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CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire's Republican U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (AY'-aht) is crafting herself as a bipartisan problem solver in her quest to hold her seat.
The first-term senator launched her re-election bid Tuesday in Manchester with a speech focusing squarely on New Hampshire and rarely on her party identification.
It's unclear who will oppose her. Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan (HAS'-uhn) is considered the strongest potential challenger but hasn't committed to running. Democrats have been working for months to define Ayotte as a hyper-partisan politician who cares more about special interests than about her home state.
Ayotte is seeking to counter that message by highlighting her work on expanding veterans' health care, reducing government waste and cutting red tape for businesses. She's also stressing the more than 40 town hall meetings she's held statewide.
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