GOP debate: Nikki Haley’s sobering message to Gen Z on retirement age
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley discussed her plans for Social Security during the final debate before the Iowa caucuses begin.
MANCHESTER, N.H. – With less than two weeks until the New Hampshire primary, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley’s momentum in the pivotal state may be slowing down, according to a new poll.
The survey, published by the Saint Anselm College Survey Center Thursday and conducted between Jan. 8 and Jan. 9, found 31% of likely Republican primary voters would support Haley, compared to 45% who would back former President Donald Trump. That’s a mere one-point increase for each candidate since the same poll was conducted in December.
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Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who dropped out of the race Wednesday, trailed behind in a distant third place at 9%. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy each tallied 6% support.
Haley’s has seen rocketing support in the Granite State in recent months, bolstered by her strong debate performances and endorsements, including from popular New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu. But the new survey throws into question how much ground the former United Nations ambassador can make up in her bid to topple Trump in the final days before the state’s Jan. 23 primary.
“After a remarkable climb through the summer and fall, former Ambassador Nikki Haley seems to have leveled off and remains somewhat short of catching former President Donald Trump,” said Neil Levesque, executive director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at the college.
Of course, Christie’s unexpected exit from the race could provide hope for the Haley campaign. For months, polls have shown the two candidates splitting the moderate and anti-Trump votes in the state. Haley now has the chance to consolidate those supporters.
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“Haley wins voters that dislike Trump, while DeSantis and Ramaswamy appeal to voters that like the former president. 78% of Haley supporters and 100% of Christie supporters have an unfavorable impression of Trump,” Levesque said. “As a result, Christie supporters looking for a new candidate will likely find more common ground with Haley.”’
The poll is based on online survey responses from 1,194 likely New Hampshire Republican primary voters and has a margin of error of +/- 2.8%.
Two polls published earlier this week painted differing portraits of the status of the first-in-the-nation primary. A CNN and University of New Hampshire survey showed Trump with 39% support and Haley with 32% support. And a USA TODAY/Boston Globe/Suffolk University poll found Trump leading Haley 46%-26%.
The common thread: Trump is leading, and Haley has ground to make up.
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
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An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
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McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
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New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
WILTON, N.H. (WHDH) – A woman died in a Wilton, New Hampshire, house fire Wednesday morning, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:08 a.m., Wilton firefighters responded to Burns Hill Road after a caller said their home was filling up with smoke. When they arrived, a single-family home was on fire and they found out two people were still inside on the second floor.
A man and a woman were both taken out of the house by firefighters and taken to Elliott Hospital. The woman was pronounced dead and the man is in serious condition.
Officials have not released the name of the victim at this time.
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At this time, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and are trying to determine if a power outage in the area played a factor. The fire is not currently considered suspicious.
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