The Koch-backed group Americans for Prosperity Action has halted spending on Nikki Haley’s campaign after she lost to Donald Trump in the South Carolina primary.
While supporting Haley’s continued efforts, the group will now focus on Senate and House races given challenges in upcoming primary states.
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) CEO Emily Seidel said Trump’s candidacy risks one-party Democratic rule and damage to the Republican brand, as previous elections showed voter rejection of Trump.
Seidel reportedly wrote in an email, “[Haley] has made it clear that she will continue to fight and we wholeheartedly support her in this effort.”
“But given the challenges in the primary states ahead, we don’t believe any outside group can make a material difference to widen her path to victory,” she continued.
Seidel warned, “If Donald Trump is at the top of the Republican ticket, the risk of one-party rule by a Democratic Party captured by the Progressive Left is severe and would do irreparable damage to the country.”
She claimed, “The last three election cycles have painted a very clear picture of what we can expect from voters who consistently rejected Donald Trump and his impact on the Republican party brand.”
“AFP Action had funded advertisements and field operations for months last year that were designed to persuade Republican voters to back someone other than Trump in the presidential primary,” according to Politico.
The group had spent months and millions backing Haley as an alternative to Trump after he defeated her in South Carolina by 20 points.
“But it wasn’t until late November that AFP Action tapped Haley as its desired Trump alternative. Since then, AFP has reached out to more than 3 million voters in early nominating and Super Tuesday states, as well as purchased millions of dollars worth of ads on Haley’s behalf,” continued the outlet.