In the lead-up to the 2024 Republican presidential nominating contest, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been tirelessly campaigning in Iowa, aiming to establish himself as the party’s frontrunner.
His strategy includes an ambitious tour of all 99 counties, a tradition known as the “full Grassley” named after Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley.
DeSantis hopes to replicate the success of past Iowa caucus winners who undertook similar efforts, such as former Senator Rick Santorum and Senator Ted Cruz.
“The Iowa caucus is littered with campaigns that lost because they thought they could win through the air alone, relying solely on paid television advertising,” DeSantis communications director Andrew Romeo said to CBS News. “The reality is you need a strong mixture of paid media, candidate presence, and ground game to win an Iowa Caucus, and no one is executing in all three areas better than us as we hit the closing stretch.”
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“Cruz was only at 10% at this point of the race in 2016,” Romeo said. “That’s a good reminder of how Iowa traditionally breaks late, which is exactly when you will begin to see the dividends of the historic ground organization we have built in the state.”
However, DeSantis faces a significant challenge in the form of former President Donald Trump, who remains the favorite among GOP voters and looms large over the race.
The Unprecedented Nature of Trump’s Campaign
Undoubtedly, one of the key factors influencing the current Republican presidential race is the enduring popularity and influence of former President Donald Trump.
Despite facing criminal charges and controversies stemming from his failed attempt to overturn the 2020 election, Trump remains the consistent frontrunner among GOP candidates.
His dominance has deterred many contenders from directly challenging him, further solidifying his position as the party’s standard bearer. As a result, DeSantis finds himself in a unique position as the only active candidate committed to holding events in every county of Iowa.
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DeSantis’ Intensive Focus on Iowa
While DeSantis faces an uphill battle against Trump’s formidable presence, he is not alone in his intense focus on Iowa. Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former South Carolina governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley have also dedicated significant resources to the state.
Ramaswamy, in particular, has rented an apartment in Iowa and plans to hold over 200 events leading up to the caucus. Haley has already conducted over 60 events in Iowa, polling closely with DeSantis and even surpassing him in New Hampshire.
In contrast, Trump has held a relatively modest 17 events in Iowa since March. This discrepancy highlights the historical importance of Iowa voters and their desire for personal interaction with candidates. Building grassroots support is crucial for candidates, as it allows them to establish the necessary organizing and ground game required to secure a victory on caucus night.
Steve Scheffler, the Iowa Republican Party’s National Committeeman, emphasizes the labor-intensive nature of winning the caucus, which entails identifying potential supporters, cultivating relationships with them, and mobilizing them effectively.
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Overcoming the Trump Hurdle
DeSantis and his fellow contenders face a significant hurdle in their quest for victory: the dominance of Donald Trump. Iowa caucus-goers, many of whom are well aware of Trump’s accomplishments and campaign promises, may be hesitant to support alternative candidates.
Trump’s ability to maintain a strong presence in the race despite limited visits to Iowa showcases his enduring appeal among voters. However, DeSantis remains undeterred, viewing his 99-county tour as an organizational effort that allows for targeted campaigning in areas with larger media markets and stronger support.
At each stop on his tour, DeSantis’ campaign utilizes Never Back Down, a super PAC backing him, to engage with attendees and collect “commitment to caucus” cards. While these cards are not legally binding, they serve as a signal of support for the candidate. To date, the campaign has collected 30,000 of these cards, demonstrating the enthusiasm behind DeSantis’ bid.
Power of Iowa Endorsements
Endorsements play a crucial role in Iowa politics, and DeSantis has garnered support from notable figures such as Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats, and 41 state legislators. These endorsements provide DeSantis with a network of influential individuals who can mobilize voters and rally support on his behalf.
Given Trump’s previous criticisms of Governor Reynolds and his recent callout of Iowa’s two U.S. senators, who have remained neutral in the race, it is evident that Iowa represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Trump to secure the support he needs.
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DeSantis’ Strategy: Beyond Iowa
While Iowa remains the primary focus for DeSantis in the closing weeks before the caucus, his campaign recognizes the importance of other key states. Recent polls indicate that DeSantis has fallen behind Haley and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in New Hampshire.
To address this, the completion of the “full Grassley” tour provides DeSantis with flexibility to campaign in New Hampshire and other critical states. The campaign emphasizes the need for a well-rounded approach that combines paid media, candidate presence, and a robust ground game to secure victory in the Iowa Caucus. DeSantis’ team draws parallels to Senator Ted Cruz’s 2016 campaign, which saw a late surge in Iowa support.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Iowa campaign represents a significant challenge to former President Donald Trump’s dominance in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. DeSantis has undertaken an ambitious tour of all 99 counties in Iowa, mirroring the successful strategies employed by previous caucus winners.
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While Trump’s influence and popularity pose a significant hurdle for DeSantis and his fellow contenders, the importance of personal interaction with voters and the power of Iowa endorsements cannot be overlooked. DeSantis remains undeterred, emphasizing the organizational effort behind his campaign and the necessity of a well-rounded strategy encompassing multiple states.
As the race for the Republican nomination unfolds, all eyes will be on Iowa to see if DeSantis can challenge Trump’s stronghold and emerge as the party’s standard bearer.
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