https://www.axios.com/2023/11/29/nikki-haley-koch-network-funding-endorsementThe Koch political network on Tuesday delivered perhaps the most important endorsement of the GOP primary so far, cementing elite donors' coronation of Nikki Haley as the most viable alternative to former President Trump.
Why it matters: With the backing of Americans for Prosperity Action, the powerful political group founded by billionaires Charles and David Koch, Haley will unlock new access to influential donors, millions in ad spending, and a massive ground operation that rivals that of the RNC.
The endorsement also deals a huge blow to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has insisted dating back to his campaign launch in May that the Republican primary is a two-man race between him and Trump.
AFP Action acknowledged in a memo that DeSantis' supporters "will be disappointed in our decision" — but ultimately concluded Haley is the candidate best-positioned to beat both Trump and President Biden.
Between the lines: The endorsement could help Haley plug two of the biggest vulnerabilities of her candidacy.
1. Grassroots organizing: While her polling momentum is unmistakable, the scope of Haley's ground operation in Iowa has paled in comparison to the army of door-knockers deployed by DeSantis and his allied super PAC.
AFP Action — which boasted of the "largest grassroots operation in the country and a presence in all 50 states" — is now vowing to put thousands of organizers into the field in support of Haley.
"Additionally, in the coming days, we'll launch extensive mail, digital and connected television campaigns to supplement those on-the-ground efforts," senior adviser Emily Seidel wrote in the memo.
