Two crucial states in the primary process won’t be eliminating their GOP nomination contests.
In a series of Associated Press interviews published on Wednesday, Iowa and New Hampshire’s Republican Party chairmen promised they wouldn’t call off their caucuses and primaries, unlike their counterparts in four other states.
Iowa National Committeeman Steve Scheffler told the AP that upholding the state’s caucuses was “never even up for discussion.”
“We’re not going to shut the door on anyone and say, ‘You’re not welcome,'” he said.
Steve Duprey, GOP national committeeman of New Hampshire, agreed.
“Under no circumstances will the New Hampshire primary ever be canceled, whether there’s token opposition or a serious contest,” Duprey told the AP.
Over the weekend, South Carolina, Nevada, Arizona and Kansas’ Republican Parties announced that they wouldn’t hold their primaries or caucuses, effectively protecting President Donald Trump from any Republican challengers.
Trump applauded the four states on Monday for the move, saying that they “don’t want to waste their money” because his GOP rivals are a “total joke.”
“If there was a race, they would certainly want to do that, but [the challengers] are considered to be a laughing stock,” Trump told reporters.
Former congressmen Joe Walsh (R-IL) and Mark Sanford (R-SC), along with former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld (R), have launched primary bids against Trump.
Trump: The four states that canceled the GOP primaries "don't want to waste their money" pic.twitter.com/8To8cWtf4b
— TPM Livewire (@TPMLiveWire) September 11, 2019
I have to admit I’m confused by the states cancelling their primaries. Aren’t there down-ballot races that need to be voted on? If they’re still voting on those, then aren’t they only cancelling the presidential primaries. It may be semantics, but I haven’t seen an article yet that makes it clear.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful optics if trump started the official election season by losing within his own party? Even though he would eventually still have the delegates for a coronation, the news value would be delicious.
You’d think Little Donnie would relish the opportunity to crush the likes of Joe Walsh and Bill Weld. Instead he’s afraid of them. Not strong!
Brave, brave Sir Donald.
Who nearly fought the Dragon of Angnor.
Who nearly stood up to the vicious Chicken of Bristol.
And who personally wet himself at the Battle of Badon Hill.
(“He’s buggered off! He’s scarpered!”)
It would make the other states’ cancelling of their primaries look even more like the Republican primary and nomination processes for 2020 are … what’s that word? Oh, yeah - RIGGED!