(ReclaimingAmerica.com) – In a surprising turn of events, Americans for Prosperity Action, a powerful political network founded by the Koch brothers, declared their endorsement of one of the most influential Republicans in recent times ahead of the 2024 presidential race, this being no other than former Governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley.
The network’s support promises to give Haley an added advantage as a leading non-Trump candidate, launching a multimillion-dollar ad campaign in various states this week. While not explicitly endorsing Republicans, the move subtly signals a shift away from the negative baggage associated with Donald Trump.
The group, which has previously spent over $9 million opposing Trump, is now throwing its full weight behind Haley. This includes resources such as a direct-mail operation, field workers, and phone banks, all aimed at boosting Haley’s campaign against the backdrop of the approaching Iowa caucuses.
“In stark contrast to recent elections dominated by the negative baggage of Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, at the top of the ticket, would elevate candidates up and down the ballot,” stated Emily Seidel, senior advisor to AFP Action, in a memo. Seidel emphasizes Haley’s appeal to key independent and moderate voters, suggesting that she can bridge the growing divide fueled by extremes on both sides.
“The moment we face requires a tested leader with the governing judgment and policy experience to pull our nation back from the brink. Nikki Haley is that leader,” the memo concludes, subtly positioning Haley as a stabilizing force in a politically polarized environment.
“I’m honored to have the support of Americans for Prosperity Action, including its millions of grassroots members all across the country,” responded Haley, emphasizing the high stakes of the election and framing it as a choice between freedom and socialism, individual liberty and big government, and fiscal responsibility and spiraling debt. The endorsement, while seemingly neutral, strategically aligns Haley with a network that has historically leaned towards Republican values, subtly distancing her from Trump’s more polarizing image.
The group highlights Haley’s “sustained momentum,” pointing to her significant growth in polls in key states. This growth is juxtaposed against declines in support for Ron DeSantis and marginal increases for Donald Trump.
The DeSantis campaign, however, dismissed the endorsement before it was publicly announced. “Every dollar spent on Nikki Haley’s candidacy should be reported as an in-kind to the Trump campaign. No one has a stronger record of beating the establishment than Ron DeSantis, and this time will be no different.” DeSantis campaign spokesman Andrew Romeo said in a statement.
