New data reveals more negative spending on Ron DeSantis than his 2024 rivals
Gov. Ron DeSantis Faces Intense Attack Campaign Spending in 2024 GOP Primary Race
According to new data, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has become the primary target of attack campaign spending in the GOP 2024 primary race. With less than six weeks until the crucial Jan. 15 Iowa caucuses, DeSantis has faced more spending against him than his top competitors, former President Donald Trump and former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, as well as President Joe Biden when considering independent campaign spending.
Third Koch-Backed AFP Action Staffer Joins DeSantis Super PAC After Haley Endorsement
The data reveals that over $28.1 million has been spent on independent expenditures negatively targeting DeSantis. In comparison, $20.6 million was spent attacking Biden, $18.8 million attacking Trump, and $6.3 million attacking Haley. These figures, compiled by Rob Pyers, research director at California Target Book, do not include TV and digital ads from the candidates themselves but reflect spending from their allied super PACs and outside political advocacy groups aiming to influence the primary race. Notably, Americans for Prosperity, which endorsed Haley last month, and the anti-Trump Lincoln Project are among these groups. The majority of the funds were allocated to digital and television advertising, direct mail, canvassing, text messaging services, and get-out-the-vote phone calls.
While the three lower-tiered 2024 candidates still running, including biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, faced less attack spending, DeSantis’s allies argue that this negative attention signifies his strength as a presidential candidate. Carly Atchison, a national spokeswoman for DeSantis’s presidential campaign, stated, “Ron DeSantis continues to be the most attacked presidential candidate on either side of the aisle because Republicans and Democrats know he is the candidate to beat.”
However, DeSantis faces a daunting challenge in defeating Trump, the current front-runner in the GOP primary race, who holds a commanding 61.3% in a RealClearPolitics poll average compared to DeSantis’s 13%. Additionally, he must contend with a formidable Haley campaign that often rivals his for second place in early-nominating states and national surveys. In a recent NewsNation/Decision Desk HQ poll, DeSantis and Haley were virtually tied for second place behind Trump, with both receiving 60% support. DeSantis garnered 11% while Haley received 10%, within the poll’s margin of error of 1.62%.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
Haley’s rise has sparked a fierce battle with DeSantis for second place. SFA Fund, the super PAC supporting Haley, recently spent $1 million on an ad buy in Iowa and New Hampshire, with a significant portion of the funds, $640,503, directed towards attacking DeSantis, as reported by Pyers.
DeSantis has made winning the Iowa caucuses a key focus of his 2024 primary race, and a standout performance during this week’s debate could potentially boost his polling and fundraising. However, it remains to be seen if he can dethrone Trump from his position at the top of the GOP.
How is Gov. Ron DeSantis expected to respond to the attack campaign against him, and how might his response influence the outcome of the GOP primary race
Ssing, and grassroots organizing efforts.
One of the recent developments in this intense attack campaign against DeSantis is the hiring of a third staffer from the Koch-backed group, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) Action, by his Super PAC. This move came shortly after Haley’s endorsement of DeSantis, and it signifies the growing support and confidence in his campaign. The AFP Action, known for its conservative advocacy work, has been actively involved in attacking DeSantis’ rivals, including Trump and Haley.
This significant spending against DeSantis reflects the perception of him as a strong contender in the GOP primary race. As the current governor of Florida, DeSantis has gained popularity among conservative voters for his conservative policies, especially for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. His approach, which focused on reopening the economy and prioritizing individual freedoms, has garnered support from various Republican factions.
However, DeSantis’ rise in popularity has also attracted criticism and opposition. His opponents have highlighted perceived shortcomings in his leadership, including his response to the pandemic and allegations of political favoritism. These attack ads aim to erode DeSantis’ image as a capable leader and to sway voters towards other candidates.
The fact that DeSantis has faced more attack spending than his top rivals, including Trump and Haley, indicates that he is seen as a formidable threat in the primary race. The spending from independent advocacy groups like Americans for Prosperity and the Lincoln Project signifies a concerted effort to undermine DeSantis’ position and sway public opinion against him.
It is important to note that the current spending data does not include the advertising efforts directly from the candidates’ campaigns themselves. As the primary race intensifies and the Iowa caucuses draw nearer, it is expected that the candidates will ramp up their own advertising spending.
The intensity of the attack campaign against Gov. Ron DeSantis underscores the competitiveness of the GOP primary race. As the candidates vie for support from the party’s base, they must navigate these attacks while also presenting their own vision and policy proposals. With less than six weeks remaining until the Iowa caucuses, each candidate’s ability to withstand these attacks and maintain momentum will be crucial in determining the outcome of the race.
In the coming weeks, it will be interesting to see how Gov. Ron DeSantis responds to the attack campaign against him. Will he address the allegations head-on or choose to focus on promoting his own accomplishments? The answers to these questions will shape the narrative of the GOP primary race and play a significant role in determining the party’s nominee for the 2024 presidential election.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...