Donald Trump retains lead in NH, despite a surging Chris Christie
Despite – or perhaps, because of – Donald Trump’s increasing rhetoric against Muslims, the business magnate strengthened his lead in the Republican presidential primary in New Hampshire, according to a WBUR poll.
Trump garnered 27 percent of the vote among likely Republican primary voters, a small boost over his 23 percent support in mid-November. Given the many candidates in the presidential race, Trump’s percentage of the vote was by far the most for any one candidate.
Trump’s statement that he would not allow Muslims into the U.S., which came halfway through the polling, does not seem to have hurt him. Indeed, on Thursday he received an endorsement in New Hampshire from the New England Police Benevolent Association, a union that represents police and corrections officers.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, fresh off an endorsement from the New Hampshire Union Leader, surged from 6 percent to 12 percent support in the poll, good for second place.
Ben Carson, who had been in second in the poll from last month, fell from second place last month to also-ran status, supported by just 6 percent of voters.
Of course, we’re still a ways away from the primaries and election itself. The Washington Post notes that at this point four years ago, Newt Gingrich led the Republican field nationally by 12 points.
Gallery: Protesters greet Donald Trump in New Hampshire
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