A presidential primary filing period marked by lights, cameras and (in)action has come to a close at the New Hampshire secretary of state’s office.
Two weeks before he dropped out, former Vice President Mike Pence was the only candidate to have his own studio lights shining on him as he signed up for the yet-to-be-scheduled Republican contest next year.
Former President Donald Trump’s staff ripped up tape from the carpet that reserved spots for local journalists and put his campaign photographer up front instead.
President Joe Biden skipped signing up altogether, in deference to changes that the Democratic National Committee is making to the nominating calendar.
It’s just a primary, and he’s the incumbent. All it takes to get on the NH ballot is a $1k fee by the deadline. Getting your name on the ballot means fuck-all.
Edit for full disclosure: there’s also some paperwork to do, like filling out a Declaration of Candidacy. https://www.sos.nh.gov/elections/running-office
Alright that’s calming