Staff Reports
The Nevada presidential primary is heating up, and both Democrats and Republicans are gearing up for some fierce competition. However, in true political fashion, there’s a twist in the GOP nominating process that has left many scratching their heads.
Why Nikki Haley and Joe Biden are on the ballot on Tuesday, but Donald Trump isn't https://t.co/NpFUi0QxrR https://t.co/NpFUi0QxrR
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) February 6, 2024
On the Republican side, only former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley remains in the race, with Sen. Tim Scott and former Vice President Mike Pence suspended. The big elephant in the room, former President Donald Trump, won’t be gracing the ballots, much to the dismay of his fervent supporters.
But fear not, Trump enthusiasts! The man himself, along with other GOP heavyweights like Gov. Ron DeSantis, will be duking it out in the GOP caucuses. The Nevada Republican Party, despite the state switching to government-run primaries, has decided to hold the caucuses separately, citing security and voter engagement as their noble reasons.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. The Nevada GOP has laid down the law, stating that only candidates who partake in their caucuses will be eligible for the party’s 26 delegates. Candidates on the Republican primary ballot, on the other hand, will be left out in the political cold.
So, while Nikki Haley may enjoy a nominal victory on Tuesday, only Trump’s triumph in the caucuses will hold any real weight at the Republican National Convention. The Nevada GOP ominously declared, “Simply put, candidates who participate in an illegitimate process cannot expect to earn legitimate delegates.”
To make matters worse for Haley, there’s the option for voters to select “none of these candidates” on Tuesday, and the polling suggests that this could spell trouble for her. A whopping 59.2% of Nevada Republican primary voters may opt for this cheeky choice, leaving poor Nikki in a bit of a pickle.
But fear not, Haley fans! If she does manage to eke out a win in Nevada, without actually securing any delegates, she plans to use the momentum to power through to her home state of South Carolina for the primary there.
As for the Democrats, President Joe Biden is facing off against Marianne Williamson in the primary. With over 95,000 ballots cast, the competition is fierce, and the stakes are high. Biden snagged 55 delegates thanks to his South Carolina triumph, but he’ll need to stay on his toes to maintain his lead.
So, buckle up, folks! The Nevada presidential primary is shaping up to be a wild ride, and only time will tell who will come out on top in this thrilling political showdown!
