In a poignant reflection of the political climate, New Hampshire’s presidential primary filing period began with various candidates, some overtly critical of current President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. As the tradition goes, candidates rushed to file paperwork, hoping to gain an early edge and potential media spotlight.
The commencement of the filing period had its quirks. Mark Stewart Greenstein, an early bird from West Hartford, Connecticut, stood out as he paid a part of his $1,000 filing fee using $2 bills. Greenstein, candidly opposing Joe Biden, said, “This is a choice for no Joe Biden,” emphasizing the need for Democrats to show dissatisfaction with their front-runner. He further added, “I’m a voter who is dissatisfied.”
On the Republican side, John Anthony Castro, a staunch Trump critic, filed legal claims asserting the 14th Amendment should prevent Trump from being on the ballot. Castro’s arguments revolve around the infamous Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He expressed his primary mission: “I’m not going to lie and pretend my candidacy is anything more than trying to enforce the United States Constitution.”
The filing witnessed its fair share of nationally recognized candidates. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson was one of the first to register. Taking a jibe at Sen. Mitt Romney’s gathering in Utah, Hutchinson stated, “We should not allow mega-donors to narrow this field… It should be the voters that’s going to make that determination.”
New Hampshire’s tenacity to maintain its primary status defies the Democratic National Committee’s new calendar. Interestingly, the DNC now desires South Carolina to initiate the voting process. The move was made following President Joe Biden’s push to amplify the voice of Black and other minority voters.
Secretary of State David Scanlan, who recently took the baton from Bill Gardner after the latter’s retirement, is eager to welcome the new pool of candidates. While Scanlan acknowledges his predecessor’s unique style, he quipped about needing to have history lessons in store for the candidates.
As the political battleground of New Hampshire sets the stage for the forthcoming presidential race, it remains fascinating to observe the blend of traditions, controversies, and distinct characters that form the fabric of American democracy. Whether it’s a candidate paying in $2 bills or another challenging the very foundation of the Constitution, the New Hampshire primaries promise intrigue, excitement, and suspense in the journey to the White House.
