![]() ![]() And while many in the party view recent indictments in New York and Florida as politically motivated, they nonetheless risk becoming a liability that rivals may try to exploit. Yet Trump faces some vulnerabilities, including a feud with Iowa’s popular governor, Kim Reynolds, over her refusal to formally endorse his campaign. His campaign is bullish on Iowa, banking on his longstanding support in a state he easily carried twice in general elections, combined with an aggressive digital outreach that includes a focus on nontraditional conservative voters. Trump is eagerly embracing the lofty expectations. “I think there has been a lot of support for him for many years, and that’s a hard wall to crack.” “There’s no question Donald Trump is winning Iowa right now,” said Josie Albrecht, a former top Iowa GOP Statehouse communications adviser who is advising the state party but is neutral in the 2024 campaign. Given the relatively early date of the caucuses next year, a strong win by Trump in Iowa could put him in a commanding position heading into the following contests. ![]() That makes Iowa particularly crucial for anyone hoping to stop the former president. Still, Trump is the undisputed leader in Iowa, similar to the grip he holds on Republicans nationally. “And there is hope and optimism in what he says.” “He’s very passionate about what he believes,” she said. But she is a regular attendee at candidate events in her part of western Iowa and has added Scott to her short list of favorites. LaTomah Hauff, a retired speech pathologist who lives in Sioux City, is not ready to commit to a candidate. “That’s why the needle is moving for him.” “The reason (Scott is) making inroads is he’s doing the real hard work of retail politics in Iowa, doing small groups with pastors and churches and leading to bigger and bigger meetings and venues,” said Mike Demastus, a Des Moines evangelical pastor who has met several times with Scott and sat in on private meetings between other candidates and politically active clergy. Trump has swung through the state multiple times in recent weeks and will return Tuesday. Trump is not attending, opening him to criticism from some Republicans that he’s ignoring the forums that are a staple of Iowa presidential politics. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)ĭeSantis is among six White House hopefuls who will be in Iowa on Friday to appear at the Family Leadership Summit, one of many events that will be held in the state in the coming weeks as voters begin to more seriously consider their options. ![]() ![]() “But it sure doesn’t look like that to me - it’s become clear that there isn’t room for another alternative to Trump.” Former President Donald Trump arrives at a rally, Friday, July 7, 2023, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. It’s possible he may be that still,” said Gentry Collins, a seasoned Iowa and national Republican strategist who ran Mitt Romney’s 2008 caucus campaign. For now, however, he has struggled to generate the level of enthusiasm that Trump commands from the GOP base, contributing to uncertainty that DeSantis will become the threat to the former president that he was once billed to be. Ron DeSantis, who entered the race in May with expectations that he would quickly become Trump’s top rival. The urgency is particularly acute for Florida Gov. DES MOINES, Iowa - As the six-month sprint to the Iowa caucuses begins, the sprawling field of Republican presidential candidates is facing growing pressure to prove they can become serious challengers to former President Donald Trump. ![]()
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