‘None of These Candidates’ Beats Nikki Haley in the Nevada Primary

Paresh Jadhav

11 months ago

Nevada voters participated in a state-run presidential preference primary on Tuesday. Each ballot included an option to select “none of these candidates.”

Trump’s choice seems to have dealt former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley a severe blow in her campaign for the Republican nomination, though its impact remains mostly symbolic since Trump will not compete for any delegates at Thursday’s Republican caucuses.

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voters selected “none of these candidates”

As expected, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley was soundly defeated in Nevada’s Republican primary Tuesday as voters overwhelming selected “none of these candidates” on their ballots. Haley’s defeat will likely come as an embarrassment; she had sought to position herself as an effective challenger to Donald Trump; yet is expected to do well at Thursday’s competing caucuses which award delegates.

At polling places across Hilton Head and elsewhere, several Republicans interviewed said they planned on voting for Haley in the Republican primary; however, many disagreed with her attacks on Trump and Biden’s age. Anna Memmo, 61 and an occasional visitor to Hilton Head for 25 years said she has strong positive feelings towards Haley but wasn’t sure who she would support this time around. Age was only one factor she considered when choosing who to vote for – instead voting for Trump instead.

Former President Joe Biden Wins in Nevada’s Democratic Primary

CNN estimates that former President Joe Biden handily won Nevada’s Democratic primary, CNN reports. Biden earned majorities of votes in seven counties statewide including Clark County where most voters reside. Marianne Williamson came in second place while other lesser-known contenders also ran against her.

Nevada held its inaugural primary since a new state law mandated switching away from caucuses to primary elections on Tuesday, but results won’t impact delegate allocations in Thursday’s party-run caucuses that will determine who becomes president nominee.

Biden won almost 91% of votes counted when the Associated Press called his race, essentially without any serious competition from leftist candidates after Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota dropped out, against a backdrop of discontent over Trump and the economy. Biden’s victory in Nevada gives him 36 delegates, giving him another step closer to another potential 2020 matchup with Trump, though not enough delegates yet exist for that to become reality.

President Donald Trump Wins in Nevada’s Republican Primary

Nikki Haley suffered an embarrassing defeat in Nevada’s state-run Republican primary on Tuesday, finishing far behind an option titled “none of these candidates”. She’s expected to fare much better Thursday at her only countable caucuses race for nomination of her party.

Voters participated in a non-stakes election that awarded no delegates, selecting their candidate of choice while also having the option to write in an alternative name. This result was a blow for former U.N. ambassador, who had opposed this contest and claimed top Nevada Republicans favor Trump over her.

Many voters viewed the contest as a ballot box protest against Ms. Haley and the state party, including Gov. Joe Lombardo who encouraged voters to select “none of these candidates” option to deny her campaign victory and give Donald Trump an uncontested win in caucuses two days later. Though that idea was rejected, Mr. Trump took defeat well, taunting Ms. Haley again on social media after suffering his loss.

Former Governor Brian Sandoval Wins in Nevada’s Democratic Primary

Sandoval’s famous discipline can be seen in his work ethic. According to his staffers, his staffers describe him as an extremely organized individual who engages directly with those attending public comment periods before assigning them a representative in his administration to address their concern.

Though Republicans tend to oppose Obamacare, despite party orthodoxy opposing Obamacare this Republican governor has created and led NGA Global as a platform to connect state leaders from around the world to address global challenges such as energy, health care and transportation. He serves on the Western Governors Association board as well as leading Education Commission of States.

Some voters remain dismayed at Sandoval’s support of Obamacare, while others see it as evidence of his pragmatic approach and attempt to reach across political lines. He promises to serve his nation, and plans on initiating an educational program at UNLV to train future state lawmakers – while remaining chairman of the National Governors Association (NGA).