Ayotte’s pick to fill child advocate post bows out

(The Center Square) — New Hampshire Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s pick to serve as the state’s Child Advocate has withdrawn her nomination following a backlash from conservatives over potential conflicts of interest.

Earlier this week, Diana Fenton, a lawyer and state Department of Education official, withdrew her nomination to lead the state’s Office of the Child Advocate, which oversees the Division of Children, Youth, and Families’ and investigates abuse or neglect cases.

“After much reflection and recognition of the various parts of my life that I will bring with me to this job and the potential appearance of any possible conflicts, I will be withdrawing my name from consideration to be the director of the Office of the Child Advocate,” Fenton said in a statement to news outlets. “I very much appreciate the governor’s nomination and her staff for all their support throughout this process and wish them all the best moving forward in finding the right fit for this important position.”

The move came after a gr...