the washington journal live at 7:00 a.m. eastern on c-span. announcer: a look at the early stages of the 2016 presidential race. ted cruz announced his candidacy this past week. at, our conversation on q&a. >> joining us on newsmakers is the chair of the new hampshire republican party. thank you for being with us. >> thank you. >> jennifer i want to begin with

you. how many republican candidates will be in the field this year? >> we are hosting a big republican leadership summit in april. we have 18 speakers lined up. they identify themselves as potential candidates. we are excited about the breath of our list of possible candidates. it is the largest field of residential candidates that we have seen in my lifetime. people are really starting to feel the energy. >> how many republican candidates in 2016. >> we have 14 her -- you are interacting with the republican party.

it continues to grow. i could not agree with jennifer strong enough. this diversity that we have across the political spectrum is exciting. the grass roots republican and i will have a tough choice. it's going to be a fun time and a real part of grassroot politics here. >> let me turn to 10, of the associated press. >> one of the things on the calendar has been a right of passage for many presidential candidates, but it's garnered a lot of criticism. i wonder how the straw poll will be different this year. are you going to be able to get some real front tier presidential candidates to participate in the straw poll this time. >> fair question.

we have gone through several different questions and debates as a party. do we want to consider having a vote in august? the answer for grassroots was an overwhelming, yes. do we want to continue to have it at the traditional site we put together a very thorough selection committee. it will be in boone, iowa. invitations will be going out shortly. we are going to be asking all the candidates that are available. i have been getting some good feedback from some campaigns at this point. are we going to get them all? no, not realistic. we will have a stroll poll that looks a lot like previous straw polls. we tried to put together a family friendly fun event.

it seems like a fair in many ways. i think we will have a strong fail -- field. we will attract some top-tier candidates. >> what does a job bush or scott walker have to participate in the straw poll? if they win, a raises expectations. if they lose it they will have to spend a lot of money in the process. why should they get involved? >> 20,000 enthusiastic activists, many leaders in their community. there is an opportunity here to cut across a large voting bloc. in terms of expectations, i think the candidate can manage those expectations. this is an opportunity for these candidates to get in front of activists, and ultimately it is a snapshot in time.

as long as the campaigns manage those expectations and make sure that people take away from the stroll poll what it is. i think there is something in it for all these candidates. part of it begins with their initial interaction with the voters. certainly as a party, we will manage those expectations and make sure people know that this straw poll adds flavor to an event. it makes no claim whatsoever to be scientific. >> i have a question for jennifer. who figures to play a role in immigration reform? scott walker was in new hampshire. i'm wondering, what you make of his recent change of mind on the issue of providing some kind of path to citizenship?

were you able to clarify what you think he is advocating for during his trip there? and a question for you and jeff, can the candidate get through this primary having supported some kind of path to citizenship or legal status for those undocumented immigrants? >> sure. first, it is a pleasure to have governor walker with this. i have only once been in an event where he was asked that question and had to answered. he directly said that he was advocating for a path to legal status. what i would say about the issue in general is that there is no question that it will be part of the conversation this year. it is one of the many issues that unfortunate this administration has failed to come to a satisfactory solution on.

it is not the only issue that will be important. can i candidate win the nomination and be in the position you describe, absolutely. republican voters are one issue voters. we're talking about balancing the budget, immigration reform, national debt, candidate on the other side who has helped to execute a chaotic and incoherent foreign policy. there are a lot of issues out there that will be important. immigration reform will not define this race. >> your response. >> i agree. immigration is an important issue in iowa. i have heard thousands of grassroots republicans, and many tell me that immigration is important. securing the borders always comes up first.

first and foremost, i believe any republican candidate is going to have to have an opinion on the borders. in terms of undocumented folks that are here, i don't know there is anyone position that is going to make or break. i agree with jennifer. the island voter and the new hampshire voter are very discerning. they take their jobs seriously as first in the nation. by taking it seriously, that means we will not be looking at a lot of single issues that make or break a campaign. i believe it will be difficult for their to be any kind of consensus, and i think that's ok because the strength of our group that we have this time is the diversity across the spectrum. >> the question is the same. when we are secretary of state set the date for the new hampshire primary? when will you decide?

what is the date likely to be? >> i can't say exactly when he is going to decide. i think it will be the tuesday in february. our secretary of state has been in the job for 30 years. one of his priorities as secretary of state is preserving our first in the nation status. it is protected constitutionally in our state constitution in new hampshire. we think it is very important. we believe we provide a value added service to the salt process for the whole nation. i think it will come up on the calendar exactly where we are looking at it right now. i'll secretary of state won't make that decision until he is absolutely certain that no other similar event will be scheduled before it. >> you are thinking february 9 correct? >> exactly. >> can,.

