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Just ahead of the Iowa caucus, the Republican presidential nomination is heating up. Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor, has made it clear that she does not want to be the Vice-President; she wants to be the US President and is contending “to win”.

Earlier, Ron DeSantis had publicly stated his disinterest in serving as Trump’s Vice-President.

“I don’t play for a second,” Haley declared, shutting down any talk of her being Donald Trump’s running mate. “I’m running to be president, and I’m running to win,” she said.

According to the latest Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll, former US President Donald Trump continues to lead the polls with 48% support among likely Republican caucus-goers. The polls, however, reveal a slight dip in Trump’s support from 51% in December.

NIKKI HALEY’S APPROVAL RATINGS UP 4%

Nikki Haley stands as a significant contender with a 20% approval rating. What more, Nikki Haley’s approval rating has seen a 4% increase.

Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, slipped to third place with 16% voter support.

“What you’re going to see is this is quickly going to become a two-person race. I think it’s going to be me and Donald Trump,” Nikki Haley told Fox News in an interview on Sunday. She’s confident that her popularity will only grow, especially after the New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries in the coming weeks.

“We’ll take him on,” Haley said, referring to Trump. “If he chooses not to debate, that’s his plan. But we’re going to fight this until the very end.”

Vivek Ramaswamy, another Indian-American in the race, is still in contention, but experts express scepticism about the 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur’s chances during the primary season that kicks off with the Iowa caucus.

DON’T WANT A PRESIDENT KAMLA HARRIS, SAYS NIKKI HALEY

Further responding to queries about potential vice-presidential preferences, Nikki Haley asserted, “I don’t play for a second. I’ve never played for a second. I’m not going to start now,” she said in a recent CBS News interview.

When asked about voters who appreciate her but still support Trump, Haley expressed fear of potential chaos if the same leadership is in place for another four years.

Haley emphasises the close contest between Trump and current US President Joe Biden in head-to-head polls, emphasising the election’s suspense.

“I don’t want a President Kamala Harris,” The Hill newspaper quoted Haley as saying about the Indian-American Vice-President.

Haley’s uncompromising stance on immigration and national security appeals to conservative voters looking for an alternative to Trump.

The New Hampshire primary election is scheduled for January 23, followed by South Carolina on February 3.