Presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard talks with voters at a town hall meeting in Somersworth on Friday, days before the New Hampshire Primary. [Karen Dandurant/Seacoastonline] ▲ Presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard with Somersworth Police Lt. Matthew Duval. Gabbard was at a town hall meeting on Friday, days before the New Hampshire Primary. [Karen Dandurant/Seacoastonline] ▲

SOMERSWORTH -- About 60 people came out in icy weather Friday night to hear from presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard, who worked to get out the vote before the Feb. 11 primary.

Likely because of the weather, at one point, the power flickered a few times and then her microphone lost power.

"We'll roll with it," said Gabbard. "They will figure it out and I will use my military voice."

People applauded her casual adjustment to the potential power outage. In the end the power came back.

Asked earlier how she felt about not being on the stage Friday night for the last debate before the New Hampshire primary, Gabbard said she felt it was a shame and a disrespect to voters.

"I think it is unfair," said Gabbard. "Considering how many people are still undecided, I think the people should have the opportunity to hear what all the candidates have to say."

Still Gabbard said she felt good about the upcoming primary.

"We have held about 150 town halls here in New Hampshire," said Gabbard. "We are working very hard to maximize the four days we have left."

Most of the people who came to see Gabbard said they liked her, but they were still undecided.

"I have been trying to meet as many of the candidates as possible," said Steve Shaw of Concord, "That is the great thing about New Hampshire. We can listen to them all."

John Simpson of Maryland is following the candidates. He operates a blog called "The Not Fake News" and he said that he will vote his conscience at the polls, but he thinks Gabbard was cheated by not being on the debate stage.

"I have been watching and I think her polling numbers were better than a lot of the people on the stage tonight," said Simpson, adding, "(Gabbard) is sharp, committed and dedicated. What more could we ask for in a president?"

Carole Fournier of Concord said she wants to see a female president so is watching the women very closely.

"So, she is a consideration, but I haven't decided yet," said Fournier.

Gabbard came with macadamia toffee, a speciality of her mom, and a story about how she used it to try to bring unity in Washington.

"How do we heal the divide," asked Gabbard. "We do it by working across party lines. We do it with service before self."

Gabbard said when she was elected to Congress, she learned about the party divide first hand.

"We are told - you are part of this party," said Gabbard. "We are told to not work with this Republican because we want them out in next election, and if you help them get something done, they can put it in their brochure."

So, Gabbard recruited her mom to make her famous macadamia toffee, 434 boxes, for every member of Congress, and then another 434 bigger boxes for their staff.

"My mom agreed, and thought it was a good idea," said Gabbard. "I gave them out, with personal notes to my colleagues. We could talk. They didn't always agree with me, but sometimes they did and we worked together. That's how you heal the divide."

Gabbard talked about her positions and took questions. Then in closing, she asked the voters to stand with her.

"If you are sick and tired of leaders who care more for themselves than the people, stand with me," she said. "If you are sick and tired of regime wars, stand with me. If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, stand with me."