A coalition of 12 notable conservative figures has issued a public letter urging Nikki Haley, former U.N. ambassador, to end her presidential campaign. Among the signatories are influential personalities, including a former governor and U.S. attorney general.
Haley persists as the final Republican contender against former President Donald Trump in his bid for a second, non-consecutive term. Despite calls to withdraw, Haley remains steadfast in her campaign efforts and continues fundraising activities. However, the conservative coalition believes her persistence may unintentionally harm the party’s chances.
The letter to Haley is direct in its message: her path to securing the Republican nomination is no longer viable. With commendations for her spirited campaign acknowledged, the group firmly states, “We applaud your efforts, but your candidacy is over.”
Signatories include Jim Gilmore, the former Governor of Virginia; Bob McEwen, former representative of Ohio; alongside other notable figures such as Ken Blackwell, Morton Blackwell, Brent Bozell, Dr. Shea Bradley-Farrell, Jenny Beth Martin, Myron Ebell, Richard Viguerie, Craig Shirley, R. Emmett Tyrrell, and former U.S. Attorney General Ed Meese.
The letter references the 1964 election, drawing parallels between Haley’s continued run and Nelson Rockefeller’s prolonged candidature against Sen. Barry Goldwater. It emphasizes the potential for damage to personal reputation and the party’s cohesion if a nominating contest is extended beyond a feasible point.
Additionally, the group criticizes Haley’s approach to critique Trump, suggesting it diminishes the Republican Party’s overall electoral strength looking toward the November elections.
The letter’s closing remarks appear to offer a conciliatory path, encouraging Haley to support Donald Trump in hopes of party unity and future endeavors: “Please withdraw from the race now, endorse Donald Trump, and another year will beckon. This action by you would [be] the better part of valor.”
In contrast, Haley has expressed a belief that her campaign serves to fortify the party by welcoming new members and offering a different approach than Trump’s. In response to this letter, The Washington Examiner reached out to Haley’s campaign, albeit without immediate comment.
