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@No Incumbents 2010, I suppose it's OK that Obama quit the Senate before his term was up, as well as spending 2 of the 4 years he did serve doing nothing but campaigning. How about Neoplolano quitting as governor to take a cabinet post, or Hillary quiting as Senator to be SOS. Oh, those are OK? Double standards strike again.

There is a big difference between Ayette and Palin. First of all, Ayette was appointed, not elected by the people. Second of all, she is leaving her position to run for higher office. I saw Palin's resignation speech, and I still have no idea what she was talking about. The way she rambled thru that speech, at warp speed, would lead one to think that maybe she had sampled some of Wasilla's biggest export.

I used to live and practice law in NH and am well acquainted with Kelly Ayotte's reputation.

She is not some pretty girl in a business suit, flacking for her governor like some other AG I know. She is well-respected across both sides of the aisle, and has the gravitas to hold any position in the state or in federal office. I sure as heck would not want to run against her on resume and reputation.

Kelly Ayotte: I do not agree with a great deal of the Republican ideology but you present yourself as above board, clear and upfront with your goals and communication. We do not see that in some politicians.

Ayotte has no prior experience in elective office?
I guess the U.S. Senate is an entry-level position in politics if you have the right connections and super-wealthy supporters.
Unless you live in NH you have no right to express your opinion about who serves in the Senate? Last time I checked, I was still an American with a right of free speech. Will Ayotte take out-of-state contributions??? You betcha.

Interesting....democrats hang on to their jobs while they are running for higher office (i.e. Obama, Kerry, and also Biden who ran for re-election as Senator at the same time he ran for VP). Republicans like Dole, Ayotte, and, yes, Sarah Palin, recognize that it is an injustice to remain in a position doing nothing but campaigning. Who are the power-hungry ones????? Hmmmmm.....

Kelly Ayotte has served the people of NH well. It looks like she wants to continue her service to the citizens of the great state of NH on a different level. Good Luck !

Unless you live in NH quit criticizing someone you know nothing about.

Willy Brown, read the article, she's a Republican.

Yeah! And what's with that Senator (from my State) who went around campaigning for over a year on the State's money? The one who didn't do anything as Senator because he was busy running for President. You know....what's his name.

That's right katiec – just like my former senator, Ms. Secretary Clinton. How quickly Democrats forget

Ayotte and Palin have nothing in common....Leaving your current job to run for higher office does not equal leaving your job to pad your pockets,,,,,,,

Ayette is not serving a "term." She was appointed and served 5 years. This is no different than giving your employer notice because you found a job elsewhere. The PEOPLE did not elect Ayette as Palin was elected. Get the difference now??????

Quitter, can’t hack it, loser. Oh she’s a democrat? Good job, atta girl it’s ok to quit.

Ayotte and Palin have a lot in common:
Quit the term you are serving for political reasons, i.e. because there is another job you want even more. Quit before you have finished the job you are currently doing.
America loves quitters.

What's up with all of these Republican women resigning from their positions prematurely, trying to be the next Hillary?.....Try as you may, you do not fool the American public. Just because you are women does not mean that you have the general American public 's best interest at heart.

Another republican quitting!!

I bet she doesn't get ridiculed as a "quitter" since she is leaving her post early.

Good luck Paul Hodes!