Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' presidential campaign effort has been receiving substantial support from its largest individual donor, who now threatens to cease his donations unless changes are made to the campaign, as reported by Reuters.
The multimillionaire owner of Budget Suites of America, Robert Bigelow, has made contributions exceeding $20 million to the Never Back Down PAC, which is the main super PAC behind DeSantis' campaign. This sum accounts for two-thirds of the PAC's fundraising during the first half of 2023. However, Bigelow declared on Friday that he would withhold further funding for DeSantis' campaign until there's a shift towards a more moderate policy platform, based on his comments to Reuters.
Bigelow's stance was clear when he stated, “He does need to shift to get to moderates. He’ll lose if he doesn’t. … Extremism isn’t going to get you elected,” further emphasizing that he wouldn't contribute additional funds “until I see that he’s able to generate more on his own. I’m already too big a percentage.”
DeSantis respects states rights on abortion. He understands we’re in a federalist system and understands the limits of presidential power.
DeSantis, within his powers, will be a pro life president, but he refuses to make promises he knows he can’t keep.pic.twitter.com/jUv6OL9oel
— Marina Medvin ???????? (@MarinaMedvin) July 29, 2023
Robert Bigelow, a significant contributor to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' political campaigns, had earlier donated $10 million to DeSantis' 2022 Florida gubernatorial reelection bid, a figure that surpassed all other donations at the time, as per NBC News. Bigelow's commitment was evident when he asserted that he would “will give him more money and go without food,” to back DeSantis, as Time Magazine reported.
However, Bigelow's support for DeSantis' presidential campaign faced a stumbling block due to Florida's passage of the “heartbeat” abortion law in April, banning abortions in the state once a fetal heartbeat is detected, often after six weeks. Bigelow voiced his concern about the legislation, stating to Reuters that the rule was premature and would prevent abortions even before many women realize they are pregnant.
Despite this disagreement, Bigelow still considers DeSantis to be the right leader for the nation, telling Reuters that DeSantis is the “best guy for the country.”
In contrast, another major donor, Andy Sabin, the owner of a metals manufacturing firm, made public his decision to halt support for DeSantis' campaign over his stance on abortion issues in May. Sabin's opinion was clear when he stated to Reuters, “I don’t think he can win a national election with his viewpoint on abortion.”
DeSantis' campaign has been aligned with various conservative and religious organizations, including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Concerned Women for America, and the Catholic Church, who advocate against abortion and have urged the campaign to embrace more anti-abortion positions. These socially conservative views on subjects such as gender, education, and abortion form the core of DeSantis' campaign strategy.
Trending Political News
San Francisco Walgreens Makes Desperate Move to Stop Shoplifting
The escalating crime rates and rampant shoplifting in San Francisco, a concerning issue well-known to anyone keeping an eye on the city, continues to wreak havoc.
The escalating crime rates have driven numerous stores to shut down, while others scramble to devise strategies to curb the merchandise pilferage by thieves.
CNN Anchor Changes His Tune When it Comes to Covering Hunter Biden
On Monday, CNN's Jake Tapper expressed strong conviction regarding the necessity to report on the Hunter Biden controversy, a stance that stands in stark contrast to his position during the 2020 presidential elections.
While guesting on the "On with Kara Swisher" podcast, Tapper was questioned about Hunter Biden's recent settlement agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning his tax offenses. The plea has been criticized as excessively lenient by some, especially following substantial IRS whistleblower claims suggesting that prosecutors were hindered from filing more serious charges. Furthermore, the allegations indicate that investigators were advised not to probe possible financial connections between Hunter and his father, President Biden.
Special Needs Teacher Fired After Schools District Makes Shocking Discovery
Kristin MacDonald, a teaching assistant for special needs students, was dismissed by School District 43 in British Columbia, Canada, upon learning that she operated an OnlyFans account under the alias "Ava James."
Despite the district's instruction to deactivate all accounts associated with this online persona, MacDonald chose not to comply, which resulted in her termination. She first learned about the district's stance via an email she received on April 28.
Singer Apologizes for Disrespectful Miscue During National Anthem at MLB Home Run Derby
Iam Tongi, victor of the 21st season of "American Idol," expressed remorse when he inadvertently neglected to take off his hat during his performance of the national anthem.
Tongi delivered this significant performance at the 2023 MLB Home Run Derby held at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Monday. The singer first gained prominence after his triumphant run on "American Idol" in May.
WWE Legend Stares Down Shark As it Approaches His Wife on the Beach
WWE superstar, The Undertaker and his spouse, recognized professionally as Michelle McCool, encountered a scary incident by the pristine blue waters on Sunday afternoon.
McCool, legally known as Michelle Calaway, shared numerous videos on her Twitter profile featuring a nurse shark navigating in the shallow waters around her. She narrated that she beckoned her husband to witness the scenario.
Rock Star Labels A-List Celebs 'Disgusting' For Interacting with Trump at UFC Event
Jack White, the renowned rock musician, expressed his dissatisfaction with celebrities Guy Fieri, Mel Gibson, Joe Rogan, and Mark Wahlberg for their engagement with ex-President Donald Trump at a recent UFC event in Las Vegas.
Images of the quartet in the company of Trump at the UFC 290 event, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, began circulating online over the weekend. Reacting to this, White voiced his displeasure via his Instagram platform.