Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) warned Wednesday that Republicans shouldn’t write off former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld (R) in next year’s GOP presidential primary.
“New Hampshire’s been a state that has long upended expectations and where incumbent presidents have faced down challenges before,” Pappas told Hill.TV.
He cited conservative commentator Pat Buchanan, who challenged then-President George H.W. Bush in the 1992 primary. Buchanan captured 37 percent of the GOP vote, with Bush taking 53 percent.
“That certainly put a dent in Bush’s support nationally,” Pappas said. “So I wouldn’t write off someone like Bill Weld.”
Pappas estimated that about 40 to 45 percent of voters in the state identify as independent, and that both Democratic and Republican candidates have the potential to appeal to them.
“They pick and choose based on the individuals, not based on party affiliation,” Pappas said.
Weld, who was the Libertarian Party’s 2016 vice presidential candidate, launched his primary challenge against President Trump last month.
“There is no greater cause on earth than to preserve what truly makes America great. I am ready to lead that fight,” Weld said in a statement announcing his candidacy.
But the former governor faces nearly impossible odds of winning the GOP nomination. According to a recent CNN poll, Trump’s approval rating is at its highest level in two years, with support from 46 percent of independents and 86 percent of Republicans.
—Tess Bonn
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