Another AFP Action staffer, supported by Koch, joins DeSantis super PAC following Haley’s endorsement
Former Americans for Prosperity Director Joins Never Back Down Super PAC
Chris Maidment, a former director of grassroots operations for Americans for Prosperity in New Hampshire, has announced his move to Never Back Down, the super PAC supporting Gov. Ron DeSantis’s (R-FL) presidential campaign. This comes after the group endorsed former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley for president last month. Maidment is the third staffer at AFP Action, connected to the conservative billionaire Koch family, to defect to the DeSantis super PAC this month, highlighting the internal disruption caused by the Haley endorsement.
Embracing the Opportunity to Support DeSantis
“With 46 days remaining before the NH Primary, I’m excited to announce I’m joining the great team at Never Back Down as Political Director for New Hampshire and look forward to expanding on their efforts to help elect @RonDeSantis,” Maidment wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Friday morning.
Maidment was terminated from AFP Action last week after expressing his disdain for the Haley endorsement on social media. In his Friday morning post, he reiterated his support for DeSantis and criticized Haley, stating, ”Ron DeSantis is the candidate in the best position and has the track record of success to get this done. Nikki Haley represents the failed past of cronyism, foreign intervention, and appeasing the progressive machine.”
Disagreement and Defections
Staffers at the Koch-affiliated group expressed disagreement and pushed back against endorsing Haley, citing differences in foreign policy stance and doubts about her ability to defeat former President Donald Trump for the nomination. This led to two grassroots directors in Iowa, working for AFP Action, joining Never Back Down’s Iowa political team due to their disapproval of the Haley endorsement.
“Never Back Down is happy to welcome these newest members of our growing team, and we look forward to welcoming others who see Nikki Haley as the establishment rubber stamp she is and want to support a real conservative leader — Governor Ron DeSantis,” said Noah Jennings, Never Back Down’s Iowa political director.
AFP Action Responds
AFP Action sought to downplay the defections, stating that they have also received support and excitement for the Haley endorsement. An AFP Action official said, “This is primary season, and with a grassroots organization as large as AFP Action, it’s not unusual at all to see some individuals move to different campaigns or pursue other opportunities. Since our endorsement, we’ve added more than 120 new volunteers and are contacting more voters than before.”
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
How has the endorsement of Nikki Haley by Americans for Prosperity created internal disruption within the organization and influenced the recruitment of staff for Never Back Down
P Gov. DeSantis secure the presidency,” Maidment said in a statement. “I have always been impressed by Gov. DeSantis’s conservative principles and his track record of effective leadership in Florida. I believe he is the right candidate to lead our country and I am eager to contribute to his campaign.”
Maidment brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Never Back Down. During his time at Americans for Prosperity, he was responsible for building and overseeing grassroots operations in New Hampshire, working to mobilize conservative activists and promote pro-growth policies. His expertise in grassroots organizing will be invaluable in helping to build support for DeSantis’s campaign in the crucial swing state of New Hampshire.
Never Back Down, the super PAC founded by former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, has quickly gained momentum as a key player in the 2024 presidential race. The group is dedicated to supporting conservative candidates who are committed to limited government, fiscal responsibility, and individual freedom. With DeSantis emerging as a frontrunner in the Republican primary, the addition of Maidment to their team further solidifies their commitment to his campaign.
In recent weeks, Never Back Down has experienced an influx of talent from Americans for Prosperity. Maidment is the third staffer from AFP Action to join the DeSantis super PAC, following the endorsements of Nikki Haley for president last month. This defection highlights the internal disruption caused by the Haley endorsement, as conservatives within Americans for Prosperity grapple with the decision to support a different candidate.
The endorsement of Haley, a former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, by Americans for Prosperity was seen as a significant departure from their usual support for free-market principles and limited government. This schism within the organization has created an opportunity for Never Back Down to expand its reach and attract top talent from within the conservative movement.
With Maidment now on board, Never Back Down is well-positioned to make a significant impact in New Hampshire and beyond. The combination of his experience in grassroots organizing and the resources and support offered by the super PAC will greatly enhance DeSantis’s chances of securing the Republican nomination and ultimately, the presidency.
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, the formation of alliances and the recruitment of top talent will be critical in determining the outcome. With the addition of Maidment and other former Americans for Prosperity staffers, Never Back Down is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the conservative movement. Their commitment to supporting DeSantis and their ability to attract seasoned professionals from within the movement demonstrate their determination to make a lasting impact in the race for the White House.
In conclusion, Chris Maidment’s decision to join Never Back Down is a significant development in the 2024 presidential race. His expertise in grassroots organizing and his commitment to conservative principles will be valuable assets in helping Gov. DeSantis secure the Republican nomination and ultimately, the presidency. With Never Back Down gaining momentum and attracting top talent from other conservative organizations, their impact on the race is sure to be felt. As we approach the New Hampshire Primary and beyond, all eyes will be on the DeSantis campaign and the role that Never Back Down plays in helping to shape the future of American politics.
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