Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., a supporter of Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley, told Newsmax on Monday there's nothing surprising about the lack of big-name endorsements for the former South Carolina governor.
"I expected this, to be honest with you," Norman said on "Newsline." "One, she's going against the establishment. She did that when she first came into office in 2005. Secondly, look at a lot of them running for office ... they want [former President Donald] Trump's blessing. And they're scared of what he may or may not say."
Norman pointed out that in 2016, "Jeb Bush had seven big name supporters. [Sen.] Marco Rubio [R-Fla.] had six big-name endorsements and supporters.
"How many [does] Donald Trump have? One lieutenant governor that's now the governor, South Carolina Henry McMaster. So this is not surprising. I didn't expect her to have a lineup of people who came out for because that's just not how it works. There is 'what have you done for me lately,' but that's the straight-up reason."
Norman said Haley is in the race to win.
"I feel very good about what Nikki will do in New Hampshire," he said. "And … this is still very, very early for those saying she may or may not drop out. I don't care what it is. She's not gonna drop out."
At one stop in New Hampshire on Monday, Haley urged supporters not to give up, WRDW.com reported.
"America does not do coronations," she said in Franklin, the outlet reported. "Let's show all of the media class and the political class that we've got a different plan in mind, and let's show the country what we can do."
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