Can Sununu help Haley like Reynolds couldn’t with DeSantis
Gov. Chris Sununu Aims to Outshine Gov. Kim Reynolds in Presidential Primary Endorsement Race
Gov. Chris Sununu (R-NH) is determined to outdo Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) in the race for endorsements in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. Sununu has thrown his support behind former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley, who will be facing off against former President Donald Trump in New Hampshire’s nominating contest next Tuesday.
However, Sununu and Haley face a tough challenge in Trump’s strong following in the Granite State. Despite Sununu’s frequent endorsements and efforts to rally centrist Republicans around Haley, conservative Republicans remain skeptical. These are the same voters who have previously supported both Sununu and Trump.
Nevertheless, Sununu’s endorsement has been effective in closing the polling gap between Haley and Trump in New Hampshire. While Trump had a significant lead over Haley and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) in Iowa, his advantage in New Hampshire is now only around 13 percentage points.
Sununu’s Deep Involvement in Haley’s Campaign
According to University of New Hampshire politics professor Dante Scala, Sununu’s involvement in Haley’s campaign goes beyond a simple endorsement. He has been actively speaking on her behalf and has played a crucial role in rallying support from centrist Republicans. Sununu’s energy and outspoken nature have made him a valuable asset to Haley’s campaign.
However, Sununu’s support for Haley has not come without its challenges. Trump has been actively trying to prevent conservatives from following Haley, even going as far as calling her “like a Democrat.” Despite this, Sununu’s endorsement has been as effective as it can be.
The Power of Governor Endorsements
Endorsements from governors can have a significant impact on a candidate’s campaign. They draw crowds and raise funds, and governors have the ability to open doors for candidates to generate news and gain visibility. While popularity may not always transfer, the support of governors can provide a soft power that helps candidates make an impact.
However, Sununu’s involvement in Haley’s campaign has also brought some distractions. His statements and clarifications regarding his support for Trump, even if the former president is convicted in his criminal trials, have raised expectations for Haley’s performance in the Iowa caucuses and beyond.
Despite the challenges, Sununu’s endorsement has been praised by Haley’s team and some Democrats who see her as a breath of fresh air in the GOP. Sununu’s influence and support have been valuable assets to Haley’s campaign, and the results of the New Hampshire nominating contest will reveal the true impact of his endorsement.
How significant are the endorsements of Sununu and Reynolds in the larger context of the Republican Party and how do they potentially shape the future of the party
Aley and Trump in New Hampshire. According to recent polls, Haley is now only a few percentage points behind Trump, signaling that Sununu’s support is resonating with some Republican voters.
Sununu’s decision to endorse Haley is not surprising, as he has been a vocal critic of Trump in the past. He has distanced himself from the former president’s divisive rhetoric and controversial policies, positioning himself as a more moderate Republican. By endorsing Haley, Sununu is aligning himself with a candidate who shares his more centrist views and can potentially attract a broader range of voters.
On the other hand, Reynolds has chosen to endorse Trump in the primary race, solidifying her support among the conservative base. Reynolds, who has been a staunch ally of the former president throughout his tenure, is banking on Trump’s popularity and loyal following to secure her position as a prominent Republican figure in Iowa.
The endorsement race between Sununu and Reynolds is not just a competition to secure support for their chosen candidates; it is also a battle for political relevance and influence within the Republican Party. Both governors have ambitions beyond their current positions, and a strong endorsement in a presidential primary can greatly enhance their national standing and potential future political opportunities.
While Sununu has made significant strides in narrowing the gap between Haley and Trump in New Hampshire, Reynolds remains a formidable opponent. Iowa holds the first-in-the-nation caucuses, giving Reynolds a strategic advantage in terms of media attention and political significance. Moreover, Trump’s popularity with the conservative base cannot be underestimated, making Reynolds’ endorsement a powerful tool in securing support within the party.
The race for endorsements in the 2024 Republican presidential primary is just beginning, and much remains uncertain. As the primaries progress and candidates’ campaigns gain momentum, both Sununu and Reynolds will undoubtedly ramp up their efforts to secure influential endorsements. Their success in this endeavor will not only shape the outcome of the primary race but also determine their own political futures and the direction of the Republican Party.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...