Chiefs Defend Kelly Ayotte as Gun Vote Controversy Smolders

U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte heard her share of criticism in New Hampshire this week after her vote against a bill for expanded background checks for those buying guns, but she also heard from supporters. Some law enforcement officers were among those providing the backup.

"These attacks are false," starts a joint statement from five police chiefs, which Ayotte posted on one of her Facebook pages.

The five were: Enfield Police Chief Dick Crate, Kensington Police Chief Mike Sielicki, retired Grantham Chief Russ Lary, retired Dalton Police Chief John Tholl, and retired Dunbarton Police Chief Christopher Connelly. The rest of their statement goes:

“We worked with Kelly Ayotte when she was attorney general, and no one has fought harder to prosecute criminals. When it comes to preventing violence, Senator Ayotte has kept her focus where it belongs – improving the background check system and strengthening mental health services.

Ayotte held town hall-style meetings earlier this week, including one in which the daughter of murdered Sandy Hook Elementary School Principal Dawn Hochsprung confronted her about the background checks vote.