Surging Bolduc, slipping Hassan face off in final TV debate tonight

Senate challenger Don Bolduc and Sen. Maggie Hassan will square off in their final debate tonight. (Rochester Voice file photos)

MANCHESTER - Tonight's debate between Democrat Sen. Maggie Hassan and Republican challenger Don Bolduc will be the candidates' last chance to speak directly with a statewide audience less than a week before Election Day.

The debate, which will air on WMUR beginning at 8 p.m. comes just a day after a Saint Anselm's poll showed a surging Bolduc with a one-point lead, at 48-47 percent.

If Bolduc wins he could be the one that breaks the Democrat hold on the Senate. New Hampshire is one of several key states that Republicans hope will swing their way. Pennsylvania, Arizona and Georgia are also in play.

Bolduc's numbers have risen dramatically since September, when a Saint Anselm's poll had him down by six points.

Hassan's favorability rating has also dropped, from 48 percent in September to 45 percent in the latest poll, while her unfavorable rating has risen from 51 to 54 percent.

Tonight's debate will be carried live on WMUR-TV and WMUR.com