South Carolina typically has low voter turnout before state primary: Sununu
Gov. Chris Sununu: Nikki Haley has a shot at winning South Carolina primary
In an interview on Fox News Sunday, Gov. Chris Sununu (R-NH) made a bold claim about the upcoming South Carolina primary election. He argued that the state traditionally has lower turnout by primary voters, which he believes gives 2024 presidential candidate Nikki Haley a real chance at winning.
The South Carolina primary for the Republican party’s 2024 presidential race is scheduled for Feb. 24. Sununu, who has been critical of Trump in recent years, was asked if Haley could secure the nomination despite the party’s perceived loyalty to Trump. His response was a resounding “absolutely.”
“So let’s look at South Carolina, they have a very low voter turnout,” Sununu explained. “So a lot of the opportunity that Nikki has is talking to those Republican voters, talking to those Independent voters that are more conservative but typically stay on the sidelines and getting them out to vote. So there’s a lot of margin for improvement there to get the new voter out.”
Sununu’s assessment comes after President Joe Biden’s overwhelming victory in the Democratic Party’s primary in South Carolina, where he secured 96% of the votes cast. However, the turnout was disappointingly low, with only 131,286 South Carolinians participating, accounting for just 4% of registered voters.
The New Hampshire governor also cautioned against calls for Haley to drop out before Super Tuesday, emphasizing that other states with upcoming primaries deserve the opportunity to have their say in choosing the Republican nominee. Sununu also stressed the importance of winning over younger generations and suburban mothers, stating that the party’s success in the November election hinges on it.
A recent survey from Winthrop University revealed that nearly 65% of likely primary voters in South Carolina are more inclined to support Trump, which is more than double the support Haley received in the poll. This comes after Trump’s victories in last month’s Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary.
If Trump secures the Republican Party’s nomination, it could set the stage for a potential rematch between him and Biden.
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What are some of the qualifications and accomplishments that Governor Sununu highlights in Nikki Haley’s career?
Sununu pointed out that South Carolina has historically had lower voter turnout in primary elections compared to other states. This, he believes, works in Haley’s favor as it gives her a greater opportunity to mobilize her base and secure a win. According to Sununu, Haley has a strong presence and support in the state, stemming from her time as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and her previous role as the Governor of neighboring South Carolina.
The Governor highlighted Haley’s accomplishments and qualifications, stating that she is a proven leader with a track record of success. He praised her ability to navigate complex geopolitical situations during her tenure at the UN and commended her for her effective governance in South Carolina. Sununu also emphasized that Haley’s identity as a woman of Indian descent could potentially attract a more diverse voter base in a state that already has a significant minority population.
Furthermore, Sununu addressed the current political climate and the potential challenges that Haley may face. He acknowledged that the Republican Party has become more ideologically diverse, which could create a competitive field of candidates. However, he believes that Haley’s ability to bridge gaps and bring people together will set her apart from the other contenders.
Despite these positive assessments, Sununu recognized that Haley will still face formidable opponents in the primary race. He mentioned other potential candidates, such as former President Donald Trump and Senator Tim Scott, who are likely to generate significant support from their respective bases. Nevertheless, he emphasized that Haley’s political experience, combined with her ability to connect with voters on both a personal and policy level, make her a strong contender.
In conclusion, Sununu’s endorsement of Nikki Haley as a potential winner in the South Carolina primary is based on his belief that her qualifications, track record, and ability to mobilize her base give her a competitive advantage. While acknowledging that Haley will face tough competition, Sununu remains optimistic about her chances in the race. Only time will tell if his prediction proves accurate, but one thing is clear: South Carolina’s primary election is shaping up to be an exciting and closely watched contest.
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