New Hampshire voters upset with negative ads from gubernatorial candidates

DERRY, NH – One of the most controversial gubernatorial races in the country is underway in New Hampshire, but the tone of the candidates’ ads is not only troubling some voters, but others admit they’re not paying attention.

The downside of the negative campaign

Political ads dominate the broadcast between Republican former Senator Kelly Ayotte and Democrat Joyce Craig, the former mayor of Manchester. Voters in the Granite State are taking notice.

“I hate the bashing going back and forth between the two,” said voter Rick McNally. “I wish they would talk more about what they did. I think that would help me.”

If you ask New Hampshire voters where they stand on the candidates, you might be surprised.

“I didn’t pay much attention to the governor. I was more focused on the president,” one voter said.

“I don’t know much about the candidates there,” McNally added.

Saint Anselm College Political Science professor Chris Galdieri believes negative campaigning can alienate voters.

A recent Saint Anselm College poll of New Hampshire voters found Ayotte with a three-point lead over Democratic challenger Joyce Craig.

“The governor’s race, I think, is really having a hard time getting voters to pay more attention to it. It was also a very negative campaign, a very ugly campaign,” Professor Galdieri told WBZ-TV.

National problems are at the forefront

That’s why national issues, such as debates over reproductive rights, will take center stage in this governor’s race. Where the candidates stand abortion It could be the deciding factor for voters arriving on Tuesday.

“I’m still undecided on a lot of things right now,” one voter said.

Asked if this makes it harder to vote across parties, Galdieri explained, “That’s a great question.” “New Hampshire is the most vibrant pro-choice state in the country.”

Homelessness, immigration, crime and the economy are on the minds of New Hampshire voters heading to the polls on Tuesday, November 5.

“It hasn’t been decided yet,” one voter said.

“Am I going to stay loyal to my party? Probably,” said McNally. “That might be what I do.”

Tiffany Chan

Tiffany Chan is a general assignment reporter for WBZ-TV.