Kasich in NH and the rise of the “establishment” candidate

In Iowa, we usually see a social conservative take the cake at the Iowa caucuses. In 2008 we had Gov. Mike Huckabee. In 2012 we had Sen. Rick Santorum. in 2016 we had Sen. Ted Cruz.

The three of these candidates represent the far right side of the Republican party. This year, more than those in the past, it appears American voters are hoping to stray away from the establishment and hedge more bets behind the “outsiders” in the race. (Mr. Donald Trump, Dr. Ben Carson, and Sen. Ted Cruz — who is an outsider, according to him, because he is so ‘disliked’ in Congress.)

However, for those who consider themselves a little more moderate Republican and relate a little more to establishment candidates, like me, we can look forward to seeing what happens with our establishment candidates in New Hampshire.

Today is the New Hampshire primary, and polls predict that Mr. Trump will come out on top, with Gov. John Kasich pulling in as runner-up. Kasich is often considered the most liberal of the 2016 Republican candidates.

Although Kasich is looking to be the top establishment contender in New Hampshire, we’re also seeing polls show that Gov. Jeb Bush and Gov. Chris Christie are doing much better than they had been in Iowa.

New Hampshire’s primary could signal the shining moment for whichever establishment candidate will make a name for themselves and hopefully take steps closer to the nomination.

However, a disappointing showing for either Gov. Kasich, Gov. Bush, or Gov. Christie could be fatal for their campaign.

For the establishment candidates that do less than expected today in the primary, we might have to be prepared to say goodbye!