Did Never Back Down push super PACs to their limits? Could it serve as a warning?
Gov. Ron DeSantis Faces Challenges as Presidential Campaign Takes a Hit
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) entered 2023 with high hopes for a potential presidential run, backed by a strong electoral victory and significant financial support. However, as the year comes to a close, his support has plummeted, donors are becoming hesitant, and his campaign is plagued by internal issues, particularly with the embattled Never Back Down PAC.
The Rise of Super PACs and DeSantis’ Risky Move
Super political action committees (PACs) gained immense influence after a 2010 court ruling that relaxed campaign contribution laws. These PACs can accept unlimited donations but must operate separately from political campaigns. DeSantis pushed the boundaries by closely aligning his presidential campaign, launched in May, with the Never Back Down PAC. However, recent events have seen six PAC leaders resign and its chief strategist depart, following a damaging exposé by The Washington Post.
Trouble Within Never Back Down PAC
The turmoil within Never Back Down PAC is evident as CEO Kristin Davison, former CEO Chris Jankowski, former communications director Erin Perrine, and former director of operations Matthew Palmisano were all fired. Additionally, Adam Laxalt, the former chairman of the super PAC, left to focus on personal matters. Chief strategist Jeff Roe also resigned. These developments raise questions about the consequences of a campaign working too closely with a PAC and whether it reflects a disconnect with voters.
These headlines are far from ideal for any candidate. “When you’re running for office, you want the focus to be on your candidacy, not on your campaign,” said Dennis Goldford, a political science professor at Drake University. The negative attention detracts from the candidate’s message and popularity.
Never Back Down PAC’s Role and Potential Fallout
Unlike traditional super PACs that primarily fund advertising campaigns independently, Never Back Down PAC became an integral part of DeSantis’ presidential infrastructure, organizing events for him. One notable strategy was a massive door-knocking campaign, inspired by DeSantis’ successful House of Representatives campaign. However, the recent turmoil within the PAC raises concerns about the effectiveness of their operations.
While the DeSantis campaign downplays the internal issues, spokesman Andrew Romeo’s need to address them suggests their impact as a distraction. Goldford argues that the PAC’s troubles likely stem from DeSantis’ lackluster campaign, rather than being the cause of it. Difficulties with the candidacy itself can lead to problems within the organization and its support.
Legal Troubles Looming
In addition to internal challenges, the DeSantis campaign may face legal repercussions. The Campaign Legal Center filed a complaint alleging coordination between the DeSantis campaign and Never Back Down PAC, potentially violating federal election laws.
DeSantis himself has attempted to distance himself from the issues, stating that he is not involved and that it is a separate entity. However, the media’s persistent questioning suggests that the problems are not easily dismissed.
What immediate and decisive actions should DeSantis take to salvage his presidential campaign and regain the support and confidence of voters and donors
N of the PAC, resigned citing “internal disagreements” and a “lack of transparency”. These departures have raised concerns among DeSantis’ supporters and donors, as they question his judgment in aligning himself with such a troubled PAC.
The Washington Post exposé detailed several ethical breaches and questionable financial practices within the PAC. It alleged that the PAC had spent large sums of money on lavish trips, questionable consultants, and unexplained expenses. This not only tarnished the reputation of the PAC but also raised questions about DeSantis’ involvement and oversight of the organization.
Impact on DeSantis’ Presidential Campaign
The plummeting support and the controversies surrounding the Never Back Down PAC have had a significant impact on DeSantis’ presidential campaign. Donors who were once enthusiastic about supporting him are now becoming hesitant, concerned about the potential fallout from the PAC scandal. This loss of financial support severely limits DeSantis’ ability to run an effective campaign and compete with other contenders.
Furthermore, the internal issues within the Never Back Down PAC have distracted DeSantis from his campaign’s main focus – his policy proposals and vision for the future. Instead of discussing his plans and engaging with potential voters, DeSantis has been forced to defend himself and distance himself from the PAC’s actions. This constant firefighting not only diverts his attention but also damages his credibility as a candidate.
The Path Forward for DeSantis
In order to salvage his presidential campaign, DeSantis must take immediate and decisive action. Firstly, he needs to sever all ties with the Never Back Down PAC and distance himself from its leadership. This will not only demonstrate his commitment to accountability and transparency but also help repair his reputation.
Secondly, DeSantis must address the concerns raised by the PAC scandal head-on. He should publicly acknowledge the issues within the organization and outline steps he will take to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. It is crucial for him to regain the trust of his supporters and donors by demonstrating his commitment to ethical and responsible campaigning.
Finally, DeSantis needs to refocus his campaign on his policy proposals and vision for the future. He must articulate his plans for the economy, healthcare, climate change, and other pressing issues that voters care about. By offering a clear and compelling vision for the country, DeSantis can regain momentum and attract new supporters.
Conclusion
Gov. Ron DeSantis finds himself in a challenging position as his presidential campaign takes a hit due to the controversies surrounding the Never Back Down PAC. To recover from this setback, DeSantis must take immediate action to distance himself from the PAC, address the concerns raised, and refocus on his policy proposals. Only through swift and decisive measures can he hope to regain the support and confidence of voters and donors, and continue his pursuit of the presidency. Otherwise, his once-promising campaign may falter before it even reaches the starting line.
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