Nikki Haley muscles up for 2012

With noted smackdowns of two top GOP 2012 contenders, a high-profile presence at the May 5 Fox News debate and a schedule heavy with cable news show appearances, the first-term Republican governor is signaling her intent to use South Carolina’s key early presidential primary to claim a place on the national stage.

Haley’s recent muscle-flexing came at the expense of Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney, both of whom are still licking their wounds after her frank—and non-constructive—criticism of them.

Asked by CNN about Gingrich’s controversial critique of Rep.Paul Ryan’s (R-Wis.) Medicare reform plan, Haley piled onto the former House Speaker by saying she was “terribly disappointed” with his remarks.

“What he said was absolutely unfortunate,” Haley asserted. “Here you’ve got Rep. Ryan trying to bring common sense to this world of insanity, and Newt absolutely cut him off at the knees.”

“When you have a conservative fighting for real change,” she added, “the last thing we need is a presidential candidate cutting him off at the knees.”

Nikki reminds me a little of Chris Christy. But without the weight :) She's very outspoken. Call 'em as she see 'em. Very refreshing.

Nikki Haley Ping

South Carolina Governor

Send FReepmail to join or leave this list.

She signed the South Carolina voter ID bill into law today.

She signed the South Carolina voter ID bill into law today.

According to Democrat strategist Donna Brazile, these ID laws are a Republican attempt to "disenfranchise" voters who are ignorant, uneducated, homeless, demented, have a criminal background, and live in the country illegally. You know - - the Democrat party "base".

Nikki Haley was a Legislator here in SC for 6 years when she ran for Governor. She was one of the earliest champions of the Tea Party, and a tireless crusader (along with my State Rep. Nathan Ballentine) for reform in how the Legislature did business. Because she tried to stop the “Good ‘ole Boy” crap, she and Nathan lost committee assignments and privileges — and this was a supposed REPUBLICAN Legislature! (Crooked is crooked).

I campaigned for an supported Nikki, and I’m very happy she won. Since she entered office in January, she’s only had one “stumble” (in my view)which was in losing a great deal to lure Amazon.com to our part of the State by supporting sales tax exemptions to them for a 5 year period. She said she “wouldn’t support it, but she wouldn’t sign it either,” which meant if the Legislature passed it, the bill would become law automatically after a given amount of time... The measure failed, and over 1250 jobs were lost — Amazon went to Indiana instead. BUT, Nikki has been spectacular on almost every other issue.

Having said that, I have to note that she has only been governor of South Carolina for less than 6 months. She has clearly stated that she is not looking to be on the 2012 national ticket — and that’s VERY wise. She is just 39 years old, she has a good political instinct, but she NEEDS to prove herself her as the CEO of SC before she goes national. Perhaps in 2016, or 2020. But in 2012, she belongs to SC, and she belongs IN SC.... Although I can see her keynoting the Republican Convention next year :-) Yes, that would be QUITE fitting....

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.