While many in the party view recent indictments of him in New York and Florida as politically motivated, they nonetheless risk becoming a liability that rivals may try to exploit. Yet Trump faces some vulnerabilities, including a feud with Iowa’s popular governor, Kim Reynolds, over her refusal to formally endorse his campaign. His campaign is bullish on Iowa, banking on his long-standing support in a state he easily carried twice in general elections, combined with an aggressive digital outreach that includes a focus on nontraditional conservative voters. Trump is eagerly embracing the lofty expectations. “I think there has been a lot of support for him for many years, and that’s a hard wall to crack.” “There’s no question Donald Trump is winning Iowa right now,” said Josie Albrecht, a former top Iowa GOP Statehouse communications adviser who is helping the state party but is neutral in the 2024 campaign. Given the relatively early date of the caucuses, a strong win by Trump in Iowa could put him in a commanding position heading into the following contests. That makes Iowa particularly crucial for anyone hoping to stop him. Trump is the undisputed leader in Iowa, similar to the grip he holds on Republicans nationally. I’ve heard the stories myself, but what I haven’t seen is the millions and millions.” “I wish they would go out and write the check, too, because we haven’t seen that yet. “I’m glad to hear they’re all flocking to me,” Scott said.
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Scott is making inroads because “he’s doing the real hard work of retail politics in Iowa, doing small groups with pastors and churches and leading to bigger and bigger meetings and venues,” said Mike Demastus, a Des Moines evangelical pastor who has met several times with Scott.Ĭarlson noted reports of increased interest in Scott, prompting a crack from the senator that he hoped the money would follow. Some say Scott is distinguishing himself with an aggressive outreach strategy paired with an upbeat message. The South Carolina senator has impressed many with an agenda that is every bit as conservative as the one offered by Trump or DeSantis. 15.īeyond DeSantis, Tim Scott is being closely scrutinized. Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses are scheduled for Jan.
There’s still time for any of the contenders to mount a more robust challenge to Trump - but not a lot.
Trump did not attend, though he has swung through the state multiple times in recent weeks and will return Tuesday.ĭeSantis and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy received the most raucous cheers from the packed hall in the downtown Des Moines events center, notably when they argued for a more limited U.S. “But it sure doesn’t look like that to me - it’s become clear that there isn’t room for another alternative to Trump.”ĭeSantis was among six White House hopefuls in Iowa on Friday for the Family Leadership Summit, where an audience of close to 2,000 conservative Christians gathered to see former Fox News host Tucker Carlson interview the candidates individually. It’s possible he may be that still,” said Gentry Collins, a seasoned Iowa and national Republican strategist who ran Mitt Romney’s 2008 caucus campaign.
For now, however, he has struggled to generate the enthusiasm that Trump commands from the GOP base, leaving it uncertain he will become the threat to the former president that he was once billed to be. Ron DeSantis, who entered the race in May with expectations that he would quickly become Trump’s top rival. The urgency is particularly acute for Florida Gov. Digital Replica Edition Home Page Close Menuīy THOMAS BEAUMONT and STEVE PEOPLES (Associated Press)ĭES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - As the six-month sprint to the Iowa caucuses begins, the sprawling field of Republican presidential candidates is facing growing pressure to prove they can become serious challengers to former President Donald Trump.
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