Portsmouth Herald - Hassan Encourages People to 'Get Out and Vote'

News Article

By Suzanne Laurent

Democratic Governor and U.S. Senate candidate Maggie Hassan made several Seacoast appearances Saturday as Election Day nears.

Accompanied by former Democratic Speaker of the House Teri Norelli, Hassan greeted folks in Popovers on the Square and Breaking New Grounds during the late morning.

"She was very gracious," said Don LaTourette of Concord who was at Popovers with his son Matt, who will be voting for the first time Nov. 8.

"We're big fans," Don said. "We told her, "Our family has your vote.'"

At Breaking New Grounds, Hassan chatted with a table of four local men.

"She has four votes right here," said Dennis McIntire of Portsmouth. "We're talking about getting rid of the unnecessary and getting in the necessary."

He was accompanied by Terry Weddleton and Rob Lawrence, both of Portsmouth, and Bill Geraci of Dover.

Hassan did run into some out-of-staters, but she encouraged all to "get out and vote" on Election Day.

"I love Gov. Hassan," said Kayla Wheeler of Dover who was sipping a beverage in the corner of Breaking New Grounds. "She would do awesome in the Senate."

Hassan is in the race for the open New Hampshire U.S. Senate seat against first-term incumbent Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte.

Wheeler said she finds this election cycle to "be wild."

"I think the best word is scary," she said. "There's a lot riding on this election. People do need to get out and vote. There's a lot at stake."

During a brief interview with Hassan before she moved on to her next stop, she said she talked with people in both restaurants about what matters most to them.

"They are concerned about the top of the ticket, Donald Trump," Hassan said. "About the fact that he would not accept the election results if he doesn't win."

She talked about her priorities for the country as being the same as they have been for her as a two-term governor, especially looking out for small businesses.

"Unlike my opponent who cares about corporate special interests, I care about the small businesses and am able to work across party lines," Hassan said.

While many of the customers in both establishments were tourists, they were excited to meet the governor, some asking to be photographed with her. Hassan, in turn, welcomed them to New Hampshire and told them to enjoy their visit.

Before coming to downtown Portsmouth, Hassan attended a canvassing kick-off in Seabrook.

"We're canvassing every day," Norelli said.

At noon on Saturday, Hassan attended a Planned Parenthood canvassing kick-off at the Portsmouth Democratic field office on Brewery Lane.

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