Haley aims for late push to challenge DeSantis for 2nd place in Iowa

With less than a month remaining before January’s Iowa caucuses, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley’s campaign is working to take advantage of the recent momentum her presidential bid has gained. The goal is to reach persuadable voters in the state and establish her as the primary alternative to former President Donald Trump for the Republican nomination, as reported by The New York Times.

Last month, Haley’s campaign received a significant boost with the endorsement of Americans for Prosperity Action, providing funding for television spots and mail advertisements. The super PAC, founded by industrialist brothers Charles and David Koch, aims to knock on 100,000 doors before the caucuses, as stated by Drew Klein, a senior adviser with A.F.P. Action.

“It’s ground game,” Haley told The Des Monies Register. “We’re making sure that every area is covered.”

In the race for undecided voters, Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are competing, although Trump’s support has increased to 51% of Republicans likely to caucus, up from 43% in October, according to a Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom poll. DeSantis’s backing has also risen slightly, to 19%, while Haley’s support remains at 16%.

DeSantis’s well-funded ground operation has been active in the state for months and has been endorsed by popular Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and influential evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats, according to The New York Times.

Despite this, a spokesman for DeSantis expressed skepticism about Haley’s campaign efforts, while others question whether her peak came too soon. However, the super PAC believes the push is timed to capture the attention of people who are just starting to focus on the Republican nomination race.