>> -- ken thiomas >> there were problems in 2012 with some voters who thought mitt romney won the state. it turned out rick santorum one by a narrow margin. are you taking steps to try to ensure that you don't have voting problems in the future? are you also trying to find ways to make the cost is -- caucuses more accessible? there is talk about trying to help younger folks with children military veterans, those serving overseas. what steps are you taking there? >> in terms of the first question, it sounds like an old cliché, but were going to learn from mistakes made four years ago. it is important that the

republican and democratic parties have a caucus process that is as perfect as human beings can make it. immediately after that happened, we put together a blue-ribbon panel. what the process is, changes the could be made. we took a look at what we can do to enhance that. yes, that will be steps made. we are going to be announcing a very important initiative in a few weeks that is not only going to enhance the caucuses, it will make it more transparent, more credible. i think the media and the people will be very pleased with where we are heading. we are taking that very seriously. in terms of access, i was just with the democratic chair this morning.

we are armed and arm in terms of how we make these caucuses better, and one of the things that were going to do is try to open this up. i say try because there is a bureaucracy. but we want to open this up to our overseas veterans per that would the one way to enhance that and have a truly bipartisan dialogue to make our caucuses better. >> your date is february 1 as it stands right now. do you have concerns that the other states may try to leapfrog and get into that area that is typically reserved for those states? >> you always have that concern. i am in contact with our national party, just absolutely fantastic in terms of working with party chairs here, and at this point i do not see any movement that is going to happen.

there's a lot of talk at this time of year. right now, we start february 1. i am feeling confident about that. you never say never in this business especially if you are one of those states. >> i wanted to ask about new hampshire. the bush family has traditionally not had a good run there. how you think jeb bush is doing and has the potential to do? it seems like one of the states that is the most competitive at this point. is it a wide-open race? how do you assess how the candidates are doing their so far? and for both of you, i'm wondering if the future nominee has to win what are the states to go on to win the general? >> i would say -- i'm sorry.

you want me to answer? >> yes, place. -- please. >> i would say that it is a wide-open race. at this stage of the game, it could be anybody. there are no clear front runners. as far as governor bush goes, he was well received on his first trip here. he was able to fill a house accessible to the voters, and that's what anybody has to do. to be quiet honest, i don't think it is a help more than it is a hindrance. it will be the case of which candidate is willing to come into new hampshire, meet those voters, and answer the questions. what's important is that you are here taking unfiltered questions

, that town hall type of environment in people's living rooms. having coffee with people. it is being willing to take the questions and answer them sincerely from the heart. if governor bush is able to connect on the issues they care about, then he would do well. i would say the same thing about all of the candidates. >> regarding the nominee of the party. does the nominee need to win iowa or new hampshire? >> i think it is helpful, in particular for a candidate that is still working on name recognition. part of the justification of having iowa in new hampshire is that we are manageable for a candidate that may not have the

finances and name recognition and for them to move into a situation where they can be competitive. is it absolutely necessary? probably not. is it helpful? i think it is. when people say sometimes that they look you in the eye and make the decision, that happens in iowa. people are going to do that here. jeb bush is going to have to move himself as a candidate. so far it looks if he is willing to devote the time and sincerity in iowa. >> if there are 12 or 14 republican candidates, will there be more than three tickets? >> i think so. i think there will be some people who will find it

difficult to see that path to the nomination. i think when the caucuses are said and done, i believe there is going to be much more than three candidates. >> just a follow-up on that. evangelicals often play a very important role in the caucuses. does having a larger field in iowa dilute their influence and power? ted cruz announced his campaign at liberty university and a clear attempt to connect with religious conservatives. >> two responses to that. i'm a government professor. that is my paying job. one of the things that i will be observing very carefully is not only how the group as a whole is attracting voters and and how

they're trying to present their message, but some groups. we have groups of republicans where social issues are very important, evangelical christians would be one of those. one thing to look at is how candidates that are directly appealing to that group, bobby jindal, mike huckabee, how they differentiate themselves within that group. the last caucus we had, rick santorum one, but it was very close, a virtual tie. certainly christian evangelicals are crucial, but they are not the only group. we are a big and diverse state. you will see thousands of iowa caucus goers the across the spectrum in the republican party. >> week are several months out

from when voters start to weigh in. i think we will see different influential people whether in politics or involved the grass roots level start to weigh in. in iowa and new hampshire, who are some of the people who can help shape this election? do indoors been as much weight nowadays? and if you could tell us who can kind of influence how this shakes out? >> would you like me to take that question? ok. any of our elected officials at the federal level are potentials.

chuck grassley grassley has not been in the habit of endorsing but his endorsement would be the golden ring. we have a governor that within the year will be the longest-serving governor in the united history. his endorsement is crucial. senator joni ernst still has a rock star status. we had three older and in terms of endorsements available here. i am not sure if other endorsements matter. when i was a legislator, i was sought out, as were my colleagues, for those endorsements. i am not sure beyond a group of immediate people how much impact that has. we and i will, so many of our rank-and-file grass use our used to shaking hands, looking in the eye, and making up their mind.

