In a notable development leading up to the New Hampshire Republican presidential primary, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has secured the endorsement of the Union Leader newspaper. The influential New Hampshire publication urged voters to select Haley on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for change and describing her as the most qualified candidate on either ballot.
The editorial did not reference former President Donald Trump or Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who are also contenders in the Republican primary, choosing instead to highlight Nikki Haley’s character and achievements. The Union Leader praised Haley’s background as an accountant, a mother, a military spouse, and the child of immigrants. It emphasized her experience as a successful governor and diplomat.
Despite polling indicating Trump’s lead in the Republican race, the Union Leader encouraged independent-minded voters in New Hampshire to defy expectations and support Haley. The endorsement underscored the newspaper’s historic influence in New Hampshire politics and its national impact due to the state’s first-in-the-nation primary status.
It’s worth noting that the Union Leader’s track record with endorsements in contested Republican primaries has been mixed in recent years. Both Newt Gingrich (2012) and Chris Christie (2016) received the newspaper’s endorsement but did not secure victories. In 2020, when Trump faced minimal opposition in the Republican primary, the Union Leader recommended Democrats and independents support Senator Amy Klobuchar, who ultimately did not win.
As the New Hampshire primary approaches, the endorsement adds a layer of significance to Nikki Haley’s campaign, setting the stage for a competitive race between the Republican contenders in the state.
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