Donald Trump, the Republican front-runner heading into New Hampshire – and who hit the ABC News debate stage with a 21-point lead over the second place Sen. Marco Rubio, according to one poll – hit a rough patch early on with a question about eminent domain, ultimately trading barbs with contender Jeb Bush that brought about loud boos from the audience.
Josh McElveen, with WMUR, posed a question to Trump about his previously professed "love" for eminent domain, and then referenced a local project, the Northern Pass plan, to bring in hydroelectric power to the state.
"Eminent domain is an absolute necessity for any country," Trump said, citing the need to use the government power to build roads, schools, hospitals and projects like the Keystone Pipeline.
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"It's not that I love it," Trump said. "But it's a necessity for any country."
Trump also said those whose land is taken by eminent domain are given "at least market values" and even more, if they're savvy financial deal-makers. Trump also took umbrage with some of those on stage who had cut campaign ads that he said wrongfully portrayed him a negative light for an eminent-domain matter involving his Atlantic City properties and an elderly woman's home.
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Bush, former governor of Florida, jumped into the discussion.
"For public purposes, yes," eminent domain is needed, Bush said, then criticizing Trump's use of the authority to grab property belonging to an "elderly woman" on the "strip."
Trump: "Jeb wants to be a tough guy. ... I didn't take the property."
And Bush shot back: "To turn this into a limousine parking lot for one of his casinos [isn't proper]."
Trump: "Jeb wants to be a tough guy tonight. Let me talk. Quiet."
The crowd booed, and Trump then turned his eyes on the audience.
"That's all of his donors and special interests out there," Trump said, while the crowd booed again.
"They're booing because I don't want their money," he said.
Bush and Trump then engaged in a fiery back-and-forth about the purpose of eminent domain with Keystone, and whether the pipeline project was a public or private venture.
The moderators shortly after cut in and announced a break for the candidates, marking the end of the first hour's broadcast.