i don't know that endorsements are that crucial. >> jennifer. >> i actually would agree on that. folks like congressman frank ginza, governor benson these folks are the big names in our state that may or may not choose to get involved and endorse candidates in this primary. the endorsements that matter -- we have 400 state representatives who are unpaid and make $100 a year to cover their gas. they are the activists who frequently have the biggest influence on the direction of the vote. five or 600 activists who will be volunteering on the campaign are the ones out there doing the hard work of sending the message.

those of the folks in new hampshire who make a difference. they are the ones who would decide which direction this goes. we certainly have a whole class of political operatives in our state. it's interesting to see which candidates higher which consultants, but in the in the outcome is going to be decided by hundreds of activists, grass root level folks, as they decide which campaigns to get involved in. >> jeff, i want to come back to your role in the process. this test cycle, rick santorum won the iowa caucuses, but he really never gained traction after that. michele bachmann winning the stall all, and then becoming almost irrelevant. do you worry that i was putting candidates on the center stage

but not giving the voters the candidate who becomes the nominee or key player in the nomination process? >> i don't. we can certainly separate the straw poll from the caucuses. rick santorum did not win the caucuses, and one several other state primaries. mitt romney was just a few votes behind and became the nominee. both bushes one iowa. iowa is the beginning. it is a snapshot at that time. we don't want i would to continue to name the winner. that would be game over. we go on. i think it is healthy that i would does not necessarily pick the winner every time. the reason i would argue for our first nation status is crucial for the country is that we offer everyone to have a shot, to do

the 99 county to her -- tour. that is the strength. the fact that endorsements are certainly in fear and less important to the average citizen. that is the strength of the iowa caucuses, not necessarily that we can pick it right every single time long before the other chance of have -- other states have had the chance to weigh in. >> we haven't talked about hillary clinton yet. how former will do you think she is in the general election against your eventual nominee. how confident are you that the process will lead to a strong nominee and not cause divisions and put the nominee in a position that might prove difficult in the general election? >> sure. it seems very clear that the

democratic party has already chosen secretary clinton as their nominee. if you listen to the chairman of the democratic party here in new hampshire, he says there are no other credible candidates out there. there is no question that she will be of very strong candidate, well-funded, the entire party leadership behind her. it's not going to be a cakewalk,, but there will be a list of vulnerabilities that are well documented as well. i'm not sure who else the democrats are even looking at seriously. elizabeth warren came forward if joe biden came forward, then you would have a race. it seems like in the end secretary clinton will be the person. >> jeff? >> it's feeling almost like a

coronation, not a grassroots debate. there is such a stark contrast between the democrats already rallying around a prefect winner, versus republicans who are going to every single county and actually debating it out at people's homes and events. does that mean she will not be viable? she will be very well-financed. obviously, the same people that want to continue the last years will want this. she will be born a poor. do i believe this process would generate a republican that can put into the last date years and not renew another a years of fiscal irresponsibility, absolutely. i have a great deal of faith and not only iowa and new hampshire

i have faith in all of our states to do the right thing. >> i wanted to follow up on that. how much do you think that she factors into how these republicans are campaigning in early states? are they auditioning to take her on in these kinds of early visits? >> yes. we haven't seen mrs. clinton in months. it is a very peculiar situation here. everybody is talking about it, but nobody has seen her. it is allowing our candidates certainly they have contrast with one another, but we are seeing some general election type speeches, and every week that she let this go. she seems more and more -- i don't know what the adjective is -- there is one thing i will voters do not like, especially

independent voters who may not be participating, but will be voting in the general. that is a preconceived coronation. that they don't like. i think that mrs. clinton is quickly moving into that image for herself. >> final question for both of you. when you think your party will have a nominee in place? mid to late march? or could this continue -- >> this is the most diverse, holly kuala failed -- highly qualified field of candidates we have had in a long time. i think the debates will be energetic. i think it will be educational. someone asked me about auditioning to take on hillary clinton, that's absolutely what

this republican primary is about, about who can lead the country, who has the vision to turn his back on the right track , overcome the failures and devastation of this administration that they have on -- burden the american people with. who can articulate and execute that vision? who can conduct a campaign that can beat hillary clinton in the process, or any other democrat on the ballot? if we are all being honest, the party has chosen their person. she is going to be a tough one. i don't know when we are going to see our nominee come out of it, but what i am certain of is that everyone of our candidates is going to offer a more optimistic vision, better qualification, greater experience and will have the ability to make that case to the american people and send a responsible leader to the white house. >> chairman of the republican

party in new hampshire joining us from manchester, new hampshire. >> the chair of the iowa republican party. thank you very much. we appreciate your time today. >> thank you. >> thank you very much. >> let me follow up with you will the republican candidate come out stronger versus weaker. we saw that with mitt romney and the problems he faced once he secured the nomination. >> that was one of the areas were mitt romney had some problems. his aide said that hurt him. that is the key question in both of these states. it has become a divisive process. is the eventual nominee a person who will have trouble getting to the center in a race that at this point looks like it will be against hillary clinton. >> we were talking about the straw poll in boone, iowa.