Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley is facing significant challenges in South Carolina, not just due to her competition with ex-President Donald Trump but also because of her estrangement from the state’s conservative base. Politico has revealed insights from over a dozen state GOP figures who feel neglected by Haley since her tenure as governor.
A telling incident occurred when a Haley campaign staff member inquired about local GOP events through a late email in December, raising eyebrows among state party officials already liaising with other campaigns. Critics argue that Haley has lost touch with the grassroots movements and local party activities that were crucial during her governance, focusing instead on a broader national presence through various engagements away from South Carolina’s political scene.
Despite her historical ties with the state’s Tea Party movement and a governorship marked by conservative achievements, Haley’s re-engagement with South Carolina’s Republicans seems belated and lacking the earlier warmth. Her absence has allowed Trump to solidify his rapport with the state’s voters, leaving Haley trailing significantly in polls.
Now, as Haley returns to campaign for the upcoming primary, she confronts the daunting task of rebuilding connections and rallying support in a state where she once held significant sway. Her strategy involves uniting a diverse group of voters, differing markedly from the coalition that originally propelled her into the governor’s office. Critics within the state, like former Greenville GOP chair Nate Leupp, express disappointment over her perceived neglect of the core supporters who were pivotal to her past successes.
