Is New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu moving closer to a decision about jumping into the 2024 GOP presidential primary race? It looks like that. He formed a national 501(c)(4) to raise money to spread the word about what success his administration has had in New Hampshire.

At first, I didn’t have Sununu on my bingo card of Republicans interested in running for president. However, he is a frequent guest on Fox News and CNN these days, which keeps him in the eyes of news junkies. He has some solid political experience, most importantly as a governor, which I find appealing. I think former governors make the best-equipped presidents because they have experience handling a wide range of issues and situations. Both Haley and Pence are former governors. And, of course, all eyes are on Ron DeSantis, the current Governor of Florida.

So, “Live Free or Die” has been formed. The New Hampshire state motto is a good one, so why not use it? Other potential contenders have formed their own groups, too. Nikki Haley’s is “Stand for America.” Mike Pence’s group is “Advancing American Freedom.” Haley is expected to announce her candidacy in South Carolina next week. So far, Pence is on the fence. (That rhyme is a bonus. You’re welcome.)

Sununu released a statement.

“I’m excited to talk about the successes that we’ve had in New Hampshire lowering taxes, creating educational choices for parents and kids, and building opportunities for businesses to grow and thrive. What we’ve done in New Hampshire is a great model for the federal government – specifically promoting the conservative tenets of limited government, local control, and individual responsibility.”

Opinions in New Hampshire are mixed as to whether or not this is a sign that Sununu is moving forward as a potential presidential candidate.

Greg Moore at Americans for Prosperity — New Hampshire notes that a 501(c)(4) can’t be used for express advocacy of a candidate. For that, Sununu would want a Super PAC or 527 organization. As a result, he said, assuming this news means Sununu has decided to run may be premature.

“We don’t know what his future goals or ambitions may be,” Moore said. “He may want to influence policy, like AFP or Planned Parenthood do. That’s what this organization can do. What it can’t do is spread the message ‘vote for Sununu.’ A 501(c)(4) has a lot more utility to Sununu before he gets into the race than it will if he decides to run.”

Veteran GOP strategist Jim Merrill, a veteran of multiple presidential campaigns, says Sununu appears to be leaning toward taking the plunge.

“The governor is doing everything a potential national candidate would be doing right now, and he’s clearly getting a positive response. If you were using a Magic 8 Ball regarding a potential Sununu candidacy, it would say ‘Signs Point to Yes.’”

The launch of a 501(c)(4) national political fundraising group is a pretty good indication that Sununu is taking the next step. He’s a popular governor, having won a fourth term as governor in November 2022. He’s personable in television interviews, willing to call out liberal media BS, and he’s part of the next generation of conservative leaders at the age of 48. He was politically astute enough to predict the results of the midterm elections correctly. He said that Democrats would have a stronger-than-anticipated performance.

Last December, Sununu said of Trump’s third presidential bid, “He’s not scaring anyone out of the race. He’s not clearing the field.” Sununu has pretty effectively balanced his support of Trump versus his displeasure with Trump throughout the Trump years.

Sununu is in Washington for the National Governors Association winter meeting. He is expected to speak with others about his efforts with his committee. He is working with a Republican strategist, Brian McCabe, and the DCI Group in Washington. The talking point is that it is time for generational change. We’ll hear that a lot in this primary season with the leading candidate, Trump, being 76 years old now and Joe Biden is 80.

“As a resident of New Hampshire, I am proud of what Governor Sununu has done to lower taxes, increase educational opportunities, and grow our economy — all with a split state legislature and an independent voting block,” McCabe said in a statement. “If Republicans are going to be successful in 2024 and beyond we need a generational change to how we communicate our conservative principles. Governor Sununu has been successful in bringing all sides together to get things done for the people of New Hampshire, and if there’s anything I can do to help him talk about those successes to a broader audience, I want to do it.”

I’m not sure that Sununu will get too far if he does enter the GOP primary. He’s not as well-known as some other potential candidates. He would, though, make a good vice-presidential candidate.