The first-in-the-nation primary could be the last stand for the anti-Trump Republican. Since 2016, a shrinking band of Republican strategists, retired lawmakers and donors has tried to oust Donald J. Trump from his commanding position in the party. Ahead of New Hampshire’s primary on Tuesday, the old guard of the G.O.P. Anything but a very close finish for her in the state, where moderate, independent voters make up 40 percent of the electorate, would send Mr. Trump on an all-but-unstoppable march to the nomination. Yet, their long-running war against him has helped to frame the nominating contest around a central, and deeply tribal, litmus test: loyalty to Mr. Trump.

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Persons: Donald J, Trump, Trump Republicans won’t, Nikki Haley Organizations: Trump Republican, Trump Republicans