At his University of New Hampshire rally on Saturday, Donald Trump mocked his GOP opponent Nikki Haley and the media’s coverage of her “surge” in the polls.
“That’s the fake news. There is no ‘surge,’” Trump said. “Where is the ‘surge?’”
On Sunday, a new CBS News poll showed Haley’s support in the Granite State has grown from 11 percent in September to 29 percent today, while Trump’s has slipped from 50 percent to 44 percent. Trump’s lead over Haley is now down to 15 points in New Hampshire, and that has got local Haley supporters using the “S” word. “I think this poll shows the surge, the momentum that started after the first debate,” said former state Rep. Kim Rice. “And it isn’t showing any sign of slowing down.”
Also notable: News of Gov. Chris Sununu’s endorsement of Haley broke on Dec. 12, while the CBS News poll was conducted between Dec. 8-15. That means some of this momentum shift occurred before the Sununu endorsement.
Not that Sununu is holding back his enthusiasm, predicting on ABC News on Sunday that Haley will win the Granite State “in a landslide.”
“It’s an absolute win. No, it’s a win and a reset button,” Sununu told ABC’s Jonathan Karl. “If everyone that could vote in the primary comes out and votes … she’s gonna win in a landslide, and that’s not an exaggeration.” Haley’s campaign is hoping to build on that momentum by announcing 50 new Granite State endorsements. Among them are three former GOP House Speakers: Donna Sytek, Gene Chandler, and Doug Scamman. Also on the list are two former state GOP chairs, Steve Duprey and Wayne Semprini.
“Over the past year, Granite Staters have had a front-row seat to Nikki Haley’s rise, and they love what they’re seeing,” former State Sen. Jim Luther said in a statement. “She’ll revive the middle class, protect our homeland, stand strong against our enemies, and restore our national pride. There’s no doubt that Nikki is campaigning the New Hampshire way, and everyone’s taking notice.”’
Craig Stevens of Bedford served in the George W. Bush administration and worked on the Bush and Mitt Romney campaigns. He is among the Granite Staters who are now backing Haley.
“Ambassador Haley has the experience and temperament Americans need to lead our country,” Stevens said. “She beats President Biden in a walk and finally allows our nation to reset with a new generation of leadership. And at the top of the Republican ticket, she expands the party’s base and helps our candidates down ballot.”
Haley’s not the only candidate picking up endorsements. On Saturday, former state Senate President Chuck Morse appeared on stage at Trump’s campaign rally in Durham to throw his support behind the former president. Morse is also seeking the GOP nomination for governor.
Source: NH Journal
