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.
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