New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan — the Democratic challenger to GOP Sen. Kelly Ayotte — faces criticism from Republicans for a sexual misconduct issue surrounding a teacher who at one point contributed to her gubernatorial campaign.  

According to reports  by local media, Richard Schubart, a teacher at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire was forced to resign in 2011 after admitting to two instances of sexual misconduct in the 1970s and 80s.  

After admitting  to the first allegation, Schubart received an award for excellence in leadership when Hassan’s husband was principal of the school.  

Furthermore, Schubart served on a steering committee for Hassan’s 2012 campaign for governor.  

Hassan has said she sensed that something was wrong when Schubart left the school’s campus housing abruptly in 2011 and that she should have reviewed her public supporter and steering committee lists more carefully.  

Federal Election Commission reports also showed Schubart donated several hundred dollars to both Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s 2008 Senate campaign and to the New Hampshire Democratic Party in 2014.  

Hassan’s race to replace Ayotte in the Senate in November is considered to be one of the closest contests this cycle , as the balance of power in the Senate is at stake for the Republicans.  

Contact Garcia at EricGarcia@cqrollcall.com and follow him on Twitter @EricMGarcia