New Hampshire voters getting turned off by gubernatorial candidates’ negative ads

DERRY, N.H. – One of the most contested governor’s races in the country is underway in New Hampshire but not only is the tone of the candidates’ ads turning off some voters, others admit they aren’t paying attention.

Downside of negative campaigning

The political ads are dominating the airwaves between Republican former Sen. Kelly Ayotte and former mayor of Manchester, Democrat Joyce Craig. Voters in the Granite State – taking notice.

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

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

“I haven’t really paid attention to the governor. I’m really more focused on the presidential,” said one voter.

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

Saint Anselm College Political Science professor Chris Galdieri believes the negative campaigning can turn off voters.

A recent poll from Saint Anselm College among New Hampshire voters found Ayotte holds a three-point lead over her Democratic opponent Joyce Craig.

“The governor’s race, I think, has really been struggling to get voters to pay much attention to it. It’s also been a very negative campaign, a very ugly campaign,” Professor Galdieri told WBZ-TV.

National issues take center stage

That’s why the national issues, like the debate over reproductive rights, has taken center stage in this gubernatorial race. Where the candidates stand on abortion could be the deciding factor for voters come Tuesday.

“I’m still walking the fence right now on a lot of issues,” one voter explained.

“That’s a great question,” Galdieri explained, when asked if that makes it more difficult to vote among party lines. “New Hampshire is the most pro-choice swing state in the country.”

Homelessness, immigration, crime and the economy are at the top of mind for New Hampshire voters heading into the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

“Mind is not made up yet,” one voter said.

“Do I just stick with my party? Possibly,” McNally said. “That could be what I do.”