Democrat 2024 presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hired a Republican lawmaker in New Hampshire—an unusual move by the candidate widely regarded as a moderate appealing to both ends of the political aisle.
Mr. Kennedy hired Aidan Ankarberg, a sitting Republican state representative in New Hampshire. Mr. Ankarberg assumed office on Dec. 7, 2022, and represents Strafford 7. First reported by the New Republic, the new hire was chosen for an undisclosed position in Mr. Kennedy’s campaign.
“He’s got the broadest appeal of anybody that’s run in a long time,” former Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), who heads Mr. Kennedy’s campaign, told the outlet. “Mr. Kennedy has crossover appeal. And it’s really powerful. And we had Republicans who are coming over. We have independents. We have libertarians, we have conservatives, we have liberals, every stripe of political following and endeavor is moving toward our campaign.”
Mr. Ankarberg served previously as the deputy majority whip, and has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association.
The hiring decision was found to be strange as it breaks political customs.
“Well, I’ve been around primaries for many decades, and never has a Republican state representative worked for a Democratic candidate and never has a Democratic state representative worked for a Republican yet,” Ray Buckley, the chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, said to the outlet.
Buckley added, “This is a paid employee. This isn’t someone who endorsed him. This is off the charts weird.”
The RealClearPolitics poll averages put Mr. Kennedy in a distant second with 10.3 points for the New Hampshire Primary, following President Joe Biden with 67.7 points.
Opposition to Democrat Policies
Mr. Kennedy enjoys recognition within Republican ranks and among party voters for his stances on various subjects.
Unlike mainstream Democrats, he has voiced strong opposition against illegal immigration and an unquestionable acceptance of COVID vaccines.
