'Better option' Nikki Haley secures endorsement from top New Hampshire newspaper: report

Two days ahead of the Republican primary in New Hampshire, Union Leader – a leading newspaper based in Manchester — announced its support of Nikki Haley, Politico reports.

"She is easily the most qualified candidate on either ballot," editors wrote. "Nikki Haley is an accountant by career and training. Nikki Haley is a mother. Nikki Haley is a military spouse. Nikki Haley is the child of immigrants. Nikki Haley has experience as a successful governor and a diplomat."

Despite the fact ex-President Donald Trump beat Haley in Iowa, and currently polling ahead of her in New Hampshire according to Politico, Union Leader emphasized, "New Hampshire can prove that the independent-minded voters of the Granite State will not be told the election is a done deal. New Hampshire can prove that nothing is inevitable and send Nikki Haley home to South Carolina with a head of steam."

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In a Sunday report from The Guardian, Adam Gabbatt and David Smith note that Milford, New Hampshire resident and GOP voter Melinda Tourangeau said she was "reluctantly forced to vote for" the former president. "I had to leave my morals at the door," she said. This time around, Tourangeau plans to vote for Haley.

"She has gone all over the state to meet people, and when she meets you, and when you meet her, you feel raised, you feel like you’re a better person after you've met her," she told Politico. "And her platform is brilliant – clear, concise, cogent – and she intends to do everything she says. She's the right candidate."

Gabbatt and Smith report:

For half the century, no candidate who won both Iowa and New Hampshire has failed to secure their party's presidential nomination. Victory for Trump here would probably seal the deal and set up a rematch with Democrat Joe Biden in November.

But if Iowa played to Trump's strengths among evangelical Christians and rural conservatives, New Hampshire is a different proposition. Its voters pride themselves on an independent streak – the state motto is 'Live free or die' – and are generally wealthier, more educated and less religious. Both states are about 90% white.

In its endorsement, Union Leader added, "If you can select a Republican ballot on Tuesday. We urge you to select Nikki Haley as your next president. New Hampshire is ready for a change. America is ready for a change. The world is ready for a change. We want a better option than we have had for the past eight years, and Nikki Haley is that option.”

READ MORE: Why the 'biggest consequence' of Iowa primary isn't in Iowa

Politico's full report is here. The Guardian's report is here (subscription required).