New Hampshire Democrats Grapple with Primary Ballot Controversy as Biden's Name Looms Absent

A palpable sense of urgency and concern filled a recent New Hampshire Democratic Party town hall, where prominent figures expressed profound worry over the potential absence of President Joe Biden's name from the state's upcoming presidential primary ballot. This looming controversy stems directly from the Democratic National Committee's (DNC) decision to strip New Hampshire of its cherished first-in-the-nation primary status, a move that has ignited frustration and a fierce debate within the party.

The heart of the issue lies in New Hampshire state law, which mandates that the state hold the nation's first presidential primary, typically set eight days before any other similar contest.

The DNC, under the leadership of President Biden, reorganized its primary calendar, positioning South Carolina as the inaugural state and pushing New Hampshire later in the schedule. However, New Hampshire's statute prevents the state from complying with the DNC's new timeline, leading to an unavoidable clash.

During the town hall, a unified chorus of Democratic leaders voiced their apprehension.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a long-serving and respected voice in New Hampshire politics, articulated the shared sentiment, stating, "This is a problem for us and for the Democratic Party." Her words underscored the deep-seated concern that alienating New Hampshire voters could have detrimental effects on party unity and enthusiasm, especially heading into a critical election year.

Adding to the weight of the discussion, Congresswoman Annie Kuster highlighted the potential for a significant logistical challenge.

Should President Biden not file for the New Hampshire primary, his name would only appear on the ballot if a write-in campaign were successfully mounted. Kuster emphasized the immense difficulty and resources required for such an endeavor, noting the extensive organization needed to ensure a competitive write-in count.

This scenario, she warned, could inadvertently siphon energy and resources away from efforts to rally support for Biden's general election campaign.

Further complicating matters, the state's ballot access process requires candidates to personally file their paperwork. This requirement means that if President Biden adheres to the DNC's wishes and does not participate in New Hampshire's unsanctioned primary, he would not file, and his name would not be printed on the ballot.

This stark reality has left many New Hampshire Democrats feeling caught between a rock and a hard place: upholding state law while also demonstrating loyalty to their party's national leadership.

DNC Vice Chair, Senator James Clyburn of South Carolina, offered a different perspective during an appearance on WCVB's 'On The Record.' While acknowledging the historical significance of New Hampshire's primary, Clyburn asserted the DNC's prerogative to set its primary calendar.

He reiterated the importance of adhering to party rules and suggested that the dispute over the primary order should not overshadow the broader goal of re-electing President Biden.

Despite the DNC's stance, the prevailing sentiment among New Hampshire Democrats remains one of frustration and a steadfast commitment to their state's electoral traditions.

The town hall served as a platform for these leaders to express their dedication to ensuring that New Hampshire voters have their voices heard, regardless of the national party's directives. The challenge now lies in navigating this complex political landscape, balancing state autonomy with national party unity, all while keeping a watchful eye on President Biden's potential path to the primary ballot.