U.S. Chamber calls Hodes spender

A new television ad the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is running in New Hampshire says "tax, borrow or spend" is the motto of Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Paul Hodes.

"Live Free or Die - the motto New Hampshire proudly lives by," the narrator says in the 30 second ad. "Paul Hodes's motto? Tax, borrow or spend."

The 30-second ad by the advocacy group also says Hodes's "out-of-control spending helped push America's debt to $13 trillion" and criticizes Hodes's votes for health care reforms and federal cap-and-trade energy legislation designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"It's clear that the GOP establishment and right-wing special interests behind (Republican) Kelly Ayotte's campaign are getting nervous," Hodes spokesman Mark Bergman said in a release. "They see our campaign gaining momentum and are desperate to hide the fact that Paul Hodes would be a truly independent voice for the people of New Hampshire."

Ayotte is the acknowledged front-runner by her GOP primary rivals. Multimillionaire businessman Bill Binnie - like Hodes - has painted Ayotte as the establishment candidate, an insider supported by incumbent U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg to fill the seat he is vacating.

Bergman said Hodes has a record of responsible spending and noted he filed legislation to cut spending by $9.6 billion.

He also said Hodes does not believe the health reforms are a government takeover and believes a cap-and-trade system will reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil and lead to alternative energy jobs in New Hampshire.