Collins, Murkowski Endorse Haley Before Super Tuesday
Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have endorsed Nikki Haley for the GOP presidential nomination. Both senators, known for their moderate positions within the party, have previously shown a willingness to break ranks, as demonstrated by their votes to convict former President Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial. Their support for Haley marks a divergence from the majority of the GOP Senate caucus, which has largely backed Trump in his bid for re-election.
Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and ambassador to the United Nations, has positioned herself as an alternative to Trump, asserting that the party needs a fresh candidate to compete in the general election. She has claimed that Trump would be unable to secure a victory against President Joe Biden. The endorsements from Collins and Murkowski arrive as Haley trails behind Trump in the primary race and ahead of Super Tuesday, a significant event in the primary calendar where a large number of delegates are at stake.
Murkowski praised Haley as a leader who upholds Republican ideals and serves as a president for all Americans. Collins echoed this sentiment, highlighting Haley's qualifications and capability to lead during challenging times. Despite these endorsements and her assertion that the next female president will be either herself or Vice President Kamala Harris, Haley has yet to win a primary or caucus. Nonetheless, she remains determined to stay in the race. Collins and Murkowski join Rep. Ralph Norman as the few members of Congress who have publicly backed Haley's presidential bid.
