Rand Paul Launches ‘Never Nikki’ Campaign Days Ahead of Iowa, Says He’s Impressed By RFK Jr. And Ramaswamy
Photo by Michael Brochstein/Sipa US via AP Images
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tore into GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley on Friday and launched a “Never Nikki” campaign just days before the GOP Iowa Caucus.
The libertarian lawmaker also praised her opponents including former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Paul had teased an announcement the day prior, leading to speculation he would finally endorse a candidate in the Republican primary. However, Paul instead decided he would do everything he could to bring down Haley.
I’ve been watching the GOP Primary closely for a while now, and I like various aspects of several candidates – Republicans like President @realDonaldTrump, Governor @RonDeSantis, and @VivekGRamaswamy.
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) January 12, 2024
“I have been watching the GOP Primary closely for a while now, and I like various aspects of several candidates,” Paul said in a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. “As I look over the field, I don’t think I yet have a first choice, but I do know one thing: count me in as Never Nikki.”
He added, “Based on her record and campaign, I don’t see how any thoughtful or informed libertarian or conservative should vote for Nikki Haley. If you agree, let your voice be heard.” Paul’s attack on Haley included a freshly launched website where he urges supporters to give him their contact information in order to stand with him against Haley.
Paul also attacked Haley over her foreign policy, claiming she has a “thirst for war” while receiving “millions of dollars from the arms merchants who benefit from the war, a conflict of interest that undergirds her eagerness for foreign military intervention.”
Monday’s Iowa Caucuses will be a critical test for Haley’s candidacy as she seeks to upstage DeSantis with at least a second place finish, giving her a bump of energy headed into the New Hampshire primary later this month.
Although he did not officially endorse a specific candidate, Paul has in the past supported Trump in 2016 and endorsed him in his 2020 reelection bid. The former president maintains nearly 20 endorsements from Republican U.S. senators, according to The Hill.
