Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R., N.H.) previews tonight’s debate:
At the top of Ayotte’s debate watch-list are the debt and national security. Most important, she wants to hear concrete ideas from the candidates about fiscal reform, especially in light of the recent debate over Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget.
“I want to hear where all of them stand on Medicare and Medicaid,” she says. “I am not wedded to any one plan. I supported the Ryan plan when it came over here. I did not shy away from it. I admire his courage. With these programs going bankrupt, I’m open to any candidate coming up with their own plan, but leadership is needed on this issue.”
Ayotte adds that, beyond entitlements, economic growth must be a central part of the GOP message. She says that New Hampshire has weathered the recession better than most, with a 4.9 percent unemployment rate, for good reason.
“We really have a great model,” she says. “We do not have an income tax [or] sales tax and focus on limited government at the state level. It is a great regulatory and tax climate for businesses.” GOP candidates, take note.
More here.