By almost any measure, Chris Sununu’s tenure as New Hampshire governor has been quite successful. The Granite State consistently features one of the nation’s lowest unemployment rates, while wages are among the highest. Crime is relatively low and the overall quality of living is among the best.

We are clearly not alone in believing this. After all, while Democrats as a whole annihilated Republicans — especially in New Hampshire — during the 2018 midterm elections, Sununu managed to defeat Democratic challenger Molly Kelly by a count of 52.8% to 45.8%.

Therefore, Sununu should be proud of his record. It was not a surprise on Tuesday when he confirmed plans to seek re-election next year.

“Nothing is more critical to our state’s future than ensuring strong leadership in the Corner Office and saving our New Hampshire advantage,” Sununu stated while confirming his plans.

“We are getting the job done…more people are working today in New Hampshire than at any time in history,” he added.

However, Sununu then went slightly off course. In addressing the fact he had been considering a challenge to U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., next year, Sununu took some shots at the Granite State’s senior senator.

“We all know that I would defeat Jeanne Shaheen, but others can too. Never before has a sitting 12-year senator from New Hampshire accomplished so little,” Sununu stated.

We appreciate the normal political battles of Democrats versus Republicans. However, this comment by Sununu was, at best, silly and petty.

We disagree with Sen. Shaheen on some political issues, but we just don’t accept the premise that she has “accomplished so little.” We find Shaheen to be a hardworking and honest person, with whom we simply have a differing point of view on some topics.

Perhaps, Sununu is bitter because Shaheen won her Senate seat in 2008 by ousting Sununu’s older brother — John E. Sununu — from the Senate.

Whatever the reason for Sununu’s silly comments about Shaheen, we find them very unnecessary. In a the relatively small state of New Hampshire, taxpayers deserve to know that their governor and their U.S. senators can work with at least some level of cooperation.

We hope these elected officials keep this in mind moving forward.

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