The final battle for the Republican nomination for President has begun … maybe.
The powerful Americans for Prosperity Action network backed by billionaire Charles Koch announced its support for Nikki Haley last week. Months ago the network said it would not support former President Donald Trump.
“When we announced our decision to engage in our first ever Republican presidential primary, we made it clear that we’d be looking for a candidate who can turn the page on our political dysfunction – and win,” AFP official Emily Seidel told CNN. “It’s clear that candidate is Nikki Haley.”
As the field of GOP candidates diminishes – former Vice President Mike Pence and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott have pulled out – maybe AFP’s endorsement and considerable resources can help Haley emerge as the top challenger to Trump. Although she is moving up in national polls as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stumbles, none of the Trump opponents has yet to show strength with actual voters in a Republican caucus or primary.
Koch-backed group is not alone in seeking an alternative to Trump. Earlier this year David McIntosh, president of the Club for Growth helped launch the Win it Back PAC which wants an alternative to Trump. Whether McIntosh and his related groups will now turn to Haley remains to be seen.
JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon’s “enthusiasm” for Haley could have impact in money circles, Politico reported last week. And Ray Dallo, the founder of the Bridgewater Associates hedge fund said, “a lot of money is already being gathered to put behind the ‘Trump alternative’” and “Nikki Haley is the most likely contender.”
Meanwhile, the Republican Party sponsored debates have shed some candidates. Eight participated in August. Only four have qualified for the December 6 event, excluding Trump who refuses to participate. Besides Haley and DeSantis, the participants include former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Anticipated debates in January may deplete the field further.
A clear top challenger needs to emerge soon. Republican voters will begin choosing a nominee in January – the 15th in Iowa and the 23rd in New Hampshire.
Haley appears to have the clearest path to success. Strong showings in Iowa and New Hampshire would set up a showdown with Trump on February 24th in her home state of South Carolina. If no clear alternative emerges prior to Super Tuesday on March 5th, Trump will likely have the nomination in the bag.
“Nikki Haley represents a new generation of leadership and offers a bold, positive vision for our future,” said Seidel.
Still and all, Haley will be a hard sell in Mississippi where turning pages is problematic.
“The wind blows where it wishes” – John 3:8.
Bill Crawford is a syndicated columnist from Jackson.
