Scott Walker’s got some work to do in New Hampshire.
The Wisconsin governor stops in the nation’s first primary state Thursday as part of his week-long announcement tour. And though he leads most polls in Iowa, activists question whether he’s showering enough attention on New Hampshire.
WMUR’s John DiStaso points out that five candidates are due to visit the state Thursday. He finds this will be New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s 11th visit and 21st day there this year. In addition, businessman Donald Trump is coming for the eighth time, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., is due to come by, and Democrat Hillary Clinton is making her fifth trip since April.
Walker’s visit will be his fourth. He’s been running third in most statewide polls, behind Trump and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.
“That is one more day than Marco Rubio has spent in New Hampshire, but to some, especially operatives with opposing campaigns, this means Walker is dissing New Hampshire in favor of Iowa,” DiStaso writes. “Not only hasn’t he been here often, they say, but when he does come in, he doesn’t stay very long.”
He notes that Walker will hold two events Thursday, then go to Boston for a fundraiser. Then on to a three-day swing through Iowa.
“The Walker campaign did not respond to a request for comment. But a Walker supporter pointed out that Walker will return to New Hampshire again on July 25 and 26. And, sources told New Hampshire Primary Source, plans call for two more visits in August, one for two days and another for three,” DiStaso notes.
David Lightman: 202-383-6101, @lightmandavid