Super PAC supporting DeSantis faces major shakeup ahead of Republican caucuses
Major Top-Level Shakeup Hits Super PAC Backing DeSantis
In a surprising turn of events, three senior members of a super PAC supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have abruptly left the group, adding to the growing instability within his political operation just weeks before the Iowa Republican caucuses.
Kristin Davison, who recently took over as the leader of Never Back Down after the departure of CEO Chris Jankowski, parted ways with the group on Saturday. Communications director Erin Perrine and director of operations Matt Palmisano also left on the same day, according to insiders familiar with the matter.
These departures come as DeSantis faces mounting pressure to close the gap between himself and former President Donald Trump in Iowa and nationwide. Additionally, more voters and donors are considering throwing their support behind former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley.
Never Back Down has been instrumental in handling DeSantis’ campaign functions since he announced his candidacy, but due to campaign finance rules, direct coordination between the two is prohibited.
Of the 99 counties DeSantis visited in Iowa, he appeared at 92 Never Back Down events, highlighting the group’s significant role in his campaign.
The recent shake-up in leadership is seen by some as an assertive move by DeSantis’ loyalists to regain control over Never Back Down.
The super PAC, initially funded with over $80 million from DeSantis’ political accounts, has been managed by Jeff Roe, a prominent Republican consultant with ties to other major Republican clients.
While the departures of key staff members have raised questions about the future of Never Back Down, the organization continues to operate with a large staff in Iowa, focusing on organizing ahead of the upcoming caucuses.
For those familiar with DeSantis, tensions between his loyalists and Roe’s team are not surprising, as the Florida governor has struggled to maintain close relationships with political consultants.
“Scott Wagner will now serve as chairman of the board and interim CEO of Never Back Down,” the group stated in an email. “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.”
Former President Trump, commenting on the reported departures, expressed his delight, stating, “The Ron DeSanctimonious campaign people are dropping like flies.”
Note: The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post With First Republican Caucuses Just Weeks Away, Major Top-Level Shakeup Hits Super PAC Backing DeSantis appeared first on The Western Journal.
How might the departure of the leader of Never Back Down and other key members impact the internal stability and leadership of the super PAC?
Gnificance in his campaign. However, with the sudden departure of key members, questions arise concerning the future of the super PAC and its ability to continue supporting DeSantis effectively.
The departure of Kristin Davison, the leader of Never Back Down, is particularly noteworthy. Having taken over after CEO Chris Jankowski’s departure, Davison’s sudden exit raises concerns about the internal stability and leadership of the super PAC. Without a strong leader at the helm, the group may struggle to navigate the challenges ahead and maintain its influence.
In addition to Davison, Communications Director Erin Perrine and Director of Operations Matt Palmisano also left the super PAC on the same day. Their departure further weakens the organization’s ability to effectively communicate DeSantis’ message and manage campaign operations. The confluence of these departures creates a major top-level shakeup within the super PAC, which is cause for significant concern for DeSantis and his campaign team.
These departures couldn’t have come at a worse time for DeSantis. With the Iowa Republican caucuses just weeks away, he is facing increasing pressure to gain ground against former President Donald Trump, both in Iowa and nationwide. The departure of key members from the super PAC only adds to the uncertainty surrounding his campaign’s performance.
Furthermore, the growing interest in former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley among voters and donors poses an additional challenge to DeSantis. As more individuals consider throwing their support behind Haley, DeSantis must work to ensure his campaign remains strong and competitive.
Never Back Down has been a crucial player in DeSantis’ campaign functions, organizing events and mobilizing support since his candidacy announcement. However, the departure of key members raises doubts about the future effectiveness of the super PAC. Campaign finance rules prohibit direct coordination between the campaign and the super PAC, making it even more crucial for Never Back Down to have a capable and stable leadership team to successfully advocate for DeSantis.
With 92 Never Back Down events already under his belt, DeSantis leans heavily on the super PAC’s support. The sudden shakeup within the organization calls into question its ability to continue aiding his campaign effectively. As the Iowa caucuses draw nearer, DeSantis must quickly address these leadership gaps and ensure that Never Back Down remains a strong and reliable ally.
In conclusion, the major top-level shakeup within the super PAC backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is a significant development that has the potential to impact his campaign’s success. The departure of key members, including the leader of Never Back Down, raises concerns about internal stability and leadership. With the Iowa caucuses on the horizon and increasing interest in alternate candidates like Nikki Haley, DeSantis must address these challenges swiftly to maintain his competitive edge. The future of Never Back Down is uncertain, and its ability to support DeSantis effectively hangs in the balance.
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