'I'm Never Nikki': Sen. Rand Paul Issues Anti-Endorsement Of Nikki Haley

In a video announcement as unique as the libertarian-minded legislator making it, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on Friday delivered his anti-endorsement of Nikki Haley for president.

Paul declined to endorse a specific alternative to the former South Carolina governor, saying that he appreciates qualities in former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and even Democrat-turned-independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Im not yet ready to make a decision, but I am ready to make a decision on someone who I cannot support, he said in the video, which was posted  to social media. So Im announcing this morning that Im never Nikki.

He has created a website, NeverNikki.net , where conservatives and libertarians can learn more about what he dislikes in Haleys record.

Paul said he objects to her hawkish foreign policy views, her lucrative post-government work for Boeing and other entities, and her suggestion that she would support banning anonymity on social media to crack down on foreign meddling in U.S. culture and politics.

I dont think any informed or knowledgeable libertarian or conservative should support Nikki Haley, he said. Ive seen her attitude towards our interventions overseas. Ive seen her involvement in the military-industrial complex, $8 million being paid to become part of the team. But Ive also seen her indicate that she thinks you should be registered to use the internet.

He added: I think she fails to understand that our republic was founded upon people like Ben Franklin, Sam Adams, [James] Madison, John Jay and others who posted routinely for fear of the government they posted routinely anonymously.

Paul ran for president in the 2016 cycle, dropping out after a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses.

Long a hero to small-government ideologues, its unclear what kind of sway Pauls words will have among Republican voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, and other early caucus and primary states. 

But Pauls skepticism of U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts has purchase beyond the GOPs smaller libertarian contingent. Trumps base of MAGA supporters are also wary of dedicating resources overseas that could be better spent shoring up U.S. border security. Thats part of why a sizable number of House Republicans have tried to hold up U.S. military aid to Ukraine as it seeks to repel a Russian invasion.

In Iowa, where caucusgoers will select their choice for the GOP nomination Monday, Trump is the runaway polling leader , but Haley and DeSantis are in a close race for second place. In New Hampshire , Haley has been ascendant, narrowing the gap with Trump, who remains the leader.