In a significant turn of events following the South Carolina primary, Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP Action), the libertarian policy advocacy group backed by the Koch family, announced a strategic reassessment of its financial support for GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley. The decision comes after Haley’s trailing performance against former President Donald Trump, the Republican frontrunner, by approximately 20 percent of the vote.
President Trump secured 47 of South Carolina’s delegates, overshadowing Haley’s three. In response to these results, AFP CEO Emily Seidel stated on Sunday that AFP Action is taking a prudent approach by “taking stock” of its campaign spending in light of Haley’s electoral challenges.
In an official memo (pdf) to staff, Seidel emphasized that while AFP Action supports Nikki Haley, optimizing resources for maximum impact is crucial. The group intends to shift its focus towards competitive Senate and House races, acknowledging President Trump’s overwhelming support in the primary. Trump’s remarkable performance on February 24 set a record for the most votes of any presidential candidate in a South Carolina presidential primary.
Seidel highlighted the challenges ahead in the primary states, expressing doubt that any outside group could significantly impact Haley’s chances of widening her path to victory. Despite this, Seidel praised Haley as a “special leader with conviction, resolve, and steel in her spine,” wishing her success while affirming continued support for her presidential run.
The memo conveyed AFP Action’s commitment to giving Americans a choice for a president who can bring out the best in the country and deliver bold solutions to challenges. This reevaluation aligns with the organization’s goal of strategically allocating resources to achieve maximum impact.
Criticism of AFP’s endorsement surfaced last week when former GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy questioned the organization’s support for Haley over President Trump. Ramaswamy, who withdrew from the race citing early GOP primaries’ apparent support for Trump, expressed disappointment in AFP’s decision, particularly given the apparent misalignment between Haley’s principles and the organization’s purported values.
Ramaswamy highlighted the departure of AFP staffers for the pro-DeSantis PAC “Never Back Down” following the Haley endorsement. One such staffer, Chris Maidment, was terminated by AFP for comments disapproving of the endorsement, citing concerns about Haley’s foreign policy and perceived anti-free speech stance.
The upcoming Super Tuesday on March 5, featuring primary elections or caucuses in 15 states, will play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the race. Haley’s ability to secure a substantial share of the 1,215 delegates on that day is crucial. Failing to do so could spell the end of her campaign, marking a clear path for Trump’s nomination.
Political pundits and experts foresee a critical juncture in the latter half of March. Josh Putnam, a respected political science professor at the University of Georgia, predicts that this is when Haley may come to terms with the harsh reality that her campaign is no longer viable.
“Haley seems to imply that she’ll stick around at least through Super Tuesday. If she decides to exit the race after that, it’s likely to occur just before Trump surpasses the 50-percent mark, effectively unofficially clinching the nomination,” explains Putnam.
The numbers tell a story of their own. Trump’s overwhelming lead in committed delegates underscores his strong support within the party. In contrast, Haley finds herself grappling with a significant deficit that raises questions about the sustainability of her campaign. With each passing contest, her uphill battle in amassing the necessary delegates becomes more formidable.
It’s worth noting that the Republican base has shown a consistent preference for Trump, and the Palmetto State’s latest decision only reaffirms this trend. Haley’s earlier appeal as a potential unifier within the party has lost its resonance in the face of Trump’s enduring popularity.
Despite trailing the former president by 61 percentage points in national polling, Haley’s campaign has garnered support from anti-Trump billionaires, as indicated by federal disclosures. The financial dynamics surrounding her campaign suggest a reliance on resources from those who oppose Trump, shaping the narrative of her candidacy.
AFP Action’s decision to reassess financial support for Nikki Haley reflects a strategic shift in response to the candidate’s electoral challenges. As Haley forges ahead with her campaign, navigating a complex political landscape, the role of external support and the dynamics of anti-Trump funding remain central to the unfolding narrative of the 2024 presidential race.
