Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., has not officially come out for Donald Trump yet, but on Monday she said the Republican Party's presidential nominee could "absolutely" serve as a role model for children.

During a televised debate against Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan for the incumbent lawmaker's seat, Ayotte was asked if she would tell kids to "be like Donald Trump."

"I think that certainly there are many role models that we have and I believe he can serve as president, and so absolutely I would do that," Ayotte responded at the New England College event.

The moderate pounced back, asking Ayotte why she would support childrens' idealizing him, but not endorse him for president. The first-term senator said she and Trump were still working through previous disputes.

"I've had some disagreements with him and I've been quite clear about those disagreements," she said. "This is an area where Governor Hassan has been lockstep with Secretary Clinton. I haven't heard major disagreements that she's had with Secretary Clinton, so who's going to stand up on behalf of the people of New Hampshire?"

In August, Ayotte told CNN she planned to vote for her party's nominee, but added she would not campaign on his behalf.