NASHUA — Sen. John McCain stumped for gubernatorial candidate Ovide Lamontagne yesterday in what he called the “determining state of the future president.”

“I am convinced that this state has a long tradition of being fiscal conservatives,” McCain said at a $25-a-head event at the Nashua Country Club. “They're proud of having so much participation. And the leadership that Ovide will provide you will be in keeping with that long tradition.”

Before introducing McCain, Lamontagne told the crowd to remember four numbers: 99 for the number of tax hikes and fee increases his Democratic opponent Maggie Hassan oversaw in the Senate; 24 percent for spending increases he said occurred; $888 million for debt under her leadership; and zero jobs if she's elected governor.

Sen. Kelly Ayotte, a colleague of McCain on the Senate Armed Services Committee, also spoke on behalf of Lamontagne, whom she beat in a tight Senate primary in 2010.

“Even though we ran against each other, I'll tell you that I have deep, deep respect for Ovide,” she said.

Ayotte said the fact that McCain would come for Lamontagne is a testament to the candidate.

James Kelly of Hollis, a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, came to meet Sen. McCain.

“That gentleman over there has supported our veterans and supported our troops in the Armed Services Committee,” Kelly said, “and I wanted to thank him.”

srios@newstote.com