At our Oct. 22 gubernatorial candidate forum in Manchester, we asked Republican Kelly Ayotte and Democrat Cinde Warmington about so-called “sin taxes” – money from alcohol, tobacco, and gambling that have long been key to funding state government.

Warmington supports the current level of gambling in New Hampshire and pointed to the sale of cannabis as another untapped source of state revenue. When asked how she would address safety concerns around marijuana use, Warmington said its legalization will ensure citizens are not exposed to tampered, unsanctioned substances.

Ayotte also sees gambling revenue as a positive due to its community-centric funding of charities and education. But she split sharply with her opponent on the cannabis issue, saying the revenue generated there would come “at the cost of the mental health of our young people” and overall quality of life.

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