In a desperate plea for financial support, Jeff Roe, chief strategist for the ‘Never Back Down’ super PAC supporting Ron DeSantis, appealed to wealthy Republicans for a massive cash injection hours before the first GOP presidential primary debate.
“Now let me tell you a secret — don’t leak this,” Roe reportedly told a group of donors, according to leaked audio reviewed by The New York Times. “We need to do this now. We’re making a move now.” He then began his appeal: “The day after Labor Day we’re launching and we need your help to stay up and go hard the rest of the way. We need 50 million bucks.”
“Now the good news is that we have all the money we need in this room,” Roe reportedly added, “The bad news is it’s still in your wallet.”
The urgency of this appeal highlights the financial challenges facing the DeSantis campaign. Despite having significant backing from ‘Never Back Down’, DeSantis’s bid for the presidency has been marked by a series of setbacks, including the recent closure of another supporting super PAC, ‘Ron to the Rescue’.
Roe, a seasoned political operative, is no stranger to high-stakes presidential campaigns. He served as campaign manager for Ted Cruz’s 2016 presidential bid, where he gained a reputation for his aggressive and hard-hitting strategies aimed at helping the Texas senator defeat Donald Trump, according to NBC News. His experience in navigating the complex landscape of American politics was expected to provide a substantial boost to DeSantis’s campaign.
However, the financial difficulties experienced by DeSantis’s campaign suggest that Roe’s expertise may not be enough to overcome the challenges faced by the Florida governor.
Despite a planned $25 million ad blitz in Iowa and New Hampshire, as reported by Bloomberg, the DeSantis campaign has struggled to gain traction. The New York Times revealed memos and internal polling posted online by the main super PAC backing DeSantis, suggesting a defensive strategy focusing on Trump rather than setting out a distinct vision.
The plea for funds also comes amid changes within the DeSantis campaign. According to KCRA News, DeSantis recently replaced his campaign manager, signaling a potential reset of his presidential bid.
As the 2024 United States presidential election approaches, DeSantis’s campaign continues to face significant obstacles. The plea from Roe underscores the mounting pressures on the campaign to secure the necessary funding to remain competitive.
