A lot has changed in the Republican presidential primary. First, former Vice President Mike Pence dropped out.
Former Vice President: This is not my time.
Second, Donald Trump maintains a 27 point lead in Iowa, but former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley shot up 10 points and is now tied for second with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis according to an NBC News/Des Moines register poll.
The Democratic party took notice of Haley’s rise.
As she officially filed for the South Carolina Republican primary, the DNC war room sent out a memo that described her governorship as a quote ”model for the MAGA Agenda”.
Third – South Carolina Senator Tim Scott became the fifth candidate to qualify for the third primary debate on November 8th in Miami. Earning a spot on that stage is very important to donors and a strong performance can help with polls.
Pence had not qualified, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum hasn’t either, so some expect the field will narrow even further over the next week or two.
Former NJ Gov. Chris Christie: “I think the field will consolidate, but it’s not my place to tell people when to get out.”
Christie, Scott, Haley, Desantis and pharmaceutical executive Vivek Ramaswamy all met the threshold to participate.
Candidates need at least 70,000 unique donors and four percent support in two polls to earn a spot on the stage.
Former President Donald Trump is not expected to be there. Straight from DC, I’m Ray Bogan.