The Democratic primary in New Hampshire has turned into an intense battle, with abortion rights emerging as a divisive issue between Colin Van Ostern and Maggie Goodlander. Once a relatively calm race, it has become increasingly acrimonious, with both candidates exchanging fierce attacks just before the primary.
Tensions Rise Over Abortion Rights
Abortion rights, which have united Democrats since the fall of Roe v. Wade, are now causing friction. Van Ostern, supported by outgoing Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, claimed Goodlander had donated to pro-life Republicans. This triggered outrage, particularly because Goodlander has a personal history involving a traumatic miscarriage, underscoring her stance on reproductive rights. Goodlander’s team denied the allegations, explaining her donations were unrelated to abortion and linked to other political causes.
Fierce Backlash and Changing Allegiances
Following Van Ostern’s attack, Goodlander garnered unexpected support. Prominent figures like former Democratic Gov. John Lynch and Stonyfield Yogurt co-founder Gary Hirshberg withdrew their endorsements for Van Ostern, switching to support Goodlander. Lynch even cut an ad for her, citing his disapproval of the negative campaign tactics used by Van Ostern. “I respect him, but I don’t respect his campaign,” Lynch stated.
Van Ostern, meanwhile, defended his campaign, pointing to negative ads launched against him by VoteVets, a group backing Goodlander. His team insists the attacks began on Goodlander’s side, and Jordan Kathleen Burns, Van Ostern’s campaign manager, said, “Let’s be clear: Maggie and her allies started this with deceptive attack ads.”
The Stakes for the Democratic Party
This divisive primary has rippled through Democratic ranks, with many questioning the intensity of Kuster’s support for Van Ostern. Kuster’s ad targeting Goodlander led to her resignation from the pro-women’s group she co-founded after the organization endorsed Goodlander. Meanwhile, some members of the New Democrat Coalition, which Kuster leads, expressed frustration that resources were being diverted to this contentious primary instead of other critical races.
As the primary nears, the question remains: Will this internal struggle weaken the Democrats’ broader unity ahead of the 2024 election? With Goodlander now slightly favored, the outcome will not only shape New Hampshire’s representation but could also impact Democratic strategy as they fight to reclaim control of Congress.
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