Sen. Kelly Ayotte Calls Donald Trump a Role Model, Then Says She 'Misspoke'

HENNIKER, NH — U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte on Monday said she "misspoke" after saying Donald Trump is a role model for children. Ayotte, a Republican from Nashua, is locked in a tight race for re-election against Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan. The pair squared off in a live, televised debate Monday night at New England College.

At one point, local radio host and moderator Chris Ryan asked Ayotte about Republican presidential nominee Trump.

"Would you tell a child to aspire to be like Donald Trump?" Ryan asked. "Would you point to him as a role model?"

Ayotte responded, "I think that certainly there are many role models that we have, and I believe he can serve as president and so absolutely I would do that."

Ayotte quickly retreated from those comments and in an unusual move released a statement just hours after the debate ended, admitting she "misspoke."

"While I hope all of our children would aspire to be president, neither Donald Trump nor Hillary Clinton have set a good example and I wouldn't hold up either of them as role models for my kids," she said.

Hassan quickly pounced on Ayotte's statements.

"Donald Trump is absolutely not a role model for children. Or for anyone for that matter," Hassan said in a statement.

Hassan, for the record, found herself in a similar situation this summer.

In August, she was asked by CNN reporter Manu Raju if she considered Clinton "honest." She failed to provide a direct response. Later, she issued a statement saying she does indeed believe Clinton is honest.

"We can all have days when we answer questions better and I certainly didn't give my best answer on that one," Hassan told NH1 reporter Paul Steinhauser.

Recent polls show Ayotte and Hassan in a virtual dead heat. Observers see it as a key race that could determine the balance of power in the Republican-controlled Senate.

Photo: ayotte.senate.gov