Republican Party lost principles, Haley says

Trump rival notes ideal of small government

Nikki Haley lamented the direction of the Republican Party — contending it has abandoned its core principles of small government and free markets — with rival Donald Trump on the cusp of clinching the nomination.

“I get why Republicans are leaving the Republican Party because we were just always about small government and freedom: economic freedom, personal freedom,” Haley told reporters Friday in Washington. “You don’t see economic freedom coming from Republicans now.”

Haley represents a dying brand of Republicanism focused on lowering government spending and promoting free trade and hawkish foreign policies — philosophies that have largely been abandoned by Trump and his wing of the party. Haley expressed frustration over Trump’s divisive rhetoric, saying it is off-putting to women, minorities and young people the party needs to attract to grow.

Haley said that Republicans have taken too hard a line on abortion and they need to have a more compassionate tone.

“Maybe it’s Republicans’ fault that we’re not communicating something that makes people want to come” to the party, she said.

Haley is making a slew of campaign and fundraising stops across the country ahead of Super Tuesday next week when 15 states will cast ballots. She is scheduled to make stops in North Carolina, Massachusetts and Texas in the coming days.

She raised about $12 million in February, even after losing to Trump in Iowa and New Hampshire, according to her campaign.

Haley has vowed to stay in the race through the Super Tuesday contests.

Haley deflected the idea of pursuing a third-party bid, including under the No Labels centrist ticket, saying she is a Republican.