On Saturday – 100 days before Iowa Republicans head to their caucasues – Iowa will once again become the focal point of the GOP presidential race as the ambitions of much of the field collide in the Hawkeye State.
It is likely to remain the center of attention for much of the foreseeable future.
Former President Donald Trump’s enduring popularity in Iowa and across the early Republican presidential nominating map has forced much of the field to aggressively turn their attention to the state in hopes of stopping his march toward the nomination. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in particular has approached the state as a must-win, but others increasingly view it as a last stand to demonstrate that a viable alternative to Trump can emerge before it’s too late.
Seasoned Iowa operatives and observers say the stakes for the caucuses – which do not traditionally serve as a kingmaker – have rarely felt so acute.
“With Trump having such a gigantic lead going into this home stretch, you’re going to know at the end of this caucus if someone can legitimately challenge him or if it’s all over,” said Jeff Angelo, who broadcasts a conservative radio show in Iowa that presidential candidates regularly appear on. “I really get the sense that the candidates understand it’s Iowa or nothing. If you’re not close here, there’s no strategy to beat Donald Trump.”
DeSantis’ campaign is not hiding its urgency. It recently moved one-third of its Tallahassee campaign staff to Des Moines and the candidate availed himself to Iowa media most of last week even as he campaigned and raised money elsewhere. On Saturday, he begins a three-day bus tour as he closes in a promise to touch all 99 Iowa counties. He started the day at 58.
A super PAC supporting DeSantis, Never Back Down, has so far spent $9.8 million boosting DeSantis on Iowa’s airwaves, more…
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