out-of-state.  

Melissa Miller, spokeswoman for the New Hampshire Democratic Party, said it was hypocritical for Ayotte to criticize Hassan about doing “her job” while Ayotte refuses to vote on a U.S. Supreme Court nominee. 

Are you concerned about the effect of campaign travel on Gov. Hassan or Sen. Ayotte?  Let us know in the comments.