Republican Senate nominee John E. Sununu this week released a new ad distancing himself from President Donald Trump, striking an independent tone in the New Hampshire race as polls suggest he is within striking distance of flipping the seat red.
Sununu is challenging Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) in a competitive campaign to succeed Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), after Shaheen announced she would not seek reelection.
Just weeks ahead of the Nov. 3 election, Sununu appeared in a new TV ad stating he has “never even met” Trump, seeking to frame himself as a voice of moderation in the purple battleground state as both campaigns fight to peel off more moderate voters.
“The way Chris Pappas tells it, I’m President Trump’s long-lost son,” Sununu said in the roughly 30-second ad spot. “I’ve never even met the man. When the president’s policies are bad for New Hampshire, I’ll oppose them, just like I opposed the war in Iran and the trade war with Canada. That’s New Hampshire independent.”
In contrast, Sununu sought to frame Pappas as a partisan lawmaker who works in lockstep with his party.
“Pappas voted with Nancy Pelosi 99% of the time. That’s California, Chris,” the Republican Senate candidate said.
Polls appear to have Sununu within striking distance of Pappas, who has maintained his lead two weeks before voters cast their ballots. Both Cook Political Report and Inside Elections have shifted the race away from Democrats, as the party battles to keep Republicans from flipping the seat red.
Sununu’s previously represented New Hampshire in the Senate from 2003 to 2009. His time in the upper chamber ended when he was ousted by Shaheen.
RESTORING AMERICA: SHAHEEN AND SUNUNU KEEP NEW HAMPSHIRE DYNASTIES ALIVE
Throughout his attempt at a comeback campaign, Sununu has fought to fend off Pappas’s messaging that the Republican, who is endorsed by Trump, will be the president’s puppet.
“I want to make sure this country goes in the right direction when President Trump leaves office. But I’ll never hesitate to stand up and say when his policies are wrong for New Hampshire, I’ll oppose them,” Sununu said during the pair’s first debate earlier this month. “If they’re right for New Hampshire, I’ll support them, but it’s all about the right thing for New Hampshire.”
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[ H/T Washington Examiner ]
