DeSantis super PAC drama sidetracks primary race vs. Trump
Internal Dysfunction Plagues DeSantis’s Campaign as Super PAC Faces Turmoil
As Ron DeSantis fights to secure his position as the GOP front-runner, he finds himself grappling with headlines about the chaos within the major super PAC supporting him. Three senior staffers have recently departed from Never Back Down, casting a shadow over DeSantis’s campaign.
Never Back Down fired its CEO Kristin Davison on Saturday, just days after she took over from former CEO Chris Jankowski. Erin Perrine, the group’s former communications director, and Matthew Palmisano, its former director of operations, were also reportedly let go over the weekend.
This latest development is a clear indication of the internal dysfunction plaguing Never Back Down, which had previously boasted a $200 million war chest to defeat DeSantis’s rivals in the 2024 election. On top of that, former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt resigned as board chairman on Friday.
All of this drama is unfolding just over 40 days before the Iowa caucuses, which DeSantis has heavily relied on to secure a victory with the help of the super PAC’s ground operation.
Scott Wagner has now taken on the roles of board chairman and interim CEO of Never Back Down, as confirmed by the group’s national press secretary, Dave Vasquez. Vasquez expressed confidence in DeSantis’s campaign, stating, “Never Back Down has the most organized, advanced caucus operation of anyone in the 2024 primary field, and we look forward to continuing that great work to help elect Gov. DeSantis the next President of the United States.”
However, GOP strategists are concerned that these internal problems within Never Back Down are distracting DeSantis from his upcoming debate with his rivals and his recent completion of a tour of all of Iowa’s counties. With falling poll numbers, a strong campaign from former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, and now the turmoil within his affiliated super PAC, time is running out for DeSantis.
“With Never Back Down, they’ve had a lot of turnover. What is that, three people now in two weeks? That’s almost like a Latin American government,” remarked Ford O’Connell, a Republican strategist based in Florida.
Wayne King, president of Old North Strategies and a former chief of staff to former North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows, also expressed concern, stating, “There’s no question that this many staff problems is a problem for the campaign. And any time you have this many staff problems, there’s obviously reasons behind that.”
DeSantis Trails Trump in Polls
DeSantis and other presidential hopefuls consistently lag behind Donald Trump by double digits in both national and state polls. According to a RealClearPolitics poll average, Trump enjoys 61.1% support, while DeSantis trails at 13.3%, Haley at 10.2%, and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy at 5%.
An Iowa State University/Civiqs poll of likely GOP caucusgoers last month showed Trump dominating his peers with 54% support, while DeSantis trailed at 18%, Haley at 12%, and Ramaswamy at 6%.
Despite the troubles faced by Never Back Down, DeSantis’s campaign and allies remain confident. Deputy campaign manager David Polyansky emphasized the strength of their ground game and dismissed the significance of the super PAC’s problems, stating, “The media might care, but voters don’t.”
Amidst the turmoil surrounding Never Back Down, another super PAC called Fight Right has emerged to support DeSantis’s campaign. Campaign manager Jason Uthmeier praised Never Back Down’s organization while welcoming Fight Right’s assistance.
DeSantis’s commitment to Never Back Down is evident as he is scheduled to join them on a bus tour in New Hampshire. Additionally, he will have the opportunity to make his case to voters during the upcoming debate in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
“The only thing he can do really is have a good debate on Wednesday night and hopefully win Iowa,” commented Ford O’Connell. “Because if you don’t, you’re not going to get the infusion of cash [or] voter attention that you’re going to need to be successful in the Republican primary.”
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What does the internal dysfunction and turmoil within Never Back Down suggest about the decision-making and leadership within the super PAC?
Sed concern about the impact of the internal dysfunction within Never Back Down on DeSantis’s campaign. He stated, “When you have senior staff members leaving, it raises questions about the stability and effectiveness of the campaign. It’s not a good look, especially this close to the caucuses.”
The departure of key individuals within the super PAC also raises questions about the decision-making and leadership within the organization. With the firing of the CEO, the resignation of the board chairman, and the departure of other senior staffers, it is clear that there is a lack of cohesion and direction within Never Back Down.
This turmoil could not come at a worse time for DeSantis. As the Iowa caucuses approach, it is crucial for him to have a strong and united campaign. With his poll numbers dipping and strong competition from candidates like Nikki Haley, DeSantis needs all the support he can get from his affiliated super PAC.
The role of a super PAC is to provide financial support and a ground operation for a candidate’s campaign. However, with the recent departures and internal issues within Never Back Down, there are concerns that the super PAC may not be able to effectively carry out its intended role. This could leave DeSantis at a disadvantage compared to his rivals who may have more stable and well-functioning support organizations.
DeSantis’s campaign team is putting on a brave face and expressing confidence in their ability to overcome these challenges. However, the reality is that the internal dysfunction within Never Back Down is a significant hurdle that DeSantis must overcome if he wants to secure the GOP nomination and ultimately the presidency.
As the campaigns intensify and the 2024 election draws nearer, it is essential for candidates to have a strong support system in place. Internal dysfunction within a major super PAC, as seen in the case of Never Back Down, can undermine a candidate’s campaign and create doubts among voters and donors alike.
DeSantis needs to address the issues within Never Back Down swiftly and effectively to restore confidence in his campaign. The success of his bid for presidency depends not only on his own performance but also on the support and stability of the organizations and individuals affiliated with him. Only time will tell if DeSantis can navigate these internal challenges and emerge as the GOP front-runner.
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