Senate Republicans are considering Nikki Haley as the best chance to deny Donald Trump the GOP presidential nomination.
They see her as more electable and less likely to alienate voters.
Haley’s growing support is impacting the race, with some GOP senators writing off Ron DeSantis. (Trending: Olympic Gold Medalist Sentenced For Jan 6)
“She has better prospects than he does because her numbers are going up and his are coming down. Usually, you want to place your bet on someone who is doing better,” said Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT).
“She’s acquitted herself really well in the debates and I think has done well out on the stump,” said John Thune.
“Part of running for national office especially in those early states is relatability and I think she’s got a good retail political style. Seems to be winning over some people,” he said.
“I guess the question is how much she can shift that narrative,” he added.
“The Republicans aren’t ready to make changes yet in their decision making — they’re getting closer. So I think her timing is probably pretty key,” Sen. Mike Rounds said.
“It will depend now on what the other candidates say and whether the other candidates decide they want to continue to battle on.
“After the Iowa Caucuses, after New Hampshire, I think this will be narrowed down to a two-person race,” he added.
“I think she has momentum.”
The Koch network’s endorsement and Haley’s strong momentum in polls are making her a leading alternative to Trump.
“I do believe that she’s starting to move ahead. To use the F1 [Formula 1 racing] analogy, she’s probably in the P2 position now, moved up ahead of DeSantis,” said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC).
“If DeSantis doesn’t perform in Iowa and she does, then it sets her up for New Hampshire and it becomes an interesting contest,” he added.
“Using a Florida, NASA analogy, I think the launch window has passed,” he added.
“I wouldn’t count out Nikki Haley. She came in as governor [of South Carolina] the year I came in as Speaker of the [North Carolina] House and I have a lot of admiration for the way she led South Carolina.”
Her strong showing in New Hampshire could give her momentum heading into the South Carolina primary.
“If we want to win the presidency, she’s the person to do it,” former Sen. Judd Gregg said.
“All swing states are determined by the independent voters. Most independents today, at least in New Hampshire, are educated women. They won’t vote for Trump under any circumstance.”
“Iowa has never had a huge impact on downfield primaries,” he said.
“Iowa picks corn and New Hampshire wins presidents…. If you look historically, the person who comes out of Iowa [as the winner] doesn’t go very far unless they’re the perceived frontrunner.”
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