RNC Chief addresses uproar over NH debate.
Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel Downplays Feud with New Hampshire over 2024 Election
Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel dismissed reports of a growing feud with the state of New Hampshire regarding the upcoming 2024 election cycle.
During an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” McDaniel addressed the RNC’s threat to cancel its planned debate in New Hampshire if the state moves its primary ahead of Iowa’s caucuses, which are scheduled for January.
“The RNC just warned New Hampshire that if it moves up its primary, which is a possibility, depending on what Iowa does, it’s all very convoluted and deep and complex,” said guest anchor Bill Hemmer.
“You are threatening to take away their debate if that happens. The Republican governor of New Hampshire, Chris Sununu, did not hold back, he said this, ‘We will not be threatened, we will follow our law, and we WILL,’ in all caps, ‘go first. End of story.’ So how’s this going to work out?”
In response, McDaniel assured that she and Governor Sununu are “on the same page” and pointed out that the Democratic National Committee caused controversy earlier this year by selecting South Carolina as the first presidential nominating state for the 2024 cycle, conflicting with Iowa and New Hampshire.
“I think New Hampshire and Iowa should recognize the RNC, the Republican Party, actually through our members. We supported Iowa having the first-in-the-nation caucus and New Hampshire having the first-in-the-nation primary,” McDaniel stated.
“It’s the Democrats that just walked away from those two states, not us. So we’re committed to that. Democrats are trying to place shenanigans in Iowa,” she added. “And I don’t think New Hampshire should fall for that. And I hope they don’t allow Democrats to mess with our primary process and our calendar, especially when they walked away from those two states. And so did [President] Joe Biden, by the way.”
According to Fox News, Governor Sununu’s statement had more to it than what was mentioned in the interview with McDaniel.
Sununu, a Republican, also asserted that the “first presidential primary will be taking place in New Hampshire, regardless of what the political power brokers in Washington, DC think” and criticized the threat to cancel New Hampshire’s debate as a disservice to the campaigns and candidates.
What are the implications of New Hampshire potentially changing its primary date for the traditional order of the primary contests?
Sequential and there’s a domino effect, then the RNC could potentially remove the debate and move it to another state,” said McDaniel. “But that doesn’t mean we don’t want to have the debate in New Hampshire. We love New Hampshire, we love the tradition and the history of it. But we also want to make sure it’s a fair process and that every state in the country gets a fair shake.”
McDaniel’s comments come as reports surfaced that New Hampshire lawmakers were considering moving the state’s primary earlier in the election cycle, potentially disrupting the traditional order of Iowa holding the first caucuses and New Hampshire following with the first primary. The RNC has historically supported this order, viewing it as an important part of the selection process for presidential candidates.
In response to the RNC’s threat, New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner expressed his disappointment, stating that the state should have the right to set its own primary date. Gardner argued that New Hampshire’s role in the presidential nomination process has been crucial since 1920, and any changes to the schedule could undermine the state’s influence.
Despite the potential for tension between the RNC and New Hampshire, McDaniel emphasized that the RNC values New Hampshire and its historical role in the primary process. She also expressed the RNC’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent selection process for all states, highlighting the importance of every state having an equal opportunity to participate.
McDaniel further noted that the RNC has not yet made a final decision regarding the debate location and is open to discussions with New Hampshire officials about finding a compromise. She reiterated that the RNC’s priority is to protect the integrity of the primary process and maintain the fairness and competitiveness of the election cycle.
As the 2024 election approaches, the feud between the RNC and New Hampshire highlights the challenges and complexities of the primary system. The traditional order, established decades ago, has generally provided a clear path for candidates, allowing them to build momentum and gain media attention. However, as states seek to maximize their influence and cater to candidates’ demands, the delicately balanced primary schedule may face increasing pressure for change.
Ultimately, the outcome of this feud will have far-reaching implications for future election cycles. It will not only determine the order of the primary contests but also shape the perceptions of fairness and equality in the selection process. As discussions continue between the RNC and New Hampshire officials, the primary system is likely to evolve, reflecting the changing dynamics of American politics and the desire for a more inclusive and representative process.
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