These are dire times in U.S. politics, as autocracy threatens with Trump poised for another run for the presidency. With the nation’s eye trained on the NH primary, independents, at 40% the state’s largest group of voters, are uniquely empowered. We can stand up and set the tone for the rest of the country to help avoid another catastrophic Trump candidacy. Registered Republicans only represent 30% of the NH electorate, so if independents act as a group, our voice will definitely be heard. The initiative “Independents for Nikki” is mobilizing independent voters to help her win the Republican primary in NH.

If successful, this will carry a critically important message for the rest of the country, boosting her as a viable candidate and challenging the apparent fait accompli of Trump becoming the nominee. As an independent, regardless of how you will ultimately vote in the presidential election, I ask you to take a Republican ballot and vote for Nikki Haley. She is not only the Republican candidate with the best chances of competing against Trump, but also an experienced, rational, and civil politician who will embody a return to a “pre-Trump” era of political discourse. That cannot be said of Ron DeSantis. Your vote for Nikki Haley, and against Trump, will be meaningful. It can clearly move the needle. Given what is at stake for our country, this may be one of the most consequential primary votes any of us Granite State independents have the privilege to take.

Klaus Lindpaintner

Concord