The recent decision by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to alter the primary schedule has proven controversial with New Hampshire political leaders. The change revokes the state’s long-standing first-in-the-nation primary status.
On Saturday, DNC members voted to change the order of early voting states, making South Carolina the first and Nevada and New Hampshire second. This move was largely influenced by Joe Biden, who urged the DNC to make the changes following the chaos that erupted during the 2020 Iowa Democratic caucus.
Democrats decide to shake up start of 2024 presidential primary | Washington Examiner https://t.co/Y3N8eD30p0
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The entire New Hampshire congressional delegation, including both Democratic senators and representatives, released a joint statement condemning the DNC’s decision. In their statement, the politicians claimed that the DNC lacked the authority to remove the state’s status as the first primary election and promised to fight to protect the primary.
They emphasized that New Hampshire’s primary was established by voters and not any party committee and added value to the nominating process.
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu (R) also responded to the DNC vote, declaring that New Hampshire will go first in 2024 regardless of the DNC’s decision. This sentiment was echoed by Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), who tweeted that the DNC’s proposal was “deeply misguided.”
Iowa political leaders have also been vocal in opposing Biden and the DNC’s schedule changes since they were first proposed. Republicans have voted to keep their party’s schedule intact. At the same time, Biden and his allies argue that Iowa and New Hampshire lack the “diversity” to play such a critical role in determining the Democratic Party’s nominee. The Iowa Democratic Party (IDP)proposed changes to its caucus system to keep its first-in-the-nation status, but the DNC rejected that effort.
In a statement, IDP Chairman Ross Wilburn explained that Iowa would not be able to conduct a state-run primary and that the state law requires a caucus before the last Tuesday in February. The IDP will submit its delegate selection plan to the Rules and Bylaws Committee early next year and address compliance with DNC rules in subsequent meetings and hearings.
For a change, Republicans are poised to enjoy watching from the sidelines as their political opponents fight among themselves.
